November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the Rye YMCA is one of 74 Y’s nationwide helping adults in our area cut their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, through the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program.

 

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the Rye YMCA is one of 74 Y’s nationwide helping adults in our area cut their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, through the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program.

 

Participants in the YMCA program take part in a year-long program beginning with 16 one-hour classroom sessions with a trained lifestyle coach who helps them learn about healthy eating, physical activity, and other lifestyle changes. Following these sessions, participants meet monthly for added support in reaching their ultimate goals of reducing body weight by 5-7 percent and participating in 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Studies show that losing a moderate amount of weight and increasing physical activity reduces the number of cases of Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

 

“Type 2 diabetes is a serious and growing problem in Westchester County,” observed Gregg Howells, Rye Y Executive Director. “In 2009, nearly 8 percent of Westchester County adults were living with diabetes. Nearly 59 percent of adults in the county were overweight or obese, which can easily contribute to diabetes and other chronic diseases. We can help stem this alarming trend by helping people make lifestyle changes that will make a real difference in their health and well-being.”

 

Through the Rye Y, 27 individuals have taken advantage of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. To learn more about upcoming classes, contact Tanya Stack at 967-6363 or Tanya@ryeymca.org.