The University of Kentucky Office of Public Affairs and Strategic Communications provides a weekly health column that can be used and reprinted by the news media. This week’s column is: Author: Dr Gia Mudd-Martin, Professor of Nursing at the UK College of Nursing and Director of Community Engagement and Research at the UK Centre for Clinical and Translational Science.
Lexington, Kentucky (July 15, 2024) – Although heart disease and type 2 diabetes are often preventable, Kentucky has the ninth highest rate of heart disease and the fifth highest rate of diabetes in the nation. Additionally, many Kentuckians have pre-diabetes and don’t know it.
A team at the University of Kentucky is leading a health study called “Heart of the Family” to help people learn ways to reduce their risk of these diseases, and the team is recruiting participants.
What will participants get?
“Heart of the Family” participants will receive the following benefits:
- Eight one-on-one personalized health education sessions based on risk factors and health conditions. Sessions will be held on Zoom, so no travel is required.
- Free tests to check health conditions such as blood pressure and cholesterol. Tests can be done in your local community (visited by a team member) or at our off-campus UK office.
- Participation reward gift card.
Who can participate?
You may be eligible if:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Not having heart disease or diabetes.
- Residing in one of the following Kentucky counties: Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Casey, Clark, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Mercer, Pulaski, Scott, or Woodford
- If you have two or more of the following risk factors:
- Family history of heart disease or diabetes
- History of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Little or no exercise
- Unhealthy eating habits
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Increased blood sugar levels
- stress
- depression
- Overweight
- smoker
Some participants invite friends or family members to be “study buddies,” so make sure you have someone to join you. People with diabetes or heart disease are welcome to join. Study buddies receive the same benefits as above.
What is expected of participants?
Participants will be required to complete eight virtual health education sessions, share their health information with the research team, and consent to having their blood drawn. All of your information will be kept completely confidential, just like regular medical care.
How can I participate?
To learn more or to participate, please contact Emily Cravens at emcravens@uky.edu or 859-218-6827. For more information about participating in the study, visit UKClinicalResearch.com.