In this paper, we test the hypothesis that indices of nutritional stress from enamel hypoplasia increase the incidence of indicators of developmental instability in fluctuating asymmetry, even in high social status individuals. The studied material consisted of a medieval sample of 58 skulls from the Wrocław area. Radiographs were taken in postero-anterior (P-A) and base projections. Images were scanned and calibrated by means of MicroStation 95 Academic Edition software, and measurements of the skull images were used to estimate fluctuating asymmetry. The presence of hypoplasia and caries was assessed using standard anthropological methods and all data was statistically analysed. The highest levels of fluctuating asymmetry were observed in the skull base region. Hypoplasia was observed in 40% and caries in 55.5%. Differences were noted in the level of fluctuating asymmetry in relationship to the presence or absence of hypoplasia, where a higher level predisposes individuals to enamel hypoplasia and a decline in buffering capacity, regardless of their socio-economic status.

This lifestyle is mainly determined during childhood and connected with poor public prophylactic health policy. The aim of this study was to estimate physical activity and level of tobacco abuse, as well as knowledge about health behaviours, among medical students. Questionnaires were completed by Polish (243) and foreign medical students (80). It was stated that about 20% of the students smoked cigarettes. Female students from Norway took up smoking significantly more often than other participants, whereas there were more smokers among those from Poland. There was a significantly larger percentage of smoking males from Norway than among male Polish students. The same students presented a low level of physical activity. The smallest level of physical activity was characteristic of the Polish women. This situation requires an intensification of activities aimed at supporting pro-health lifestyles and the elimination of unfavourable effects, especially among medical students.