The CHAS study is re-examining a cohort of participants that were originally examined thirty-five years ago. This study examines the decades-long consequences of low risk factors present in young adulthood to early middle-age to their relevance for having less subclinical cardiovascular disease, inflammatory markers, and impairment of physical performance and functioning in older age. The MESA study has been ongoing since 1999 and looks at multi-ethnic differences in the development of atherosclerosis as well as the progression of subclinical cardiovascular disease to clinical disease. These participants have come to the Clinic every few years for an examination and are also contacted by phone between their clinical exams to ascertain their ongoing health status. The SOL study is the newest study in the clinic and has been ongoing for the past year. This study is a multi-center epidemiologic study in Hispanic/Latino populations to determine the role of acculturation in the prevalence and development of disease, and to identify risk factors playing a protective or harmful role in different ethnic groups of Hispanics/Latinos. The WHI study is currently in a follow-up only phase during which participants are contacted on a regular basis via phone to ascertain their overall health status. This long-term national health study focuses on strategies for preventing heart disease, breast and colorectal cancer and fracture in postmenopausal women. This 15-year project involves over 161,000 women throughout the country. The staff of the Clinic consists of the Clinic Manager, a Project Coordinator for each ongoing study, lab personnel trained in phlebotomy and biological sample processing, and many health interviewers that perform the majority of the procedures during the research participants’ visits. These staff are extensively trained and certified in all aspects of the study visits, and ongoing re-training and re-certification occurs at least annually. | 
