What side effects or risks can I expect from being in the study?

There is minimal risk with the specimen collection. You may feel some physical discomfort from the blood pressure measure, blood draw, finger prick, and hair sampling.  There is a small risk of bruising or infection from the blood draws.  You may feel psychological discomfort from answering questions about sensitive life experiences (stressful events and situations). For more information about risks and side effects, ask the study director (Dr. Elissa Epel).

You might feel distressed or anxious about learning your blood telomere length. Telomere length carries no diagnostic information. It is a risk factor, like cholesterol, and something that changes over time.  Because it is linked to healthy behaviors, improvements in these behaviors are likely to maintain or even lengthen your telomeres.  If you are feeling distressed upon learning your telomere length is on the short side, you will be called by one of the study leaders who can discuss your concerns with you. We will be available by phone or in person. We also have a genetic counselor for you to talk to in order to answer any questions that might come up and that we cannot answer.