What's Happening?
Penn State researchers have been awarded a five-year, $3.8 million grant from the National Institute of Nursing Research, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The funding will support a program
called 'Growing Healthy Hearts,' which aims to test whether a remote intervention focused on gardening, cooking skills, nutrition education, and peer support can help adults at risk for cardiovascular disease adopt healthier habits. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally, and diet and physical activity are significant contributing factors. The program seeks to address the challenge that knowledge alone often fails to produce lasting behavioral changes. Susan Veldheer, associate professor of family and community medicine and public health sciences, and Amy Moore, assistant professor of nutritional sciences and food science, are co-principal investigators leading a multidisciplinary team. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial with 264 participants who have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease, low fruit and vegetable intake, low physical activity, and at least one child living at home.
Why It's Important?
This NIH grant is significant because it funds an innovative approach to public health that integrates behavioral science with practical, enjoyable activities like gardening. By focusing on intrinsic motivation and enjoyment, the 'Growing Healthy Hearts' program aims to create sustainable lifestyle changes, which is often a major hurdle in health interventions. The 'food as medicine' approach, combining food and nutrition interventions with healthcare, has the potential to prevent, manage, or treat chronic health conditions more effectively. Furthermore, the program's remote delivery model, utilizing a private Facebook group, could significantly expand access to evidence-based nutrition and behavior-change programs, particularly benefiting individuals in rural communities where such resources are often limited. If successful, this model could be scaled to reach a broader population, influencing public health strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention across the U.S. and beyond.
What's Next?
The research team will proceed with a randomized controlled trial involving 264 participants. They will follow up with participants at six months and one year to assess changes in diet, physical activity, and biomarkers of cardiometabolic health. The program's delivery through a private Facebook group will be moderated by Penn State Extension master gardeners and culinary nutrition experts, providing ongoing education and support over six months. The researchers will also investigate whether the healthy habits adopted by participants positively influence the food choices and health behaviors of children in their households. The long-term goal is to determine not only the program's effectiveness in improving health but also how it might eventually be delivered to families and communities across Pennsylvania and potentially nationwide, leveraging Penn State's land-grant mission.
Beyond the Headlines
This initiative highlights a growing trend in healthcare to move beyond traditional clinical settings and integrate lifestyle interventions into daily life. The use of social media platforms for health education and support represents a modern approach to public health outreach, potentially bridging gaps in access and engagement. The focus on gardening and cooking skills also addresses broader societal issues such as food literacy and food security, empowering individuals to take more control over their dietary health. The study's potential to influence children's health behaviors underscores the intergenerational impact of such programs, fostering healthier habits within families. This research could inform future public health policies and funding priorities, emphasizing preventive care and community-based interventions as cost-effective strategies for combating chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease.
