Healthy Suffolk: Free Program Helps Participants Reduce Risk of Diabetes

Healthy Suffolk: Free Program Helps Participants Reduce Risk of Diabetes

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Department of Health Services Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken invite residents who are at risk for developing type-2 diabetes to attend a program that will help them reduce their risk. The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) supports moderate behavioral changes that incorporate healthy eating and physical activity. The program is free of charge.

According to the New York State Department of Health, diabetes is the most rapidly growing chronic disease of our time, affecting one out of every 12 adults in New York. Minority populations are at especially high risk.

“We seek to create a culture in Suffolk County in which healthy living is the norm,” said Executive Bellone, who rolled out “Healthy Suffolk” last fall. “This program offers residents the support they need to make small lifestyle changes to improve their health and well-being.”

“Diabetes puts the body at risk for many serious health conditions,” said Dr. Tomarken. “The good news is that moderate changes in lifestyle can help restore blood sugar to normal levels and result in significant health benefits,” said Dr. Tomarken.

DPP is based on a research study led by the National Institutes of Health. The study showed that with intensive counseling and motivational support, participants were able to make behavioral changes, reducing their risk for developing diabetes by 58 percent. Lifestyle changes worked particularly well for participants aged 60 and older, reducing their risk by 71 percent.

The Diabetes Prevention Program is led by a trained lifestyle coach. It meets one hour per week for 16 weeks, then monthly for the remainder of one year. The next sixteen-week series will begin:

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at 6 p.m.

St. Catherine of Siena Nursing and Rehabilitation Care Center

52 Route 25A, Smithtown

To register, call Debora @ 853-2928 (Pre-Registration is required)

For more information or to find out if you are at risk for diabetes, visit the Diabetes Prevention Program page on the Suffolk County website or call the Office of Health Education at 853-3162.