Participate in B.C. Generations Project, A Health Research Study
Cycling, as part of active transportation, has often been touted as beneficial for reducing certain health problems. There is now a research opportunity to gather and analyze such data to support this premise within this large-scale research project. Perhaps you could even be a research study participant if you are eligible.
Cyclists on Cambie Bridge, Vancouver BC. 2009. Photo by J. Chong
B.C. Generations Project is a collaborative research project between the British Columbia Ministry of Health and the B.C. Cancer Agency. They aim to collect health information from 30,000 British Columbians between 40 – 69 years old.
This provincial project is part of a national effort which will recruit and follow 300,000 Canadians on a long term basis that seeks to understand how to prevent cancer and other chronic diseases. Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic provinces are other participants. Project is funded by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.
I volunteered for the first phase which recruited and tested 5,000 Metro Vancouver residents by Feb. 13, 2010 –just before the Olympics. During this initial phase, research participants undertook some medical testing and answered survey questions. I received a handy print-out summarizing general body fat, body mass index, lung function, blood pressure, grip strength, etc.
J. Fair in Wenatchee, Washington. On a self-supported bike trip from Vancouver, BC to Madison, Wisconsin. Photo by J. Becker
Questions included dietary habits, general family medical history and at least, 2-3 specific questions on regular active transportation habits—namely walking, cycling and use of public transit.
In the next phase later this year, new research volunteer participants will not have an in-person assessment due to a “simplified” research data collection process. Please read their communiqué for the latest summary and contacts for interested volunteers.
So whether or not you are a cyclist, and if you have time, take part in this valuable, long-term health research study.
Further Reading:
B.C. Generations Project. Are You Eligible? Largest Ever BC.Health Research Project to Benefit Future Generations. Oct. 14, 2009.
B.C. Generations Project. Vancouver Clinic to Close; New Phase Invites All British Columbians to Join In. Jan. 27, 2010.
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