[This story was written by Katie Cameron, MPH, BSW, Site Coordinator for the Diabetes Prevention Program at St. Peter’s Diabetes and Endocrine Care.]
Although it is only still October, we all know the holidays and New Year’s are right around the corner. And while many people look to the new year as a time to take charge of their health, I would suggest that now – before you start overindulging over the holidays – is the time to start that journey.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that maintaining your health is more important than ever. We have all seen the news reports and studies that show patients with underlying conditions, including diabetes, are at the greatest risk for severe illness upon contracting COVID.
The good news is, St. Peter’s Health Partners can help individuals with prediabetes from developing type 2 diabetes and lower their risk of future health complications, whether they contract COVID or not.
But, how do you know if you have prediabetes? The first step is to take the CDC’s self-assessment at www.sphp.com/dpp
If you scored a five or greater on the quiz, or have previously been diagnosed with prediabetes by your physician, you are eligible to participate in a FREE virtual diabetes prevention program by St. Peter’s Diabetes & Endocrine Care.
Our virtual program includes:
- A CDC-approved curriculum
- The skills you need to lose weight, be more physically active and manage stress
- A trained lifestyle coach to guide and encourage you
- Support from other participants with the same goals as you
- Follow-up meetings to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle
This free, year-long lifestyle change program aims to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Participants will learn skills to eat healthy, increase physical activity, and manage stress. The program meets weekly for 16 weeks, then bi-weekly, and then monthly for the remainder of the time.
Diet and exercise with weight loss are proven preventive measures against the development of type 2 diabetes. Start the journey now, and you will have a jump start on a healthier you well before the ball drops on January 1.
Our next program begins Thursday, October 14, through a partnership with the Albany County Department of Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. It is for Albany County residents only and will be held virtually from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
A second session, open to all Capital Region residents, begins Thursday, October 21, and will be held virtually from 6 to 7 p.m.
Visit www.sphp.com/DPP for more information, or contact me at 518-723-0680 or Katie.Cameron@sphp.com. Here’s to a new, healthier you!
