Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Health Is Wealth: The Hidden Cost of a Toxic Food Supply

Columnist Michelle Pettes encourages us to prioritize our overall health and well-being.

iStock / David Prado
Healing in Motion: How Exercise Empowers Black Women on their Breast Cancer Journey

African-American women who engaged in vigorous exercise for at least three hours per week cut their risk of developing estrogen receptor–negative breast cancer in half, according to findings from the Black Women’s Health Study.

istock Prostock-Studio
Concierge Medicine: Personalized Healthcare at a Premium Price

Dr. Chrisette Dharma, Medical Director of Southwest Family Medicine Associates (SFMA), believes her practice strikes an affordable balance between concierge care and traditional medicine.

Conditions & Symptoms

Two Former Football Players Die in Separate Half Marathons The Same Day: What We Can Learn From Them

Two Former Football Players Die in Separate Half Marathons The Same Day: What We Can Learn From Them
Charles Rogers/Instagram Rawleigh Williams III/Facebook

Running has surged in popularity in recent years due to its accessibility, health benefits, and the rise of wellness culture. Unlike many sports, it requires minimal equipment—just a pair of good shoes—and can be done almost anywhere. Social media and fitness apps have also fueled interest by creating virtual communities, challenges, and motivation. Additionally, many people turned to running during the COVID-19 pandemic as a safe, solo form of exercise, and the habit stuck. The mental health benefits, such as stress relief and mood improvement, have further contributed to its growing appeal across all age groups.

In May 2025, two former college football players tragically lost their lives while participating in separate half marathons. The deaths of Charles Rogers and Brian Williams underscore the potential health risks associated with endurance events—even for athletes with extensive training and competitive experience.


Charles "Ace" Rogers: Former College Football Defensive Back

Charles "Ace" Rogers, 31, collapsed during the Brooklyn Half Marathon on May 17, 2025, around mile 8 of the 13.1-mile course. He suffered cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead shortly afterward at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Rogers began his collegiate football career at Iowa State University in 2012, transferred to the University of Minnesota in 2015, and concluded his playing days at Lindenwood University in Missouri due to injuries. This was his first time competing in a half marathon.

His wife, Sydney Rogers, remembered him as someone who gave his all in every endeavor and died doing something he loved.

Brian Williams: Former Texas A&M Safety

Just one day later, on May 18, 2025, 24-year-old Brian Williams died after suffering heat stroke during a half marathon in Irving, Texas.

Williams was a top-100 recruit out of Bishop Dunne High School in Dallas and played safety for Texas A&M. Over three seasons, he became known for his athleticism and leadership on the field. He graduated in 2024 with a degree in engineering and had begun working in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

His family and teammates described him as humble, kind, and a deeply faithful individual who inspired those around him.

Broader Implications: Health Risks in Endurance Events

These two tragedies highlight the risks associated with long-distance running events, even for athletes in peak condition. Sudden cardiac arrest and heat stroke are among the leading causes of death during marathons and half marathons.

Medical experts stress the importance of pre-race health screenings, proper hydration, heat preparedness, and awareness of any underlying medical conditions. Organizers of such events are also encouraged to ensure robust on-site medical support.

Both Charles Rogers and Brian Williams were beloved figures in their communities. Tributes from former teammates, friends, and family celebrated their passion, commitment, and the positive impact they made both on and off the field.

Their stories serve as solemn reminders of the importance of safety, preparation, and health awareness in competitive endurance sports.

10 Signs to Watch for When Running

  • Chest Pain or Tightness – This can be a sign of heart problems and should never be ignored. Stop immediately and seek medical attention.
  • Dizziness or Lightheadedness – Feeling faint may indicate dehydration, low blood sugar, or cardiovascular distress.
  • Shortness of Breath (beyond normal exertion) – Struggling to breathe more than usual, especially early in the run, could signal respiratory or cardiac issues.
  • Severe Fatigue or Weakness – Excessive tiredness that makes it hard to continue may point to overexertion, dehydration, or underlying illness.
  • Irregular Heartbeat or Palpitations – Feeling like your heart is skipping beats or racing can be a red flag for arrhythmia.
  • Sharp or Persistent Pain – Especially in the chest, legs, or joints. Muscle soreness is normal, but sharp pain could mean an injury like a stress fracture or pulled muscle.
  • Nausea or Vomiting – May be a sign of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or overexertion.
  • Confusion or Disorientation – A serious symptom often linked to heatstroke or dangerously low blood pressure.
  • Cold, Clammy Skin or Excessive Sweating Followed by No Sweating – These may be signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
  • Swelling in the Legs or Feet – Could indicate circulation issues or an injury, especially if it’s sudden or paired with pain.

If any of these symptoms occur, stop running immediately, rest, hydrate, and seek medical help if the symptoms persist or worsen. Listening to your body is key to running safely.

References

  1. People.com – “Runner, 31, Who Died During Brooklyn Half Marathon Identified as Former College Football Player”:
    https://people.com/runner-who-died-brooklyn-half-marathon-identified-charles-rogers-31-11738939
  2. People.com – “Former Texas A&M Football Standout Dies After Running Half Marathon”:
    https://people.com/former-texas-am-football-standout-dies-running-half-marathon-11738257
  3. Wikipedia – “List of marathon fatalities”:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_marathon_fatalities

More Stories

How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor’s Office
Photo by Jeremy Alford on Unsplash

How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor’s Office

Sometimes it feels like visiting the doctor’s office can be a little frightening, especially if you have a complicated medical problem or if you are unable to express your problems clearly. It is not uncommon for people to leave appointments feeling unheard, hurried through, or unclear of their intended treatment. However, being actively involved in one’s healthcare can make all the difference in receiving appropriate care.

Self-advocacy in the doctor’s office puts you in a position where your views, concerns, and needs are respected and taken care of to the best possible extent. If you are living with a chronic illness, a new diagnosis, or just looking for routine preventative healthcare, self-advocacy in the office of the doctor is crucial. Here is how to take charge of your healthcare experience and optimize the care you receive.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dr. Nathalie Johnson Honored with the Impact Award at NCoBC 2025

NCBC President Jennifer Plichta, MD, MS, FACS, CGRA, presents Dr. Nathalie Johnson, MD, FACS, with the 2025 Impact Award.

Dr. Nathalie Johnson Honored with the Impact Award at NCoBC 2025

Las Vegas, NV – March 27, 2025 – Dr. Nathalie Johnson, a distinguished leader in breast cancer care and advocacy, was presented with the prestigious Impact Award at the NCoBC 2025 34th Interdisciplinary Breast Center Conference, held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The NCBC Impact Award recognizes individuals whose pioneering contributions have significantly advanced breast cancer care, research, and advocacy.

The award was presented to Dr. Johnson by NCBC Board President, Jennifer Plichta, MD, MS, FACS, CGRA, in recognition of her unwavering commitment to improving breast cancer treatment, education, and patient care.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Truth About Measles

Morbillivirus measles infection.jpg - Wikipedia

The Truth About Measles

Measles might sound like a disease of the past, but it’s making a comeback in certain areas. Recently, a contagious person, who was not vaccinated, went to an NHL game, exposing everyone attending at the Bell Center in Montreal. There is a cluster of people with the measles in Texas. 2025 already has more cases of the measles than all of 2024. With more cases appearing worldwide, it’s important to understand what causes measles, its symptoms, and why getting vaccinated is the best way to stay protected.

What Causes Measles?

Measles is caused by the measles virus (MeV), a highly contagious airborne virus. It spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks, releasing virus particles into the air【1】. What makes measles especially dangerous is its ability to linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours【2】. That means you can catch it just by being in the same room as an infected person—even if they’ve already left.

Keep ReadingShow less
The OMS Foundation: Honoring Legacy Through Education and Giving

Larea Kwakye and her family founded the OMS Foundation to honor the memory of her grandmother, Ollie Mae Smith, who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease.

The OMS Foundation: Honoring Legacy Through Education and Giving

Losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s disease can be devastating, but Larea Kwakye and her family chose to transform their grief into a lasting impact for others.

After the passing of her grandmother, Ollie Mae Smith, in September 2019 at the age of 86, Kwakye and her family came together to establish the OMS Foundation. This initiative was created to honor Smith’s legacy of love, service, and education, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from her lifelong commitment to learning.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tuberculosis Outbreak in Kansas: A Warning for the Nation
Photo by Josh Redd on Unsplash

Tuberculosis Outbreak in Kansas: A Warning for the Nation

A recent tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas has raised alarms among health officials, highlighting the persistent dangers of this infectious disease and its potential implications for the rest of the United States. The outbreak, primarily affecting Wyandotte and Johnson counties, is one of the largest recorded in U.S. history, with 67 active cases and 79 latent infections as of January 2025 (AP News). What does this mean for the rest of the country?

The Scope of the Outbreak

The outbreak has resulted in two confirmed fatalities in 2024, prompting a swift response from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agencies have ramped up contact tracing, testing, and treatment efforts to contain the disease. Despite these efforts, the outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the challenges associated with TB control (AP News).

Keep ReadingShow less
×