Background: Metabolic syndrome is a multifaceted condition involving lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorders and hypertension, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Accurate diagnosis and prevention require an interdisciplinary approach that includes both traditional lab tests and modern, non-invasive health assessments. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate metabolic health in adults from the Małopolska Voivodeship by analyzing the relationships between obesity indicators (BMI, waist circumference) and anthropometric, blood, and salivary biomarkers. Sixty-three participants (36 women, 27 men) aged 40–71 underwent body composition analysis (InBody 770), anthropometric measurements, and biochemical tests of blood and saliva. Assessed parameters included body composition (BMI, BFM, FFM, SMM, PBF, VFA, PA), blood pressure, blood biomarkers (glucose, TG, LDL, HDL, HbA1c, insulin, cortisol), and salivary markers (FRAP, DPPH, urea, amylase activity, protein content, pH, buffering capacity). Results: The results showed a strong correlation between body composition and biochemical markers, but the results of the analyzed salivary biomarkers were inconclusive and, in some cases, contradictory to the findings of other authors. Conclusions: Fat mass, cell integrity, and diastolic pressure were key determinants of waist circumference. Our research confirms the validity of using combined diagnostics, bioimpedance, and blood analysis for a comprehensive assessment of metabolic health and indicates the direction for further research using salivary biomarkers. A holistic approach improves risk assessment and strengthens preventive and therapeutic strategies. However, our pilot study showed that the research requires a larger sample size, especially in order to draw representative conclusions regarding salivary biomarkers and their relationship to metabolic health.

Background. Nutrition is one of the most important lifestyle factors that can affect health and disease development. Eating behavior that takes into account proper hygiene habits can be an effective method of preventing most food-borne diseases. With the dynamic development of global food markets and the increased availability of food, especially in high developed countries, there is a progressive phenomenon related to irrational food management at all stages of the food chain. This has both environmental, economic, ethical and social consequences. The aim of the study was to determine the level of knowledge of young consumers about food safety and food-related conditions, as well as food losses and waste. Results and conclusions. Among the respondents, the biggest group comprised young consumers aged 15 ÷ 26, living mainly in rural areas. The object of interest of the research team was to determine the state of knowledge about food safety and food, the impact of food loss and waste on food safety, and how to reduce the risk of purchasing and consuming unsafe food. In addition, it was determined what type of information is checked on packages when shopping. It was shown that young consumers are nutritionally knowledgeable and pay attention to food labels. Consideration should be given to educating students about safety, the quality of the food they choose, and reducing food waste and its consequences.

Proper hydration of the body and preventing dehydration is a factor that determines the preservation of health and life. The state of water and electrolyte homeostasis is necessary for the proper functioning of the human body. In conditions of increased physical activity, there is a greater exposure to the risk of dehydration, which deteriorates the functional efficiency of the body and the ability to perform physical effort, and increases the risk of thermal disorders. The aim of the study was to assess quantitatively and qualitatively the consumption of fluids among people practicing mountain hiking and to compare the obtained results with the current recommendations regarding the principles of proper hydration of the body. The research tool was a questionnaire consisting of open questions and choices regarding the method of hydration on a daily basis and in the post-exercise period. The research group consisted of 355 people aged 16 and over, including 263 women and 92 men. Daily fluid intake was usually between 1-2 l/day and 2-3 l/day. Insufficient hydration in the peri-exercise period has been observed. 39% of people start hydrating the body only during the hike, which is wrong. 61% of the respondents declare the consumption of liquids in an insufficient amount of 0.1-05 l for each hour of physical exertion, which leads to progressive dehydration. Among the surveyed people, 44% reach for caffeinated beverages in the pre-exercise period, 15% consume alcoholic beverages during this period. Introduction Forms of physical activity practiced in difficult terrain and climatic conditions in the mountains, such as: trekking, nordic walking, skyrunning, mountain biking, mountain climbing, rock climbing are demanding types of physical activity with an increased level of risk. Practicing physical activity at high altitudes above sea level and in various climatic conditions, it is extremely important, in addition to the appropriate supply of clothing and mountain equipment, to provide the body with the right amount of energy, fluids, macro and microelements according to the level of strenuous physical effort and energy expenditure. It is especially important to properly hydrate the body and prevent dehydration. A balanced balance of water and electrolytes is necessary for the proper functioning of the human body. Aim The aim of the study was to assess quantitatively and qualitatively the consumption of fluids among people practicing mountain hiking. Material and methods The study was conducted using the diagnostic survey method in January 2022 with the use of a proprietary survey questionnaire. The diagnostic survey using a questionnaire was conducted in an electronic form (on-line). The study involved 355 people aged 16 and over, including 263 women and 92 men. The questionnaire was divided into two parts: the metric and the proper part. The proper questions concerned the subject of hydration during mountain tourism, covered issues related to the habits and choices of the respondents in terms of the amount and quality of fluids supplied before, during and after the mountain hike. Questions about the type of fluids used and their knowledge of fluid needs. They were asked about recognizing the symptoms of dehydration and how to deal with dehydration. The collected results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results The vast majority of the respondents practiced mountain tourism in a recreational way, which was declared by 92% of the respondents (328 people). The surveyed people declared a varied frequency of mountain hiking. More than half of the participants set out on mountain trails several times a year, which was confirmed by 181 people. The remaining people practiced mountain tourism several times a month, which was declared by 15% (53 people), once a month by 14% (47 people), and once a year by 13% (44 people). Once a week 5% (16 people), several times a week 3% (13 people). The level of knowledge and the method of irrigation of the surveyed people, both in quantitative and qualitative terms, showed great diversity. Conclusions Among the surveyed people, 42% do not know their basic needs for fluids. On a daily basis, fluid intake is usually in the range of 1-2 l / day and 2-3 l / day. In conditions of increased physical activity, most of the surveyed people do not meet their fluid requirements and do not properly implement the strategy of pre-exercise hydration of the body. 61% of the respondents declare the consumption of liquids in the amount of 0.1-05 l for each hour of physical effort, which is below the recommended amount. Too little fluid during exercise leads to dehydration of the body. Among the surveyed people, 44% reach for drinks with caffeine in the composition in the pre-workout period. Among the surveyed people, 15% consume alcoholic beverages (mainly beer) in the period around exercise. There is a need for education in this area.

Introduction Physical activity is the basis of a healthy lifestyle. The COVID-19 pandemic and the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus seriously burden the human body, which is a direct cause of a long-term return to high physical fitness. Weakness after infection may persist for many weeks, which is associated with a decrease in the efficiency of athletes, both at the amateur level and characterized by a high level of training. Aim The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of difficulties related to returning to physical activity after recovering from COVID-19. Material and methods The research tool was a questionnaire consisting of single and multiple-choice questions regarding issues related to practicing physical activity, being ill with COVID-19 and difficulties resulting from returning to fitness before the disease. Results The respondents were dominated by men aged 18-30 undertaking planned physical activity (runners). The analysis of the data showed that most of the participants were characterized by daily physical activity for which they spend 1-2 hours a day. Among the respondents, 69% declared being vaccinated against COVID-19. Data analysis showed that 70% of the respondents suffered from COVID-19, which resulted in fatigue and increased body temperature. The time to return to physical activity after the infection cleared up took mainly 2 to 4 weeks. Conclusions Return to physical activity after recovering from COVID-19 should be skillfully planned, taking into account optimal regeneration and nutrition of the body. The intensity of aerobic training units should be increased gradually so as not to lead to hyperventilation of the lungs. Return to activity should be preceded by medical examinations.