cancer prevention – Urban City Podcast Group

Take Control of Your Health with Preventive Care: Screenings, Vaccinations, and Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Urban City Podcast Group — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 18:14:18 +0000

Major Takeaways:

Routine screenings and early detection can save lives and prevent serious illnesses.
Staying current on vaccinations protects both individuals and communities.
Healthy lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, and sleep, significantly improve long-term health outcomes.

Take Control of Your Health with Preventive Care: Screenings, Vaccinations, and Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Taking control of your health is one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself and your community. Preventive care is more than a personal choice. It is a strategy that helps you detect issues early, prevent serious illnesses, and create a foundation for long-term well-being. By staying on top of routine screenings, keeping vaccinations up to date, and making informed lifestyle choices, you can protect yourself, your family, and the people around you.

Preventive care is not just about avoiding illness. It is about living your best life, improving quality of life, and setting an example for your community. It is about taking actionable steps now to ensure you enjoy years of health and vitality while reducing the risk of costly medical emergencies later.

Routine Screenings: Detect Health Issues Early

Routine screenings are a cornerstone of preventive health care. They allow doctors to detect conditions such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and lung disease before they progress. Catching problems early significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.

Screenings like colonoscopies, mammograms, Pap tests, and low-dose CT scans are essential tools. Colonoscopies allow doctors to find polyps that could turn into cancer and remove them before they develop. Mammograms detect breast cancer in its early stages, which is critical for treatment success. Pap tests can identify cervical cell changes before they become cancerous. Low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer early, especially in people who are at higher risk due to smoking or environmental factors.

Healthcare providers recommend annual mammograms for women between ages 45 and 54. Colorectal screenings are now suggested starting at age 45. Cardiovascular screenings, including monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, are essential in preventing strokes, heart attacks, and other serious complications. Regular screenings empower individuals to make informed choices, address issues early, and contribute to a healthier community overall.

Early detection is not just a personal benefit. Communities with higher preventive care participation rates have lower overall healthcare costs, fewer hospital admissions, and healthier populations. Making screenings a priority is an investment that pays dividends in both health and economic terms.

Vaccinations: Protect Yourself and Your Community

Vaccines are an essential part of preventive care at every age. While many people associate vaccines with children, staying up to date as an adult protects you and those around you. Vaccinations prevent the spread of infectious diseases and can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness or hospitalization.

For 2025, important vaccine updates include the pneumococcal vaccine, which is now recommended starting at age 50 rather than 65. COVID-19 booster recommendations have expanded for adults 65 and older, and there are new vaccines such as PCV21 and the mRNA RSV vaccine. Staying informed about vaccine updates is critical. Consulting the CDC schedule and speaking with a healthcare provider ensures that you are following the most current guidelines.

Vaccinations are not only personal protective measures but also community protective measures. Higher immunization rates reduce the likelihood of outbreaks and safeguard vulnerable populations, including infants, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions. Protecting yourself is a powerful act of community service.

Daily Lifestyle Choices: Small Steps, Big Impact

Preventive care extends beyond routine medical visits. The everyday choices you make about diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management play a huge role in maintaining health.

Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can prevent chronic illnesses and extend life. Research suggests that incorporating more plant-based foods can add several years to your life while lowering the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Reducing the consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks is equally important for long-term health.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent disease. Walking 7,500 steps daily can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by more than 40 percent. Engaging in just 21 minutes of brisk walking each day can lower the risk of heart disease by 30 percent. Physical activity also supports mental health, boosts energy levels, helps manage weight, and strengthens muscles and bones.

Sleep and stress management are equally critical. Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, and mental health issues. High stress levels can elevate blood pressure, weaken immunity, and increase inflammation in the body. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, or even spending time outdoors can dramatically improve mental and physical well-being.

Lifestyle choices also set a powerful example for others. Families and communities benefit when individuals prioritize healthy habits. Kids are more likely to eat vegetables and exercise when their parents lead by example. Communities with higher participation in healthy behaviors experience lower rates of preventable diseases and stronger overall resilience.

Affordable Preventive Care: Accessible for Everyone

Cost should never be a barrier to preventive care. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, many essential screenings, vaccinations, and chronic disease management services are available at no out-of-pocket cost. This includes cancer screenings, immunizations, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, and diabetes management.

Digital tools like MyHealthfinder make preventive care even more accessible by providing personalized health recommendations in English and Spanish. The platform also offers community resources, clinic locators, and reminders for upcoming screenings or vaccinations.

Medicare and Medicaid ensure that older adults and low-income individuals have access to preventive care services. Clinics and local health centers also provide affordable screenings and vaccinations for those without insurance. These resources make it possible for everyone to take proactive steps in safeguarding their health.

The Economic and Long-Term Benefits of Prevention

Preventive care is not only beneficial for your health but also for your finances. Staying up to date with screenings, vaccines, and wellness visits can reduce healthcare costs by up to 30 percent. Preventive strategies help avoid expensive hospitalizations, long-term treatments, and complications from chronic diseases.

Personalized preventive programs can save individuals between $150 and $300 per month after three years. Reducing chronic disease management costs, cutting hospital stays, and avoiding costly emergency treatments create tangible long-term savings. Communities benefit as well, with reduced healthcare spending, more productive workforces, and improved quality of life.

Beyond finances, preventive care is an investment in your future. People who prioritize prevention often experience fewer illnesses, more energy, and higher overall satisfaction with life. Prevention gives you the ability to enjoy life fully, participate in community activities, and be present for family and friends.

Taking Action: Start Today

The best time to prioritize your health is now. Schedule your routine screenings, check your vaccination status, and adopt lifestyle habits that support long-term wellness. Every action counts. Even small steps, such as adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals, taking a short walk each day, or getting a recommended vaccine, can have a profound impact on your health.

Prioritizing preventive care is a commitment to yourself and your community. It is a way to ensure that you live longer, stronger, and more vibrant. By investing in your health today, you set a powerful example for others and help build a healthier, more resilient community.

For more information on preventive care, health tips, and resources, visit urbancitypodcast.com and take the first step toward a healthier future today.

Barbara Turknett Edwards Inspires Hope and Healing in the Fight Against Cancer

Mari Michelle — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:00:40 +0000

Major Takeaways:

Barbara Turknett Edwards turned personal tragedy into a mission for community health and cancer awareness.
Her nonprofit, the Rose M. Turknett Cancer Network, connects underserved patients to critical resources.
A triple negative breast cancer thriver, Barbara uses her story to inspire and empower others

Barbara Turknett Edwards: Turning Pain into Purpose in the Fight Against Cancer

Barbara Turknett Edwards is a woman of deep conviction and unstoppable faith. A mother of three grown sons and grandmother to three grandsons and one granddaughter, Barbara has spent decades doing what many would consider impossible fighting cancer not just for herself but for entire communities. Now in her seventies and still going strong, she stands as both a survivor and a servant leader, reminding everyone she meets that hope and healing are possible when people have access to knowledge and resources.

Barbara’s story began with heartbreak. In 2009, her youngest sister Rose M. Turknett lost her battle with breast cancer. The loss devastated Barbara, but it also lit a fire in her spirit that has never gone out. Determined to honor her sister’s legacy, she founded the Rose M. Turknett Cancer Network, a nonprofit organization committed to education, early detection, and community advocacy. Through the organization, Barbara connects patients to lifesaving resources and helps families navigate a healthcare system that can often feel overwhelming. Her work is especially focused on underserved communities where medical access and information are often lacking.

The network provides cancer awareness programs, connects individuals to screenings, and assists patients with locating financial and emotional support. For Barbara, it is personal. “While my sister was going through, I didn’t know a lot of resources,” she recalls. “And when I went through, I didn’t get a lot of help. Case managers and social workers are too busy or have too many clients; they don’t share the information with patients.” Her voice carries both compassion and conviction, the sound of someone who has lived the struggle and decided to change it for others.

Barbara’s own diagnosis came nearly thirteen years ago, just as she was turning fifty eight. The words triple negative breast cancer can shake anyone’s soul, but Barbara chose faith over fear. “My experience is not like your average cancer survivor,” she says. “It has been an awesome experience. So many things have been birthed out of it. Like I said, I have a nonprofit organization. What I do, I assist people going through cancer with resources.” That spirit of gratitude and purpose has carried her through every obstacle.

Instead of retreating into pain or fear, Barbara transformed her diagnosis into a platform. Her journey has been about action, empowerment, and service. She became the advocate she wished she had during her sister’s fight, creating a bridge between patients and the critical information they need to survive. Her message is simple: awareness saves lives, and access saves futures.

In communities across America, especially those that have historically been overlooked or underserved, cancer outcomes remain uneven. Barbara knows this truth too well. That is why her nonprofit is more than just a name, it is a movement grounded in faith, compassion, and a determination to break down barriers to care. The Rose M. Turknett Cancer Network continues to grow, powered by partnerships, volunteers, and Barbara’s relentless drive to make sure no one walks alone on their cancer journey.

Even after all she has endured, Barbara radiates optimism. She speaks about cancer not as a curse but as a calling. She calls herself a thriver, not just a survivor, and she means it. For her, thriving means living on purpose, serving others, and spreading hope to those who feel forgotten by the system.

Today, Barbara Turknett Edwards remains a respected voice in cancer awareness circles, a mentor to newly diagnosed patients, and a community advocate whose work continues to touch lives across the country. She proves every day that surviving is not enough; you have to live, give, and keep believing that something good can come out of even the darkest chapters.

For more information or to support Barbara’s mission, visit the Rose M. Turknett Cancer Network online at www.rmtcancernetwork.org, email rmtcancernetwork@gmail.com, or call 954 822 0847.

Shani Scott: Resilience, Self-Love, and Survival A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Journey of Purpose and Power

Mari Michelle — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 21:18:17 +0000

Major Takeaways:

Breast cancer doesn’t define survival — resilience and mindset do.
Self-love and intentional living are essential for healing and fulfillment.
Knowledge, action, and support networks are vital to overcoming adversity.

Shani Scott: Resilience, Self-Love, and Survival. A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Journey of Purpose and Power

Urban City Podcast proudly highlights the remarkable journey of Shani Scott, an author, speaker, and award-winning radio personality whose life story stands as a living example of courage, healing, and the power of self-determination. A mother of two daughters and the owner of MediaRoom360, Shani has faced adversity with grace and emerged stronger, using her platform to empower women everywhere to reclaim control of their happiness and well-being.

Her books, The Rough Side / The Soft Side and Shani, How Do You Do It?: A Mindset Manual for Women Who’ve Had Enough, dig deep into the themes of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of self-worth. Through her writing and public speaking, she reminds women that healing begins with intentional living and radical self-love.

But behind her inspiring words lies a personal battle that redefined her perspective on life. In November 2016, Shani’s world shifted when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. That day, she recalls sitting in her car, tears streaming down her face, grappling with the thought of mortality. “The moment you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, you instantly become a survivor because you survived up to that diagnosis,” she said. “Even those who have passed from breast cancer are still considered survivors in spirit.”

From that moment, her journey became a testament to resilience. Shani’s OB-GYN, Dr. Raymond Delaina, guided her through the early stages of her diagnosis, connecting her with her first oncologist and offering unwavering support. When she lost her corporate job and health insurance, her oncologist waived his bill and directed her to programs in Texas that provided medical coverage for women battling cancer.

These small acts of compassion became lifelines of hope. Eventually, Shani began working with Dr. Joyce O’Shaughnessy at Baylor in Dallas, a partnership that empowered her to explore a treatment plan that aligned with her values and fears. Shani chose a blend of holistic and medical approaches, avoiding chemotherapy and radiation, while focusing on maintaining her quality of life. Her journey even took her to Nassau, Bahamas, where she tried natural remedies like Soursop juice, an experience she credits for helping her heal physically and emotionally.

Through her battle, Shani learned the art of prioritization. “I learned how to be a little selfish,” she admits. “To make sure what needed me most—my daughters and myself—had me.” She also discovered how vital diet, exercise, and mindset are to wellness. “Cancer feeds off sugar,” she warns. “You’ve got to move your body, eat right, and be mindful of what you put in it.”

Her recovery inspired her TEDx talk, Living Because I’m Dying, a raw and empowering reflection on how confronting mortality reawakens one’s purpose. “I decided to live because I’m dying,” she said. “You don’t know your last day, so live fully.”

Her latest book, Shani, How Do You Do It?, builds on this philosophy, including a 31-Day Resiliency Challenge that helps readers reconnect with their personal power and joy. Shani herself continues to live by the principles she teaches—taking time for rest, reflection, and recreation. “I intentionally watch TV now,” she jokes. “It sounds simple, but it feels like living again.”

Today, Shani Scott is more than a survivor; she’s a teacher of resilience, an advocate for wellness, and a voice for self-love. Her life encourages others to seek knowledge, take action, and never neglect themselves in the process. She reminds us that healing is both an internal and external act—one fueled by information, community, and faith.

For those seeking trusted information and resources, Shani recommends organizations like the American Cancer Association, American Heart Association, and American Stroke Association—sources that also guided her through her own healing journey.

Through her courage and authenticity, Shani Scott shows that survival is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a new chapter of purpose, balance, and strength.

Urban City Podcast celebrates her as a shining example of how resilience and self-love can transform even the darkest battles into testimonies of triumph.