Regional YMCA of Western CT will offer The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program – an innovative program proven to reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes – at Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA) in downtown Ridgefield beginning in October.
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program uses a CDC-approved curriculum and is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. The year-long program, which will meet on Tuesday evenings starting October 4, consists of 16 weekly sessions and three sessions every other week during the first six months followed by 6 monthly sessions in the second six months. A trained lifestyle coach helps participants learn tactics for healthy eating, physical activity and other lifestyle changes. The goals during the program are to reduce body weight by 7% and to increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week during the first half of the program.
The program is held in a group setting led by a trained lifestyle coach. Programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program have been shown to prevent or delay new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent and as much as 71 percent in adults over the age of 60.
“Currently, 86 million people - more than 1 out of 3 adults - have prediabetes, but only 10 percent are aware of it,” said Lisa O’Connor, YMCA's Wellness Coordinator and Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator. “Knowing your risk for prediabetes is the key to taking control and reducing these statistics. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program empowers participants to make lasting lifestyle changes that will improve their overall health and reduce their chance of developing Type 2 diabetes,” she explained.
Information session attendees are eligible to receive a free biometric screening of blood glucose level at the conclusion of the information sessions. Lifestyle Coaches from the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program will be onsite during the screenings to discuss any individual program related questions.
Registration is required for the information sessions, and anyone interested in attending should call RVNA at 203.438.5500 to reserve a spot. Anyone with questions regarding the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program should contact Lisa O'Connor, Regional YMCA Program Coordinator at 203.775.4444 ext 135 or loconnor@regionalymca.org.
To Contact RVNA
Call RVNA at 203-438-5555. Visit RVNA at www.ridgefieldvna.org.