September 19, 2013
Suffolk County Rolls Out CDC-Led National Diabetes Prevention Program
Making modest changes in lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent…
Suffolk County this week launched its new diabetes prevention program, a CDC-led program that encourages healthy eating, physical activity, and lifestyle changes to help participants achieve the goals that lead to the prevention or delay of a diabetes diagnosis.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program is free of charge for all Suffolk County residents who are at risk for diabetes. The program meets one hour per week for 16 weeks, followed by at least six monthly follow-up sessions. The sessions cover healthy eating, physical activity, and lifestyle changes to help participants achieve the goals that lead to the prevention or delay of a diabetes diagnosis. Participants work with a trained lifestyle coach in a group setting.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program is based on the Diabetes Prevention Program research study led by the National Institutes of Health. The study showed that making modest behavior changes, such as improving food choices and increasing physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week, helped participants lose five to seven percent of their body weight and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent in people at high risk for diabetes.
“Diabetes is a major public health concern in Suffolk County and nationwide,” said County Executive Steve Bellone. “The rate of the disease continues to rise, especially in the African American and Hispanic populations. This program offers those with pre-diabetes an excellent opportunity to learn more about preventing diabetes and living life to the fullest.”
“The good news is that people can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes with minor lifestyle changes that can be achieved with support,” said James Tomarken, Commissioner of Health Services. “With a lifestyle coach and a supportive group to cheer their successes and empathize with their setbacks, participants will find successful ways to help stay focused and reinforce positive strategies for maintaining healthy weight loss.”
Pre-registration for the Diabetes Prevention Program is required. Registration remains open for each class until the second session. Residents who have risk factors for diabetes and feel they may be eligible for the program, may call 631-853-3162. More information is available on the county website: www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health.
Programs are conveniently located at hospitals, health care centers and libraries. Locations are as follows:
MONDAY
The Diabetes Wellness Center at BMHMC
33 Medford Ave., 2nd Floor Suite D
Patchogue, NY 11772
October 28; November 4, 18, 25 December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; January 6, 13, 27; February 3, 10, 24;
March 3
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Contact: 853-3162
Long Island Women’s Empowerment Network Inc. at Wingate
801 Crooked Hill Road
Brentwood, NY 11717
October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9, 16; January 6, 15, 27; February 3, 10, 17
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Contact: 273-9800
Christ Episcopal Church
12 Prospect Street
Babylon, NY 11702
October 21, 28; November 4, 11, 18, 25; December 2, 89, 16, 23, 30; January 6, 13, 20, 27;
February 3, 10
7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Contact: 853-3162
TUESDAY
Southside Hospital
301 East Main Street
Bay Shore, NY 11706
September 24; October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19, 26; December 3, 10, 17; January 7, 14, 21
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Contact: 1-855-364-6257
WEDNESDAY
Lakeview Rehabilitation and Care Center
63 Oakcrest Ave.
Middle Island, NY 11953
September 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20, 27; December 4, 11, 18; January 8, 15
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Contact: 331-2675
St. Charles Hospital
200 Belle Terre Road
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
October 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20, 27; December 4, 11, 18; January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 5, 19, 26
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Contact: 853-3162
Southold Public Library
53705 Main Road
Southold, NY 11971
November 6, 13, 20; December 4, 11, 18; January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 2, 12, 29, 26; March 5, 12
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Contact: 477-5425
THURSDAY
Town of Babylon Annex
281 Phelps Lane
North Babylon, NY 11703
September 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 21; December 5, 12, 19; January 9, 16, 23, 30
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Contact: 516-902-5491