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U.S. Army practices airborne training in Exercise Sun Shade from 12 November to 10 December as rehearsal of Operation Plan 316; Cuba. Revolutionary Navy Komar Missile Attack Boats depart Mariel on October 18 for operations at Banes; Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command proposed the capture of intact SA-2 Missiles Surface-to-air missile sites as part of [Operation Plan 312; Operation Plan 316]; Commander of the U.S. Navy Naval Base Guantanamo indicated that movement of FROG Missiles into positions threatening Guantanamo Naval Base (U.S. facility in Cuba) should be deemed \"an offensive act unacceptable\" to the U.S. due the missiles capacity to carry Nuclear warheads; Guantanamo Naval Base (U.S. facility in Cuba) reported a marked increase in Cuba harassment in June 1962; Military build-up in Cuba of the Cuba. Revolutionary Navy included the acquisition of [Military training; Komar Missile Attack Boats; Kronshtadt Patrol Boats] from the Soviet Union; Cuba. Revolutionary Air Force Military build-up in Cuba was indicated from 1961 to 1962 by [MiG-15 Aircraft; MiG-17 Aircraft; MiG-19 Aircraft; MiG-21 Aircraft; Helicopters; Light aircraft; Military training] from the Soviet Bloc; Soviet Union Merchant vessels traffic to Cuba increased in July 1962; Cuba. Ground Forces Military equipment includes new shipments of [Tanks; Weapons; Rocket launchers; Artillery; Anti-aircraft weapons; Rifles; Mortars; Machine guns; Amphibious vehicles; Armored personnel carriers]; Intelligence confirms [Surface-to-air missiles; IL-28 Aircraft] Deployment in Cuba and Soviet Submarines in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean region during September to October 1962; Intelligence indicated Soviet combat teams are in control of [FROG Missiles; Snapper Anti-Tank Missiles] at [Artemisa; Santiago de las Vegas; Remedios IRBM Complex (Cuba); Holguin (Cuba)] Military bases; Contingency plans to assure maximum Operational readiness for [Operation Plan 312; Operation Plan 314] were implemented during 1-22 October 1962; Robert S. McNamara informs Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command that Soviet counteractions against Berlin (Federal Republic of Germany) will be considered valid reason for U.S. military intervention in Cuba; Robert S. McNamara directs that evidence of Offensive weapons in Cuba or Attacks by Cuba against Guantanamo Naval Base (U.S. facility in Cuba) will be considered sufficient to warrant U.S. military intervention in Cuba; Robert S. McNamara reports that Cuban intervention in Latin America or indication of support for Cuban anti-Castro groups Attacks will be considered sufficient to warrant U.S. military intervention in Cuba; Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command describes problems of U.S. Armed Forces Deployment affecting implementation of Operation Plan 316; U.S. Navy. Atlantic Fleet Submarines operations during the Cuban Crisis; U.S. Navy. Atlantic Fleet service force operations during the Cuban Crisis; U.S. Armed Forces Amphibious operations during the Cuban Crisis; Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command describes Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Navy Atlantic Fleet operations in conducting the Naval Quarantine of Cuba (24 October - 20 November 1962); Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Navy Atlantic Fleet count of Soviet missile withdrawal from Cuba does not match with reports from Soviet Ships; U.S. Navy reports minor collisions between its Naval vessels taking part in the Naval quarantine line; U.S. Navy. Atlantic Fleet. Task Force 135 involvement in Cuban Crisis operations; U.S. Navy. Atlantic Fleet. Anti-Submarine Force involvement in the Naval Quarantine of Cuba (24 October - 20 November 1962) operations; Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command describes Anti-submarine warfare activities against Soviet Submarines in the Atlantic Ocean; [Anti-submarine warfare; Air defense systems] forced Soviet Submarines to surface prior to implementation of the Naval Quarantine of Cuba (24 October - 20 November 1962); Latin America-U.S. Naval Task Force involvement with the U.S. South Atlantic Force during the Cuban Crisis; Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command analysis of U.S. Atlantic Command role in the Cuba Crisis; Cuba Alliances with Soviet Union lead to increased requests for [Economic assistance; Security assistance]; Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command estimates numbers of Soviet Bloc Military personnel assigned to assist the [Cuba. Revolutionary Army; Cuba. Revolutionary Navy; Cuba. Revolutionary Air Force]; Soviet Bloc Shipping for [Arms shipments; Trade with Cuba] during period of the Cuban Crisis; Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command describes status of and command structures for Contingency plans for military actions against Cuba as specified in [Operation Plan 314-61; Operation Plan 312-62; Operation Plan 316]; [Exercise Blue Water; Exercise Phibriglex-62] are carried on prior to Cuban contingency operations; [U-2 Aircraft; Low altitude reconnaissance flights] received fire only twice over Cuba during Surveillance of Soviet missile bases; U.S. Atlantic Command Communications plans and activities during the Cuban Crisis; Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command initial reaction to knowledge of the Cuban Crisis was to improve Operational readiness of U.S. Atlantic Command to be able to execute Operation Plan 312; U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff informed Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command of events that may lead to execution of [U.S. military intervention in Cuba; Operation Plan 314]; Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command estimates number of Soviet Union. Armed Forces in Cuba and Cuban [Cuba. Revolutionary Air Force; Military personnel] trained in the Soviet Union; Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Strike Forces increased Operational readiness and prepositioning of Military personnel for the implementation of Operation Plan 314 prior to the days of the Cuban Crisis; Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command developed plans for Military governments to assume control of a zone of Emergency powers in southern Florida to start at the \"commencement of hostilities\"; U.S. Federal Aviation Administration participated in planning for [Military air transit rights; Military aircraft] to assume priority over civilian and non-tactical Air traffic as part of implementation of [Operation Plan 312; Operation Plan 314; Operation Plan 316]; Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command estimates of Military personnel staffing requirements for U.S. military intervention in Cuba; Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command evaluates problems affecting the implementation of Military actions and operations; Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command estimates of expected Casualties of U.S. Armed Forces with implementation of Operation Plan 316; Psychological operations preparations for [Operation Plan 314; Operation Plan 316]; Guantanamo Naval Base (U.S. facility in Cuba) participation in and command structures during the Cuban Crisis; U.S. Marine Corps participation in U.S. Navy. Atlantic Fleet operations during the Cuban Crisis

A wearable body hydration sensor employing photoplethysmographic and galvanic biosensors was field evaluated using 240 human participants with equal numbers of men and women volunteers. Monitoring of water mass loss due to perspiration was performed by medical balance measurements following one of two different treadmill physical exercise regimens over 90 minutes in 15-minute intervals with intervening 10-minute rest periods. Participants wore two different models of the dehydration body monitor device mated to commercially-available smartwatches (Samsung Gear S2 and Samsung Gear Fit2). Device output was recorded by Bluetooth wireless link to a standard smartphone in 20-second blocks. Comparison of the devices with the standard measurement method (change in body mass measured by medical balance) indicated very close agreement between changes in body water mass and device output (percent normalized mean root square error averaged approximately 2% for all participants). Bland-Altman analyses of method agreement indicated that <5% of participant values fell outside of the 95% confidence interval limits of agreement and all measured value differences were normally distributed around the line of equality. The results of this first-ever field trial of a practical, wearable hydration monitor suggests that this device will be a reliable tool to aid in geriatric hydration monitoring and physical training scenarios.

Purpose To test, in persons with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD), safety, feasibility and PRE-to-POST changes of land- and water-based activities on clinical, psychosocial and motor-functional domains. Methods Single-group interventional, feasibility study. Twelve mildly disabled participants (9 M:3W; Hoehn–Yahr: 2) volunteered for a 10-week, biweekly outdoor multisport program of alternating sessions of land- and water-based activities (basic skills, kayaking, surfing, sailing). The abovementioned were assessed at baseline (PRE), after the program (POST), and three months after intervention completion (FOLLOW-UP). Results None of the participants reported adverse events during the intervention period. The compliance rate was high (88%). PRE-to-POST pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni adjustments showed significant reductions in UPDRS-I (mentation/behaviour/mood; − 2.2 ± 1.2pts; Z = − 3.02; p = 0.003) and BDI-II (− 2.8 ± 2.6pts; Z  = 2.66; p  = 0.008), and significant increases in distance covered during 6MWT (+ 8.3 ± 8.1%; p  = 0.03) and 2MWT (+ 11.2 ± 13.0%; p  = 0.03), which were maintained at follow-up (6MWT: + 5.9 ± 6.4%; p  = 0.02; 2MWT: + 8.1 ± 7.3%; p  = 0.003). A significant reduction in TUG time (− 9.1 ± 8.3%; p  = 0.04) was detected and retained at FOLLOW-UP (− 9.8 ± 9.0%; p  = 0.03). Gait analysis by wearable inertial sensors revealed significantly increased gait speed (+ 9.4 ± 10.1%; p  = 0.04) maintained at FOLLOW-UP (+ 7.6 ± 7.5%; p  = 0.005). No changes were detected in balance and strength. Conclusions Green–blue exercise proved safe and feasible in mildly disabled PwPD, as demonstrated by high compliance rate and absence of adverse events. Data suggest that supervised, land and water activities that challenge the individual in natural environments are appealing health-enhancing initiatives to cope with PwPD’ physical and psychosocial constraints. Lack of improvements’ retention in selected motor-functional outcomes at the 3-month FOLLOW-UP confirms the need for constant exercise rather than one-off programs.

Urban blue spaces (UBSs) play a pivotal role in supporting ecological integrity and public health, yet the causal mechanisms connecting the magnitude of water quality improvements to specific health outcomes remain insufficiently explored. The objective of the study is to investigate the effects of two large-scale surface water quality initiatives on the health and physical activity patterns of residents in Qingdao, China: a river pollution clean-up program and a shoreline and estuary monitoring program. Employing a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences (DID) framework with repeated cross-sectional survey data (2017 and 2018; n = 735), we evaluate effects on self-rated health (SRH), happiness, physical activity levels, and body mass index (BMI). Results reveal that both programs significantly enhanced exercise frequency. River pollution clean-up could promote SRH by 0.319 points on the 5-point scale (β = 0.319, p < 0.05), while shoreline quality monitoring program boosted happiness by 0.233 points on the 5-point scale (β = 0.233, p < 0.05). In contrast, both interventions had no significant effect on BMI (p > 0.1). Subgroup analysis revealed that the health and well-being benefits of water quality improvements varied by gender, age, education, and income level. These findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing high-impact UBS interventions in degraded urban areas and integrating them with accessible infrastructure to optimize health gains in a more effective and equitable way.

Background/Objectives: This review summarizes the current knowledge about factors that affect the physical characteristics of urine. It highlights proper urine sample collection and displays factors like diet, hydration status, and medications that can alter urine color, odor, clarity, specific gravity and pH. Results: Urinalysis is a minimally invasive examination of a patient’s health, especially concerning nephrological and endocrinological abnormalities, as well as dietary habits and stimulants used. Certain deviations in appearance, composition or frequency/pain during urination may indicate an ongoing disease process in the body. Based on laboratory results, further medical treatment is determined. The reason for a change in the color of the urine, for its clouding or intense odor may be a disease, as well as the consumption of food, medication, intensive physical exercise or inadequate hydration of the body. Well-standardized procedures for collecting, transporting, preparing and analyzing samples should become the basis for an effective diagnostic strategy in urinalysis. It is worth noting that pharmacists in pharmaceutical care are often the first people to whom a patient turns for health advice and for the interpretation of simple laboratory tests. Acquiring the ability to interpret the results of laboratory tests and the principles of proper sampling for laboratory tests is indispensable in the process of possible counseling and providing reliable answers to patients’ questions. Conclusions: Although urinalysis is not recommended as a routine screening tool for the general population, it can prove to be a valuable source of patient health data in some cases as the data will be useful to physicians and pharmacists to more effectively diagnose and better care for patients.

With the aging global population, understanding the role of blue space (BS) in supporting older adults’ mental health is increasingly important. This systematic review synthesizes quantitative and qualitative evidence to examine how BS influences mental health and well-being in this population. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and PsycINFO for studies published between 2004 and 2024. This review protocol was preregistered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD420250651254). Studies examining BS exposure characteristics and mental health outcomes among adults aged 50 and older were included. A total of twenty-three studies (seventeen quantitative, six qualitative) were reviewed. Quantitative findings indicated generally positive associations between BS proximity, quantity, and improved mental health outcomes, while qualitative findings highlighted the therapeutic benefits of natural features, social interactions, and sensory experiences, along with barriers such as accessibility and safety concerns. BS holds significant potential for promoting older adults’ well-being. These findings highlight the potential of BS as a sustainable urban health resource, offering evidence to support integrated planning strategies that promote environmental, public health, and broader sustainability goals. Future research should investigate specific BS characteristics using longitudinal and experimental designs to enhance causal understanding and inform urban planning and public health strategies.

Background Anecdotal evidence suggests that outdoor swimming can improve mood. This feasibility study examined the mood and well‐being in participants attending an outdoor swimming course. Methods Profile of Mood States and Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale questionnaires were completed by participants on a 10‐week introductory outdoor swimming course (61 swimmers) and 22 controls who sat on the beach. Questionnaires were completed before and after three sessions: the first session (pool based), their first outdoor swim (session 4) and their final outdoor swim (session 10). Results Swimmers reported acute increases in positive subscales (Esteem and Vigour, P < .001) and reductions in negative subscales (Tension, Anger, Depression, and Confusion and Total Mood Disturbance [TMD], P < .001, d = 1.1–1.7). TMD was also reduced between sessions (P < .001, d = 0.08). Well‐being also increased during the course in swimmers (P < .001, d = 3.7) and controls (P = .019, d = 0.2). Greater reductions in TMD (P < .001, d = 0.8–2.5) and increases in well‐being were observed in swimmers than controls (P = .034, r = .23). Conclusions Novice outdoor swimmers participating in a 10‐week introductory outdoor swimming course had acute and chronic reductions in negative mood, increases in well‐being and acute increases in positive mood. Controls mood scores fluctuated and were similar at the start and end of the course, whereas well‐being scores improved by the final session. Tension scores peaked in both swimmers and controls immediately before the first outdoor swim. Nonetheless the swimmers’ improvement in mood and well‐being scores was significantly greater than that of the controls. The nature of the study does not provide mechanistic understanding; there are likely to be a number of explanations (physiological, psychological and sociological) for the changes in mood and well‐being in swimmers and controls that can be investigated further.

Background Surf therapy is gaining popularity for improving mental health. However, there is limited research evidence to substantiate these claims. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to assess randomized or non-randomized studies analyzing the efficacy of surf therapy in improving symptoms of mental illness compared to non-exercising controls and/or alternative intervention, and to identify evidential gaps to inform future research. Methods PRISMA 2020 reporting guidelines were followed. Eligibility criteria included participants of any age and sex, explicitly diagnosed with any mental health disorder, while exposed to surf therapy and compared to non-exercising controls and/or alternative interventions. The primary outcome consisted of changes in symptoms of mental illness scored from baseline to post-intervention. Any randomized or non-randomized trial design was considered. We searched Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases (December 7, 2023), without language or publication date restrictions and without filters. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2. A meta-analysis could not be conducted due to heterogeneity of the studies; therefore, a narrative synthesis of individual study results was performed. Results Of 5,666 records, three randomized controlled studies were included in the review. Overall, the findings of the three studies suggest no robust consistent evidence of improvement in mental health symptoms when comparing surf therapy to wait-list control groups or other nature-based exercise interventions (hike therapy). Certainty of evidence should be considered very low, as it is based on three randomized controlled trials. Conclusion Although we believe that surf therapy provides an interesting approach, robust evidence is scarce. Routes for future well-designed, controlled studies are discussed. Other No funding to report. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021277060.

There is growing interest in blue space as a natural environment that may foster well‐being. Blue space encourages mindful, immersive, and connected ways of being in and interacting with place. A popular blue space activity that may promote well‐being is wild swimming (WS). Existing research suggests that swimmers find WS meaningful because it supports well‐being. However, the meanings attributed to WS by wild swimmers likely depend on the characteristics of place, such as water conditions and temperature, which may have a unique influence. The present study aimed to explore the meanings ascribed to WS by a Victorian cohort of wild swimmers. Participants comprised 47 wild swimmers (31 women, 15 men, 1 non‐binary person, mean age = 55.5 (11.7)). Participants answered demographic items and five open‐ended, qualitative questions about WS. Data were analysed using template thematic analysis. Five key themes were identified: ‘Always a swimmer’: Starting wild swimming; ‘You feel euphoric’: Psychological well‐being; ‘Still going strong’: Physical well‐being; ‘Chatting at the buoys’: Social connectedness; and ‘The sea is my home’: Connectedness to nature. Swimmers found WS meaningful because it promoted well‐being by (I) allowing continuity of a ‘swimmer’ identity; (II) promoting positive mood states and possibly facilitating swimmers to feel energised, calm, meditative, focused, authentic and masterful; (III) aiding physical fitness, healthy ageing and physical pleasure; (IV) enhancing social connectedness as swimmers formed friendships and communities; and (V) fostering nature connectedness as swimmers communed with and observed their sea surrounds. The findings indicate that Victorian wild swimmers, like their counterparts elsewhere, value WS because of the enriching ways in which it fosters well‐being. Among the first studies to explore WS in Victoria, Australia, this study contributes to a growing body of research which suggests that engaging in blue space promotes wellbeing. Policy implications. WS may have potential as a strategy for improving well‐being in the wider population. As an activity that cultivates social connectedness, it could form part of a social prescription for those identified as being at risk of loneliness. Additionally, WS may have potential as a complementary, nature‐based therapeutic intervention. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Natural environments, such as inland waterways (IWs), have been identified as a potential means to increase physical activity and promote health and wellbeing. However, further information on predictors of IW usage and their relationship with health and wellbeing outcomes is needed. Data were taken from the cross-sectional UK Waterways Engagement Monitor survey of waterway users (n = 21,537) in 2019/2020. Health outcome measures were life satisfaction, physical activity, and mental wellbeing. Visit frequency was an additional outcome measure. Both bivariate and multivariable associations between outcome measures and features of IWs were explored. The travel-cost method was used to estimate users’ demand, expressed by travel costs to waterways. Multivariable models showed positive associations of frequent visits and use for recreational/leisure purposes with life satisfaction and physical activity. Rural visits were associated with higher life satisfaction than urban ones. Lower visit satisfaction negatively impacted life satisfaction and mental wellbeing. Visit frequency was influenced by individual characteristics and purpose of visit, including visits for exercise. Waterway visits were inversely associated with travel costs (IRR = 0.99, p-value ≤ 0.001), and there was greater demand elasticity for short distances (≤5 miles). Socioeconomic-related inequalities were present. Future policies could enhance frequent use of waterways and alleviate accessibility-related inequalities to improve population health outcomes.