Fielding Notes | Dean's Corner 11.06.26

How we live affects our health. With research dating back to the 1940s, UCLA Fielding former dean and public health visionary Dr. Lester Breslow led studies and interventions that established the connection between mortality and lifestyle. 

Chronic diseases remain among the leading causes of death in the United States, with heart disease at the top of the list. Recently published studies led by UCLA Fielding faculty suggest that, “long working hours — 55 hours or more per week — combined with a poor diet can lead to a 61% higher rate of obesity, a 33% higher rate of diabetes, and a 73% higher chance of death due to cardiovascular disease.” 

It’s easy to forget, even if we know the data, to treat our bodies and minds with care. As we head into the weekend, I encourage you to spend time being good to yourself. Whether you take a walk in your neighborhood, prepare a heart healthy meal or take just a few minutes to pause and breathe deeply, we all need to remember that, as the saying goes, prevention is the best medicine. 

PS: Join us in early 2027 for the next UCLA Fielding Lester Breslow Distinguished Lecture. More details to come soon.