Houstonians needed to participate in study to help prevent cancer in at-risk Black adults. Here’s how you can sign up

HOUSTON – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is looking for Houstonians to help with a new research study.

The Harmony & Health Study combines yoga-based stretches with guided relaxation and spirituality to reduce sitting, increase movement, and improve health in Black and African American adults at risk for cancer who are inactive or not meeting physical activity recommendations.

MD Anderson is currently looking for Black and/or African Americans ages 18 and older to participate in the study, which will last six months.

Participants of the study will complete a physical assessment and questionnaires, and after, half of the participants will participate in mind-body sessions and the other half will participate in a health education group. Both groups will attend sessions twice a week for eight weeks.

After week eight, MD Anderson will examine whether participating in the mind-body sessions reduces sitting time and increases physical activity and if participants are able to maintain those changes at six months. Factors such as stress, depressive symptoms, and quality of life, will also be examined to see if those factors change as a result of participating in the study and if improvements in psychosocial well-being increase the likelihood of maintaining changes in sitting time and physical activity after the study ends.

The goal of the study, according to MD Anderson, is to improve cancer prevention behaviors in Black and African American adults who are at higher risk for cancer.

The assessments and the sessions will be held at the Fountain of Praise church located at 13950 Hillcroft Ave.

If you’re interested in participating, email [email protected] or call 713-792-9400.