YMCA OFFERS DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM

The YMCA of Greater Providence is offering the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program for those who are at risk for type 2 diabetes.  The program is geared for all adults who have been told by a physician that they are pre-diabetic or are at a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

The goal of the class is to assist each individual to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle that will reduce the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.  The YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is a part of the landmark Diabetes Prevention Program funded by the National Institute of Health and the Centers for Disease Control which showed that by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and losing a small amount of weight a person with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Held in a classroom setting, a trained lifestyle coach will help participants change their lifestyle by teaching each person about healthy eating, physical activity and other behavior changes.  The coach, along with other participants, supports each individual as they begin to make manageable changes to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. 

The program has two phases.  Phase one consists of weekly one-hour session for 16 weeks; followed by 8 monthly classes.  Classes will begin:

·         April 10 at the Bayside YMCA in Barrington

·         May 16 at the Kent County YMCA in Warwick

·         May 20 at the Cranston YMCA in Cranston

For more information and/or to sign up for a class please call Joni Bloom at 401-427-1843 or email her at jbloom@gpymca.org.

The YMCA of Greater Providence is a 501C3 serving communities in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. The Y  is a charitable organization made up of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.