The Power Over the Barriers to Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, Weight Loss and Cancer Survivorship Gathering at Springhill Church on May 16 aimed to equip people with practical tips to living a healthy life, as well as support and community.
“It’s about taking charge of your health under whatever conditions exist in your life and making healthier choices,” said Carolyn Tucker, Ph.D., director of the UF Health Cancer Institute’s Community-Partnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative (CDRC).
The gathering included talks on GLP-1 drugs, weight loss strategies, food as medicine, ways to improve cancer survivorship and practical health tips. UF Health oncologists, dietitians, physical trainers and cancer survivors answered questions during small group discussions and panel sessions. Attendees also learned about opportunities to participate in University of Florida research.
A highlight was the “Chomp Out the Barriers Dance” with the Smooth Flava Dance Team and creator Lamon Marshall Chapman.
Thomas George, M.D., FACP, FASCO, our interim director, gave a presentation on the importance of health promotion and cancer research participation. He highlighted the value of the gathering to share trusted, research-based health information. Importantly, it fosters a dialogue to understand real-world community needs so that research makes a meaningful difference.
“I continue to learn every time I’m in the presence of so many great people and perspectives,” he said. “I hope each of you continue to participate and educate and empower yourselves and your families so we can all stay healthy.”
City of Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward supported encouraged everyone to spread the word about what they learned on healthy eating and exercising. “We are gifted with these bodies, we are blessed with these bodies, and it’s our job to steward them and take care of them,” he said.
Bishop Christopher Stokes, a cancer survivor and panelist, said the gathering was an invaluable way to share high-quality knowledge.
“It provides education at a grassroots level,” he said. “Most of the time, people that need this information don’t really have access to the information. This opportunity is really great, especially for people in the African American community who may not have access or know how to gain access.”
Gainesville resident Lois Harrison, 90, has attended past gatherings and said they are always informative.
“You find out things you’re doing that are detrimental to your body that you didn’t know,” she said. “Having this exposure makes you more aware of what you’re doing wrong. It makes you want to improve how you’re living, how you’re eating, all of it. A lot of people have improved their health just because of attending these meetings.”
The gathering was presented by the CDRC and the Cancer Institute’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement. The CDRC consists of 13 local Black churches, community scientists, technology coordinators, and faculty members and administrators at the Cancer Institute. The group works as partners to help prevent and reduce cancers among Blacks in East Gainesville. Thank you to the pastor-scientists and all in the CDRC for their partnership and commitment.
The gathering was the sixth in the Power Over Cancer series. Previous gatherings have focused on prostate, colorectal, breast, ovarian and cervical cancers.
