Friends of the Chicago River
Chicago River Industry

Green FrogCHEERS Research Study

The University of Illinois (UIC) School of Public Health is conducting a research study of water quality and health among people who use the Chicago River for recreation. The research study, called CHEERS, the Chicago Health, Environmental Exposure and Recreation Study, has been undertaken to better understand the relationship between water quality and recreation. The UIC team pitched their tents along the river, lake and bicycle paths recruiting participants throughout the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

Friends’ role is to help promote the research study among the community of Chicago River users to encourage study participation. We do not administrate any part of the study.

POOL STUDY
Currently, the CHEERS team is working on a pool study to measure the amount of water people swallow when they participate in outdoor activities on or near water. This research will take place on scheduled dates at participating public pools.

How to participate in the pool study? The UIC team is looking for people to participate in the following outdoor activities for up to one hour: swimming, wading, walking, pretending to fish, kayaking, and canoeing. UIC will compensate you for your time. For more information about what is required by participants in the Pool Study, go directly to the pool study information page at www.cheerschicago.org/poolstudy.

Upcoming Pool Study Dates and Locations:

Skokie Park District Pool
8/14, Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
8/15, Saturday, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
8/16, Sunday, 6:30 pm - 8:30 p.m.

Alsip Park District Pool
8/23, Sunday, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
8/30, Sunday, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
9/6, Sunday, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

If you are interested in participating, you should schedule a date and time to participate by calling the research coordinator at 1-800-688-0582. For more general information about the pool study, visit CHEERS website at www.cheerschicago.org/poolstudy.

Those interested in participating should NOT swim in any type of pool four days prior to their scheduled date.

For more information about CHEERS, visit the study website at www.cheerschicago.org. You can also contact Cynthia Fox at (312) 939-0490, ext. 13 or cfox@chicagoriver.org.