Who’s been a research participant?

I’ve always been interested in health research and around ten years ago I took part in a major program here, the Exeter 10,000.I was weighed, measured, blood pressure and cholesterol checked, and the information gathered was added to a database.

Last time I checked, they had recruited close to the 10K participants they hoped. I was asked if it was okay to contact me if I matched any further studies.

The next one was quite interesting, two, 2 hour visits six months apart where I was put through some quite challenging, but good fun, memory tests. I received a report on that one and was pleased that I’d performed well.

Now today, I’m wearing some little gadgets that have made a few people laugh. I’ve been asked if I’m being ‘tagged’, as  a criminal might. I have a sensor on my back,

One just above each ankle,

and one on each foot.

Some people believed me when I said it was a fashion statement. But most found the truth more interesting.

so now it’s nearly 9 pm, and the batteries will run out so it’s time to take the gdgets off. In the morning I take them back to Mubarack who will gather the information he needs, for his PHD research on balance as we age. Taking part was no problem for me. If you ever have the opportunity to help with someone’s research, stop and think where we’d be without it, and please, please take part if you can.

The Exeter 10,000