Study to help reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes, to be done via Zoom, is looking for participants in 16 Kentucky counties
By Gia Mudd-Martin
Heart disease and Type 2 diabetes are often preventable, but Kentucky has the nation’s ninth-highest rate of heart disease and the fifth highest rate of diabetes. Plus, many Kentuckians have pre-diabetes but don’t know they have it.
A team of at the University of Kentucky is leading a health study called “Heart of the Family” to help people learn to reduce their risk for these illnesses, and the team is inviting participants to join.
What do participants get?
- “Heart of the Family” participants receive eight one-on-one, personalized health education sessions based on their risk factors and health. The sessions are over Zoom — no travel required.
- Free screenings to check health measurements such as blood pressure and cholesterol; these can be done in your home community (team members can come to you) or at an off-campus UK office
- Gift card for participation
Who can join? You may be eligible to participate if you are:
- At least 18 years old
- Do not have heart disease or diabetes
- Live in one of these Kentucky counties: Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Casey, Clark, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Mercer, Pulaski, Scott, Woodford
- Have two or more of these risk factors: family history of heart disease or diabetes; personal history of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome; little or no exercise; unhealthy diet; high blood pressure; high cholesterol; elevated blood sugar; stress; depression; overweight; cigarette smoker
What is required of participants? Participants should be willing to complete eight virtual health-education sessions, share health information with the study team, and have blood drawn. All your information will be kept completely confidential, just like in regular medical care.
How can I get involved? If you’re interested in learning more or joining, contact Emily Cravens at emcravens@uky.edu or 859-218-6827. Learn more about participating in research at UKClinicalResearch.com.