Background/Objectives: Millions of individuals worldwide continue to experience symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and phenotype of multi-system symptoms attributed to Long COVID—including fatigue, pain, cognitive-emotional disturbances, headache, cardiopulmonary issues, and alterations in taste and smell—that have persisted for at least two years after acute infection, which we define as “persistent Long COVID”. Additionally, the study aimed to identify clinical features and blood biomarkers associated with persistent Long COVID symptoms. Methods: We sent a detailed long COVID symptoms questionnaire to an existing cohort of 1258 vaccinated adults (age 18–79 years) who had mild infection (e.g., non-hospitalized) SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant 2 years earlier. These individuals had comprehensive datasets, including blood samples, available for further analysis. We estimated prevalence of persistent long COVID two years post-infection using weighted adjustment (Horvitz–Thompson estimator) to overcome reporting bias. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine association of clinical features and blood biomarkers (pre-infection SARS-CoV-2 RBD-IgG, SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies, and pre-infection and post-infection neurofilament light) with prevalence of persistent long COVID. Results: N = 323 participants responded to the survey, of whom N = 74 (23%) reported at least one long COVID symptom that had persisted for two years after the acute infection. Weighted prevalence of persistent long COVID symptoms was 21.5% (95% CI = 16.7–26.3%). Female gender, smoking, and severity of acute COVID-19 infection were significantly associated with persistent Long COVID. The blood biomarkers assessed were not significantly associated with persistent Long COVID. Conclusions: Among vaccinated adults two years after mild infection with Delta variant SARS-CoV-2, persistent symptoms attributed to Long COVID are extremely common, certain subgroups are at higher risk, and further research into biological mechanisms and potential treatment targets is needed.

This study investigated demographic factors, teaching characteristics, psychological characteristics, school-related characteristics, professional efficacy, and subjective health perceptions among PE teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional research design. Questionnaires were distributed to PE teachers online during COVID-19 closures. PE teachers (N = 757) from elementary, middle, and high schools in Israel voluntary completed surveys on the topics of stress levels, self-resilience, remote teaching, professional efficacy, and subjective health perception. Sex, remote-teaching experience and clear remote school policy significantly predicted professional efficacy. Sex, teaching experience and self-resilience significantly predicted subjective health perception. This study demonstrated the need for a clear remote policy, as it likely empowers teacher professional efficacy. Transparent procedures and guidelines, along with clarifying remote policies by a supportive administration, are important for the professional efficacy of PE teachers. In addition, educational programs that are aimed at developing and strengthening the values of a healthy, positive, and balanced lifestyle are important to subjective health perception among PE teachers.

Background: COVID-19 restrictions have led to social isolation affecting youth’s health, particularly at-risk youth. Objectives: We examined whether an online mentoring health intervention (OMHI) would strengthen characteristics that can prevent risky behaviors: resilience, perceived social support, psychological distress, and crisis concerns. Methods: Fifty-six secondary-school students participated, 27 in the intervention group and 29 in the control group (mean age 16.18, SD 0.83 vs. 16.62, SD 0.82, respectively). The study took place between March and August 2020. Results: The intervention group was less resilient pre-test, with similar resilience levels as the control group post-test. Intervention group participants presented a significantly higher crisis level pre- and post-test than the control group, as well as an increase in resilience (effect size = 1.88) and social support (effect size = 1.22), while psychological distress significantly decreased (effect size = −1.03). Both groups (intervention vs. control) predicted changes from pre-to-post test for resilience and crisis (adjusted R² = 0.33, p = 0.001 and R² = 0.49, p = 0.0001 respectively). Conclusions: OMHI participation was associated with improved resilience and social support, and decreased psychological distress, making it an effective strategy in health promotion for at-risk youth. An online intervention program combining mentoring in physical activity and interpersonal connections may constitute an effective health promotion strategy for at-risk youth, especially in times of crisis.

Background: Obesity is an independent risk factor for many diseases. Many studies have investigated the benefits of losing weight as well as the best methods for weight loss. This research evaluated the impact of various weight loss programs on health enhancement among overweight women aged 40–60 years. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study that analyzed data from 145 overweight women in weight loss programs. Each woman joined one of four programs: 8 weeks of exercise plus diet (exe + nutr), 8 weeks of diet only (nutrition), 8 weeks of exercise only, or a control group. Women completed a psychological questionnaire and also underwent anthropometric tests, blood pressure checks, a predicted maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) test on an ergometer bicycle, a one-leg balance test, straight leg test, and a sit and reach test, both before and after the program. Participants also provided a blood sample. Results: All of the measured variables improved in the exe + nutr and nutrition programs when compared with the control group; the exe + nutr group improved the most: body mass index, −1.3 kg/m²; body fat, −2.9%; lean body mass, +1.1; VO₂ max, +4.8; body image, +1.02; and p < 0.01. Conclusion: The hypothesis-generating findings showed that weight loss programs improved anthropometric, biochemical, physiological, physical, and psychological variables in women aged 40–60 years. The program that included diet restriction with exercise, guidance, and regular counseling showed the best results.

Background: Mass casualty events in conflict-affected regions can lead to the displacement of civilians and are often accompanied by substantial psychological and emotional impact on those affected. While physical activity is known to support mental health, the ways in which it relates to anxiety, resilience, and well-being in conflict-affected populations are still being explored. Objective: This study examined the associations among physical activity, anxiety, resilience, and well-being in evacuees from a conflict-affected zone. We hypothesized that higher levels of intense physical activity would be associated with higher levels of resilience and well-being and lower levels of anxiety. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 107 evacuees completed an online survey in December 2023. The questionnaire assessed the frequency and intensity of physical activity, generalized anxiety, resilience, and well-being. Participants were categorized by weekly total physical activity levels. Data was analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression. Results: Evacuees engaging in more than three hours of vigorous-intensity physical activity exhibited significantly higher resilience and better well-being compared to those with lower activity levels. Although not statistically significant, the data suggested a possible pattern of lower anxiety among evacuees engaging in higher levels of physical activity. Regression analysis identified higher resilience and lower anxiety as significant predictors of greater mental well-being. Additionally, residing in a community exposed to a higher number of traumatic events was associated with reduced well-being. The overall model explained a substantial portion of the variance in mental well-being. Conclusions: Physical activity, especially intense exercise, is associated with improved mental health and resilience among evacuees, supporting its inclusion in interventions for trauma-affected populations.