Despite the increasing life expectancy, an individual’s later years tends to be accompanied by a decrease in the quality of life. Though biological changes that occur through the natural process of aging cannot be controlled, the risk factors associated with lifestyle can. Thus, the main goal of this systematic review was to evaluate how nutrition can modulate aging. For this purpose, thirty-six studies were selected on (i) the efficiency of nutrition’s effect on aging, (ii) the evaluation of biomarkers that promote healthy aging, and (iii) how to increase longevity through nutrition, and their quality was assessed. The results showed that choosing low carbohydrate diets or diets rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, cereals, fish, and unsaturated fats, containing antioxidants, potassium, and omega-3 decreased cardiovascular diseases and obesity risk, protected the brain from aging, reduced the risk of telomere shortening, and promoted an overall healthier life. With this study, the conclusion is that since the biological processes of aging cannot be controlled, changing one’s nutritional patterns is crucial to prevent the emergence and development of diseases, boost longevity, and, mostly, to enhance one’s quality of life and promote healthy aging.

Health literacy constitutes an array of skills and knowledge that has the potential to empower one's ability to actively - and effectively - engage in their own health. Educational interventions can play a fundamental role in improving people's health literacy, which is, in turn, associated with the adoption of healthier lifestyles and a significant predictor of positive health outcomes. This study aimed to analyse the effect of educational interventions on both health literacy and the adoption of healthier lifestyles. Systematic review. The search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science in April 2023. The screening was performed by three independent reviewers, following the PRISMA guidelines. All the included articles were critically evaluated through Cochrane's RoB 2 and ROBINS-I quality assessment tools. 11290 records were obtained through database searches, of which 12 studies were found to be eligible as they agreed with the inclusion criteria. These 12 interventions included a total of 3407 participants, (n = 2757 who received the educational interventions, n = 650 belonging to the control groups). While the impact of educational interventions on health literacy was explored in all the included studies, lifestyle variables differed from study to study, ranging from nutrition and to physical activity to mental health, social and environmental well-being, among others. This review provides evidence supporting the effectiveness and relevance of educational interventions containing interactive strategies, in positively changing health literacy levels, lifestyle behaviors such as diet, physical activity, and other health outcomes.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers among men, and its incidence has been rising through the years. Several risk factors have been associated with this disease and unhealthy lifestyles and inflammation were appointed as major contributors for PCa development, progression, and severity. Despite the advantages associated with the currently used diagnostic tools [prostate-specific antigen(PSA) serum levels and digital rectal examination (DRE)], the development of effective approaches for PCa diagnosis is still necessary. Finding lifestyle-associated proteins that may predict the development of PCa seems to be a promising strategy to improve PCa diagnosis. In this context, several biomarkers have been identified, including circulating biomarkers (CRP, insulin, C-peptide, TNFα-R2, adiponectin, IL-6, total PSA, free PSA, and p2PSA), urine biomarkers (PCA3, guanidine, phenylacetylglycine, and glycine), proteins expressed in exosomes (afamin, vitamin D-binding protein, and filamin A), and miRNAs expressed in prostate tissue (miRNA-21, miRNA-101, and miRNA-182). In conclusion, exploring the impact of lifestyle and inflammation on PCa development and progression may open doors to the identification of new biomarkers. The discovery of new PCa diagnostic biomarkers should contribute to reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Background: Vaccination against COVID-19 has had a major impact over the course of the pandemic, leading to a reduced number of hospitalizations and deaths. However, the mass vaccination process has been accompanied by skepticism and hesitancy since its beginning. As health professionals and teachers are important public health actors who can strongly intervene to reduce vaccination hesitancy among their patients and students, respectively, this study aimed to assess their main perceptions towards COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: Two focus group sessions, one with health professionals and the other with teachers, were conducted according to the COREQ checklist. Qualitative data were analyzed through theoretical thematic analysis. Results: In general, none of the groups showed vaccine hesitancy, although both groups had concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. The main concerns of health professionals were mostly related to the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, while teachers were more worried about the lack of access to reliable information about the COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions: It is plausible to conclude that it is imperative to provide clear and accurate information for the population in order to avoid vaccination hesitancy.

Purpose of Review: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent cancer and the third deadliest in Europe among men. PCa has several well-established risk factors; however, the influence of lifestyle factors remains under investigation, which may hinder efforts to encourage healthier behavior adoption. Thus, this systematic review explored the general population’s perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes regarding PCa-related risk factors. Recent Findings: Eighteen qualitative studies were included after searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE scientific databases between January 2013 and February 2023. Five major themes emerged from the 18 included studies: PCa knowledge, risk factors, lifestyle pattern changes, motivation/barriers to changing habits, and lifestyle advice support. Participants identified age, family history, genetics, and race/ethnicity as risk factors for PCa, but no consensus has been reached regarding lifestyle. However, most of the participants were willing to adopt healthier habits. Support from healthcare professionals (HPs), family, and friends, the desire for more time with loved ones, and fear of PCa consequences were cited as motivators for habit changes. However, poor economic conditions, work schedules, age, and PCa limitations hamper lifestyle changes. Summary: Effective interventions require personalized support and credible information from healthcare providers. Collaboration between family, friends, and HPs is crucial for promoting healthier behaviors and enhancing PCa management. This systematic review highlights the need for further research and innovative approaches to empower individuals towards healthier lifestyles, which could help prevent PCa or, at the very least, promote better treatment outcomes. Graphical

Prostate cancer (PCa) accounts for 20% of new cancer cases and 10.5% of cancer-associated mortality in Portugal. Associated risk factors include advanced age, family history, genetic alterations, and race/ethnicity. However, the role of lifestyle factors is often underestimated. To explore health professionals’ perceptions of PCa risk factors, a qualitative study with three focus groups (FG), with a total of twenty-one general practitioners and urologists, was conducted via videoconference between February and April 2023. Seven themes emerged, including general perceptions of PCa; PCa risk factors; nutritional impact; the role of physical activity; alcohol consumption and smoking; sexual activity and sexually transmitted diseases roles in PCa; and screening, diagnosis, and treatment methods. Despite agreeing that healthy lifestyles could promote better PCa outcomes and quality of life, participants did not specify any lifestyle factors that could promote or prevent this disease, posing challenges to lifestyle changes, particularly among older adults. Non-invasive screening methods, such as biomarkers and alternative treatments, are crucial for future research. This study underscores the need for further investigation into the correlation of lifestyle factors with PCa and highlights the necessity of health professionals in encouraging their patients to adopt healthier lifestyles, while offering important insights into awareness, prevention, and alternative screening, diagnosis, and treatment methods, which could help reduce false positives and treatment side effects.