African American women have disproportionately high rates of disability and death from chronic cardiometabolic illnesses — including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke — compared to other groups of women in the U.S. Gender- and race-specific factors that lead to elevated risk for cardiometabolic illnesses have been historically understudied for African American women, and Giscombe and her team are setting out to change that.

This study for African American women with elevated cardiometabolic risk — those who are overweight or have a family history, for example — will test how culturally relevant social support, stress management and mindfulness tools will reduce their risk before they actually develop the disease. By addressing factors that may impact their risk, and helping participants develop healthier eating habits and increase physical activity, this project could ultimately lead to cardiometabolic risk reduction and better health outcomes for African American women.

How to Participate

HarmonyStudy@unc.edu

A Telephone-Based Mindfulness Program for Caregivers of an African American Family Member Living with Dementia

Mindful Coping and Communication in Caregiving

A Telephone-Based Mindfulness Program for Caregivers of an African American Family Member Living with Dementia

African Americans are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, and families caring for a person living with dementia may experience high stress, breakdown in communication, and even conflict.

Mindfulness skills may help caregiving families cope with stress, take better care of themselves, and support one another through these challenges.

Participants in this research study will take part in group mindfulness sessions from the comfort of their homes. Led by a trained and experienced mindfulness instructor, caregiving pairs (a primary caregiver and another care partner who provides support) will call into weekly one-hour phone sessions with several other caregiving families.

Together, you will participate in practices and discussions designed to help calm the mind, ease stress, and promote family communication and support.

What is the OPTIMUM pain management program?

Are you looking for a new way to manage lower back pain?

You may be eligible to participate in a research study if you have chronic low back pain.

Click to watch a brief video, learn more, and see if you qualify to participate!

NUTRITION

Healthy eating lowers risk for heart disease and other health conditions while giving your body the nutrients it needs. ºÚÁÏÍø and the CRC can provide consultation with nutritionists.

ACUPºÚÁÏÍøTURE

Acupuncture may ease certain types of pain, including low-back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and headaches. Services are provided by appointment at the ºÚÁÏÍø Center for Rehabilitation Care.  Call 948-974-9747.

MINDFULNESS

Practicing mindfulness is an effective way to systematically work through stress, pain, illness, and the demands of everyday life. It can lead to improved cognitive efficiency and contentment. For more information visit pim.med.unc.edu.

SLEEP

Quality sleep is essential for maintaining the brain pathways that allow for learning, creating new memories, concentration, and responding quickly.

OUTPATIENT THERAPIES

Outpatient Rehabilitation Services offered at the ºÚÁÏÍø Center for Rehabilitation Care include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. Please contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment at 984-974-9700.