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Read news stories and features below about Canyon Ranch Institute and its charge to educate, inspire, and empower every person to prevent disease and embrace a life of wellness.


2008 News Articles

Armstrong's cancer summit puts spotlight on survivors
The Columbus Dispatch – July 25, 2008
Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), opened the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s LIVESTRONG Summit in Columbus, Ohio, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Carmona highlighted cancer survivorship and what all Americans can do to make cancer prevention and survivorship a national priority. Earlier this week, Dr. Carmona, three other former U.S. Surgeons General, and Lance Armstrong announced the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship. Columbus Dispatch reporter Misti Crane describes how the U.S. Surgeons General called for “invigorated efforts to combat cancer and its fallout.”

National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship: Blog Series
Revolution Health – July 23-28, 2008
Dr. Val Jones, senior medical director for Revolution Health, interviewed three former U.S. Surgeons General, including Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), at a press conference on July 23 announcing the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship. Dr. Jones describes how “each speaker made a compelling and passionate plea for redoubling our efforts on the war on cancer.” The resulting interview Q&A sessions are posted as a series. Please click on the headlines below to read the individual entries.

 

Lance Armstrong, Ex-U.S. Officials Join Cancer Effort
Bloomberg News – July 23, 2008
Following the announcement of the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship on July 23, Bloomberg News reporter Catherine Larkin describes how Lance Armstrong and four former U.S. Surgeons General, including Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), “urged Americans to ‘end cancer as we know it’ by adopting prevention and treatment standards that can reduce deaths and cut health-care spending.” The article goes on to highlight actionable goals in the fight against cancer, including efforts to improve access to cancer screening, and work to reduce exposure to tobacco.

Lance Armstrong launches U.S. cancer quest
Reuters – July 23, 2008
Lance Armstrong joined forces with four former U.S. Surgeons General, including Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), on July 23 to announce the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship, which “emphasizes prevention efforts such as not smoking, eating more fruit and vegetables, getting less fat in the diet, getting more exercise, using sunscreen and avoiding indoor tanning beds.” Dr. Carmona stated at the press conference, “Today, we have a better understanding about how cancer works and have developed tools for better screening, diagnosis and treatment. Half of all new cancer cases could be prevented or detected earlier, when they are most treatable."

Don't drop the medicine ball
Talk Radio News Service – July 23, 2008
This report on the July 23 National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship press conference details the comments made by Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006) and Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H., 14th Surgeon General of the United States (1990-1993). During his remarks, “[Dr.] Carmona emphasized that the National Call to Action would ultimately save lives, save money and improve the lives of the 12 million cancer survivors across America.”

Catching Up With Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th U.S. Surgeon General
Revolution Health – May 28, 2008
In this follow-up interview with Dr. Val Jones, senior medical director for Revolution Health, Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006) discusses public health and prevention strategies to address the nation’s chronic disease burden, including overweight and obesity. Dr. Carmona describes Canyon Ranch Institute’s peer-partnership model through which Canyon Ranch’s best practices and integrative approach to optimal health and wellness are translated to all people, and in particular to underserved populations.

U.S. needs to invest in preventing chronic diseases
The Philadelphia Inquirer – May 12, 2008
Following a recent speaking engagement in Philadelphia, Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, authored this opinion piece on chronic disease prevention and management. Dr. Carmona writes, “We need to put partisanship aside and find new ways to address chronic disease by helping Americans make better health decisions, by establishing incentives to prevent and manage chronic disease, and by maintaining our robust public health research.”

An Unhealthy America: Obesity and the Economic Implications of Chronic Disease
FasterCures SmartBrief – April 29, 2008
The April 29 issue of the FasterCures SmartBrief e-newsletter highlighted the Milken Institute Global Conference breakout session, “An Unhealthy America: Obesity and the Economic Implications of Chronic Disease.” Moderator Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), set the tone of the discussion by spotlighting key facts: In the United States, chronic diseases account for more than 75 cents of every dollar spent on healthcare, are the top causes of death and disability, and the number one driver of rising healthcare costs.

A Surgeon General's Opinion: Blog Series
Revolution Health – April 24-28, 2008
Dr. Val Jones, senior medical director for Revolution Health, interviewed Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, regarding a range of health issues facing Americans today. The resulting Q&A is posted as a series. Please click on the headlines below to read the five posts.


Former Surgeon General on a Better Approach to Health Care
Pajamas Media – April 22, 2008
Pajamas Media editor, David J. Rusin, interviewed Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, on the socioeconomic burdens of chronic disease. Rusin describes how Dr. Carmona "believes that the key to both curbing costs and saving lives is to refocus health care on the prevention and early detection of chronic disease — long-term and typically incurable conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and asthma."

Kennedy: Healthcare reform must aggressively tackle chronic diseases
The Hill – April 8, 2008
In this article, Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI), 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), a CRI partner, is quoted speaking about the issues addressed at a Capitol Hill Health Policy Briefing that CRI participated in with U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy and AstraZeneca CEO David Brennan. The briefing was focused on educating policymakers about the importance of prevention and management of chronic disease. Dr. Carmona stated, "Seventy-five cents of every dollar you're spending on health care is on chronic disease, much of which is preventable."

20 questions: Dr. Richard Carmona
The Hill – March 12, 2008
In this Q&A interview with The Hill newspaper (Washington, D.C.), Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI) and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), answers questions about the obesity crisis in the United States and the work of the Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner. CRI is a member of the Alliance, and Dr. Carmona serves as the Alliance's Health and Wellness Chairperson. The Alliance is a collaboration of consumer, provider, government, labor, business, health insurers, and quality-of-care organizations united to drive innovative and practical strategies that combat obesity.

Coalition Pushes To Fight Chronic Disease in Colorado
CBS4 (KCNC-TV), Denver – March 5, 2008
A bipartisan coalition of influential Coloradans in the health care, business, labor and faith communities launched a campaign to make chronic disease the key health care issue in the 2008 presidential election. Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, Colorado first lady Jeannie Ritter, Denver Bronco Daniel Graham and former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb are part of the bipartisan group that launched the Colorado Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. View the CBS4 video interview with Dr. Carmona.

Chronic Disease a Growing Health Care Cost in Colorado
NBC9 (KUSA), Denver – March 4, 2008
In Colorado more than $3 billion dollars is spent every year to fight chronic disease. On 9News, Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, said chronic disease is a growing, expensive problem that must be addressed. Dr. Carmona launched the Colorado Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), which is a bipartisan coalition of influential Coloradans in the health care, business, labor and faith communities committed to making chronic disease the key health care issue in the 2008 presidential election. Dr. Carmona wants to raise awareness among opinion leaders, and the general public about the significant impact of chronic disease, on quality of life and longevity and on the cost of health care. View the NBC9 video interview with Dr. Carmona.

Ex-surgeon general says change needed
The Post and Courier – February 22, 2008
Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006) spoke Thursday to hospital leaders during the South Carolina Hospital Association's 87th annual meeting. His points of attack were threefold: smoking, obesity, and health disparities among minorities. Dr. Carmona challenged the state's health care leaders to change the paradigm of care. Hospitals make money treating sick people, he said, but their goal should be the eradication of preventable diseases.

Opinion by Richard H. Carmona: ' an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure ' - Benjamin Franklin
Arizona Daily Star – January 20, 2008
Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), authored this opinion piece on the value of disease prevention. He writes, "The Arizona Legislature reconvened last week and I had the honor of addressing the Senate on opening day. I want to reach out to our elected leaders and to my fellow Arizonans on an issue that is overlooked and underappreciated: prevention."

Three heavyweights in the nation's public health debate join forces to push cancer back into political arena
Austin American-Statesman – January 18, 2008
Cyclist Lance Armstrong, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), joined forces Friday to continue pushing cancer into the national political arena. Dr. Carmona, who met Armstrong on a bike ride, said he and other former surgeons general have agreed to outline a national call to action – a battle plan offering government officials the best available science in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.


2007 News Articles

Opinion & Thought Leaders – Interview: Former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, MD
WebMD – November 30, 2007
WebMD's Washington correspondent, Todd Zwillich, interviewed Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006) on the state of the nation's health care and how the election might affect it.

Iowa Democrats, Republicans join former Surgeon General in healthcare pledge against chronic disease
Radio Iowa – November 8, 2007
Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, met with leaders of the Iowa Democrat and Republican parties today, and those leaders agreed to join an effort to fight chronic disease. Dr. Carmona says the effort needs to be at the forefront of the health care debate among presidential candidates.

Fit: Up to Bat to Fight Fat
The D.C. Express – November 6, 2007
This article focuses on weight, which Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and health and wellness chairperson for the Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance, explains is a critical public health topic for America. The STOP Obesity Alliance is a Canyon Ranch Institute partner.

Chronic disease enters political arena
Columbus Dispatch – November 3, 2007
Health care, business, and labor groups have joined a coalition to focus attention on the leading cause of skyrocketing health-care costs — chronic disease. The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, is already busy in early primary and caucus states, launched its fourth chapter in Ohio on Thursday with backing from two dozen groups.

Carmona: Obesity is 'the terror within'
Cox News Service – November 3, 2007
Tucson's Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), who finished his term as surgeon general in 2006 and now chairs the Strategies to Overcome and Prevent Obesity Alliance, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, said that obesity is no longer an individual problem but one that "undermines the strength of our nation."

Chronic disease costs: $1 trillion a year
Columbus Dispatch – October 31, 2007
The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), a bipartisan coalition of patients, providers, community organizations, business and labor groups, and health policy experts, is coming together in Ohio to urge the 2008 presidential candidates and other leaders to focus on the leading cause of skyrocketing health care costs: chronic disease. The PFCD is a Canyon Ranch Institute partner.

Carmona pushing for flu shots for more children
Tucson Citizen – October 20, 2007
Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), has a new mission: making sure children get their flu shots. Dr. Carmona is the chairperson of the Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner. The coalition has determined that only about 20 percent of children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years old get flu shots each year.

7 diseases take a costly toll on Utahns
Deseret Morning News – October 10, 2007
In a telephone press conference outlining the findings from a recent report released by the Milken Institute, Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, called the economic burden of chronic disease "staggering." Steps taken to prevent chronic disease are actually an investment, he said.

Chronic disease costs "staggering"
CBS News Online – October 3, 2007
(WebMD) A report released Tuesday concludes that chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease are costing the American economy a whopping $1.3 trillion per year. "The trajectory our nation is on is one that is unsustainable," says Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner.

Candidates to be pressed for views on health care
Union Leader – September 26, 2007
While presidential candidates focus on health insurance plans, advocacy groups are pressing them for details of their views on health care quality. "We want this to be a debate topic," said Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD). "We are not telling any candidate what to say." The PFCD is a Canyon Ranch Institute partner.

Push to make chronic disease part of 2008 discussion
Boston Globe – September 25, 2007
Some of the nation's leading health care policy specialists, including Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, announced a policy initiative today to pressure presidential candidates to develop strategies to combat chronic diseases as part of their health care plans.

Opinion: Secondhand smoke proved harmful
USA Today – July 9, 2007
Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), authored this opinion piece on the American people's proactive response to the secondhand smoke report he issued in 2006. Dr. Carmona notes that "Americans have taken more action than ever before to prevent their exposure to secondhand smoke in public places."

Former U.S. health chief returns to roots to campaign
Reuters UK – February 5, 2007
Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), says it's payback time as he goes back to his roots to campaign for people to look after their health. "We must change from being disease-oriented to being health-oriented, and focus attention on preventing health problems, not fixing them after they've happened." Dr. Carmona and other health experts say the majority of what we pay for in health care is preventable.

Working Out With Dr. Richard Carmona ; If you want to play with your grandkids, says the ex-Surgeon General, you need to get serious about balance, strength training, and cardio
BusinessWeek – January 8, 2007
During a four-year term as U.S. Surgeon General, Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), was always greeted the same way by President George W. Bush. "He'd say, Did you get your workout in today?'" recalls Dr. Carmona.

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