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.

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.

“Healthy Eating for Women Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding”
USDA: MyPlate.gov

“Build a Healthy Eating Routine When You’re Pregnant or Breastfeeding”
DietaryGuidelines.gov

“Advice About Eating Fish”
FDA.gov

“Food Safety for Baby and Me”
FoodSafety.gov

Here are some nutrition resources that may be helpful, especially for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

Heart health takes teamwork: How Forge AHEAD and one UAB researcher are creating lasting change

High blood pressure silently affects over 42% of adults in Alabama, often without noticeable symptoms, making it a serious health risk. Managing this condition can be challenging, especially when striving for lasting changes that improve health.

Did You Know?

Black communities in particular experience higher impacts due to longstanding barriers to accessing health resources. Addressing these challenges requires community-driven solutions to support individuals and families in achieving better health outcomes.

With the support of the Forge AHEAD Center, Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D., a scholar and researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, is working to change this story. Her innovative Heart Care Pairs program, supported by two Forge AHEAD pilot awards, is helping patients and their loved ones team up for better heart health.

What Are Heart Care Pairs?

Heart Care Pairs believes everyone deserves support in managing their health. Through this program, individuals managing high blood pressure collaborate with a trusted partner, a spouse, family member, or close friend—to build healthier habits together.

“We believe that involving a supportive partner in their healthcare will empower patients to make lasting changes in their heart health and emotional well-being too. We really hope Heart Care Pairs will set a precedent that health is a team activity, not just for individuals to go alone”, Crockett explains.

Heart Care Pairs involves up to six sessions with a behavioral health specialist, either in person or through telehealth. Together, participants:

Learn practical ways to improve their diet, physical activity, sleep, and stress management.
Set shared goals for heart health.
Build communication skills to support each other in meaningful ways.

The result? Healthier hearts, stronger relationships, and a path toward lasting well-being.

Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Learn more about Crockett.

Why Heart Care Pairs?

When someone has a trusted partner helping them with health-related decisions and lifestyle changes, they are more likely to succeed in managing their condition.

Why It Matters in Our Communities

In Alabama, Black adults and individuals living with lower incomes are disproportionately affected by hypertension. Without proper care, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, strokes, and other serious conditions.

As a National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)-funded center, Forge AHEAD partners with communities across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana to develop solutions that work for the people they serve.

“Forge AHEAD supports active community engagement in the research process”, says Crockett. “Heart Care Pairs is meeting primary care patients and their potential care partners where they are and soliciting their feedback on the resources they need most for better heart health. With them, our program can yield the information, communication tools, and support they need to succeed.”

How Forge AHEAD Makes It Possible

Crockett’s projects—Adaptation and Initial Feasibility of a Primary Care-Based Dyadic Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Intervention: Heart Care Pairs (awarded in 2024) and Pilot Testing of a Primary Care-Based Dyadic Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Intervention: Heart Care Pairs (awarded in 2025)—are funded by the Forge AHEAD Pilot & Feasibility Scholars Program. These grants are designed to help researchers address local health disparities with tailored solutions.

Crockett’s Forge AHEAD Pilot Projects

Adaptation and Initial Feasibility of a Primary Care-based Dyadic Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Intervention: “Heart Care Pairs”

LEARN MORE

a patient sitting on an examination table in an exam room, with

A mixed methods pilot feasibility study of a primary care-based dyadic cardiovascular risk reduction intervention: “Heart Care Pairs”

LEARN MORE

This support allows Crockett to work directly with primary care clinics in Alabama, recruiting patients and their partners, listening to their needs, and refining the program to fit real-life challenges. The ultimate goal? A scalable model that can improve heart health across the South and beyond.

Heart Health Is a Community Effort

For years, differences in healthcare access have contributed to uneven health outcomes, leaving many feeling unheard. Researchers like Crockett are working to change this. By empowering individuals and their families to take charge of their heart health, they are helping to build stronger, healthier communities.

This Heart Health Month, Forge AHEAD invites you to join the effort. Whether it’s encouraging a loved one to visit the doctor, making small changes to your own habits, or spreading the word about programs like Heart Care Pairs, you can be part of the solution.

Get Involved with Forge AHEAD

Join us in expanding access to quality care and supporting innovative programs like Heart Care Pairs Learn more about our work, connect with our scholars, staff, or community partner organizations, and join the movement for healthier, more equitable communities.

Because better health starts with us—working together.

“We believe that involving a supportive partner in their healthcare will empower patients to make lasting changes in their heart health and emotional well-being too. We really hope Heart Care Pairs will set a precedent that health is a team activity, not just for individuals to go alone” -Crockett

Embracing values-based self-care during the holidays

As the holiday season picks up, it’s easy to get caught in the hustle and bustle. In the November 13 webinar, “Values-based Self Care for the Holiday Season and Beyond,” Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D., Forge AHEAD scholar and assistant professor of Family and Community Medicine, shared invaluable insights on aligning self-care practices with personal values.

Key Takeaways from Dr. Crockett

Crockett emphasized that self-care goes beyond just relieving daily stresses. “Self-care includes all the things we do to live well, support health and well-being, and manage stress. We must consider self-care not only as an escape from the things that ail us, but as a resource to connect to what matters most to us (i.e., our values). Values include our deepest desires for how we want to treat ourselves, others, and the world around us. Unlike goals, values are things that we achieve, but they give us direction for our actions.”

Here are some of her key tips for incorporating values into your self-care routine:

Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D.

Forge AHEAD Center Scholar, Assistant Professor, Family and Community Medicine, UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Identify Your Values: Reflect on the type of person you want to be. Consider qualities you want to foster and how you wish to be perceived by others. Write down 4-5 words that resonate with you and describe what they mean to you.
Make Values Identification Social: Engage in discussions with family and friends about shared values. Support each other in staying accountable to what matters most.
Prioritize Values in Self-Care Activities:Use your values as a guide to cultivate activities for self-care.For more exercises on identifying your values, check out this resource here.

Moving Forward with Values-Based Self Care

By aligning your self-care practices with your values, you can enhance your well-being during the holiday season and beyond. Remember, self-care is not just about what you do to relax but about connecting with your deepest desires and living in a way that reflects them.

Let’s continue to prioritize our well-being by making values-based self-care a part of our daily lives.

For more about Crockett’s Forge AHEAD research, see this page.

From WNBA Dreams to Changing Lives: On A Mission to Promote Physical Activity

As a child, Amber W. Kinsey, Ph.D., dreamed of playing professional basketball in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). While her path led her elsewhere, her passion for sports ignited a lifelong mission to transform lives through physical activity and exercise.

Kinsey at a Las Vegas Aces WNBA game.

Now an assistant professor in the Division of Preventive Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Kinsey focuses her research on optimizing lifestyle interventions for cardiometabolic health among priority populations. Kinsey defines priority populations as “groups that are experiencing health disparities, underrepresented in research, and/or experiencing worse outcomes in response to interventions.”

At a recent UAB Preventive Medicine Grand Rounds presentation, Kinsey shared strategies for promoting physical activity among these populations. Her mission: To use physical activity and exercise as tools to empower others.

Amber W. Kinsey, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Division of Preventive Medicine, UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Learn more about Kinsey.

What are Priority Populations?

Kinsey defines priority populations as “groups that are experiencing health disparities, underrepresented in research, and/or experiencing worse outcomes in response to interventions”.

“Not everyone has access to physical activity opportunities. We must consider the broader context – where people live, work, play, and other factors beyond one’s control – to understand what contributes to an active lifestyle.”

Understanding the Bigger Picture

“Not everyone has access to physical activity opportunities,” Kinsey said. “We must consider the broader context – where people live, work, play, and other factors beyond one’s control – to understand what contributes to an active lifestyle.”

While acknowledging the importance of addressing root causes of inactivity, Kinsey emphasizes that “to truly change health statistics, we need to focus on changing behaviors.”

Learning from Success Models

“In every community, there are some individuals who manage to maintain good health practices despite challenging circumstances,” Kinsey said. “Learning more about their strategies for success and using that information to develop programs may allow us to better help others facing similar challenges.” Some of her work on this topic can be found here.

Exercise Snacks

One of Kinsey’s creative strategies involves “exercise snacks” – brief bursts of activity lasting up to five minutes. These can include taking the stairs, doing jumping jacks, or performing bodyweight squats.

“Finding opportunities to move throughout the day is a great way to be more active,” Kinsey said. “While this concept isn’t new, framing it as ‘exercise snacks’ makes it fun and digestible – pun intended!”

A Gateway to Accessible Exercise

Kinsey is also reimagining traditional approaches to physical activity promotion. “For some health outcomes, consistent resistance training twice a week can be as effective as three to five days of aerobic exercise,” she noted. She goes on to say that “resistance training may be a good first step to getting people active”. “Some data suggests that priority populations prefer resistance training over cardio and may even experience better outcomes with resistance training for some health measures”, said Kinsey.

Her two Forge AHEAD Center projects aim to make resistance training more accessible for priority populations.

Meeting People Where They Are

Kinsey’s work spans exercise science, behavioral medicine, and public health research. “We know physical activity and exercise are effective for improving health and wellbeing,” she said. “We need to figure out effective ways to help people stay active in ways that fit their unique lifestyle and circumstances.”

While she may not be competing in the WNBA, Kinsey is undoubtedly making significant strides towards improving public health, one exercise snack at a time.

Learn more about both of Kinsey’s Forge AHEAD Projects, OVERCOME-IT and an integrated cardiometabolic intervention, as well as her other research at UAB.

Kinsey’s Forge AHEAD Projects:

“For some health outcomes, consistent resistance training twice a week can be as effective as three to five days of aerobic exercise,”

What are Exercise Snacks?

Kinsey defines exercise snacks as brief bursts of physical activity lasting up to five minutes that can be incorporated throughout the day.

Kinsey putting up some shots after completing her resistance training workout at the gym.

Xie Aims to Bridge Gap Between Science and Community Health

In a region grappling with persistent health disparities, Rongbing Xie, DrPH, MPH, a scholar at the Forge AHEAD Center, is working to bring academic studies closer to the communities they aim to serve. Xie recently participated in the 2024 Community Engaged Research Summer Institute, hosted by the Mississippi Center for Clinical and Translational Research (MCCTR) at the University of Southern Mississippi, designed to enhance community engagement in health research.

The institute provided Xie with new perspectives on conducting impactful research.

From Academia to Action

Xie anticipates her experience and skills gained through the Summer Institute will significantly influence her current research. Specifically, she will be able to “develop more effective strategies for recruiting and retaining participants, particularly among underserved populations.”

At the institute, Xie and her fellow scholars engaged in hands-on community research practices. She plans to incorporate these strategies into her future work, including focus groups and community advisory boards.

“I plan to adopt the comprehensive community engagement strategies learned during the institute to ensure that community voices are heard and incorporated at every stage of my research projects,” she explained. “This includes conducting focus groups, community advisory boards and regular feedback sessions.”

The Power of Mentorship

Xie’s experience was enriched by mentorship from experts like Forge AHEAD Community Engagement Core lead Caroline Compretta, Ph.D.

“Working with Dr. Caroline Compretta during the MCCTR Summer Institute has been an eye-opening experience,” Xie said. “Her expertise in community engagement and outreach has significantly influenced my approach to involving communities in my research.”

This mentorship reinforced for Xie the importance of community partnerships in research.

Rongbing Xie, DrPh, MPH

Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Learn more about Xie.

“The most valuable lesson I took away from the institute is the critical importance of integrating community perspectives into every phase of the research process.”

A Lesson for Life

As the institute drew to a close, Xie carried with her a profound realization: the community isn’t just the subject of research – they’re partners in the journey to better health.

“The most valuable lesson I took away from the institute is the critical importance of integrating community perspectives into every phase of the research process,” she explains. “This approach not only enhances the relevance and impact of the research but also fosters trust and cooperation between researchers and community members.”

Why This Matters

Xie’s experience at the Summer Institute has implications far beyond her individual research. The health challenges she’s addressing – obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure – affect communities across America, with some groups disproportionately impacted.

By fostering stronger connections between researchers and communities, initiatives like the MCCTR Summer Institute aim to create more effective, culturally sensitive interventions. This approach could lead to improved health outcomes and a reduction in long-standing health inequities.

A Call to Action

Xie’s journey highlights the need for collaboration between researchers, community leaders, and citizens in tackling public health challenges. As she returns to her work with her Forge AHEAD projects, her experience serves as a reminder of the potential for academic research to drive meaningful change when rooted in community engagement.

Xie’s Forge AHEAD Projects:

What is Community-Based Participatory Research?

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) is a collaborative approach that combines knowledge and action to improve community health and reduce disparities.

Key Features:

Equal Partnership: Community members and researchers share power and responsibility throughout the research process.
Cultural Relevance: Methods and interventions are tailored to fit the cultural context of the community.
Community Focused: Research addresses issues important to the community.
Empowerment: Builds on community strengths and resources.
Action and Change: Uses results to promote social change and improve health.
Sustainability: Aims for long-term benefits and lasting relationships.

CBPR makes research more ethical, relevant, and beneficial by actively involving communities and addressing their specific needs.

For more information, refer to the article “Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR): Towards Equitable Involvement of Community in Psychology Research” published in American Psychologist.

2024 Community Engaged Research Summer Institute Participants

Xie presenting one of her Forge AHEAD projects at the Summer Institute

Forge AHEAD Center Announces Fourth Cohort of Scholars Focused on HIV

The Forge AHEAD Center (FAC) is delighted to introduce the recipients of its pilot funding for the fourth cohort, with a specific focus on HIV prevention and management in the Deep South.

These four early-stage investigators were selected for their groundbreaking research aimed at addressing critical public health issues related to HIV.

Their work aligns perfectly with the Forge AHEAD Center’s mission of reducing health disparities and fostering healthier communities through innovative research endeavors.

Introducing the Fourth Cohort Scholars

We are honored to recognize the following outstanding researchers, whose projects all center around improving health outcomes for people living with HIV:

Kristen Allen-Watts, Ph.D.
Assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Project: “Peer MODELS: (Managing a Community-based HIV, Diabetes, and pain intervention that Encourages healthy Living and provides Support), for PWH and T2D in the setting of chronic pain”

Donny Gerke, Ph.D.
Assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Project: “Facilitated Stable Housing as a Strategy for Uptake and Sustainment of Evidence-Based HIV and Cardiometabolic Medicine in People with HIV”

Matt Gravett, M.D.
Assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Project: “Laying the Foundation for PrEP in Urgent Care Settings”

Rongbing Xie, DrPH
Assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Project: “Enhancing Recruitment and Retention for Black Females with HIV: Identifying Barriers, Facilitators, and the Role of Social Determinants for the Willingness to Participate in the HEALTH Study”

Empowering Scholarly Success

The Forge AHEAD Center is committed to fostering a supportive environment for our scholars. Each recipient will receive both strategic guidance and mentorship throughout their research journey. This comprehensive approach empowers them to translate their visions into impactful research that holds the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing HIV-related health disparities across the Deep South.

Investing in the Future of HIV/AIDS Health

By funding these groundbreaking projects, the Forge AHEAD Center demonstrates its unwavering dedication to advancing health equity and improving the well-being of individuals living with HIV across the South. We are confident that the work of our fourth cohort will have a lasting positive impact on our communities.

Stay Connected!

For more details about the scholars and their research endeavors, please visit this page. We are actively seeking talented investigators for upcoming funding cycles. Early-stage investigators interested in applying for pilot awards are encouraged to visit our website for application guidelines and deadlines. The RFA for Cohort 5 is currently open, with Letters of Intent due on June 25, 2024.

Katie Ellison’s Journey: Triumph, Mentorship, and the George Bray Obesity Research Award

Katie M. Ellison, M.S., a doctoral student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), is on a remarkable journey that blends personal struggles with professional triumphs. This journey will soon be celebrated on the grand stage of the Nutrition 2024 conference in Chicago, IL, where she will receive the prestigious George Bray Obesity Research Student Award.

This award not only recognizes her groundbreaking work but also underscores the vital mentorship of FAC Core Project Principal Investigator Drew Sayer, Ph.D., whose guidance has been essential in her journey.

The Mentor’s Influence

Ellison speaks about the profound impact Sayer has had on her career. “Dr. Sayer has significantly shaped my approach to research and my professional growth,” she shared. “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from him is the importance of perseverance and curiosity in scientific research.” Sayer, who found his passion for public health early on, said, “Even during my undergraduate years, I was more drawn to the public health implications of healthy eating and physical activity than just sports performance. Obesity research felt like a natural fit.”

Ellison’s enthusiasm and commitment have been evident from the start. “Katie has that ‘it factor’ that’s hard to describe but easy to recognize. Her enthusiasm for this work is infectious, and her genuine desire to improve lives brings a unique perspective,” Sayer noted.

Katie Ellison (right) with her mentor Drew Sayer, Ph.D. (second from right), and colleagues at a research presentation.

A Personal Motivation

Ellison’s passion for obesity research is deeply personal, stemming from her own battles with weight. “I was inspired to pursue a career in nutrition sciences and obesity research because of my personal journey with weight loss and the challenges I faced,” she explained. “I have seen firsthand the profound impact that obesity can have on individuals and their families. This experience has fueled my determination to help others overcome similar struggles.”

Did You Know?

Dr. George Bray was the founding Executive Director of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a Forge AHEAD partner institution, and is internationally recognized for his research in obesity. The George Bray Obesity Research Student Award, endowed by Dr. Bray and his wife Marilyn, continues to honor his legacy by recognizing outstanding student research in obesity.

Award and Research Focus

Receiving the George Bray Obesity Research Student Award is a pivotal milestone for Ellison. “I was incredibly honored and excited to learn that I was receiving the George Bray Obesity Research Student Award. I believe my research stood out because it addresses a critical gap in understanding the behavioral aspects of obesity,” Ellison said.

Her work aims to uncover strategies that can improve health outcomes for individuals struggling with obesity. “My research aims to understand how specific behavioral strategies can improve weight loss outcomes and overall health in individuals with obesity. My own journey taught me the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes, and I hope this work will contribute to more effective treatment protocols for obesity,” she elaborated. Her work is not just about data; it’s about changing lives.

Sayer highlighted the significance of this achievement, saying, “George Bray is a pioneer in obesity research and receiving an award bearing his name is a tremendous accomplishment for Katie and a testament to the quality of her work. There is a lot of interest in the concept of ‘precision nutrition’ in obesity research treatment. I hope that this award signals a growing interest and emphasis on innovative experimental designs that can bridge the translational gap between traditional clinical research and the delivery of adaptive and personalized care to people living with obesity.”

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Ellison has clear goals. “Following this award, my aspirations are to further explore innovative behavioral interventions that can be integrated into clinical practice. I plan to build on my current research to develop comprehensive treatment strategies that address the multifaceted nature of obesity.” Her vision is one of a healthier future for all, where effective treatment strategies can lead to lasting health improvements.

Ellison’s recognition with the George Bray Obesity Research Student Award is a testament to her perseverance, the mentorship she received, and her dedication to making a difference. Her work, guided by Sayer, exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and innovation at Forge AHEAD. As Ellison continues her journey, her contributions are set to shape the future of obesity treatment, offering hope and better health outcomes.

Katie Ellison’s story is one of courage, determination, and the transformative power of mentorship. It highlights the importance of resilience, curiosity, and the incredible impact of one person’s dedication.

“Dr. Sayer has significantly influenced my approach to research and my professional development. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from him is the importance of perseverance and curiosity in scientific research.” – Katie Ellison