Health Centers Have Diabetes Prevention Program!

Several groups of members recently completed the Health Centers’ Diabetes Prevention Program and gave it high grades for effectiveness. Members should be aware that the next group programs will begin soon.

The purpose of the program is to assist individuals who are at risk for developing diabetes, a condition called pre-diabetic. The program helps these members lose weight by improving their lifestyle. In short, participants learn how to eat better and exercise. In the most recent sessions the Harlem and Queens groups lost a total of 282 lbs. Or, as nutritionist Jennifer Calo states, “they lost a football player.”

Losing weight will help members at risk for diabetes decrease their Hemoglobin A1C, control blood sugar and, yes, actually prevent diabetes.

It is a 16-week core program. Each week participants discuss a different topic, engage in group activities, such as exercise, yoga or making smoothies, and receive a useful gift. The recent 16-week program ended with a celebration. Each participant received a certificate and a pin to acknowledge their accomplishment.

Jennifer Calo, the Health Centers’ nutritionist, serves as the National Diabetes Prevention Program’s (NDPP) Lead Lifestyle Coach for both Harlem in Queens. The following staff members have served as back coaches: Dana Yi, RN, Queens; Jeanette Kamin, Assistant Administrator, Harlem, and Venus Digma, RN, Harlem.

The participants who have competed the 16-week program will move on to an eight-month maintenance program that includes monthly meetings
Members of the most recent groups in Harlem in Queens had great things to say about the Diabetes Prevention Program.

“I learned so much about carbohydrates,” one member told us. “I never knew before this program that certain foods were actually raising my blood sugar.”

“It’s a lifestyle change for me, not a diet,” another member said, adding, “I really enjoyed the yoga class and all the giveaways.”

If you are at risk for diabetes, something your primary care physician can tell you, then you should take advantage of the opportunity to join the next program. An English diabetes prevention program will be presented in Queens and a Spanish program will be presented in Harlem. Members are urged not to delay in registering—the last day to schedule an appointment for these sessions will be August 2 for the Queens program and August 3 for the Harlem program.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is collaborating with the New York City Department of Health (DOH) in promoting the National Diabetes Prevention Program. Our Health Centers are presenting this program in cooperation with the CDC and DOH’s joint effort. Members are invited to join these programs at the Queens and Harlem Health Centers. Participation can be fun, educational and, yes, even life-saving!