University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center

11/20/2025

Sitting less = living better.
In a study of adults recovering from a cardiac event, replacing just 30 minutes of sitting with light‑intensity movement such as casual walking or chores was associated with about a 50% lower risk of another cardiac event or death within a year.

Making small movement swaps during your day adds up to major benefits.

BACKGROUND: Patients hospitalized with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome remain at high risk for adverse events postdischarge, highlighting a need for modifiable therapeutic targets. The role of sedentary behavior in this risk and the potential benefits of replacing sedentary time with other activ...

11/19/2025

Forget the gym intimidation Moderate muscle strength = 32% lower diabetes risk. Bodyweight exercises count. Start with squats & push-ups at home 2x/week

The answer is less than you might think.

11/14/2025

Strong social connections are just as important for your health as exercise and nutrition. Spending time with friends and colleagues boosts mood, reduces stress, and keeps you energized.
Shoutout to our students for making time for connection at our recent PABBS gathering!

11/13/2025

Let music move you.
Recent research shows that listening to upbeat music during exercise can extend workout duration, elevate heart rate, and boost endurance. In other words, the right playlist isn’t just fun, it’s a scientifically backed tool to enhance performance and keep you moving longer.

Transform your routine: curate high energy tracks to make every workout more effective and enjoyable.

Background & objectives: Music captures attention, triggers a range of emotions, alters or regulates mood, increases work output, heightens arousal, induces states of higher functioning, reduces inhibitions and encourages rhythmic movement. Music ...

11/12/2025

Spotlight on the USC PRC Podcast series:
The USC PRC Podcast features experts exploring active living, walkability, health equity, and community-driven strategies for healthier lifestyles.

Listen now:

Physical Activity and Public Health Podcasts Physical Activity and Public Health Podcast Tune in to the USC PRC Podcast for engaging discussions on emerging issues and future directions in the field of physical activity and public health. Episode 5 –Building Healthy Communities: From Local Coaliti...

11/07/2025

Laughter engages core and facial muscles, increases heart rate, and supports cardiovascular function. It also reduces stress hormones and increases endorphins, which may help support overall well-being and motivation for physical activity.

When it comes to keeping you healthy, laughter is up there with a nutritious diet and exercise. Learn how to harness its powerful health benefits.

11/06/2025

Don't let winter freeze your fitness.The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, and indoor activities like housework, stair climbing, and dancing all count toward your goals. Cold weather doesn't have to stop you from moving.

This study provides the first empirical evidence suggesting that experiencing grateful affect is associated with increased longevity among older adults. The findings will need to be replicated in future studies with more representative samples.

11/05/2025

Gratitude isn't just good for your mind, it may help you live longer. A 2024 study of nearly 50,000 nurses found that those who practiced gratitude had a 9% lower risk of death over 4 years, with the strongest effect on heart health (15% lower risk). This November, start a gratitude practice: your heart will thank you!

This study provides the first empirical evidence suggesting that experiencing grateful affect is associated with increased longevity among older adults. The findings will need to be replicated in future studies with more representative samples.

10/31/2025

A brief 10-minute walk immediately after meals has been shown to significantly reduce post-meal blood glucose levels more effectively than a longer walk taken later. Evidence-based, accessible, and impactful for metabolic health.

We aimed to compare the effect of a 10-min walk immediately after glucose ingestion (10-min walk condition) on glycemic control to that of a 30-min walk, 30 min postingestion (30-min walk condition). In a randomized, crossover, counterbalanced trial with three (control, 10-min walk, 30-min walk...

10/30/2025

Yoga can reduce burnout in medical students. A 2025 study in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion showed that a structured yoga program improved emotional well-being, resilience, and stress management in trainees.

intervention (YBI) in medical students with ABS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was designed for medical students whose burnout levels were assessed using the MBI-SS. Subsequently, those students with ABS participated in an YBI for six weeks, with a weekly session of 60 minutes, i...

10/29/2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being explored in wellness research through responsible design frameworks. Emerging studies highlight systems such as digital twins that use multimodal data to personalize well-being support while emphasizing ethical implementation, data privacy, and human oversight.

The rise of large language models (LLMs) has created new possibilities for digital twins in healthcare. However, the deployment of such systems in consumer health contexts raises significant concerns related to hallucination, bias, lack of transparency, and ethical misuse. In response to recommendat...

10/24/2025

Regular breakfast eaters tend to be more physically active throughout the day. A study found that adults who consumed a balanced breakfast engaged in 20% more daily moderate activity compared to those who skipped breakfast.