Effect of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Human Health: An Update of the Literature.

Several meta-analyses have consistently demonstrated that the consumption of an adequate level of fruit and vegetables (F&V), along with other food groups, is associated with a low risk of all-cause mortality, and, as such, represents one of the major modifiable risk factors related to the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The aim of the present narrative review was to provide an up-to-date analysis of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in the past five years, dealing with the effects of F&V consumption on human health, focusing on specific pathologies, such as total mortality, cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), type 2 diabetes, intestinal inflammation, and bone and respiratory illnesses. The results of our evaluation confirmed and consolidated the protective role of F&V consumption against the development of NCDs, especially CVDs.

Weekday and Weekend Differences in Eating Habits, Physical Activity and Screen Time Behavior among a Sample of Primary School Children: The "Seven Days for My Health" Project.

Background: Healthy eating and active lifestyle habits are essential for a child's development, wellbeing, and health. School setting and family environment play a crucial role in shaping these habits and this could be reflected in different behavior patterns during weekdays and weekends.

Methods: We investigated primary school children's lifestyle habits through a cross-sectional analysis of 428 Italian primary school children, with a mean age of 8.

Children's and Families' Determinants of Health-Related Behaviors in an Italian Primary School Sample: The "Seven Days for My Health" Project.

Childhood obesity is an established health problem, and there is a growing need for health promotion interventions focused on healthy behaviors in collaboration with parents and schools. The Mediterranean diet (MD) could help to tackle obesity, but it is essential to maintain a good level of physical activity (PA) and limit time spent in sedentary activities (ST). To explore family determinants, adherence to the MD and PA levels as potential predictors of a child's health-related behaviors, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of 368 Italian primary school children with a mean age of 8.

Motivational Interviewing Adapted to Group Setting for the Treatment of Relapse in the Behavioral Therapy of Obesity. A Clinical Audit.

Motivational interviewing (MI) is devised to change unhealthy behaviors by increasing motivation. We adapted MI to a group format for the treatment of relapse during the behavioral treatment of obesity and performed a clinical audit to evaluate its effectiveness in stopping weight regain. The program was structured in seven weekly sessions, plus a 6-month follow-up.

[The control system in the food industry in Italy: warranting the health of consumers and businesses].

The Italian food industry is appreciated worldwide and has undoubtedly brought economic advantages, with exports in 2017 having grown by more than six percentage points, for a volume of almost €32 billion. However, some critical issues exist that require the constant presence of Food and Nutrition Hygiene Services (SIAN) of the Local Health Authorities (LHAs) which, together with other key players, including the Veterinary Services (SV), constitute the backbone of integrated competencies for the protection and promotion of community health. In Italy, controls in the food industry are very complex, involving not only the SIAN and the Veterinary Services of the LHAs (as local competent authority for food safety), but also the Central Inspectorate against frauds, specialized "Carabinieri" Command Departments (NAS AND NAC ), State Forestry Corps, Port Authorities and "Guardia di Finanza", Border Inspection Posts (PIF), Frontier Air Transport Offices (USMAF), the Customs and Monopolies Agency, as well as, for analysis of foods samples, the National Health Institute ("Istituto Superiore di Sanità"), Public Health Laboratories and Experimental Zooprophylactic Institutes.

From surveillance to development of nutritional guidelines.

In Italy, like in most parts of the world, 30% of children and almost 50% of adults are overweight. This condition is one of the causes of non-communicable diseases responsible for over two thirds of DALYs, deaths and costs for healthcare. Current surveys confirm that overweight and obesity are associated with food habits which have changed, in Italy, in the last fifty years.

Professional competencies in health promotion and public health: what is common and what is specific? Review of the European debate and perspectives for professional development.

According to the Nairobi Call to Action, the growth of practitioners' skills can be favoured by setting accreditation standards and by reorienting professional competencies of current and future health workers. This will make it possible to develop a critical mass of competent practitioners, foster training, and increase visibility of the professional field. Through a review of the literature, the authors offer an overview of competency-based strategies for professional development in health promotion.

Quality of Drinking Water Treated at Point of Use in Residential Healthcare Facilities for the Elderly.

Municipal tap water is increasingly treated at the point of use (POU) to improve the acceptability and palatability of its taste. The aim of this study was to assess the bacteriologic and nutritional characteristics of tap water treated at the point of use in residential healthcare facilities for the elderly. Two types of POU devices were used: microfiltered water dispensers (MWDs) and reverse-osmosis water dispensers (ROWDs).