A renewed interest on the impacts of climate change has spurred several studies on climate/health relationships. This study aims to detect and explain any changes in the relationships between climate and mortality in Lisbon from 1835 until 2012. The evaluation of mortality seasonal rhythms over time is based on the 100-Index per decades, annual Winter-Summer ratio, as well as other descriptive statistics. A change in the seasonal rhythm of mortality over the last 177 years was found. In the mid-19th century mortality peaked in summer, whereas in the 1890s and the 1900s there was slight monthly variability. On the contrary, a winter maximum has occurred since the 1940s, although a secondary summer peak of mortality may emerge during the most severe heat-waves. Although long term positive temperature trends were confirmed, no systematic positive mortality trends were found in the last three decades. The results suggest that mortality rhythm changes during the 19th and 20th century are not directly related to climatic reasons alone (except in the case of extreme weather events), but rather to improvements in hygienic, sanitary and nutrition conditions and advances in medicine. However, given the possible increase of summer heat waves in the future, and individuals increasing vulnerability, particularly in urban areas, such secondary peaks of mortality will tend to happen more frequently, unless adaptation of populations to hotter conditions takes place and/or measures are taken to protect people from high temperatures.

The objective of this study is to analyse the characteristics of the sleep of young people and their role in the perception of health, satisfaction with life, pressure with school work and school competence. A total of 5695 Portuguese adolescents were included in the study of Health Behaviour in School aged Children (HBSC) (46.1% boys), 8th, 10th and 12th grades in Portugal. We identified associations between all variables related to sleep quality and physical and psychological well-being, as well as the online contact with the close friends and satisfaction with the life of the young people. Variables related to disturbed sleep indicate that the majority of adolescents show a pattern of late sleep and reduced sleep duration at a stage of life where it is fundamental to the good performance of the daily activities of young people related to their school activities and social. The quality and quantity of sleep, as well as its consequences, have been aggravated by the often problematic use of screens, an increasingly salient and focused problem, and with worries that adolescents refer and can not manage.

Este Trabalho Final de Mestrado em Ciências Empresariais tem como objectivo principal saber qual é a opinião dos utentes sobre o Serviço Público de Saúde na Região Autónoma da Madeira. Para tal, recorremos a realização de um questionário no Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça no Funchal e posterior análise. Começamos por dar uma definição de Segurança Social, descrevemos como ela funciona na Europa e em Portugal e fizemos o seu enquadramento com o sector da saúde. Fizemos uma breve descrição do serviço de saúde nos continentes americano e europeu, demos uma perspectiva sobre a gestão hospitalar em Portugal, a qualidade do serviço do sector da saúde e visamos aspectos mais económicos da saúde, tais como as despesas e custos e a sua avaliação económica.

A doença renal crónica constitui um problema de saúde pública estando associada ao desenvolvimento de comorbilidades e a elevados custos de saúde. Tanto a doença per si como o tratamento têm consequências deletérias para o doente. Entre muitos efeitos adversos, a diminuição da função física constitui um dos distúrbios mais comuns e incapacitantes. Posteriormente, essa função física diminuída torna-se uma barreira para a prática de exercício físico concorrendo para um estilo de vida sedentário. A clínica NephroCare, para além de disponibilizar terapêuticas de diálise adequadas a cada doente, fornece ainda um programa de exercício físico (PEF) com vista à melhoria da saúde dos doentes com o intuito de promover uma vida normal sem comprometer as atividades diárias que consideram importantes. Apesar de a implementação de treino intradialítico nas clínicas de diálise tenham aumentado ao longo dos anos, a sua prática ainda fica aquém das recomendações para um estilo de vida ativo. Neste sentido, um dos contributos dados à instituição engloba a criação e implementação de treino interdialítico baseado em treino funcional com vista à comparação deste treino com o treino implementado pela clínica. Os dois grupos foram submetidos a um conjunto de avaliações, nomeadamente sit to stand 30, sit to stand 5, hand grip, single leg stance, 2 minutes step test, sit and reach, back scratch, time up and go and Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale. O grupo de controlo apenas realizou treino intradialítico baseado em treino aeróbio em todas as sessões de tratamento; o grupo de intervenção realizou 2 vezes por semana durante 20 minutos treino funcional antes da hemodiálise, treino aeróbio à semelhança do grupo de controlo e treino de força 2 vezes por semana durante 20 minutos durante o tratamento. De acordo com os resultados, verificaram-se diferenças nos dois grupos para o teste time up and go e Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale ao longo do tempo, mas essas diferenças não foram significativas entre os grupos. Neste sentido conclui-se que este tipo de treino não apresentou benefícios substanciais face ao treino intradialítico. No entanto, os doentes do grupo de intervenção relataram uma melhoria na qualidade de vida bem como uma melhoria da tolerância ao esforço e aos tratamentos. A realização deste estágio engloba diversos objetivos nomeadamente a aquisição de conhecimentos associados à doença renal crónica, mais especificamente a sua definição, classificação, sintomas e consequências deletérias, formas de tratamento e impacto que este tem na qualidade de vida do doente e benefícios do exercício físico. Adicionalmente, os objetivos passam por melhorar as competências de comunicação com o intuito de fornecer conhecimentos relevantes aos doentes relativamente à prática de exercício físico e ainda sensibilizar toda a equipa para a necessidade de implementar o programa de exercício físico. Relativamente à prática profissional os objetivos passam pela consolidação dos procedimentos associados à avaliação da aptidão física bem como a prescrição e acompanhamento de treino individualizado tendo em conta as capacidades e limitações de cada doente

Nos dias de hoje, existe uma preocupação crescente com a saúde e a prática de exercício físico que está associado e relacionado com esta, sendo por isso a “corrida” a Health Clubs e a ginásios cada vez maior. Pretende-se por isso, com este trabalho final de mestrado, a elaboração de um plano de negócios para verificar a viabilidade de iniciar um novo projeto na área dos Health Clubs, pois segundo Schilit (1987), o que o plano de negócios faz é realizar uma avaliação exaustiva do presente da organização, do seu futuro e de todo o seu ambiente envolvente, nomeadamente da indústria, da concorrência e do mercado, para que possam ser delimitados objetivos de curto e longo prazo, e desenvolver as ações necessárias e apropriadas para alcançar esses objetivos. O que se pretende com este projeto é a criação de um “ginásio”, que abranja não só, os já tradicionais conceitos de Health Clubs, mas que seja um pouco mais que isso, tornando-se assim único no mercado português. Pretende-se incluir além da sala de exercício e aulas de grupo, consultas médicas, apoio nutricional e psicológico e área de reabilitação física, sendo fisioterapia, osteopatia ou mesmo reabilitação cardíaca. A metodologia utilizada neste plano de negócios será a metodologia de Harvard (2007) em conjunto com a de Kurakto (2009), pois creio que esta união seja a melhor forma de abranger todos os aspetos que este projeto necessita de explorar.

Em Portugal, tal como noutros países mais desenvolvidos, tem-­‐se verificado um aumento da população envelhecida. É desejável que este envelhecimento seja acompanhado pela manutenção da qualidade de vida das pessoas. Neste contexto surgiu esta investigação com o objetivo de estudar os medos das pessoas idosas e a sua influência na qualidade de vida. O estudo realizou-­‐se num Centro de Dia, pertencente à Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa. A amostra foi constituída por 31 pessoas, com idade igual ou superior a 65 anos, sendo 19 pessoas do género feminino e 12 do masculino. Esta investigação utilizou metodologia qualitativa, através de entrevistas. A análise e interpretação dos resultados recorreu à metodologia de Glaser e Strauss, designada por grounded theory. Os medos apresentados, por frequência decrescente, foram: preocupação com a saúde; solidão; falta de assistência; roubos, assaltos e burlas; situação financeira; morte; preocupação com a família; medo de cair; institucionalização num Lar; futuro; medo do envelhecimento e ingratidão relativamente às pessoas idosas e medo de casar. Estes medos afetam a qualidade de vida das pessoas. Por Em Portugal, tal como noutros países mais desenvolvidos, tem-­‐se verificado um aumento da população envelhecida. É desejável que este envelhecimento seja acompanhado pela manutenção da qualidade de vida das pessoas. Neste contexto surgiu esta investigação com o objetivo de estudar os medos das pessoas idosas e a sua influência na qualidade de vida. O estudo realizou-­‐se num Centro de Dia, pertencente à Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa. A amostra foi constituída por 31 pessoas, com idade igual ou superior a 65 anos, sendo 19 pessoas do género feminino e 12 do masculino. Esta investigação utilizou metodologia qualitativa, através de entrevistas. A análise e interpretação dos resultados recorreu à metodologia de Glaser e Strauss, designada por grounded theory. Os medos apresentados, por frequência decrescente, foram: preocupação com a saúde; solidão; falta de assistência; roubos, assaltos e burlas; situação financeira; morte; preocupação com a família; medo de cair; institucionalização num Lar; futuro; medo do envelhecimento e ingratidão relativamente às pessoas idosas e medo de casar. Estes medos afetam a qualidade de vida das pessoas. Por outro lado, os medos da solidão, roubos, assaltos e burlas, morte e institucionalização num lar não foram apresentados pelas pessoas com apoio familiar.

A compreensão da influência que as alegações têm na decisão de compra dos consumidores, constitui uma oportunidade para as marcas de produtos alimentares, que poderão, através dessa informação, criar valor para o consumidor e assim ganhar vantagem competitiva no mercado. A revisão de literatura existente sobre o impacto das alegações no consumidor tem evidenciado que as mulheres são um dos grupos com atitude mais favorável em relação às alegações. Existem também evidências que a geração Millennials preocupa-se mais com os benefícios que os produtos têm por questões de saúde e bem-estar, investindo assim na compra de alimentos com alegações. Face ao exposto, foram realizados dois focus groups com o objetivo de explorar melhor as diferenças existentes entre géneros, da geração Millennials, no que toca à atitude face às alegações presentes nas embalagens de produtos alimentares. Através dos resultados dos focus groups concluiu-se que as participantes femininas da presente investigação têm maior conhecimento e maior perceção sobre as alegações nutricionais e de saúde, assim como uma atitude mais favorável em relação a produtos com alegações e ainda uma maior perceção sobre a compra destes produtos, comparativamente com os homens. O que vem confirmar algumas das conclusões alcançadas em revisões de literatura anteriores sobre o tema e dar resposta às questões de pesquisa da presente investigação. Por outro lado, embora existam todas estas diferenças entre géneros, podemos afirmar que ambos os géneros têm maior intenção de compra por produtos com alegações nutricionais, quando confrontados com o mesmo produto sem a alegação.

The underground, unconfort and anxiety of enviroment where fírst sexual retation happens, increases urgency and no planification of the moment, and these things can retire the safety, calm and fullness required for the moment. (Andrade, 1996; De Luca, 2011). The best would be that any teenager have his first sexual relation with someone affectíve involved and he or she have sexual conflicts solved and teenagers should have a responsible attitude about anticonceptional methods and STD's. (Andrade, 1996; Miguel, 1997; Brás, 2008). Some studies say that only 21% of boys and 5% of girls have sexual retations at home, the majority have on the beach or in the car and bedroom (Sampaio, 2006; De Luca, 2011). Objectives: To know the opinion of nurses fronn primary health care about the place where teenagers have sexual relations. Methods: This is a quantitative descriptive and explanatory cross-correlated studyin a sample of 1735 nurses from Portuguese 226 health centers. Results: Nurses said that most popular ptaces are: car (42. 8%), bedroom (17. 8%), beach (18. 1%), and field (15. 1%). Nurses from Subregion of Health: Faro, Oporto, Setúbal, Lisbon, Viana do Castelo, Madeira Island, Viseu and Leiria reported most frequently the beach and the bedroom. Nurses from Lisbon and Algarve Health Regton choose bedroom and beach. Nurses from Alentejo, Açores Island, North and Middle Country Health Reagion choose car and field. Conclusions: The chi-square test suggests statistically signiticant relationship between the opinion of nurses and the region and subregion health where they work (P < 0. 001).

O objectivo deste capítulo é oferecer uma visão contemporânea e abrangente do significado de gestão da qualidade em serviços com especial incidência na gestão da qualidade na área designada habitualmente por indústria do health&fitness. Depois da leitura do presente capítulo, os seguintes conceitos deverão ser apreendidos: - A qualidade do serviço percebida pelos clientes na indústria do health&fitness; - As dimensões que os gestores da indústria do health&fitness devem conhecer para oferecer um serviço de qualidade aos seus clientes; - Modelos de gestão da qualidade de serviço aplicáveis à indústria do health&fitness; - Os princípios da Gestão da Qualidade Total; - Os modelos da Gestão da Qualidade Total aplicáveis à indústria do health&fitness.

Nurses belong to an occupational category which work processes exhausting both physically and mentally that can change the ability to work and contribute to sleep disturbances, psychological, cardiac and digestive as well as family and social changes. Objectives: Assess the ability to work in nurses working in shifts; check whether nurses who reported higher prevalence of diseases had lower capacity to work, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, personality changes, interference in social life, domestic and non-domestic activities, cardiovascular symptoms and changes in health in general. Methods: This is a quantitative descriptive and explanatory cross-correlated study. We used the questionnaire “Work Ability Índex” to determine the work ability, to determine the consequences of shift work used the Portuguese version of “Survey of Shiftworkers”. We resorted to a non-probability convenience sample of 343 nurses to perform duties on health units in Nordeste Transmontano region. Results: The sample is composed of 287 female and 56 male. The minimum age of respondents is 22 years and maximum is 61, the average age is 36.73 ± 8.54 years. Determined the work ability, we found that 84.3% of respondents have good (42.3%) or excellent capacity (42%). On average, when increasing the number of injuries/illnesses decreases the work capacity (p = 0.000), increase: sleep disturbance (p = 0.038); chronic fatigue (p = 0.000); personality changes (p = 0.000); interference in social (p = 0.014) and domestic life (p = 0.011); cardiovascular symptoms (p = 0.000) and worsening general health (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study reinforce the importance to implement surveillance and health promotion programs in order to reduce or avoid the harmful consequences of shift work.

Chestnut is a crisp, sweet soft fruit that has already played an important role in the feeding of many European regions and is still a very popular fruit. Classical analyzes were used to determine the chemical and nutritional composition of European sweet chestnut. Already, for the determination of the starch content, we use the Lintner polarimetric method. However, the amylose/amylopectin ratio of the starch was measured by gel filtration chromatography. The values for the chemical composition of sweet chestnut were found very interesting, particularly, the values of vitamin C such as the abundance of mineral salts. Were also surprising the starch value and in this the amylose/amylopectin ratio, when compared with the same ratio in most cereals. The amylose/amylopectin ratio of European sweet chestnut starch may help us to explain many of its beneficial nutritional properties and may prove to be of great importance in the industrial use of chestnut. Due to the chemical and nutritional characteristics, European sweet chestnut is a recommended food, especially for patients with high cholesterol, diabetics, and patients suffering from celiac disease, since the chestnut does not have gluten. The aim of this work is to evaluate the nutritional and health potential of sweet chestnut being a great part of the results presented the fruit of bibliographical research.

The provision of gerontological care in rural areas represents an increased management challenge. Framed by the Portuguese Northeast reality, this paper reflects on the role and potential of pervasive and mobile computing in the management of gerontological care, specially in rural areas, explaining the potential of fusion between gerontology and technology and presents a conceptual model to frame it. Finally, it presents a software prototype developed for Android smartphones, capable of assist a gerontological care provider in some of their operational practices.

During the last years there is an alarming increase in the collapse of honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera) where bee parasites and pathogens like Varroa destructor mites, the microsporidia Nosema ssp. and viruses have played the leading role. Colony decline might compromise not only food security but also present and future income to the growers. Hence, four institutions from Mediterranean area have joined forces to put toghether a project entitled, “BEEHEAL: Promoting bee health for sustainable agriculture”. BEEHEAL is a collaborative research between Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental de Marchamalo - CAR (Spain), Centre de recherche Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Unité: Abeilles et Environnement - INRA (France), Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center - ARO (Israel) and Mountain Research Center (CMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (Portugal). The aim of this project is to determine the phenology and interaction of the microsporidia Nosema ceranae and viruses including acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), Black queen cell virus (BQCV) Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) and Deformed wing virus (DWV), in Spain, France, Portugal and Israel. The findings of this project, which involves an active and unique cooperation among partners representing Mediterranean countries which encompasses a wide range of environmental and beekeeping management conditions, will contribute to ameliorate the damage caused by the expansion of N. ceranae through a rational implementation of existing treatments to avoid emergence of synergistic pathogens that accelerate colony collapse compromising food security. This project started at 2017 and it will end in 2020. BEEHEAL is funded through the ARIMNet2 (2016) Call by the following funding agencies: INIA (Spain), ANR (France), MOARD (Israel), and FCT (Portugal). This presentation will detail the tasks that are ongoing in the BEEHEAL project.

This chapter explores the transformative potential of physical education (PE) when integrated into a transdisciplinary and physically active learning (PAL) framework. By moving beyond the traditional confines of the gym and classroom, we examine how PE can serve as a core component of holistic education. The chapter delves into the theoretical underpinnings of transdisciplinary and active learning, highlighting their alignment with the goals of PE. It will provide practical examples and strategies for implementing transdisciplinary PE programs, emphasizing collaboration with other subject areas and the creation of authentic learning experiences. The chapter will also discuss the role of PE in fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, while promoting physical literacy and well-being. Ultimately, this chapter aims to inspire educators to reimagine PE as a dynamic and essential component of a comprehensive curriculum.

Fish is an important part of a healthy diet, the possibility of substituting meals with a higher content of saturated fat raising cardiovascular diseases risk, by meals with fish has innumerous health benefits. Objective This study aimed to study the consumption of fish in higher education students, and its socio demographic cofactors. Methods A sample of 238 Portuguese higher education students was used in a cross sectional study. A questionnaire regarding socio demographic and fish consumption habits was used. Statistical data analysis was performed suing Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 21.0. Kolmogorov-Smirnov with Lilliefors correction, Levene, Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis, were the tests used. Results Results revealed that females and students from up-country have a significantly higher consumption of fish. It was also evident that students consume significantly more fish when eating out. Conclusions These data were consistent with previous researches that concluded that women consume significantly more fish and other healthy food items, like fruits and vegetables. These results suggest that the contexts of a fishy diet in higher education students are not the same as for adults. Further studies regarding the determinants of a healthy diet as a whole are needed.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of an 8-month multicomponent exercise program in community-dwelling older adults. A comprehensive approach was employed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a thrice-weekly exercise intervention. Aged over 60 years, the capacity to stand and walk with or without assistive equipment, being physically inactive, medical clearance, and living in the community were all eligibility criteria. The Timed-up and Go test and Berg Balance Scale were used to examine risk of falling. The Fall-Efficacy Scale International was used to examine the fear of falling. The community-based exercise program involved thirty-five participants, the average age was 67.54 years (SD = 3.81) and 71% were female. At-tendance rates ranged from 76% to 100% on average. There was a significant trend toward a clinically important improvement in the timed-up and go test (t = 4.66; p < .001; d = 0.20), berg balance scale (t = -11.20; p < .001; d = 1.47) and fall-efficacy scale international (t = 5.81; p < .001; d = 0.88). This study has provided preliminary evidence that an 8-month community-based low-cost exercise program may be effective in improving agility, balance, and decreasing fear of falling in older people.

Cardiovascular capacity, expressed as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), is a strong predictor of health and fitness and is considered a key measure of physiological function in the healthy adult population. Objective: The aims of this study were to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric review of the literature on step tests and investigate the influence of the physical activity level (PAlevel) of participants in the StepTest4all (a validated protocol for the estimation of VO2max in healthy young adults). Methods: The bibliometric review relied on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS by Clarivate Analytics) database up until 2023 to ascertain publications featuring the search term "steptest" or "step test" within their titles or abstracts. Regarding the experimental study, the sample consisted of 69 participants, including 27 women (age 21.7 ± 3.6 years; body mass = 63.5 ± 14.8 kg; height = 1.64 ± 0.06 m; body mass index = 23.7 ± 5.3 kg/m2) and 42 men (aged 21.7 ± 3.4 years; body mass = 72.0 ± 7.3 kg; height = 1.77 ± 0.07 m; body mass index = 23.1 ± 2.1 kg/m2). The participants were assigned to one of the two groups: (i) the VO2max prediction group and (ii) the prediction model validation group. Results: The identified clusters in the bibliometric review guide future research, suggesting possibilities for refining protocols, exploring health implications, optimizing tests for specific conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and adapting step tests across diverse populations. Regarding the experimental study, the linear regression retained the following predictors of VO2max: sex (p < 0.001), physical activity level (p = 0.014), and HRR60 (p = 0.020). The prediction equation (coefficient of determination (R2) = 74.0%, standard error of estimate (SEE) = 4.78) was considered high and can be expressed as follows: VO2max = 17.105 + 0.260 · (HRR60) + 8.563 · (sex) + 4.097 · (PAlevel). XXI The validation process revealed a strong agreement with a high relationship between the VO2max measured and estimated. Conclusions: The bibliometric review highlighted the broad participation of institutions in step test research. Retaining PAlevel as a significant predictor allows us to better individualize the participants VO2max.

Enquadramento: Avaliar a Qualidade de Vida Relacionada com a Saúde Oral (QVRSO) é crucial no planeamento de programas de saúde, mas é escassa a investigação nesta matéria em populações com patologia crónica. Objetivos: Avaliar preditores clínicos da QVRSO de idosos diabéticos. Metodologia: Estudo transversal em 207 idosos diabéticos no Nordeste de Portugal. Os parâmetros de saúde oral foram obtidos com exame clínico. As 14 questões do Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) forneceram um score de QVRSO que foi dicotomizado em OHIP-14 com e sem impacto negativo. Os modelos de regressão logística forneceram valores ajustados de odds-ratio (OR) e respetivo intervalo de confiança a 95% (IC95%) para preditores clínicos da QVRSO. Resultados: Dos idosos, 84,1% reportaram impacto negativo na QVRSO. De acordo com a análise de regressão logística, o número de dentes naturais posteriores (OR=0,85;IC 95%:0,80-0,92) e a sensação de boca seca (OR=3,30;IC 95%:1,08-10,10) são variáveis preditoras de OHIP-14 com impacto. Conclusão: Este estudo realça a importância de prevenir perda dentária para assegurar a QVRSO nestes idosos. Abstract: Background: The assessment of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) is essential to planning oral health programs, but there is a lack of research on this issue with chronic patients. Objectives: To assess clinical predictors of OHRQoL in older adults with diabetes. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 207 older adults with diabetes in Northeast Portugal. Clinical examination provided data on oral health parameters. OHRQoL was assessed based on the short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and the score was dichotomised into OHIP-14 with and without impact. Logistic regression models provided adjusted odds-ratio (OR) and respective 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for the clinical predictors of OHRQoL. Results: In this sample, 84.1% of older adults reported a negative impact on OHRQoL. According to the logistic regression analysis, the number of natural posterior teeth (OR=0.85; 95%CI:0.80-0.92) and a feeling of dry mouth (OR=3.30; 95%CI:1.08-10.10) are predictor variables of OHIP-14 with impact. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of preventing tooth loss to ensure OHRQoL in these older adults.

Milk and dairy products are of major importance in the human diet, since they are an excellent source of well-balanced nutrients which are consumed in large amounts and are easy to manufacture. Most cheeses present in the market are made from cow's milk, with ewe’s and goat’s cheeses being considered delicacies derived from the unavailability of goat's and ewe’s milk in certain periods of the year, proleading to a final product with high prices that consumers tend to value given the quality of the final products. Serra Estrela (SE) cheese, a traditional variety manufactured in the center region of Portugal, is part of the national ancient cultural heritage. Made from raw sheep milk it is assumed as an iconic gourmet cheese, when compared with other Portuguese cheeses. In the present work, the evolution of the lipid fraction, namely unsaturated fatty acids such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids), was evaluated for a period of 9 months. Chemically it was possible to verify differences in terms of the fatty acid profile between the analysed cheese samples. SE cheese was characterized by a relatively high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and the evaluation of the lipid profile of SE cheese allowed possible future work in determining bioactive lipid compounds with possible health promoting functions.

Social inequality in health exist and are recognized by social researchers and politicians from several countries, wich have reported a problem increase in the 1970s and 1980s, despite improvements in the health of the populations as a whole. This conclusion has stressed the point that one of the main challenges for health policy in the 1990s is to reduce social inequities in health. This purpose its clear from the priority goal present in the "Health for all by the year 2000" strategy pursued by the Regional Office for Europe of the World Health Organization: by the year 2000, the actual differences in health status between countries and between groups within countries should be reduced by at least 25% by improving the level of health of disavantaged nation and groups. These reasons stem from the evidence that death, disability, ilness, personal health risk factors and environmental health hazards are not distributed evenly across populations. Groups at particular risk, include people with low incomes or limited education, single-parent families, elderly people living alone or disable people, the long-term unemployed, migrant workers and people in stressfull or physically hazardous ocupations. The present work tries to identify in what way the Social Exclusion concept, representing a multiple, cumulative and persistent state of disadvantage of some individuals or households, contribute for the explanation of the causes of socio-economics inequalities in health. This hypothesis is developed by the consideration that social inequality in health stem from a range of factors wich acts out of the specific context of health care system, trying to push the discussion to other fields, despite the recognition of great importance to health care systems. The Health Production Function include some inputs where direct privation implies specific situations of the most generic process of social exclusion. This statement is discessed either in theoretical and empirical therms, concluding by the relevance of it.