Interview: Public Health Specialist Mary Lynn Fager talks recruitment efforts for next Diabetes Prevention classes
LOWVILLE- One in three American citizens across the country are pre-diabetic and nearly 80% of them don't even know it.
That equates to about 96-million people, the CDC says. Without taking action, many people with pre-diabetes are at greater risk for developing diabetes down the road. According to health professionals, having pre-diabetes means your blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal—but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.
Pre-diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes. Could you have pre-diabetes? Take a risk factor test here.
Pre-diabetes can often be reversed and that's why Lewis County Public Health Specialist Mary Lynn Fager is campaigning once again for people to seriously consider signing up for the next Diabetes Prevention Program.
Be sure to listen to our latest on-air interview here for her remarks:
The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is for people who are diagnosed as pre-diabetic OR who had gestational diabetes OR who are at risk of developing diabetes.
These classes are held at the Lewis County Education Center, 7395 E Rd, Lowville, NY and Fager told us there are options to have the class come to your workplace or establishment.
If you would like more information on signing-up, be sure to call Lewis County Public Health: 315-376-5453.
This program is a one year commitment to lifestyle change. During months 1-6, participants will learn to:
• Eat healthy without giving up all the foods you love
• Add physical activity to your life, even if you don’t think you have time
• Deal with stress
• Cope with challenges that can derail your hard work—like how to choose healthy food when eating out
• Get back on track if you stray from your plan—because everyone slips now and then
In the second half of the program, they will enhance the skills they have learned to maintain the changes they’ve made. These sessions will review key ideas such as tracking food intake and physical activity, setting goals, staying motivated, and overcoming barriers. The lifestyle coach and small group will continue to provide support.
The Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) is for people who are diagnosed with diabetes. This program meets weekly for six weeks.
Topics include:
• Understanding diabetes and diabetes treatment.
• Healthy eating.
• Being physically active.
• Taking medicine.
• Checking your blood sugar.
• Reducing your risk for other health problems.
• Learning to cope with stress, depression, and other concerns.
Image courtesy via Lewis County Public Health.
