The University of Nebraska Medical Center has received a five-year, $1 million federal grant to study ways to improve the heart health of rural residents.
Rural residents have higher rates of heart disease, stroke and similar problems, said Carol Pullen, a professor in the UNMC College of Nursing who will direct the research.
The grant money will be used to create a center that will emphasize research on heart health. Pullen, who will direct the center, said the grant will fund studies aimed at finding ways to reduce risk factors for heart disease such as bad diets and lack of exercise.
The studies will incorporate the use of cell phones and other technology.
One of the studies, for example, will look at ways to help patients in cardiac rehabilitation lose weight.
Study participants will carry cell phones and will receive voice mail and text messages reminding them to take a walk or providing short advice on how to fit exercise into their daily routine.
Researchers want to know whether those types of regular reminders and encouragement will result in more activity and weight loss.
Participants in the study also will complete surveys on their eating habits.
Part of the grant money will be used to develop a computer program that researchers will use to track the physical activity of study participants.
There are a number of reasons that rural residents have higher rates of heart problems, Pullen said. Lack of access to fitness clubs is one reason. Even lack of access to a nearby mall to walk in the winter plays a role.
Rural residents also tend to have diets with higher levels of fat, she said.
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444-1122, michael.oconnor@owh.com
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