Diet and Physical Activity (DPASS)
The Diet and Physical Activity Sub-Study (DPASS) is a smaller study that is part of the Jackson Heart Study. The purpose of the DPASS is to obtain more detailed information about the diet and physical activity of African Americans who are part of the Jackson Heart Study. DPASS participants were volunteers who were selected to come to the clinic for several extra visits over about 6 months. At each visit, they talked about their diet and physical activity. They wore a step counter for several days before some of the visits to measure how much walking they were doing. Data collection from DPASS has been completed. The information from DPASS is being used to help understand how the foods people eat and their physical activity affect their overall health and development of disease.
Heart Health Intervention Pilot (HHIP)
Early findings of the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) clinical examination data reveal that two thirds of the study population has one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). These risk factors can be translated into heart healthy practices that can prevent, minimize or delay the onset of CVD and CVD-related complications. The identified risk factors are modifiable by engaging in positive lifestyle challenge program for 23 members of the Jackson Heart Study cohort. The program was conducted August 12th-September 24, 2005. Those participating in the challenge program were asked to have a modified physical examination (height, weight, BMI,blood pressure) and have blood sugar, and lipid profile drawn at Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center. It is important to note that this was not a weight loss program, but a focus on making those positive lifestyle changes which facilitate heart health.
The LifeStyle Challenge participants attended weekly sessions and received educational information on the modifiable risks of cardiovascular disease. The presentations ere conducted b JHS affiliates who discussed heart health, obesity, hypertension, nutrition and stress. Of course, discussing modifiable risk factors would not fully address the issue. So, Jackson State University (JSU) Physical Education Department and Mississippi Baptist Fitness Center (MBMC) partnered with us to facilitate the "get moving" concept of the program. JSU physical education instructors and students attended several of the weekly sessions and had interactive exercise demonstrations with the group. MBFC was available for other exercise activities throughout the six weeks.
Dr. Sonja R. Fuqua, Program Coordinator, called the participants each week to remind them of sessions and offer support. At each session,they were given a bag that included handout information and"happies" that were purchased and donated by local organizations. Upon completion of the program, there was a ceremony where medals were awarded to those who stayed the course over the six weeks. As mentioned before, this was not weight-loss program; however, weight-loss can be a result of making positive lifestyle changes. We are proud to announce that 20 participants graduated from the program with a combined weight loss of 102 pounds!
The Blood Pressure Comparability Study will begin in May, 2007. The purpose of the Blood Pressure Comparability Study is to compare the blood pressure measures taken with two different types of blood pressure equipment, The Random Zero Sphygmomanometer and the Omron HEM907XL. The purpose of comparing the equipment is to be sure that blood pressure taken by a person with the Random Zero equipment compares with a blood pressure taken automatically by the Omron HEM907XL. The Omron HEM907XL will be used for all off-site examinations conducted as part of Exam 2. Approximately 300 participants who return for Exam 2 will be give the opportunity to volunteer to participate in this sub study.