QUARTER 1: January – March 2025 | USC-PRC Notes

“Promoting Health through Physical Activity”

Topics in this issue

A LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR

USC PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER UPDATES:

  • Update from the USC PRC Core Research Project
  • Update from the USC PRC Special Interest Projects

NEWS YOU CAN USE:

  • Breaking Barriers: CDC and American Diabetes Association Unite to Combat Diabetes
  • National Public Health Week celebrates its 30th year with “It Starts Here” April 7-11

UPCOMING EVENTS AND OBSERVANCES

  • April, May, June

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:

  • Congress Reintroduces the Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act to Boost Safety and Investment in Biking and Walking

RESEARCH NOTES:

  • Leveraging Technology and Theory to Change Health Behaviors, Close Gaps in Health-Related Social Needs, and Increase Enrollment in the National Diabetes Prevention Program
  • Physical Activity, Alzheimer Plasma Biomarkers, and Cognition
  • Relationship Between Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness and Sedentary Time, Physical Activity Level, and Physical Performance in Patients with Hypertension
  • Process Evaluation of the Hockey Fans in Training Lifestyle Intervention (for Men with Overweight or Obesity)

REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES:

  • 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data from the American Heart Association

PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:

  • Palm Springs Studio Fights Heart Disease with AHA Collaboration
  • Columbia Fitness Group Build Leaders Through Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:

  • April, May, June, July, August

A LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR:

Happy Spring to all!

It’s hard to believe that Spring is here (already)! The trees are in full bloom in Columbia (leaving plenty of yellow pollen everywhere), and we’re enjoying the roller-coaster temperatures that are common. As I write this, the campus has been filled with excitement over the women’s basketball team and their advancement to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen – Go Gamecocks!
Our Center has been busy preparing for our launch of Walk Your Heart to Health. In this implementation science study, we will examine how churches implement an evidence-based walking program for adults aged 55 and older. Our Community Advisory Board (CAB) has been formed and has begun meeting to develop the training, technical assistance, and evaluation for the study. We’re looking forward to this work and this partnership.
I’ll end by recognizing that this has been a challenging time for many researchers and practitioners working in federal agencies and on federally funded projects. I hope that you are weathering this time ok.
– Sara Wilcox

USC PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER UPDATES:

Update from the USC PRC Core Research Project

The USC PRC had two presentations based on our national implementation study (previous funding cycle) at the Society of Behavioral Medicine annual conference in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Sara Wilcox was part of a symposium, chaired by former student Dr. Kelsey Day. The symposium, selected as an SBM Presidential Session, was entitled “Innovative Approaches to Engaging Faith Communities in Chronic Disease Prevention.” Dr. Wilcox presented a talk during the symposium entitled “Changes in member outcomes in the national implementation study of the Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN) program.” Co-authors included Drs. Ruth Saunders, Andrew Kaczynski, Yesil Kim, and Caroline Rudisill, and doctoral student, Jasmin Parker-Brown. Jasmin Parker-Brown also presented a poster entitled “Support for the Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN) logic model in predicting 12-month program implementation of healthy eating and physical activity changes in churches.” Co-authors included Drs. Sara Wilcox, Ruth Saunders, and Andrew Kaczynski.

Update from the USC PRC SIPs

South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN-IV)

The South Carolina CPCRN recently published a manuscript highlighting the role of partnerships and community engagement in addressing cancer disparities throughout its four funding cycles.
Adams, S.A., Workman, L., Sakhuja, M., Yelton, B., Wickersham, K.E., Fairman, C., Eberth, J., Heiney, S., Hebert, J.R., King, J.R., Hucek, F.A., Schaurer, L., & Friedman, D.B. (2025). Reflecting on partnerships established and sustained over four cycles of a federally funded cancer prevention and control research program: Lessons learned for community-academic networks. Frontiers in Public Health (Public Health Education and Promotion), 12, 1384588. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.13845

The USC PRC has also worked with the SC-CPCRN IV to create a plain language research brief of this new manuscript. The lay brief can be found on the USC PRC’s website. 

NEWS YOU CAN USE:

Breaking Barriers: CDC and American Diabetes Association Unite to Combat Diabetes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have joined forces to tackle the significant public health challenge posed by diabetes, which affects over 38 million U.S. adults and ranks as the eighth leading cause of death. Their collaborative efforts focus on addressing social determinants of health—such as access to quality healthcare, nutritious food, and safe environments—that influence diabetes incidence and outcomes. The CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation aims to reduce new diabetes cases by 1% annually through 2030 by funding prevention programs and informing policy development. Concurrently, the ADA publishes annual clinical guidelines and invests in research to prevent new cases and reduce complications, emphasizing the importance of assessing nonmedical health-related needs in treatment decisions. This partnership exemplifies a comprehensive approach to diabetes prevention and management, targeting factors at multiple levels to improve health outcomes nationwide.
[Source: CDC]

National Public Health Week celebrates its 30th year with ‘It Starts Here’ April 7-11

The American Public Health Association (APHA) will commemorate the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week (NPHW) from April 7-11 2025, under the theme ‘It Starts Here.’ This milestone event will reflect on public health achievements over the past three decades and explore future opportunities to enhance community health nationwide. The week will feature various activities, including the NPHW Kickoff Forum on April 7 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM EST, which will highlight public health’s comprehensive impact and discuss forthcoming challenges and successes. For more information and to participate in the events, visit APHA’s National Public Health Week website.
[Source: American Public Health Association]

UPCOMING EVENTS AND OBSERVANCES:

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:

Congress Reintroduces the Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act to Boost Safety and Investment in Biking and Walking

The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act has been reintroduced in the 119th Congress to enhance safety and investment in biking and walking infrastructure.This bipartisan legislation aims to provide states with greater flexibility to utilize federal funds for active transportation projects and is named in honor of U.S. diplomat Sarah Debbink Langenkamp, who was tragically killed while cycling. Key provisions include allowing the use of federal funds to cover local cost shares for safety projects under the Transportation Alternatives Program and permitting up to 100% federal support for pedestrian and bicycle safety initiatives. These measures are designed to encourage the development of safer, more complete networks for bicycling and walking, addressing critical gaps in current infrastructure and improving roadway safety for all users. More detailed information on the bill can be found via Safe Routes Partnership’s provided factsheet.
[Source: Safe Routes Partnership]

RESEARCH NOTES:

Leveraging Technology and Theory to Change Health Behaviors, Close Gaps in Health-Related Social Needs, and Increase Enrollment in the National Diabetes Prevention Program

A recent CDC study evaluated the effectiveness of a six-month, bilingual, tailored text messaging program called bRIght communities, designed to enhance engagement in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) Lifestyle Change Program. The program aimed to increase readiness for behavioral changes, address health-related social needs, and boost enrollment in the National DPP. Matched pre and post analyses found that among the 432 participants, nearly 68% of participants with or at risk for prediabetes were initially not considering enrollment in the National DPP, but 30.3% advanced at least one stage in readiness to enroll. Additionally, significant improvements were observed in daily fruit and vegetable intake, weekly physical activity, resilience, and reductions in food insecurity and transportation concerns. These findings suggest that tailored text messaging is a promising strategy to promote health behavior changes and facilitate participation in diabetes prevention programs.

[Source: Johnson SS, Castle PH, Bosack S. Leveraging Technology and Theory to Change Health Behaviors, Close Gaps in Health-Related Social Needs, and Increase Enrollment in the National Diabetes Prevention Program. Prev Chronic Dis 2025;22:240284. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd22.240284]

 

Physical Activity, Alzheimer Plasma Biomarkers, and Cognition

A new study explored how physical activity levels correlate with Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers and cognitive function in older adults. Researchers examined plasma biomarkers such as phosphorylated tau (p-tau), a key indicator of Alzheimer’s-related neurodegeneration. Higher physical activity levels were linked to lower p-tau concentrations, suggesting a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, the study found that individuals who engaged in more physical activity demonstrated better cognitive function, including improved memory and executive function. These findings emphasize the importance of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention for reducing Alzheimer’s disease risk. Encouraging older adults to stay active may be a crucial strategy in preventing or slowing the progression of neurodegenerative conditions. Future research could focus on determining optimal exercise types and intensities for cognitive benefits.

[Source: Kim SA, Shin D, Ham H, et al. Physical Activity, Alzheimer Plasma Biomarkers, and Cognition. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(3):e250096. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.0096]

Relationship Between Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness and Sedentary Time, Physical Activity Level, and Physical Performance in Patients with Hypertension

A study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension explored how sedentary behavior influences epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness, a key marker of cardiovascular risk. EAT is the layer of fat surrounding the heart, and excessive accumulation has been linked to conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and metabolic disorders. Researchers found that individuals who spent more time in sedentary activities, such as prolonged sitting, had increased EAT thickness. Results suggest that a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to greater fat deposition around the heart, potentially elevating the risk of cardiovascular disease. These findings emphasize the importance of reducing sedentary time and promoting physical activity as strategies to improve heart health. Even small lifestyle changes, such as taking breaks from sitting, incorporating light movement throughout the day, or engaging in regular exercise, may help mitigate the accumulation of EAT and lower cardiovascular risk. Future research could explore specific activity levels or interventions needed to counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting on heart health.
[Source: Tunc Suygun, E., Vardar Yagli, N. & Suygun, H. Relationship Between Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness and Sedentary Time, Physical Activity Level, and Physical Performance in Patients with Hypertension. J Hum Hypertens (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41371-025-01002-y]

Process Evaluation of the Hockey Fans in Training Lifestyle Intervention (for Men with Overweight or Obesity)

Using qualitative methods, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of the Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) program, a lifestyle intervention designed to promote weight loss and improve health among men with overweight or obesity. The program leverages the appeal of professional hockey teams to engage participants in healthier behaviors, combining physical activity, nutrition education, and behavioral support. The process evaluation assessed participant engagement, program delivery, and overall effectiveness. Evaluation included interviews, focus groups, and surveys of partners, coaches, and participants across 20 intervention sites. Results indicated that Hockey FIT successfully motivated men to adopt healthier lifestyles, leading to increased physical activity and improved dietary habits. Key factors contributing to its success included a supportive group environment, alignment with participants’ interest in hockey, and structured coaching. Findings suggest that sports-themed health interventions can be an effective strategy for engaging men, who are often underrepresented in weight management programs, in sustainable lifestyle changes.

[Source: Blunt, Wendy M., Kfrerer, Marisa L., Gill, Dawn P., Shillington, Katie J., Riggin, Brendan, Irwin, Jennifer D., Bliss, Brooke, Petrella, Robert J. Process Evaluation of the Hockey Fans in Training Lifestyle Intervention (for Men with Overweight or Obesity), Translational Behavioral Medicine, Volume 15, Issue 1, January 2025, ibaf002, https://doi.org/10.1093/tbm/ibaf002]

REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES:

2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association

The 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, published by the American Heart Association (AHA), provides critical insights into the ongoing impact of heart disease and stroke in the United States. It confirms that heart disease remains the leading cause of death across all populations in the U.S., underscoring the need for continued public health efforts to reduce its burden. Key findings from the report highlight troubling trends, particularly the rising rates of hypertension and obesity, both of which are significant contributors to cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension, in particular, is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. The prevalence of obesity, linked to unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles, further exacerbates these risks.
The AHA stresses the importance of early detection and management of these risk factors. The report advocates for lifestyle interventions focused on healthy eating, increasing physical activity, and weight management as primary strategies to mitigate cardiovascular disease risk. These strategies improve heart health and reduce the overall healthcare burden related to heart disease and stroke. This update serves as a call to action for individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to prioritize heart health through lifestyle modifications and enhanced public health efforts. Additional details about the 2025 update can be found through the AHA website.

[Source: Martin SS, Aday AW, Allen NB, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CAM, Arora P, Avery CL, Baker-Smith CM, Bansal N, Beaton AZ, Commodore-Mensah Y, Currie ME, Elkind MSV, Fan W, Generoso G, Gibbs BB, Heard DG, Hiremath S, Johansen MC, Kazi DS, Ko D, Leppert MH, Magnani JW, Michos ED, Mussolino ME, Parikh NI, Perman SM, Rezk-Hanna M, Roth GA, Shah NS, Springer MV, St-Onge M-P, Thacker EL, Urbut SM, Van Spall HGC, Voeks JH, Whelton SP, Wong ND, Wong SS, Yaffe K, Palaniappan LP; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Committee. 2025 Heart disease and stroke statistics: a report of US and global data from the American Heart Association. Circulation. Published online January 27, 2025]

PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:

Palm Springs Studio Fights Heart Disease with AHA Collaboration

In recognition of American Heart Month, Orangetheory Fitness in Palm Desert has annually partnered with the American Heart Association to combat heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. This collaboration aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and encourage community members to engage in heart-healthy activities. Orangetheory Fitness emphasizes the importance of regular exercise and offers structured programs designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, supporting the mission to reduce heart disease prevalence in the community.

[Source: NBC Palm Springs]

 

Columbia Fitness Group Build Leaders Through Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith

A local Columbia, South Carolina fitness group is fostering leadership for men of all ages through a unique blend of fitness, fellowship, and faith. This initiative aims to build community and promote personal growth among participants by integrating physical exercise with communal support and spiritual development. By addressing both physical and spiritual well-being, the group offers a holistic approach to personal development, encouraging members to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
[Source: News19 Columbia, South Carolina]

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:

APRIL

May

JUNE

JULY

August

Writers: Jasmin Parker-Brown

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The USC Prevention Research Center is a member of the CDC Prevention Research Center’s National Network, consisting of 33 Centers in the U.S. For more information about the PRC National Network, visit http://www.cdc.gov/prc.

This publication was supported by Cooperative Agreement Number U48DP006401 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC.

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