Mississippi's 'Heart Man' Examines Links Between Race and Disease

Dr. Taylor, also known as "heart man" in Jackson, Mississippi, practices what he "preaches." While the "plat du jour" for many people living in the southern states is eggs fried in lard, Dr. Taylor reaches for fresh fruit and granola. He undestands that role modeling is a powerful tool.

From now until 2014, Dr. Taylor and his team will be following 5,302 black residents of three Mississippi counties — Hinds, Rankin and Madison — observing their lives and how their heart health is related to their environment.

For the study's participants, there will be periodic medical examinations and referrals for care when problems are detected. The ultimate aim of the $54 million investigation, Dr. Taylor said, "is to gain the information we need to stop an epidemic of cardiovascular diseases within the African-American community."