Background
: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between 7 health habits and health-related quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire.

Methods : The subjects for this study were 550 workers in Seongnam City, Kyonggi Province, Korea. Data were collected by using constructed questionnaires from 11 September 2004 to 25 September 2004. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS.

Results : There were positive relationships of favorable health habits as indicated by Alameda 7 to health-related quality of life. After controlling for the effects of confounding cofactors that included age, sex, diseases, and other health habits, multiple regression analysis indicated as follows. 1) The item of 'eating breakfast everyday' were significantly related to the grade of social function (SF) and bodily pain (BP). 2) The item of 'sleeping for 7∼8 hours a day' were significantly related to all domains of the SF-36 except physical function (PF). 3) The item of 'normal Body Mass Index' were significantly related to the grade of Role limitations-emotional (RE). 4. The item of 'regular physical exercise' were significantly related to the grade of general health (GH), physical function (PF), vitality (VT), and mental health (MH). Other health habits like not snacking between meals, never smoking, and low alcohol consumption were not associated with any of the SF-36 profiles.

Conclusion : There were positive relationships of favorable health habits to health-related quality of life. It is important to have favorable health habits for good health-related quality of life.

Background
: It is evident that obesity and other associated chronic diseases are increasing. Since 1998, periodic health examination has been taken in the first grade of high school in accordance with the law nationally and will be expanded to other grades. We evaluated the health status of this population and thought the problems and pitfalls of this program.

Methods : We took 983 students of the first grade of 3 high schools in Seongnam city from April to June 2002. We used the questionnaire and test results as the first line methods of evaluation. Phone counselling was used as the follow-up method. Chi-square test was the main analytic method.

Results : Impaired visual acuity and absence of hepatitis B viral antibody were shown in over 40% of this population. Obesity, anemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension were followed as the next most popular problems. Though 7.9% of 983 students were to be examined again, only 53.8% of them were re-examined. 52.7% of the student who took re-examination was proved normal. 47% of the test students thought that they were not healthy. Over half of students had the problems of exercise and eating behavior.

Conclusion : We concluded that many students had the behavioral problems causing the chronic diseases. Medical prevention and education program is needed and medical faculties must participate in these programs. In periodic health examination various follow-up programs and screening-questionnaires on psychologic problems must be invented and applied for students.

Background
: Osteoporosis has been thought of as a disease of women, but the incidence of male osteoporosis is increasing and is expected to keep rising due to alcohol abuse, smoking and increased life expectancy for men. This study was done to evaluate how many men recognized the significance of osteoporosis and its management.

Methods : There were 138 male subjects who underwent Bone Mineral Density (DEXA) from January 2000 to August 2003 at Sung Nam Central Hospital. We reviewed their BMD results and formed questionnaires which were constructed to evaluate men's recognition and treatment realities of osteoporosis. Telephone interviews and mailing services were utilized. The respondents were 96 (69.6%) and analysis was done.

Results : The average age of the 138 men was 55. Among them, there were 55 (39.9%) and 68 (49.3%) men who had been diagnosed with osteopenia and osteoporosis, respectively. Information on osteoporosis was obtained mainly from mass media like TV and newspaper (57.3% of total answers). The reason for undergoing test for osteoporosis was related to the annual screening tests (40.6% of total answers). Most of these people were likely to ignore the significance of osteoporosis, because only 26 percent answered they should receive proper treatment in case of osteoporosis although they did not have any symptoms at the time of the diagnosis. Among these osteoporotic patients, 76.7 percent did not seek any medical care and the most common reason for refusal to treatment was no existing symptoms for osteoporosis. Among the total, 67.4 percent of the patients said there had been no change of life behavior after the diagnosis.

Conclusion : We found that men had relatively more knowledge of osteoporosis than we expected, but they knew little about the need for treatment and possible severe complications like major fractures that may occur. Also, we found the diagnosis of osteoporosis has little effect on behavioral changes. In conclusion, family physicians should take more interest in the education of patients to increase compliance for its treatment.

Background
: In the Republic of Korea, there had been no reports about indigenous malaria cases since 1984 until a vivax malaria cases was detected in 1993. Thereafter from 1993 to 1996, 486 malaria cases were reported. Most of the patients were soldiers in the northern militarized zone. However, since 1997, several patients with malaria were detected in Kang Hwa where there had previously been no report of malaria cases. It is our intent to report the 16 cases diagnosed in Kang Community Hospital from January 1, 1997 to August 10, 1998.

Methods : Medical records of the malaria cases from January 1, 1997, to August 10, 1998 in Kang Hwa community Hospital were reviewed. All of the patients had no histories of traveling abroad, drug abuse or blood transfusion. They were all civilians. Laboratory studies including blood cell count, routine chemistry and platelet-associated IgG(PAIgG) and abdominal sonography were taken.

Results : All of the patients were diagnosed with malaria by blood smears. Common symptoms were fever(100%), headache(94%), rigors(81%), myalgia(56%), nausea or vomiting(44%), alternate day fever(25%), left flank pain(19%), diarrhea(13%), and abdominal pain(13%). Splenomegaly was detected in 92% of cases by sonography. Laboratory findings included leukopenia(37.5%), anemia(37.5%) and thrombocytopenia(81.3%). Platelet-associated IgG was elevated in 1 of 5 thrombocytopenic patients who had the laboratory study performed. All recovered without complications.

Conclusion : Cases of indigenous malaria have been progressively increasing in the Republic of Korea. Fortunately, patients responded well to treatment, but continued interest will be required in the future.