16-week workshop can help prevent or delay diabetes
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jessica Downey, left, and Cindy Perry with Community Partners at Orleans Community Health display a poster board with information on prediabetes. Community Partners is offering classes in Medina and Albion on identifying those at risk and the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Orleans Community Health’s Community Partners is offering a free 16-week workshop that has proven to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, according to Cindy Perry, director of outreach, education and marketing at Community Partners.
“Just making small changes in diet and exercise can be beneficial,” Perry said. “Exercise, which can just be cleaning house, can make a big difference.”
The Prevent T2 Lifestyle Change workshops will be offered at locations in Albion and Medina.
The Albion location will be at the Orleans County Health Department, with classes from 9 to 10 a.m., beginning Sept. 26.
In Medina, the classes are scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. at Community Partners, 200 Ohio St. (Medina Memorial Hospital).
Trainers (or coaches) will be Perry and Jessica Downey.
“We are offering a night class to accommodate people who have careers during the day,” Downey said.
Individuals will learn skills to make lasting lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, adding physical activity to their lives, managing stress and staying motivated.
A study conducted by the Center for Disease Control showed that nine out of 10 people don’t know they have prediabetes, and those who took part in a structured lifestyle change program cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent (71 percent for people over 60).
The study was so successful, it was discontinued ahead of time, Perry said.
In a previous program sponsored by Community Partners, one participant lowered her A1c from 6.3 to 5.7, which is the very bottom of the pre-diabetes range. She also lost seven percent of her body weight.
“My goal was to prevent diabetes and lower my A1c,” said the woman, who asked to be identified only as Anna. “It is possible to achieve positive results. It does take dedication and isn’t always easy, but it is definitely worth it. The class really helped me to become healthier. I enjoyed the interaction from the other participants, and we helped each other to stay on track and remain motivated.”
The impact of taking this program can last for years to come, Perry said. After 10 years, people who complete the program are one-third less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
To register for the program, call 798-9541 or e-mail NDPP@orleanscountyny.gov.
