Einstein’s Center for Urban Health Policy & Research Offers Free Exercise Study
Philadelphia, PA, August 22, 2007 -- Einstein’s Center for Urban Health Policy & Research is looking for African-American women who are past menopause and who
have not been exercising in the past two months to join a free study to examine the impact of regular exercise on metabolic
syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol,
triglycerides and blood sugar. These conditions are risk factors that may lead to diabetes, heart disease or stroke. African-American
women are at higher risk for these conditions which may be due to a higher rate of obesity and lack of exercise.
Women who are eligible for the study will receive a free six-month membership to the Sisters in Shape Fitness Center (located
at York House North across from Albert Einstein Medical Center) where they will work with a personal trainer twice a week
for 60 minutes each session, over a ten-week period. Participants also will work with a personal trainer in groups of four
women using the latest cardio and strength training equipment at Sisters in Shape.
Permission from each applicant’s doctor is necessary in order to participate in the study. Prior to beginning the study,
each woman will undergo a fitness test and have their blood pressure and blood work checked. When the ten-week study is over,
participants will continue to exercise on their own. At the end of the six-month period participants will be asked to complete
the fitness test and have their blood pressure and blood work re-checked to evaluate the effect of intervention and continued
exercise on these factors.
A total of sixteen women will be accepted into the study which also includes educational sessions on nutrition, lifestyle
and mental health issues.
For more information about the study, please call 215-951-8462.
Einstein Center for Urban Health Policy & Research studies, demonstrates, supports and champions ways to improve the delivery
of healthcare to diverse, urban underserved communities.
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Editor’s Note: Dr. Vergare resides in Chestnut Hill.
About Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, is a 1,200 bed integrated delivery network serving the communities of North Philadelphia
and Montgomery County, PA. A founding member of the Jefferson Health System, Einstein combines the best of academic medicine
and community service, employing nearly 7,000 people, and offering training programs for physician residents and fellows,
nurses and other health professionals. The Network provides healthcare services through the Albert Einstein Medical Center
and Einstein at Elkins Park hospitals, its MossRehab and Belmont Behavioral Health divisions, Germantown Community Health
Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), outpatient facilities such as Center
One and Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare, network of primary care and specialist practices throughout the community. For more
information, visit or call 1-800-EINSTEIN.
CONTACT: Judy Horwitz
Communications Specialist
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
215-456-6767 horwitzj@einstein.edu
Publish date: August 22, 2007
