​Northern Dutchess Hospital’s Diabetes Prevention Classes Return

From North Dutchess Hospital:Rhinebeck – Type 2 diabetes can cause serious health problems and the constant finger-pricking, pill-swallowing or insulin injections that come with the preventable disease can greatly decrease one’s quality of life.

To help adults reduce their diabetes risk, Northern Dutchess Hospital will offer the National Diabetes Prevention Program beginning Monday, March 13, for 16 consecutive weeks and bi-monthly follow-ups.

The free educational program on modest healthy lifestyle changes is offered from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m. in the hospital’s cafeteria conference room, 6511 Springbrook Ave., Rhinebeck.

This program is for people with type 2 risk factors such as excessive weight, lack of regular exercise, age 45 or older, family history of type 2 diabetes or a history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy. To take the American Diabetes Association Risk Test, visit healthquest.org/NDHdiabetes.

During the last session this fall, 26 people successfully completed 16 weeks and lost an average of eight pounds each, according to hospital data reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the 10 previous programs, hospital nutrition counselor Roufia Payman and exercise specialist Marie Monroe helped 179 people by teaching them how to maintain a balanced diet, get regular exercise, manage stress and more.

Seats are limited. To find out if you qualify for the program, call Amanda Sheffield at 845-871–4380 (TTY: 800-421-1220) or visit healthquest.org/NDHdiabetes.

Photo courtesy of Northern Dutchess