The Tuscarawas County YMCA is offering two opportunities to enroll in their diabetes program through a grant from the United Way of Tuscarawas County.
In Ohio, more than 10 percent of adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Another estimated three million adults have prediabetes, putting them at grave risk of developing the disease, according to the Institute of Alternative Futures. The estimated prevalence of diagnosed diabetes among adults in Ohio has grown 37 percent since 2000.
According to the CDC, if current trends continue, it is estimated that one in three Ohioans will develop diabetes within their lifetime, and those with diabetes will lose an average of 10 to 15 years of potential life. Diabetes costs Ohio $5.9 billion annually, including $3.9 billion in medical expenditures and $2 billion in reduced state productivity and premature mortality, according to the American Diabetes Association. By teaming with the OSU Extension, Union Hospital and United Way, the Y hopes to promote a healthy lifestyle to keep Type 2 diabetes under control.
There will be two, seven-week diabetes prevention, self-management and support programs beginning at the Y Sept. 11 at 5:30 p.m. or Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. After the initial seven core sessions, participants will meet monthly for added support to help maintain their progress. In order to qualify, participants must be overweight, and at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed with prediabetes or have Type 2 diabetes. In addition, participants must be willing and able to exercise a minimum of 150 minutes per week, maintain a food/exercise journal and meet with a wellness coach weekly.
To learn more, call Brandi Hibbs at 330-364-5511 or email at brandi@tuscymca.org. Also, visit the website, www.tuscymca.org, for qualifying criteria and a registration form.
