Well, we made it through the holiday season, and things are starting to get back to normal. The presents are put away, and I’m hoping you finally took down your tree. Now, if you are like me, the only two things you have left are the outstanding credit card debt and the weight you’ve gained from the endless tables of holiday food and junk. (Okay, full disclosure, I’m so far off my own routine that I can barely see the wagon that I fell off. I usually work out in my garage, but I might as well be building igloos for a workout, it is so cold out there.) But, Dave, “What can I do?”, you ask. Fear not! I will be offering FREE weight-loss classes to help you (and me) not only find your way back into your jeans but also develop healthy habits you’ll be able to use for the rest of your life.
If you are one of my regular readers, you probably know that I have been in the health and fitness field for over 30 years and that I am passionate about raising the level of well-being in our community. I believe that if we are healthier, we are happier and have a greater quality of life. To help achieve this goal, I have been teaching National Diabetes Prevention Program classes to help people lose weight and lead healthy lifestyles. Let me say that again, the classes are intended to help people lose weight and avoid Type 2 diabetes!
We have all heard the word “diabetes”, but I find that not everyone I encounter really knows much about the disease. According to the CDC, diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. In addition, there are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant).
Your body breaks down most of the food you eat into sugar and releases it into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin then allows blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy.
With diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should. When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease, making this a very serious problem.
Unlike type 1 and gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes is largely lifestyle related and preventable; with excess body weight, poor eating habits, and lack of activity being key causes. Sometimes, called adult-onset diabetes, type 2 diabetes is affecting more and more children, teens, and young adults. Since people don’t always notice symptoms in the beginning, it often goes undiagnosed for many years.
Another hot term these days is “pre-diabetes,” which refers to blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet at a diabetic level. In the US, approximately 1 out of every 3 adults is pre-diabetic, with many unaware of their risk. When lab results reach this level, it is imperative that lifestyle changes are made to stave off type 2 diabetes and the increased risk of other problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. This is where the National Diabetes Prevention Program comes in. This CDC-led, research-based program focuses on teaching healthy eating and physical activity. Research has shown that people with pre-diabetes who joined a structured lifestyle change program could cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people over 60 years old).
About the class- According to their website, the National Diabetes Prevention Program is based on a CDC-approved curriculum with lessons, handouts, and other resources to help you make healthy changes. The class is led by a lifestyle coach, me in this case, who is specially trained to lead the program, to help you learn new skills, encourage you to set and meet goals, and keep you motivated. The coach will also facilitate discussions and help make the program fun and engaging (at least I hope I make them fun). Lastly, the class acts as a support group with people who have similar goals and challenges. So, lots of good information about goal setting, food, fitness, and weight tracking. What’s not to love?
The program runs for approximately 1 year. During the first 6 months of the program, we’ll meet about once a week. During the second 6 months, we’ll meet once or twice a month. In the first half of the program, you’ll learn to: Eat healthy without giving up all the foods you love. Add physical activity to your life, even if you don’t think you have time. Deal with stress. Cope with challenges that can slow your progress, like choosing healthy food when eating out. And get back on track if you stray from your plan.
In the second half of the program, you’ll fine-tune the skills you’ve learned so you can maintain your progress. These sessions will review key ideas such as tracking your food and physical activity, setting goals, staying motivated, and overcoming barriers.
Who is eligible? To participate, you must be 18 years or older and NOT previously diagnosed with diabetes.
Classes are divided by county: 1 class for Clinton County residents on Mondays and 2 for Lycoming County residents on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Class size is limited, and all prospective participants MUST attend the information session for their county, unless prior arrangements have been made with me. These initial sessions are primarily for a class overview and to complete some paperwork. The class delivery method will be in-person or via Zoom, Mondays and Tuesdays, and Zoom only for Wednesday classes.
Info sessions:
Clinton County residents – Monday, 3/2, at 6:00 pm. Woolrich Community Methodist Church, 1080 Park Ave., Woolrich, Pa 17779.
Lycoming County residents – Tuesday, 3/3, at 5:30 pm. Antes Fort Methodist Church. 19 4th St. Antes Fort, Pa 17720. (GPS has a little trouble with this address. The church is a block over from Rt. 44. In Antes Fort.)
COST-Free!!! For more information, feel free to contact me via email at dave.bellomo@gmail.com.
