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Local YMCA's diabetes prevention programs begin January
Register-Guard - 1/14/2020
The Eugene Family YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program is starting two classes this month.
The yearlong program's goal is to increase participants' physical activity up to 150 minutes per week and cut down 5% to 7% of their body weight. However, the program is not solely focused on weight loss, it focuses on lifestyle with the help of a trained lifestyle coach who assists a small group of adults in making behavior changes to improve their health and well-being.
"Prediabetes is reversible and we have the proven means to reverse it," Kate Kevern, the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program coordinator, said in a news release. "Our goal is to give people at risk the tools and support to make a lifestyle change that will positively impact them for the rest of their lives."
Participants in 2019's yearlong YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program lost weight, increased their physical activity and lowered their blood sugar levels. One group member, Syndee West, was particularly inspired by her father, who died from diabetes-related complications last winter.
"It's a lifeline for me and I want others to know that it can be a lifeline for them. It truly changes lives," West said in the release.
West, 49, lost 26 pounds and lowered her blood sugar levels.
The Eugene Family YMCA has two new classes starting Jan. 21. Both will meet Tuesdays. A daytime class meets from 12:05 p.m. to 1:05 p.m. and an evening class meets from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. The cost is $429, or 12 payments of $35.75; Y membership not required. Financial assistance is available.
Individuals can assess their risk of developing diabetes by taking a test at cdc.gov/prediabetes/takethetest. More information on the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program can be found at eugeneymca.org/diabetes, people with questions can email prevention@eugeneymca.org or call 541-686-9622.
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