A Diabetes Exercise Program
The Westport-Weston Family YMCA is launching the "Move Well Today Diabetes Exercise Program" on November 4th, 2019. The program is designed to assist individuals diagnosed with prediabetes or with Type 2 diabetes learn preventive steps they can take today to reduce the chances of developing the disease.
In the United States alone, diabetes affects over 30 million people; another 84.1 million Americans have prediabetes, yet only about 10 percent are aware of it. These statistics are alarming, and the impact on the cost of health care (in 2012 alone, the ADA estimates that diabetes cost the health care system $245 billion) makes preventing the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes more important than ever before.
The nation’s struggle with obesity and type 2 diabetes is no surprise, but the number of people with prediabetes is a growing issue, especially when so few people realize they have the condition. Prediabetes is a condition in which individuals have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Often preventable, people with prediabetes can reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes by adopting behavior changes that include eating healthier and increasing physical activity. People with prediabetes are at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but also cardiovascular disease, stroke and other conditions.
Participants of Move Well Today at the Westport-Weston Family YMCA can either self-refer or get referred to the program by their healthcare professionals. Included in the program, is a 12-week Cardio & Strength Training Exercise Circuit designed as a self-management tool for diabetics that meets 2 times per week and requires an independent exercise session each week. Participants will be tracking blood glucose levels, exercise intensity and duration every day. A pre and post program assessment will allow participants to review their progress. The program takes place at the Westport Weston Family YMCA, 14 Allen Raymond Lane in Westport on Monday and Wednesday 1:45-3pm from November 4, 2019 to January 30, 2019.
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About the Y
The Westport Weston Family YMCA nurtures the potential of every individual, promotes healthy lifestyles, and fosters a sense of social responsibility in the communities of Westport and Weston. The YMCA has been operating in Westport since 1923, and is located off of Exit 41 of the Merritt Parkway at 14 Allen Raymond Lane, Westport, CT 06880.