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CofC Launches Fitness, Community Health Testing Program

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CofC Launches Fitness, Community Health Testing Program

Photos by Catie Cleveland

The College of Charleston School of Health Sciences is debuting a state-of-the-art testing program that will have students, faculty and staff working directly with campus and community members who wish to better understand various measures of fitness and how they impact their health. 

The Fitness and Community Health Testing (FaCHT) program will assess cardiovascular fitness, body composition, metabolic rate, muscular fitness and more for those who are using weight loss drugs, receiving hormone therapy or looking to better understand their fitness levels. The program will not diagnose or treat health conditions. 

The FaCHT program will offer VO2 max testing, the gold standard testing for heart and lung health and oxygen utilization, which health experts agree is the strongest predictor of longevity. DXA scan data, which shows the amount of fat and non-fat mass on the body, can be bundled with the VO2 max results for a better overall picture of health. This can be especially useful as people age.  

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“Tracking body composition and cardiovascular fitness gives us a comprehensive picture of an individual’s overall state of health,” says Chris Reader, FaCHT program coordinator in the Department of Applied Exercise Science. This, he adds, “can be helpful to provide to their physicians to diagnose and treat health concerns.”

“The launch of the FaCHT program fills a void in the health and fitness testing market in Charleston, and represents a one-stop shop for anyone who wants to be able to present test results to their own physicians for deeper insight into their fitness journey,” says Wes Dudgeon, dean of the School of Health Sciences.  

Community members interested in learning more about the Fitness and Community Health Testing program can meet faculty and staff and receive guided tours of the new lab space on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6–7:30 p.m. RSVP to [email protected] by Dec. 6.  

  • Community members can visit the College of Charleston MarketPlace Fitness and Community Health Testing page to learn more about the types of tests offered and to sign up.  
  • Initial results are made available at the visit, and a complete report is emailed to participants for ease of sharing with their physicians.  
  • Individuals can discuss results with their doctors to refine health and fitness programs for optimal results. 

Along with the benefit to the community, the program also offers unique opportunities for College of Charleston students. FaCHT will host two student interns this spring semester, providing experience in a lab environment, managing data and understanding the science of the testing environment.  

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Trending Exercise & Fitness Gear for the new year…

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Trending Exercise & Fitness Gear for the new year…
“Exercising” topped the list of resolutions for 2026, followed by “eating better” and “saving money.” Beauty and Style Editor, Marianne Mychaskiw, joins California Live with trending exercise products that will help you keep your fitness resolution… Or motivate you to get started.
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You can now exercise with Dunkin’ weighted fitness bangles

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You can now exercise with Dunkin’ weighted fitness bangles

Dunkin’ has released a limited-edition set of weighted bangles on Tuesday, Jan. 12 through a collaboration with fitness accessory brand Bala, coinciding with the nationwide launch of its new Protein Milk option.

The 2-pound weighted bangles are available exclusively at ShopBala.com/dunkin-bala-bangles for $65 while supplies last. The wearable weights, which can be worn on arms or legs, feature Dunkin’s signature pink-and-orange color scheme and add resistance to walks, stretches, and everyday movement.

The bangles coordinate with Dunkin’s existing Dunk N’ Pump Collection.

Alongside the fitness accessory launch, Dunkin’ introduced Protein Milk as a new beverage addition available at locations nationwide. Customers can add 15 grams of protein to any medium drink that includes a milk or non-dairy base.

The coffee chain rolled out several protein-focused beverages featuring the new Protein Milk, including Megan’s Mango and Strawberry Protein Refreshers, a Caramel Chocolate Iced Protein Latte, and an Almond Iced Protein Matcha Latte.

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Just 10 Minutes of Exercise May Help Slow Cancer Growth, New Study Suggests – Muscle & Fitness

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Just 10 Minutes of Exercise May Help Slow Cancer Growth, New Study Suggests – Muscle & Fitness

Exercise has long been known for its muscle building, heart saving, and mind stimulating benefits, but more and more research is beginning to shed light on how being active can inhibit the spread of cancer, with a new study suggesting that just 10 minutes of exercise can switch off the signals that lead to cancer growth. The study, undertaken by researchers at England’s Newcastle University and published by the JAMA Network, showed that even short burst of energetic exercise can trigger quick molecular changes within the bloodstream that can halt cancer growth and accelerate DNA repair.

How Was the Study Carried Out?

30 overweight or obese male and female volunteers aged between 50 and 78 (risk factors associated with cancer) who were otherwise healthy, were asked to complete cycling sessions for around ten minutes. Following this activity, blood samples were then taken to measure 249 different proteins, and how the intervention of exercise may have affected these proteins.

Does Exercise Lower Cancer Risk Long-Term?

The scientists discovered that 13 proteins increased after this exercise, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), a protein that is associated with DNA and damaged cell repair. “These results suggest that exercise doesn’t just benefit healthy tissues, it may also create a more hostile environment for cancer cells to grow,” said Dr. Samuel Orange, who is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist. “… it sends powerful signals through the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells”

It is estimated that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of bowel cancer by around 20 percent. “It’s an exciting insight because it opens the door to find ways that mimic or augment the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer treatment and, crucially, patient outcomes,” added Orange. “In the future, these insights could lead to new therapies that imitate the beneficial effects of exercise on how cells repair damaged DNA and use fuel for energy.”

The study also found that exercise supercharged activity in genes that support mitochondrial energy metabolism, enabling calls to use oxygen more efficiently, while genes that encourage rapid cell growth were essentially switched off, reducing the aggressiveness of cancer cells. “Even a single workout can make a difference,” commented Orange. “One bout of exercise, lasting just 10 minutes, sends powerful signals to the body. It’s a reminder that every step, every session, counts when it comes to doing your best to protect your health.”

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