Closing the gap: managing high blood pressure after an ER visit

Leaving the emergency room with dangerously high blood pressure can feel overwhelming. For many patients, the support ends the moment they walk out the door. A new pilot program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is changing that by helping patients take charge of their health from home.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when blood flows through your arteries with too much force, putting stress on your heart and blood vessels. Without timely care, patients discharged from the hospital with high blood pressure can face serious health risks, including strokes or repeated hospital visits.

World Hypertension Day, observed on May 17, highlighted the need for better blood pressure management worldwide. That urgency is at the heart of the “Post-Emergency Department Telehealth Follow-Up Program”, led by Lama Ghazi, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of epidemiology at UAB. The project offers personalized, tech-enabled support to help patients safely recover and stay out of the hospital.

Who Is participating?

The study successfully enrolled 40 adults aged 30–75 discharged from UAB’s emergency department (ED) with very high blood pressure (systolic readings of 160 mm Hg or higher). All participants live within 30 miles of the hospital, speak English or Spanish, and use a home blood-pressure monitor, with support available from caregivers as needed.

What does the program involve?

Participants receive home blood-pressure monitors along with comprehensive training. Nurses teach participants and caregivers how to measure and record their blood pressure accurately.

Lama Ghazi, M.D., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Learn more about Ghazi.

Did You Know?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular monitoring can help control it.

Source: American Diabetes Association

Each week, participants connect virtually with a nurse-pharmacist team through phone or video calls. During these telehealth sessions, the team reviews blood-pressure readings, adjusts medications according to set guidelines, and addresses participants’ health questions.

Automated text reminders twice a week prompt participants to take their blood pressure and submit readings via text or phone calls. Pharmacists also help participants address medication-related challenges, such as affordability, by connecting them to discount programs and local healthcare services.

Early signs of progress

While full evaluation is ongoing, early trends from the pilot phase suggest the program is having a positive impact.

Blood Pressure Improvement (90-day follow-up):

Participants experienced an average systolic drop of 16 points (from 162 to 146 mm Hg).
Diastolic readings fell by an average of 9 points (from 94 to 85 mm Hg).

Reduced Return Visits:

Participants had 22% fewer ED visits within 30 days compared to similar patients who received standard care.

Strong Participation:

Nearly all scheduled telehealth check-ins were completed, with 95% of visits attended.

Positive Experience:

Most participants shared high levels of satisfaction with the support they received.
Many found the reminder texts easy to use and helpful in staying on track.

These preliminary results will help inform the next phase of the program, which continues to assess longer-term outcomes.

Recognizing the importance of digital literacy, the program introduced a 15-minute “tech check” call at the beginning to boost early engagement. Additionally, new Spanish-language tech guides introduced in March 2025 expanded access and helped ensure more participants could comfortably utilize and understand the materials.

What’s next?

The team will complete 180-day blood-pressure and quality-of-life assessments by mid-June 2025. A cost-effectiveness analysis is scheduled to begin in July, and expansion into two UAB community clinics is planned for late 2025. These next steps aim to evaluate long-term impacts on health outcomes and overall cost efficiency.

By combining user-friendly home monitoring, consistent virtual check-ins, and accessible medication support, Ghazi’s pilot demonstrates a practical approach to managing high blood pressure, potentially preventing severe health complications such as stroke.

Learn more about Ghazi’s Forge AHEAD pilot project.

Key Terms to Know

Hypertension: Persistently high blood pressure.
Telehealth: Remote healthcare provided through phone or video calls.
Systolic and Diastolic: Systolic (top number) measures pressure when your heart beats; diastolic (bottom number) measures pressure between beats.

Smarter follow-up and safer care: how AI could support men with diabetes

June is Men’s Health Month, an opportunity to focus on health challenges that often go unnoticed, especially among men living with chronic conditions like diabetes. At the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Forge AHEAD investigator Seung-Yup Lee, Ph.D., is leading a pilot study that combines artificial intelligence with clinical data to prevent medication mix-ups and help patients get the follow-up they need.

Why men with diabetes need a smarter safety net

Men are more likely to delay routine visits and less likely to follow up after hospital care. both of which can lead to missed medications, dangerous side effects and avoidable complications. For those living with diabetes, these risks are even higher. Managing medications correctly is critical to controlling blood sugar, avoiding hospital readmissions and staying healthy.

But for busy clinics, it’s not always clear who needs the most help. That’s where Lee’s project steps in.

Using AI to spot who needs help first

Lee’s team is developing an AI-powered risk score to help doctors and pharmacists spot patients who are most likely to have medication problems. The system analyzes a wide range of health data, including medical records, prescription refill patterns, and social factors like insurance status or housing instability, to assign a “reconciliation risk score” to each patient with diabetes.

Seung-Yup Lee, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Learn more about Lee.

Did You Know?

Men are more likely than women to skip routine checkups, and more likely to face serious medication-related problems as a result.

Source: Healthline

The goal? Use this score to flag high-risk patients so care teams can follow up directly, either by phone or in person, to double-check medications, fix errors and offer support.

What the tool actually does, and how AI fits in

Artificial intelligence, or AI, refers to computer systems that are trained to notice patterns in large sets of information, kind of like how a person might learn from experience, but much faster. For example, just like a nurse might notice that certain symptoms usually come before a problem, AI can spot those same signs by studying thousands of patient records at once. In this project, AI is used to scan medical records, pharmacy data and provider notes to predict which patients might be most at risk for medication problems.

It’s important to know that AI doesn’t replace doctors, nurses or pharmacists. It doesn’t make decisions on its own or replace face-to-face care. Instead, it helps teams work smarter by pointing out which patients might need extra attention. That gives healthcare providers more time to focus on what people need most, support, questions answered and care that feels personal.

Data-driven prediction: The model looks at over 5,000 patient records and uses natural-language processing (a type of AI that reads doctors’ notes) to detect warning signs.
Real-time alerts: Risk scores are displayed inside a clinician dashboard so that care teams know who needs outreach before the next visit.
Focused follow-up: Patients with high scores receive extra attention, including calls from pharmacists to reconcile prescriptions and catch any problems early.

Measuring what matters: fewer errors, better follow-up

The pilot study includes around 200 patients and is testing whether the tool helps reduce medication discrepancies within 30 days. It’s also tracking whether fewer patients return to the hospital with drug-related issues, and how satisfied doctors and nurses are with using the system.

This type of focused support may be especially helpful for men, who often manage more complicated medication routines and may delay reaching out for help when issues arise.

Key Terms to Know

Medication reconciliation: The process of double-checking all a patient’s medications to make sure they match what was prescribed.
Risk stratification: Grouping patients by risk level to focus care where it’s needed most.
Health-related social factors: Things like income, housing or transportation that can affect someone’s ability to stay healthy.

What is AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can learn from large sets of data and help identify patterns.

In health care, AI is used to support, not replace, human decision-making by helping teams spot risks earlier and prioritize follow-up care.

Source: National Institutes of Health

What’s next for the project

If successful, Lee’s team plans to expand the tool across partner sites in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. They’re also exploring ways to pull in data from state prescription-monitoring systems and bring the program into more community health clinics, including those that serve men with limited access to care.

How this could help you or someone you know

This project reflects a growing effort to use data to guide follow-up care and reduce preventable health problems. For men with diabetes, it could mean fewer hospital visits, safer medication use and better outcomes over time.

Learn more about Lee’s Forge AHEAD pilot project.

Empowering stroke survivors in Alabama’s rural communities

While May marked Stroke Awareness Month, the need to support stroke survivors continues year-round—especially in rural communities where resources can be limited. In Alabama, a promising pilot program is showing how small steps, local partnerships, and virtual support can make a meaningful difference in recovery. Led by Mudasir Andrabi, Ph.D., at the University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing, this initiative helps stroke survivors build confidence in managing their health and reengaging with life after a stroke.

Why healthy habits are hard to start

Many stroke survivors face challenges long after they leave the hospital. In rural Alabama, these challenges often include high blood pressure, mobility limitations, and limited access to follow-up care. Dr. Andrabi was motivated to create this program after noticing gaps in support for stroke survivors. Her background in population health and her work with communities around the world highlighted the need for approaches that are both accessible and rooted in local support.

How the program works

The Mobile Community Stroke Self-Management Program provides a 12-week structure of weekly group calls, personalized exercise planning, and weekly check-in calls to encourage self-monitoring. A nurse educator leads the calls, covering topics like blood pressure control, medication adherence, and safe physical activity.

Participants also set personal health goals and receive check-in calls every week to discuss any barriers they encounter. One participant shared, “I’ve become more intentional about my routines, getting up, exercising, planning meals, and even how I handle stress.”

Mudasir Andrabi, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama

Learn more about Andrabi.

“You don’t have to do everything perfectly—just taking the first step can lead to numerous positive changes.”

-Study participant

The program begins with a tech orientation to help participants become comfortable using their devices. “At first it was frustrating,” one participant said. “But the tech orientation walked me through the basics patiently. Now I feel more comfortable and even proud of being able to connect with the group on my own.”

Building a support network

Churches and community centers serve as trusted gathering spaces and outreach partners. “Their involvement helps foster trust and strengthen community engagement,” said Andrabi. Participants agree. “Knowing I’m not alone in this journey, hearing others share their stories—it builds a sense of community. We motivate each other, and that emotional support makes a big difference.”

In the participant’s words, the goal-setting and group accountability are what keep the program grounded. “Each week gives me small wins to celebrate.”

Real change starts with what’s doable

The program is still underway, but early experiences show promise. Participants are reporting more confidence, healthier routines, and improvements in areas like diet, physical activity, and blood pressure management. One participant’s goals included walking 20 minutes daily, reducing sodium, and fat intake. “I’ve been consistent,” they said. “I’ve tracked my progress and seen small improvements in stamina and blood pressure.”

More than anything, the program aims to build self-efficacy. “Empowering individuals is just as important as clinical progress,” Andrabi said.

Key Terms to Know

Stroke: A medical emergency caused by blocked or burst blood vessels in the brain.

Hypertension: Another word for high blood pressure. It increases stroke risk.

Telehealth: Healthcare support through phone, video or text instead of in-person visits.

Easy Health Tips for Stroke Survivors and Caregivers

Reach out to local food banks or churches to see if they offer wellness check-ins or walking groups.
If you or someone you know is recovering from a stroke, consider setting a small health goal this week, like reducing salt or moving a few extra minutes each day.
Look for local tech literacy classes or call a community center for help accessing virtual health programs.

What’s next for the program

The current phase of the pilot wraps up in June. After that, Andrabi’s team will evaluate results and refine the program. “The goal is to expand and adapt it to serve more communities facing similar challenges,” she said. “We are continually seeking more funding for the sustainability and scalability of our stroke self-management program in the Deep South.”

This work reflects the importance of local partnerships and patient-centered design in rural health care. By pairing simple tools with compassionate outreach, the program is helping stroke survivors feel more confident, connected, and in control.

Learn more about Andrabi’s project.

George Dixon recognized for outstanding community contributions

George Dixon, a member of the Forge AHEAD Community Advisory Board (CAB) and Director of the Mississippi SHINE Project, recently received notable awards at the Healthy Mississippi Conference and the Community Health Worker Conference. Dixon was honored with the Mississippi Community Health Worker Association Partner of the Year Award and the Mississippi State Department of Health Outstanding Community Service Award—both awards highlighting his exceptional commitment to community health and improving measurable health outcomes.

The Mississippi SHINE Project is a community-driven initiative focused on addressing health disparities and enhancing community well-being, particularly in addressing cardiometabolic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

Dixon at the Healthy MS Conference receiving his awards

Dixon’s MSCHWA Partner of the Year Award

Through education, targeted interventions, and community engagement, the SHINE Project aligns with the mission of Forge AHEAD Center to reduce chronic disease burdens and improve health outcomes across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Upon receiving the awards, Dixon shared his appreciation:

“I am deeply honored by this recognition. My heartfelt thanks go to Mattie Clark for the nomination and the Mississippi Department of Health for their acknowledgment. Serving the community is profoundly rewarding, and this award belongs to everyone who has collaborated, supported, and believed in our collective efforts. Our joint actions have created positive impacts, and this recognition truly reflects that shared commitment.”

These awards emphasize the significance of collaborative community-driven initiatives and highlight the meaningful impact leaders like Dixon have in regions experiencing notable health challenges. Mississippi and surrounding areas in the Deep South have high rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, particularly among historically marginalized populations. Dixon’s work aligns with Forge AHEAD Center’s commitment to community-based participatory methods and precise public health strategies tailored to local community needs.

Dixon expressed continued motivation and dedication:

“Thank you once again for this incredible honor. I remain dedicated and inspired to continue working toward healthier, more resilient communities.”

Please join us in congratulating George Dixon on his remarkable achievements and continued dedication to community health and wellness.

Learn more about the Mississippi SHINE Project

Dixon’s MSDH Outstanding Community Service Award

Dixon receiving the MSDH Outstanding Community Service Award

Men’s health awareness month: a local boost for body and mind

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month. With longer days and warm weather, this time of year offers an opportunity to reinforce the importance of prevention and encourage healthy habits. According to the CDC, Men experience higher rates of chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. However, they are significantly less likely than women to participate in routine preventive care, including regular checkups and screenings. This month highlights the importance of early action, regular movement, and consistent support for well-being.

In Birmingham, Railroad Park is helping make healthy choices more accessible. Through a partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, the park hosts free weekly exercise classes from April through October. Options include Boxing Cardio, Hip-Hop Cardio, Zumba, Yoga, Senior Fit, and Line Dancing. These outdoor classes promote cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and routine physical activity.

Decades of research confirm the benefits of regular movement in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia, osteoporosis, depression, and hypertension. Programs like these, which offer inclusive, community‑based wellness options with classes suited for all ages and fitness levels, demonstrate how accessible local initiatives can support sustained, health‑promoting activity.

Railroad Park may also serve as a valuable setting for health-related education and community engagement. Whether you are exploring physical activity in your work or simply looking to unwind, the park is a reminder that consistency is key to long-term wellness.

Phillip – stock.adobe.com

Class Schedule

Evening classes (6 p.m. Monday through Friday): Boxing Cardio, Hip-Hop Cardio, Zumba, Yoga, Line Dancing

Morning Senior Fit: 8 a.m. Tuesday and Friday

Weekend: Senior Fit at 10 a.m., Pilates at 11 a.m. every Saturday

This June, consider how healthy habits such as regular movement, social connection, and community participation can support the well-being of the men in our lives and those working to advance public health.

Learn more: railroadpark.org/programs/exercise-classes

Breaking the silence: why men’s mental health matters

Many men face barriers to addressing mental health concerns, often shaped by longstanding social expectations and personal responsibilities. The Alabama Department of Public Health recently shared several reasons why some men hesitate to seek support. In recognition of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Jared Ball, MPH, Forge AHEAD program evaluator, and Carol Agomo, Ph.D., Forge AHEAD program director for community outreach and engagement in Alabama, explore these challenges and offer practical, respectful approaches to address them.

Jared Ball, MPH, Forge AHEAD program evaluator

Carol Agomo, Ph.D., Forge AHEAD program director for community outreach and engagement in Alabama

“I’ve learned to deal with it.”

Men often balance work, family, and caregiving responsibilities without addressing their own well-being. This can lead to increased stress and decreased capacity to manage daily demands. Taking time for mental health is not a luxury. It is a foundation for sustainable caregiving and personal health.

“Take some time for yourself to address your mental health needs. You shouldn’t expect perfection every day – your best effort will look different from some days than others. When I worked in palliative care, the fellowship program built in self-care workshops each semester for the fellows. The rationale: if you’re not well, you cannot fully provide adequate care to someone else. Even setting aside 15 to 30 minutes a few times a week for something that helps you recharge—whether that’s a walk, a hobby, or a self-care session—can make a real difference.””

-Jared Ball

“I do not want to burden anyone.”

Men may hesitate to share their experiences out of respect for others’ time or emotional capacity. However, social connection is essential to mental health. Building a small network of trusted individuals, such as a former coworker, a close friend, or a family member, can create space for healthy conversations.

“Build your support cabinet. Identify two or three people you trust—friends from college, a colleague, a sibling—and let them know you might reach out if things get heavy. It’s also helpful to consider counseling. Therapists offer a neutral, supportive space with tools that can complement what friends and family provide.”

-Carol Agomo

“I feel embarrassed” or “There is stigma around this topic.”

Mental health concerns are medical issues, similar to heart conditions or diabetes. Seeking support should be seen as a responsible health decision. Increasing awareness and encouraging open conversations helps reduce stigma and improve outcomes.

“For the men in your life, consider this: strength doesn’t have to mean silence. I believe strength can also mean being willing to face what’s difficult, even when that takes more courage than keeping quiet.”

-Jared Ball

“I do not want to admit I need help” or “I don’t want to appear weak.”

Acknowledging challenges is a sign of self-awareness and resilience. Many men are socialized to value self-reliance, but collaboration and support are also strengths. Growth and connection begin when individuals feel safe to share their experiences.

“Let’s think differently about what it means to be tough. To me, it’s not about pretending everything is fine. It’s about having the honesty and self-respect to speak up when it’s not.”

-Carol Agomo

“I have no one to talk to.”

Feelings of isolation are serious and can increase mental health risks. If you do not currently have someone to talk to, resources are available. Peer support groups, community health organizations, and faith-based initiatives often offer confidential and accessible avenues for connection.

“Let’s continue to show up for the men in our lives. No one should feel alone in navigating mental health. Remind the people you care about that they matter and that support is always within reach.”

-Jared Ball

“As women, daughters, partners, friends, and colleagues, we often witness the emotional load men carry, sometimes without ever speaking about it. This month, let’s move away from the idea that silence equals strength. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Each of us can help create an environment where openness is encouraged, support is available, and seeking help is seen as a basic part of wellness, not a weakness.”

-Carol Agomo

“I do not want to admit I need help” or “I don’t want to appear weak.”

View post shared by Alabama Public Health (@alabamapublichealth)

Why this matters

Men’s mental health influences families, workplaces, and communities. Addressing it is essential for promoting holistic public health. During Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we can each take part by encouraging conversations, listening without judgment, and sharing resources that foster well-being.

Supporting mental health is not about fixing anyone. It is about creating environments where individuals feel heard, valued, and equipped to seek care when needed.

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