EUGENE FAMILY YMCA WILL HELP TWO DOZEN PEOPLE REVERSE THEIR RISK OF DIABETES STARTING IN JANUARY
Two new YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program classes are virtual to reach more participants
Eugene, Ore., Dec. 17, 2020 - The Eugene Family YMCA announces the start of two new live virtual Diabetes Prevention Program classes in January to make lasting change for those diagnosed with prediabetes.
"Diabetes is a devastating disease that affects an individual's overall health and life expectancy," said Kate Kevern, Coordinator of the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program. "As we've witnessed with COVID-19, those with diabetes are at significant increased risk of other diseases as well."
The YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program is an evidence-based, one-year supportive coaching experience that helps participants prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Research shows that programs like this one reduce the number of new cases of Type 2 Diabetes by 58 percent overall and 71 percent in people over 60.
"We've been so lucky to be able to convert this incredible program into an online experience for participants," said Kim Miller, Director of Health and Wellness for the Eugene Family YMCA. "Access to our resources and knowledgeable lifestyle coaches is available from the comfort of home, which means that the typical obstacles to attending class, such as distance to the Y, are eliminated."
A virtual program also means that participants can join with friends from other cities or counties. Someone in Eugene can be in the same class as their buddy in Trout Creek.
"The support I get from attending meetings is critical to my success," said one participant. " I feel so much better about myself just for the fact that I am putting attention and focus on my health by going to class every week."
The program is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Since 2012, the Eugene Family YMCA has seen amazing results from the program, with hundreds of participants reducing their risk of diabetes. Approximately 86 million people in the U.S. have prediabetes, yet only 10 percent realize they are at risk.
"The goals for each participant are to reduce their body weight by 7 percent and become physically active for 150 minutes each week," said Kevern. "Participants form strong bonds in their small groups through encouragement and positive reinforcement, creating a supportive environment for continued success."
This lifestyle-change program meets weekly for the first four months, then every other week, then once a month during the last six months.
Virtual YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program Basics
What: Participants interact and receive support live, online in a group setting with a trained Lifestyle Coach.
Start Date: Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Time: Choose the 12 p.m. class or the 6 p.m. class
Cost: $35.75 per month for 12 months. (Financial assistance available but insurance not accepted).
Register: By Jan. 15
Who: Anyone who is 18 years or older; has a BMI of 25 or more; and has one of the following:
- A1c: 5.7%-6.4%
- Fasting plasma glucose: 100-125 mg/dL
- 2-hour plasma glucose: 140-199 mg/dL
- Gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy
Information: Email prevention@eugeneymca.org or call 541-686-9622 or visit https://bit.ly/ReverseYourRisk
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About the Eugene Family YMCA
The Eugene Family YMCA is one of the region's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each year across Lane County, the Y engages more than 18,000 people regardless of age, gender, income or background--- to nurture the potential of children, teens and seniors; improve health and well-being; and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2019, the Eugene Family YMCA awarded $464,675 in financial assistance. The YMCA has been serving the Eugene-area since 1887.
Media inquires, please contact:
Eugene Family YMCA
Beth Casper
503-302-8776 (mobile)
beth@eugeneymca.org
The Y. For a better us.
Founded in 1887, we're one of Lane County's oldest nonprofits.
