Healthy Living for Emerging Adults
HEAL
HEAL
This is a research study testing a new treatment program to improve health and well-being among emerging adult cancer survivors age 18-29. Eligible participants will be enrolled into a 4-month study and receive:
- A total of 12 group Zoom sessions over a 4-month period
- Information and evidence-based strategies for making changes to eating patterns, physical activity, and sleep
- Guidance and training in evidence-based strategies to enhance stress management and emotional well-being
- A Fitbit, a Bluetooth-connected scale, and premium version of a self-monitoring app to help you meet your goals for healthy living
- Personalized feedback based on the data you provide
Why is this study being conducted?
Emerging adulthood can be a challenging time to make healthy lifestyle changes, especially for people who have a history of cancer. The goal of this research study is to assess whether a 16-week behavioral program focused on decreasing chronic inflammation to improve overall health and well-being is feasible and acceptable in this population.
Who is eligible to participate?
This program is a good fit for people who are interested in making healthy changes to their eating, physical activity, sleep, stress, and mood alongside others working towards similar goals. Individuals may be eligible to participate if they:
What will be asked of me?
You will be asked to attend in-person data collection visits at 2 timepoints: 1) before the program begins; 2) after the program ends (4 months later). At these visits, you will fill out questionnaires and complete measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, and body composition. In addition, you will be provided with a wrist-worn monitor to wear for 1 week that assesses your sleep and physical activity.
You will also be asked to attend group-based Zoom sessions with other emerging adult cancer survivors and led by a licensed clinical psychologist to learn about strategies for healthy lifestyle changes to decrease chronic inflammation. These 75-minute sessions will occur weekly for the first 8 weeks and every other week for the following 8 weeks (12 sessions over 16 weeks). Over the course of the 16-week program, you will receive personalized feedback based on self-monitoring your of eating, physical activity, weight, body composition, sleep, mood, and stress.
What changes will I have to make?
You don't have to make any changes you don't want to--you can engage with whatever aspects of the program you think will be helpful in meeting your personal goals. The changes we promote in the program include:
Is it safe?
This program was developed with input from a multidisciplinary team including psychologists, physicians, dietitians, exercise physiologists, and other emerging adult cancer survivors to prioritize safe and effective recommendations. In order to maximize safety, we ask that all participants obtain permission from their oncologist or other doctor prior to beginning the program.
Emerging adulthood can be a challenging time to make healthy lifestyle changes, especially for people who have a history of cancer. The goal of this research study is to assess whether a 16-week behavioral program focused on decreasing chronic inflammation to improve overall health and well-being is feasible and acceptable in this population.
Who is eligible to participate?
This program is a good fit for people who are interested in making healthy changes to their eating, physical activity, sleep, stress, and mood alongside others working towards similar goals. Individuals may be eligible to participate if they:
- Are currently 18-29 years old
- Have a history of cancer
- Have completed active treatment at least 6 months ago
What will be asked of me?
You will be asked to attend in-person data collection visits at 2 timepoints: 1) before the program begins; 2) after the program ends (4 months later). At these visits, you will fill out questionnaires and complete measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, and body composition. In addition, you will be provided with a wrist-worn monitor to wear for 1 week that assesses your sleep and physical activity.
You will also be asked to attend group-based Zoom sessions with other emerging adult cancer survivors and led by a licensed clinical psychologist to learn about strategies for healthy lifestyle changes to decrease chronic inflammation. These 75-minute sessions will occur weekly for the first 8 weeks and every other week for the following 8 weeks (12 sessions over 16 weeks). Over the course of the 16-week program, you will receive personalized feedback based on self-monitoring your of eating, physical activity, weight, body composition, sleep, mood, and stress.
What changes will I have to make?
You don't have to make any changes you don't want to--you can engage with whatever aspects of the program you think will be helpful in meeting your personal goals. The changes we promote in the program include:
- Increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, fiber, and whole grains
- Decreasing intake of added sugars, processed foods, alcohol, and saturated/trans fats
- Increasing physical activity
- Improving sleep and routine
- Improving stress management skills
Is it safe?
This program was developed with input from a multidisciplinary team including psychologists, physicians, dietitians, exercise physiologists, and other emerging adult cancer survivors to prioritize safe and effective recommendations. In order to maximize safety, we ask that all participants obtain permission from their oncologist or other doctor prior to beginning the program.
If you are interested in participating, click here to take a quick online survey to see if you are eligible
or contact us for more information: 804-828-5362 or [email protected].
or contact us for more information: 804-828-5362 or [email protected].
This research is sponsored by Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and conducted in collaboration with the VCU School of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
|
|
