University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center

09/11/2026

Did you know wastewater can tell us something about what a community eats?

Researchers analyzed wastewater from 21 treatment plants in North Carolina and detected DNA from hundreds of foods. The approach could give public health researchers another way to understand dietary patterns across entire communities.

A new study showed that scientists can learn about a community’s eating habits by studying its wastewater.

09/11/2026

Postmenopausal women may see particular cognitive benefits from aerobic exercise. In a six-month study, women who did aerobic exercise four days a week showed greater improvements in executive function compared with women in the stretching and toning group. All participants started with below-average fitness and were not regularly exercising.

Background Physical exercise is widely recognized for its cognitive benefits; however, the effect of menopausal status in modulating the cognitive effects of ex...

09/09/2026

Healthy habits can start early, but children don’t build them alone.
A review of 12 preschool programs found that combining physical activity and nutrition showed promising results, particularly when families and the preschool environment were part of the approach.

09/04/2026

Three minutes of sprinting can trigger a surprisingly large response in the body. Researchers found that six 30-second sprints changed nearly a quarter of the blood proteins measured, while 90 minutes of moderate cycling changed far fewer. Many of the proteins affected by sprinting were also associated with better cardiometabolic health.

Brief bursts of intense exercise trigger a molecular response linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease and that are associated with slower biological aging. (Credit: Aflo images)

09/03/2026

Having a park nearby does not always mean people will use it to be active. In 17 South Los Angeles parks, researchers found higher physical activity in parks using community-led safety programs, especially among Black Park users. The way a space feels and is managed can shape whether people actually use it to move.

Community-led safety program was associated with increased physical activity at South Los Angeles parks, with the greatest gains among Black visitors. The type of safety intervention was more important than park quality for supporting physical activity The findings suggest that park safety can influ...

09/02/2026

Healthy aging is not just about living longer. As we age, energy needs may decrease while nutrient needs stay the same or even increase, making nutrient-dense foods especially important. Food access, culture, and other social factors can also shape how well older adults are able to eat.

08/05/2026

Healthy habits don’t happen in a vacuum. A recent review of 11 studies involving African immigrants living in Western countries found that health behaviors after migration were shaped by factors including food access and cost, time, family responsibilities, safety, and cultural beliefs.

Creating healthier communities starts with understanding the conditions that shape everyday choices.

Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise globally, accounting for approximately 71% of deaths worldwide. This upward trend has also been observed among the increasing population of African immigrants residing in Western countries, where health behavior and various sociocultural an...

07/31/2026

Older adults who received peer support through a smartphone app walked significantly more steps by week 12 than those who did not. That is the finding from a cluster randomized trial published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research earlier this year. Not a trainer. Not a clinic. Just someone in a similar situation checking in through a phone. Sometimes the most effective health tool is peer support.

Background: As the population ages, older adults face an increasing risk of physical inactivity and related health complications, highlighting the need for scalable interventions. Smartphone-based programs have emerged as a promising strategy to support sustained physical activity among older adults...

07/31/2026

Produce prescription programs can improve access to healthy foods, but providing vouchers is only part of the solution. A study published in Preventing Chronic Disease found that food insecurity, transportation barriers, and distance to participating retailers all influenced whether low-income adults with type 2 diabetes redeemed fresh produce vouchers. The findings highlight the importance of designing nutrition programs that address barriers to access.

Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) is a peer-reviewed electronic journal established by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. PCD provides an open exchange of information and knowledge among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and others who strive to improve....

07/29/2026

The months after childbirth are among the most physically and emotionally demanding in a woman's life, yet they're also when physical activity often declines the most. A 2026 systematic review highlights that regular movement during the postpartum period supports physical recovery, improves mental well-being, and promotes long-term health. Helping new mothers stay active isn't about giving advice, but rather, providing support that helps them move.

Postpartum physical activity (PA) is crucial in supporting maternal health, contributing to mental health and well-being, weight management, and overall physical fitness. Although multiple health organizations have issued PA recommendations for ...