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 participate, free of charge, in the county- administered National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). The program supports moderate behavioral changes and has proven to reduce risk in those who are at risk for type 2 diabetes.
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 Type 2 Diabetes by 58 percent. Lifestyle changes worked particularly well for participants aged 60 and older, reducing their risk by 71 percent.
“We seek to reverse in Suffolk County the nationwide trend toward increased rates of diabetes. This program addresses the behaviors that contribute to diabetes, a disease that exacts enormous costs to the individual, the family and the community,” said Executive Bellone, who rolled out “Healthy Suffolk” last year.
“Diabetes puts people at risk for many serious health conditions,” said Dr. Tomarken. He continued by saying, “the good news is that moderate changes in lifestyle can help restore blood sugar toward normal levels and result in significant health benefits.”
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 Department of Health Services is offering three new sixteen-week Diabetes Prevention series beginning in February and March.
Locations for the program are across the county, but the closest is at PBMC:
The PBMC meetings are Wednesdays, March 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1,8,15, 22, 29, July 6, 2016 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the hospital. For more information call Janis at 631-853-3187.
Other locations include the Swezey Medical Pavilion located at 103 West Main Street in Patchogue. Those meetings will be Mondays, February 22, 29, March 7,14,21,28, April 4,11,18,25, May 2,9,16, 23, June 6, 13, 2016 from 3 to 4 p.m. For more information call Debora at 631-853-2928.
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services at 725 Veterans Highway in Hauppauge, will offer meetings on Thursdays, March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26, June 2,9,16, 23, 30, July 7, 2016 between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. For additional information call Janis at 631-853-2928.
For more information about the DPP program visit our website located under Healthy Living, or call the Office of Health Education at 853-3162.
For more information click here Facebook or here Twitter.
Source: Press release issued by Suffolk County Department of Health dated February 8, 2016.
