ARISE Health Laboratory
ARISE Health Lab investigates the role of Adversity, Racism, Inequities, Structures (and) Empowerment on health. We combine biomedical, social science, public health, clinical, and health services research approaches to interrogate our society’s most pressing issues.
Contact
Nia Heard-Garris, MD, MSc
nheardgarris@luriechildrens.org
312.227.6110
Leishla Pérez-Cardona
lperezcardona@luriechildrens.org
312.227.8482
Research Highlights
ACHiP
The experiences we have as we are growing up shape who we are as adults. But did you know they can also impact your health? The ACEs and Cardiometabolic Health in Pediatrics (ACHiP) study was created to better understand what life is like for teens right now and how teens’ experiences may impact their health.
We cover subjects like their diet and sleeping patterns, but we also ask questions about discrimination, racism, COVID, and the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. By participating and sharing their experiences, both positive and negative, teens can teach us about their lives and help us find ways to improve their future health.
VOWEL STUDY
As part of the ACHiP project, we also want to study how our experiences interact with our bodies at a physical and biological level. For this part of the study, we further delve into how adversity gets inside of our bodies to influence our minds and our bodies.
A group of ACHiP participants will be invited to take part in an additional study, called the vowel study. It is called the vowel study because it covers: Adversity, Emotion, Inflammation, Outcomes, and You.
The Vowel participants will have their “vitals” measured (similar to what happens at a doctor’s office—blood pressure, heart rate, weight, etc) and they will participate in a blood draw. This thorough examination will allow us to learn more about how our bodies response to positive emotions and the stress of negative emotions.
CEDARS, SOUTH & WEST SIDE CHI
The Cedars, South & West Side Chi study opens the ACHiP Cedars (stress reduction program) to teens who live in the West and South sides of Chicago. In so doing, we hope to equip teens throughout Chicago with skills to combat stress and adversity.
DOUBLE PANDEMIC TEEN STUDY
The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the way we live, study, and interact with each other. And, we’re also in the midst of a racial justice reawakening, or a second pandemic. Together, this double pandemic represents a source of adversity for teens.
In the Double Pandemic Teen Study, we will speak directly with teens to discuss the impact of COVID-19 and racial violence in their lives. We’ll also work with other professionals and community leaders to create a playbook to help health professionals guide teens through the double pandemic and new source of adversity.
