Mindful living, better living: supporting diabetes care through stress relief in Alabama’s Black Belt

In Alabama’s Black Belt region, the number of adults living with type 2 diabetes is far above the national average. In some counties, like Wilcox and Perry, nearly 1 in 5 adults—about 19%—have been diagnosed with the condition. In contrast, the national average for type 2 diabetes is approximately 11%, according to the CDC.

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where the body either doesn’t use insulin well or doesn’t make enough of it, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Over time, this can lead to serious complications like vision loss, nerve damage, or heart disease. Managing it requires consistent care—checking blood sugar, making healthy food choices, staying active, and taking medicine.

But there’s another part that’s just as real: the emotional toll. When day-to-day care starts to feel heavy, it’s called diabetes distress—and it can make managing the condition even harder.

This challenge is even greater in rural areas where specialized care and support programs are limited.

Caroline Presley, M.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Learn more about Presley.

Diabetes education meets mindfulness

That’s the idea behind a project led by Caroline Presley, M.D., a physician and assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She and her team are pilot-testing a new way to help adults improve their diabetes care and emotional well-being through a program called Mindfulness-Based Diabetes Education.

The program combines two proven strategies:

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Gentle breathing and awareness practices that help calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES): Practical knowledge and tools to support blood sugar control, nutrition, medications, and more.

Participants in the program attend virtual group sessions from the comfort of home, learning techniques to feel more in control of their daily care.

Shaped by local experiences, delivered remotely

This study focuses on adults in the Black Belt region who are managing type 2 diabetes and experiencing high levels of stress. Many have limited access to traditional diabetes education programs. That’s why the sessions are delivered remotely via video, helping people participate no matter where they live.

Before the program launched, Presley’s team held focus groups with participants from across the region. The feedback they received helped shape the content and delivery of the sessions to match real-life experiences and preferences.

Why stress relief matters in managing diabetes

Stress affects more than mood. It can change how your body responds to insulin, make it harder to plan meals or stay active, and increase feelings of burnout. That’s where mindfulness can help.

Stress Relief Tips You Can Try Today

Breathe slowly. Take five deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Notice your surroundings. Take a moment to look around, name three things you see, and notice how your body feels.
Stay curious, not critical. If you forget a step or miss a meal plan goal, take a deep breath and start again.
Reach out. Sharing how you feel with a friend or loved one can lift a heavy load.

By teaching participants how to pause, breathe, and refocus, the program is helping individuals build confidence and feel more equipped to manage their health—even on the toughest days.

The research team is currently measuring how feasible and useful the program is. The results will guide a larger future study that could bring this approach to more areas across Alabama and beyond.

Want to learn more or share with someone you care about?

To explore Presley’s project and see how mindfulness-based support can enhance diabetes care, visit this page.

Keep learning: Explore Dr. Presley’s earlier research

Want more insight into the emotional side of diabetes management?

Read about Dr. Presley’s recent presentation at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions, where she shared findings from a national study on insulin use and emotional stress: Presley’s Research on Emotional Distress and Diabetes Management

Lifting each other up: how peer support is transforming chronic disease management

“People with similar health challenges can truly lift each other up,” said Michele Heisler, M.D., Professor at the University of Michigan, during a Forge AHEAD seminar at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her statement captures the essence of her decades-long work demonstrating how peer support—especially in communities burdened by diabetes, obesity, and hypertension—can drive better health outcomes and lasting community impact.

Heisler’s research, shaped by her clinical experiences at the Ann Arbor VA and Southwest Detroit, centers on the idea that sustainable chronic disease management depends on what happens between clinic visits. “You know what you need to do, but it’s unbelievably difficult. And you need a lot of support and strategies to help you actually take the steps,” she said.

Heroes in the community

The real power, she emphasized, lies in people—not professionals. “The heroes in this story are the community members who step up to support each other,” she shared. These peer supporters, often living with the same conditions, become trusted guides and motivators for others. One example: a Navy veteran managing multiple chronic conditions found renewed hope through daily check-ins with a fellow veteran peer supporter. “He felt sick and pretty useless. But he told us, ‘I felt that I helped him. It made me feel inspired to do more,’” she recounted.

Heisler’s mutual peer support model—where patients are matched to provide reciprocal encouragement—offers a dual benefit: “It’s not just about receiving help. Giving support is incredibly empowering. People with chronic illnesses often feel like a burden, but helping someone else gives them purpose.”

Michele Heisler, M.D.

Professor, Internal Medicine at University of Michican School of Public Health

Medical Director, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)

Learn more about Heisler.

Tested, proven, and evolving

Heisler has tested peer support interventions across populations and platforms—from VA hospitals to community clinics. In a randomized control trial with veterans, participants in peer support groups had significantly improved A1C levels compared to those receiving only nurse-led care. “Statistically and clinically significant improvements,” she emphasized, “with far less time and cost than traditional programs.”

Still, one of the greatest challenges is maintaining momentum. “We found that even great short-term programs lose their impact without ongoing support,” Heisler said. That realization sparked her next question: “How do you sustain gains from short-term interventions?”

Her answer: hybrid models. Combining the expertise of community health workers with the accessibility of peer supporters and digital tools, these models aim for long-term impact. One such innovation includes food vouchers as incentives for mutual peer support and participation in diabetes prevention programs. “Healthy food vouchers could be sustainable,” she explained, “and they help reduce barriers to participation while reinforcing healthy behaviors.”

A vision that aligns with Forge AHEAD

Heisler’s work directly mirrors the Forge AHEAD Center’s mission of translating research into real-world, community-driven interventions. “It’s about taking behavioral science and making it work in pragmatic, real-world ways,” she said. Her team’s focus on action planning—small, weekly health goals like walking more or cutting sugary drinks—mirrors Forge AHEAD’s precision public health approach.

Importantly, her model acknowledges the complexity of chronic disease management. “It’s not just about diet and exercise. Sometimes, a person’s action step for the week is finding stable housing or accessing a food pantry,” Heisler said. “You have to meet people where they are.”

Moving forward together

Heisler concluded with a call to action rooted in empowerment and partnership: “We’ve shown that peer support can work. Now we need to keep it going and make sure it’s sustainable—because people deserve that kind of care.”

By embracing peer support, communities are addressing chronic disease management more effectively while reducing gaps in health access and outcomes. The Forge AHEAD Center supports these efforts by ensuring that local knowledge and lived experience guide every step toward achieving optimal health for all populations.

Want to get involved?

To learn how you can support or join a peer support initiative in your community, contact your local health provider. As Heisler reminds us, “We’re all more effective—and happier—when we have someone who cares about us, who can help us when we need help.”

Finding peace in the heart of Alabama: how yoga can help heart patients stay sharp

Living with heart failure can feel like a daily battle—not just for your body, but for your mind. Many people with heart failure also experience mild cognitive impairment, which is a real condition characterized by problems with memory, language, and judgment. It’s not just “getting older”. It’s a real condition that can make managing your health even harder.

In Alabama, where nearly 43% of people live in rural areas, getting the support you need for both your heart and your mind can be a challenge. Clinics might be far away. Specialists are few and far between. And when you’re juggling medications, appointments, and everyday life, the stress can take a toll.

But what if there was a simple, calming way to help you feel more clear-headed, supported, and in control right from your living room?

A new kind of care: Yoga, online, and built for you

That’s the idea behind a new project led by Chin-Yen Lin, Ph.D., a nurse and assistant professor at Auburn University. Alongside a team of researchers and community members, Lin is exploring how online chair yoga can help people with heart failure improve their thinking skills and overall well-being.

This isn’t the yoga you might picture on a mat in a studio. It’s called Kundalini Chair Yoga—a gentle, seated practice that combines breathing, stretching, and simple movements. It’s designed especially for people who may not be able to do traditional exercise because of heart conditions.

Chin-Yen Lin, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Auburn University

Learn more about Lin.

Try a Simple Kundalini Chair Yoga Exercise

Kundalini Chair Yoga is a gentle and accessible practice that can be done right from your chair. These exercises are designed to help improve your flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being.

Seated Neck Rolls

How to Do It:

Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor.
Place your hands on your knees.
Inhale and gently drop your chin to your chest.
Exhale as you slowly roll your head to the right, bringing your right ear toward your right shoulder.
Inhale as you bring your head back to center.
Exhale and roll your head to the left, bringing your left ear toward your left shoulder.
Continue to roll your head in a slow, gentle motion, repeating 5-7 times in each direction.

Participants in the study take part in two 60-minute online classes each week for 12 weeks. They don’t have to travel, just log in from home. The study is testing how practical, helpful, and enjoyable this kind of yoga might be for people who often have limited access to in-person programs.

Real people, real voices, real care

This program is taking place in areas like Chambers County, where health resources can be hard to reach. But Lin didn’t design the program alone. She brought in local leaders, healthcare workers, caregivers, and people living with heart failure to help shape the entire study.

“We wanted to listen first,” Lin says. “We asked: What would make this work for you? What kind of support do you need to feel comfortable and capable?”

This approach makes the study a partnership that centers the needs and voices of the people it’s designed to serve.

We wanted to listen first. We asked: What would make this work for you? What kind of support do you need to feel comfortable and capable?

What the study is exploring

The research team is gathering feedback and health data throughout the project to understand how chair yoga might support thinking, memory, and emotional health. They’ll use that information to improve the program and, if successful, expand it to help more people across the region.

The project is still in its early phases, but the vision is clear: to create a low-cost, practical way for people living with heart failure to strengthen both body and mind—especially in areas where health services are harder to reach.

Simple Habits to Ease Stress

Take five deep breaths. It can calm your body and clear your mind.
Try chair stretches. Moving gently while seated can ease tension.
Write it down. A short list or journal entry can help organize your thoughts and reduce overwhelm.
Talk it out. Call a friend, join a group, or share how you’re feeling with someone you trust.

Want to learn more or share with someone you care about?

To read more about Lin’s yoga and heart health study, visit this page. You’ll find details about the study, how it’s being designed with local input, and ways it’s aiming to support thinking and memory for people living with heart failure.

Self-care, support, and stress awareness

April is Stress Awareness Month—a meaningful time to reflect on how stress impacts our well-being and to find supportive ways to care for ourselves and one another. For Sisters4Self-Care Ambassador Erika Parker, this isn’t just a seasonal message—it’s a lifelong mission rooted in community strength, daily intention, and holistic wellness.

“You cannot pour from an empty cup!” — Erika Parker

Healing from the inside out

Erika is deeply committed to health advocacy, and her work continues to touch the lives of hundreds on their wellness journeys. Her motto, “start with inside and work your way out,” speaks to a whole-person approach to health—mind, body, and spirit. She understands the pressures faced by the women she serves: juggling roles as daughters, wives, mothers, employees, caregivers, and more. Often, personal health is the first to fall off the list.

Erika stresses, “You have to make time for your health.” To help address these challenges, she builds community and supports the Sisters4Self-Care Thursday Wellness Parties, designed to emphasize and support health.

These weekly wellness gatherings offer more than just a break from routine—they create an encouraging environment where women can recharge, reconnect, and prioritize their health in ways that are joyful and sustainable.

Go Red 365: A year-round source of strength

One of Erika’s favorite initiatives within Sisters4Self-Care is the Go Red 365 Wellness Series, launched each February in recognition of Heart Health Month. This initiative serves as a year-round resource hub, offering knowledge and motivation to help individuals lead healthier lifestyles—key in combating stress-related health issues like hypertension and heart disease.

Erika Parker

Sisters4Self-Care Ambassador

Wellness is a community practice

Join a support group or community event
Check in with a wellness partner
Ask for help—it’s a strength, not a weakness

“You have to make time for your health” — Erika Parker

“You don’t have to navigate stress alone. Whether it’s a support group, a friend, or a wellness initiative like Sisters4Self-Care, finding a safe space to share and grow is essential.” — Erika Parker

Daily habits that make a difference

During a recent conversation, Erika emphasized the importance of recognizing stress early and taking proactive steps to manage it. She shared, “Stress is inevitable, but how we handle it makes all the difference. Small daily habits, like deep breathing, journaling, and regular movement, can be life-changing.”

Erika acknowledges that her own stress levels can rise when she is not proactive in identifying stressors and organizing her many responsibilities and priorities. To address stress, she focuses daily on three key areas:

Prayer and meditation to center herself
Physical activity
Nutritional health

Strength in Togetherness

Text a friend to check in
Attend a wellness gathering
Share your story or listen to someone else’s

Building strength through support networks

She also highlights the significance of community in stress reduction. She encourages people to lean on their support networks and engage in conversations about health. “You don’t have to navigate stress alone. Whether it’s a support group, a friend, or a wellness initiative like Sisters4Self-Care, finding a safe space to share and grow is essential,” she noted.

Take action during Stress Awareness Month

As Stress Awareness Month continues, Erika urges everyone to take simple, intentional steps to prioritize their mental and physical health. Whether it’s joining a wellness challenge, setting aside time for mindfulness, or simply making heart-healthy food choices, every effort counts.

Erika’s dedication to wellness reminds us that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Her work with Sisters4Self-Care and Go Red 365 embodies the movement toward sustained, community-driven health awareness. As she wisely says, “You cannot pour from an empty cup!” This April, let’s take inspiration from Erika and commit to managing stress with purpose and care.

Sisters4Self-Care Website:

https://sisters4selfcare.com/

Go Red 365:

https://sisters4selfcare.com/gored365

Forge AHEAD Center welcomes champion for community engagement in Louisiana

The Forge AHEAD Center is excited to welcome Andrea Pickett, Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center (LA CaTS) Community Engagement and Outreach Program coordinator at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, to our growing team. Andrea brings extensive experience in community-based mental health services, disaster response, and public health, making her a key addition to our mission of improving health outcomes across the Deep South.

Andrea’s passion for solving problems and caring deeply for people in the southern United States has guided her career. Holding a Bachelor of Science in psychology and currently pursuing her master’s in public health, she has dedicated herself to building relationships, crafting clear health messages, and connecting communities to critical health education and resources. Her approach to engagement is deeply rooted in community organizing strategies, ensuring individuals and families have access to the tools they need to support their well-being.

“In my work, I strive to build relationships and create clear messages that people can understand,” Andrea said. “My goal is to continue promoting health education, expanding access to care, and learning more about the relationship between stress and health behavior.”

Inspired by Forge AHEAD’s focus on partnerships, strengthening communities, and using the best approaches to outreach, Andrea sees her role as an opportunity to connect people to the resources they need and foster collaboration for long-term impact.

Her personal connection to the work runs deep. “Growing up in rural South Louisiana, listening to the experiences of others, and appreciating their stories is what motivates me to continue working to improve health outcomes and address barriers to care,” she said. “My experiences in disaster response have also helped me develop a better awareness of people’s needs and the diversity in the way we communicate. This has empowered me to ask better questions about the root causes of health challenges and be creative in partnership development and leveraging resources.”

Beyond her work in public health, Andrea is a strong advocate for arts education, recognizing how creative expression fosters critical thinking, community connection, and stress reduction. “Engaging in art has a profound way of bringing people together, fostering creativity, and reducing stress,” she said.

When she’s not working, she enjoys volunteering, attending community events, visiting local theaters and art galleries, crafting, and going on adventures with her family.

Andrea’s dedication, innovative thinking, and passion for community-driven solutions make her an invaluable addition to the Forge AHEAD team. We are excited to have her expertise and vision as we continue working toward stronger, healthier communities.

Forge AHEAD Center launches Community Micro-Grant Program to strengthen health initiatives across the deep south

The Forge AHEAD Center is proud to announce the launch of its Community Micro-Grant Program, an initiative designed to support organizations in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi that are working to improve health outcomes related to diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.

Through this program, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations will have the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 in funding to implement community-driven health initiatives that address critical health needs in their local areas. The program is managed by the Community Engagement Core (CEC) of Forge AHEAD, which works to build sustainable partnerships between academic institutions, community organizations, and public health leaders to advance equitable health solution

Empowering Communities with Targeted Support

The Deep South faces some of the highest rates of chronic disease in the country, and many local organizations are already leading efforts to improve community health. The Forge AHEAD Community Micro-Grant Program is designed to provide the financial resources and support these groups need to scale their efforts and drive lasting change.

“We believe that the best solutions come from within the communities themselves,” said Caroline Compretta, Ph.D., Community Engagement Core Lead. “This micro-grant program allows us to directly support organizations that are already working to improve the lives of their neighbors. By providing funding, resources, and ongoing support, we can help amplify their impact and create lasting change.”

The program prioritizes projects that focus on health education, disease prevention, and increasing access to care, particularly in underserved communities. Projects will be evaluated based on feasibility, innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, ensuring that awarded funds go to initiatives with a clear and measurable impact.

Community Voices Leading the Charge

One of the unique aspects of the micro-grant program is the involvement of the Forge AHEAD Community Advisory Board (CAB), which plays a critical role in guiding the center’s initiatives and ensuring that its work is responsive to the real needs of the communities it serves.

“Our communities have the knowledge, passion, and solutions to tackle health challenges—we just need the resources to make it happen,” said a CAB member. “This grant program is an incredible opportunity for local organizations to access funding and support that will help turn their ideas into action.”

The program includes monthly support meetings, a mid-year progress check-in, and a final impact report, ensuring that grantees receive ongoing guidance and assistance throughout the year-long funding period.

Key Dates and How to Apply

The application process is now open, with proposals due by April 18, 2025. Organizations interested in applying can access the Request for Proposals (RFP) and submission details on the Forge AHEAD Center website.

Key dates include:

RFP Release Date: February 19, 2025
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
Grant Awards Announced: May 19, 2025
Project Start Date: July 1, 2025
Project Completion Deadline: June 30, 2026

For more information or to apply, visit the Forge AHEAD Website.

Enhancing food access in Mississippi: How Stewpot and Mississippi Food Network are driving community solutions

What if accessing your next nutritious meal was uncertain? For nearly one in six Mississippians, this is a daily reality. According to the Mississippi Food Network (MFN), approximately 480,600 residents—more than 18% of them children—face limited access to nutritious food. In Jackson, the challenge is even greater, as disparities in access to fresh, healthy food continue to shape community health outcomes.

Reliable access to nutritious food is essential for well-being, economic stability, and overall quality of life, yet many families encounter barriers to obtaining fresh, healthy meals.

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to highlight the importance of balanced nutrition and recognize the organizations working year-round to expand food access. In Mississippi, Stewpot Community Services and the Mississippi Food Network are making a lasting impact, not just by providing meals but by developing long-term solutions that promote healthier communities.

At the heart of these efforts is collaboration between research and community action. Jill Buckley, Executive Director of Stewpot, and Cassandra Mobley, Chief Operating Officer at Mississippi Food Network, serve on the Forge AHEAD Community Advisory Board (CAB), working to connect academic research with real-world needs. Their involvement ensures that communities facing food access challenges are represented in health research and policy discussions, advancing initiatives that improve nutrition and support community health across the South.

Stewpot: More Than a Meal

At Stewpot Community Services, the mission goes beyond providing meals to creating a sense of dignity and stability for those in need. Located in downtown Jackson, Stewpot serves hundreds of meals daily while also offering shelter, clothing, and other essential services.

“For us, food is the entry point,” says Buckley. “It’s how we build relationships and trust with the people we serve. But we also want to connect them to additional resources—whether it’s medical care, housing assistance, or job training.”

Stewpot recognizes that nutrition plays a key role in addressing food access challenges. “When we think about food insecurity, it’s not just about access—it’s about access to the right foods,” Buckley explains. “It’s about making sure that people aren’t just eating but eating well.”

Stewpot partners with local organizations to increase access to fresh produce and balanced meals, reducing reliance on processed foods. However, Buckley acknowledges that there are still significant barriers: “Fresh food is harder to store, harder to transport, and harder to get out in large quantities. But we’re committed to making it happen because it makes a real difference.”

“When we think about food insecurity, it’s not just about access—it’s about access to the right foods.”

– Jill Buckley

Mississippi Food Network: Tackling Hunger on a Larger Scale

While Stewpot serves meals directly to those in need, the Mississippi Food Network operates at a larger scale, distributing food to more than 430 partner agencies across the state. Their work ensures that local food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens—including Stewpot—have the resources they need to serve their communities.

“Mississippi ranks among the states with the most significant food access challenges,” says Mobley. “Our mission is to change lives by fighting hunger today and feeding hope for a healthier tomorrow.”

One of MFN’s key strategies is providing nutritious options to partner agencies. “We don’t just want to get food out—we want to get healthy food out,” Mobley explains. “That means working with farmers, securing fresh produce, and making sure people have the knowledge and resources to make healthy choices.”

MFN also focuses on education. “A lot of people want to eat healthier, but they may not know how to prepare fresh foods or stretch their grocery budgets to include more nutritious options,” Mobley says. “That’s why we invest in nutrition education programs—because addressing hunger isn’t just about food, it’s about knowledge.”

How Forge AHEAD Supports Research-Driven Food Access Solutions

Both Buckley and Mobley emphasize that food access is closely linked to overall health and well-being. Poor nutrition is linked to higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses, particularly in Mississippi’s communities with limited food access. That’s why their involvement with Forge AHEAD’s CAB is so important.

“We don’t just want to get food out—we want to get healthy food out.”

– Cassandra Mobley

Through Forge AHEAD, researchers are learning from community leaders like Buckley and Mobley about what truly works. Recent studies have shown that integrating fresh produce into food pantries can improve health outcomes, leading to more funding for nutrition-focused programs across Mississippi.

“It excites me that researchers are interested in hearing voices from the community as they are looking at their research projects,” says Mobley. “The CAB gives us a way to connect what researchers are doing with what our communities need.”

Through Forge AHEAD, both Buckley and Mobley contribute to research projects focused on food access, health outcomes, and community-based solutions. This collaboration helps ensure that research is actionable and addresses real-world needs.

“Research should never just sit in an academic journal,” says Buckley. “It should be something that people can use to make better choices for themselves and their families.”

How You Can Help During National Nutrition Month

For those looking to make a difference this National Nutrition Month, both organizations offer ways to get involved:

Volunteer – Whether serving meals at Stewpot or packing food boxes with MFN, community support is crucial.

Donate – Both organizations rely on donations to keep their programs running.

Advocate – Support policies and programs that improve food access in your community.

Educate – Learn about the importance of nutrition in addressing food access and share that knowledge with others.

“Hunger isn’t just about not having enough food—it’s about not having the right food,” Mobley reminds us. “And if we’re serious about tackling food insecurity, we have to address both.”

Get Involved

Visit Mississippi Food Network and Stewpot Community Services to learn more about their programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help fight food insecurity in Mississippi.

A Path Forward

Mississippi’s food access challenges won’t be solved overnight, but thanks to the work of organizations like Stewpot and MFN, progress is being made.

By combining on-the-ground action, community engagement, and research, these organizations are feeding people today and working toward a healthier, more food-secure future for Mississippi’s communities.

You can make a difference by volunteering, donating, or supporting local programs that increase access to nutritious food. Expanding food access helps strengthen community health and well-being.

Bridging science and action: three scholars tackle heart health challenges

“Heart health is a function of so much more than diet and exercise. We have to look at the broader factors—like financial stress, food insecurity, and accessibility—to truly make an impact,” said Amber W. Kinsey, Ph.D., during a recent Forge AHEAD seminar.

The March event featured three Forge AHEAD scholars who shared their research on addressing cardiovascular health through behavioral interventions. Their work, spanning financial wellness, food insecurity, and maternal health, highlights the need for integrated solutions that go beyond traditional public health approaches.

The seminar provided a platform for Kinsey, Candice A. Myers, Ph.D., and Camille Schneider-Worthington, Ph.D., to discuss their Forge AHEAD pilot projects and the real-world applications of their research.

Rethinking heart health: the role of financial wellness

Kinsey, an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, studies the intersection of financial well-being and physical activity in relation to cardiovascular health.

Her research underscores a crucial but often overlooked connection: financial stress is more than a burden; it’s a physiological risk factor for heart disease.

“Financial insecurity isn’t just about money. It’s a stressor that changes behavior and impacts physical health in ways we don’t always consider,” she said.

Kinsey’s study, “An integrated cardiometabolic intervention targeting physical and financial health: A pilot study”, integrates resistance training and financial coaching for participants facing economic hardships. The pilot program examines whether improving financial literacy can lead to better health choices and reduced stress, ultimately lowering cardiovascular risk.

Did you know? Chronic financial stress isn’t just a mental burden—it affects your body, too.

Increased Cortisol Levels – Prolonged stress triggers excess cortisol, which contributes to inflammation, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure—all key risk factors for heart disease (American Psychological Association, 2022).

Higher Blood Pressure & Heart Rate – Financial strain has been linked to hypertension, even after adjusting for lifestyle factors (Gallo et al., Psychosomatic Medicine, 2021).

Behavioral Impact – People experiencing financial hardship may be more likely to reduce physical activity, skip medical appointments, or make diet choices based on affordability rather than health (Kinsey, Forge AHEAD Seminar, 2024).

Dr. Amber Kinsey’s research explores whether financial coaching, combined with resistance training, can break this cycle and improve overall heart health.

Food insecurity: a hidden cardiovascular risk

Myers, assistant professor in the Division of Population and Public Health Science at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, focuses on food insecurity as a driver of poor heart health in her project “TARGETing Healthy Weight Loss in the Context of Food Insecurity Pilot and Feasibility Trial“.

Using data from the PROPEL trial—an obesity treatment study—Myers explored whether individuals with food insecurity had worse cardiovascular outcomes than those with consistent access to food. Surprisingly, her baseline analysis found no significant difference between the two groups.

But that doesn’t mean food insecurity isn’t a critical factor. Instead, it suggests that broader health challenges overshadow the differences in food access alone.

“Food insecurity is linked to chronic disease in ways we don’t fully understand yet. It’s not just about nutrition—it’s about the stress, the trade-offs, and the long-term effects on health behavior,” Myers explained.

Her next steps involve using the updated Life’s Essential 8 cardiovascular health model to see if new insights emerge.

Maternal health and the power of food as medicine

Worthington’s work bridges pregnancy, nutrition, and cardiovascular health. She studies how food access during pregnancy influences both maternal and infant health outcomes.

Her pilot study, “Use of home-delivered meals to manage cardiometabolic health during pregnancy among predominantly Black, low-income women in Alabama“, tested a meal delivery intervention for pregnant individuals facing food insecurity. Participants received nutritionally balanced meals, with the goal of reducing stress, improving diet quality, and preventing excessive gestational weight gain—a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

But recruitment proved more challenging than anticipated. Despite offering free, healthy meals, many potential participants declined.

“We assume that free food is an easy sell, but there are barriers we don’t always think about—time, trust, preferences, and the reality of everyday life,” Worthington said.

The qualitative exit interviews, however, revealed a clear impact: Participants reported reduced stress, improved food security, and the discovery of new, healthy foods they previously wouldn’t have tried.

What if your doctor could prescribe healthy meals?

That’s the idea behind Food is Medicine (FIM).

What is it?

A growing movement in healthcare that integrates nutrition into medical treatment by providing medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, or grocery deliveries to improve health outcomes.

Why does it matter?

Studies show that medically tailored meals reduce hospitalizations by 49% and overall healthcare costs by 16% (JAMA Network Open, 2019).

For pregnant individuals, better nutrition can lower risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and excessive weight gain—which all affect long-term cardiovascular health (Worthington, Forge AHEAD Seminar, 2024).

Dr. Camille Worthington’s pilot study tested a meal delivery intervention for pregnant women, exploring whether better nutrition access could improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Amber W. Kinsey, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Division of General Internal Medicine & Population Science at UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Learn more about Kinsey.

Candice A. Myers, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Learn more about Myers.

Life's Essential 8™

The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8™ is a comprehensive guide outlining eight key measures to maintain and improve cardiovascular health:

Eat Better, Be More Active, Quit Tobacco, Get Healthy Sleep, Manage Weight, Control Cholesterol, Manage Blood Sugar, Manage Blood Pressure

These measures collectively aim to enhance cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Dr. Candice Myers is applying this updated model to reassess the relationship between food insecurity and cardiovascular health—hoping to uncover new insights missed by the older metric.

Learn more about Life’s Essential 8™

Camille Schneider-Worthington, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Division of General Internal Medicine & Population Science at UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Learn more about Worthington.

A shared vision: addressing the root causes of health challenges

Despite the distinct focuses of their projects, all three scholars emphasized a shared reality: improving cardiovascular health requires tackling the social and economic barriers that shape behavior.

“We can’t talk about heart health in isolation. If we want to make a difference, we have to address the structural and social factors that limit people’s ability to make healthy choices,” Kinsey said.

Looking ahead: turning research into action

Each scholar’s research reflects a critical shift in public health: moving beyond individual behavior change to structural solutions that improve health outcomes at a community level.

As these projects progress, they will continue to inform policy, interventions, and best practices for addressing cardiovascular health—ensuring that heart health research doesn’t stay in the lab, but makes a real-world impact.

For updates on upcoming Forge AHEAD events and resources, visit our website.

You can watch the seminar presentation video here.

Exploring genetics, nutrition, and food access in Baton Rouge

Where you live shouldn’t determine your ability to access fresh, nutritious food. But for many in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, it does.

In parts of Baton Rouge—especially North Baton Rouge and Scotlandville—accessing fresh, nutritious food is a challenge rather than a choice. Limited access to nutritious food has contributed to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in these communities.

Jennifer Caldwell, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Learn more about Caldwell.

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to examine how nutrition shapes long-term health. It’s also an opportunity to explore the connection between genetics, food access, and community health, and how researchers like Jennifer Caldwell, Ph.D., MPH, are translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions.

Caldwell is a geneticist and public health researcher whose work examines how ancestry, culture, and behavior influence health outcomes. As a Forge AHEAD pilot awardee and Director of the Public Health Genomics Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, she leads the Linking GAINS Project (Genetics and Improving Nutrition in Scotlandville)—an initiative designed to bridge the gap between research and real-world solutions for communities with limited access to healthy food.

Food Access and Chronic Disease: A Genetic Perspective

Limited access to fresh food increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. When nutritious options aren’t available, many people rely on processed foods that contribute to these health challenges.

How do food access challenges in Baton Rouge affect chronic disease risk, particularly among African American communities?

“While genetic predispositions can influence an individual’s risk for chronic diseases, lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise play a crucial role in mitigating these risks. In the Linking GAINS project, participants are educated about how their genetic makeup affects their health. This knowledge empowers them to make informed lifestyle changes, such as adopting healthier eating habits and increasing physical activity, which can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases.” -Dr. Caldwell

“Epigenetics refers to the way your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work.”
— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Caldwell’s research highlights that while genetics play a role in disease risk, lifestyle and environment are crucial factors. This concept, known as epigenetics, explains how diet and other external influences can modify genetic expression over time, potentially increasing or decreasing an individual’s risk for chronic conditions.

Bringing Science into the Community: The Linking GAINS Approach

A key challenge in improving nutrition is making health education accessible and relevant to the people it serves. The Linking GAINS Project integrates:

Genetic Literacy – Teaching participants how family history and genetics influence disease risk.
Nutrition & Cooking Education – Encouraging healthier eating while respecting cultural food traditions.
Physical Activity & Health Screenings – Providing fitness opportunities, blood pressure and glucose screenings, and personalized health coaching.
Community Partnerships – Collaborating with Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC) to create nutrition and health programs tailored to community needs.

By combining genetics, nutrition, and behavioral interventions, the project equips residents with the knowledge and tools to make sustainable health changes.

What role has community feedback played in shaping the Linking GAINS project?

“Community feedback has been instrumental in shaping the Linking GAINS project. The initiative emerged from marketplaces for fresh produce sponsored by the Southern University Agriculture Research and Extension Center, targeting communities in North Baton Rouge, including Scotlandville. This community engagement has led to success stories where participants have benefited from increased access to nutritious foods and education on healthy lifestyle choices.” -Dr. Caldwell

Community-Driven Solutions to Food Access

Baton Rouge is home to several organizations working to improve food access and nutrition education. SUAREC plays a pivotal role in this effort, hosting monthly marketplaces that provide fresh food, nutrition education, and healthcare resources to residents in Scotlandville and North Baton Rouge.

According to representatives from SUAREC, expanding access to fresh food through community partnerships is key to supporting long-term nutrition and health improvements.

How do you address concerns about privacy and skepticism toward genetic testing in the communities you serve?

“The Linking GAINS project addresses concerns about privacy and skepticism toward genetic testing by fostering open dialogues within the community. The project builds trust and encourages participation by providing culturally relevant education and ensuring confidentiality. This approach helps demystify genetic testing and emphasizes its role in personalized health care.” -Dr. Caldwell

Making Nutrition Accessible: Practical Solutions for Louisiana Communities

For many residents, Southern food is more than a diet, it’s a cultural tradition. Promoting healthier eating doesn’t mean giving up beloved dishes. Small changes to cooking methods and ingredient choices can make a difference.

Southern University Ag Center’s JagFresh Market

Quick & Healthy Southern Swaps

Use olive oil instead of butter or lard for cooking.
Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa.
Try baking or grilling instead of deep-frying.
Use lean proteins like fish, beans, or skinless chicken instead of processed meats.
Flavor with herbs and spices instead of excess salt.

Programs like the Med-South Lifestyle Program offer a sustainable, culturally relevant approach to healthier eating. This evidence-based program blends traditional Southern flavors with Mediterranean-style nutrition, emphasizing:

Healthy fats like olive oil instead of lard

More plant-based meals and lean proteins

Whole grains instead of refined grains

Simple ways to stay active daily

This approach allows people to maintain cultural food traditions while making meaningful improvements to their health.

A Collaborative Effort for Better Nutrition

National Nutrition Month is a reminder that food access, cultural traditions, and scientific research all play a role in shaping health outcomes. Addressing nutrition challenges requires partnerships between researchers, community organizations, and local initiatives to develop solutions that last.

Want to learn more? Listen to Caldwell’s recent podcast episode, “Genes, Greens, and Everything in Between.”

Support local initiatives by volunteering with food banks, advocating for better food access, or donating to programs that provide fresh produce and nutrition education.

Stay informed and engaged by following Forge AHEAD’s work in advancing health access and chronic disease prevention in the Deep South.

Together, we can redefine what healthy eating looks like in our communities and create a future where everyone has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.

Follow-up: how nutrition is transforming maternal health in Alabama

Last year, Forge AHEAD featured the work of Camille Worthington, Ph.D., RDN, an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, who is studying how home-delivered meals could improve pregnancy outcomes for Medicaid-eligible women in Alabama. Since then, her pilot study has progressed, providing insights into how food access, stress, and nutrition interventions shape maternal health.

During National Nutrition Month, it’s an opportunity to look at what’s changed, what’s been learned, and how these findings could influence maternal health policies.

New Findings from the Home-Delivered Meal Study

Worthington’s study provides ten free, healthy meals per week to participants, aiming to improve diet quality, support healthy weight gain, and reduce stress.

“We are still analyzing the full results, but one of the biggest takeaways so far is that these meals aren’t just about nutrition. They provide peace of mind. Participants tell us they feel relieved knowing they have healthy meals ready to go, especially after a long day,” Worthington said.

Women also reported that the convenience of having meals already prepared reduced stress and saved time. Many used the meals for work lunches or relied on them when they didn’t have the energy to cook. Some even discovered new foods they had never tried before.

“One mom told us she had never had bok choy before and now she loves it. That’s a small but important shift, because when people are exposed to new, healthy foods in a convenient way, they’re more likely to integrate them into their daily lives,” Worthington explained.

Another unanticipated benefit was that participants started recreating meals on their own. Having access to prepared, balanced meals helped reinforce healthier eating habits beyond pregnancy.

“We saw that some women wanted to make their own versions of the meals they loved, which is an exciting sign that these interventions could have a lasting impact,” she said.

Camille Schneider-Worthington, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Division of General Internal Medicine & Population Science, UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Learn more about Worthington.

Maternal Health in Alabama

Alabama has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the U.S.

36.4 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births – 3rd highest in the nation.
Black women are twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women.
Food insecurity and poor nutrition access are key contributors to pregnancy complications.

For more information, refer to the ADPH “2020 Maternal Mortality Review“.

How Home-Delivered Meals Fit into Maternal Health Care

A year ago, Worthington described her long-term vision for making nutrition a standard part of prenatal care. That goal remains the same, but now, the study is providing evidence to support that vision.

“Pregnancy complications shouldn’t be inevitable. If we can remove barriers to nutrition—cost, transportation, time—we can help prevent conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and excessive weight gain before they start.”

How Home-Delivered Meals Support Pregnancy

Eliminates the Stress of Finding Healthy Food – Pregnant women in food-insecure households are more likely to have preterm births. (Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2022)

Provides Essential Nutrients – Home-delivered meals ensure intake of critical pregnancy nutrients, including folate, iron, and protein. (National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 2023)

Supports Weight Management & Reduces Health Risks – Women with better dietary intake during pregnancy have a 20% lower risk of gestational diabetes. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2023)

Encourages Long-Term Healthy Eating Habits – Women in structured meal programs are more likely to continue healthy eating postpartum. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

She hopes these findings can be used to make the case for meal delivery as a covered healthcare service for pregnant women.

“My goal is to take this research beyond a pilot study and work toward integrating nutrition support into prenatal care on a larger scale. I plan to present our findings to Alabama Medicaid and other insurance providers to advocate for meal delivery as a covered healthcare service. If we can show that providing healthy meals improves pregnancy outcomes while reducing medical costs, we can make a strong case for long-term policy change.”

Expanding Nutrition Education Beyond Delivery

One of the next steps in the study is to incorporate nutrition education alongside meal delivery.

“We’re exploring ways to not only provide meals but also give participants the knowledge and confidence to cook these meals for themselves and their families. In our future studies, we’re considering including recipe cards with meals to support long-term healthy eating habits.”

This shift aligns with the National Nutrition Month theme, “Food That Connects Us.”

“Food isn’t just about physical health. It’s deeply tied to culture, family, and connection. If we can provide meals that introduce women to healthier versions of culturally familiar foods, we’re not just improving nutrition. We’re strengthening community ties and giving women tools they can carry with them long after pregnancy.”

How to Get Involved

One year later, Worthington’s research continues to evolve, but the need for better maternal nutrition support remains urgent. Here’s how you can help:

Stay Informed – Follow Forge AHEAD and Worthington’s research to stay updated on nutrition and maternal health advancements.

Support Local Food Initiatives – Donate or volunteer with food security programs helping pregnant women access healthy meals.

“We know that food connects us in so many ways. By making healthy food more accessible, we’re going beyond improving individual pregnancies. We’re also strengthening entire communities.”

-Camille Schneider-Worthington, Ph.D.