Free 10-Week Diabetes program offered at multiple branches

Ohio Department of Health logo

(Feb. 5, 2010) Diabates Association of Greater Cleveland The YMCA of Greater Cleveland and the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland are offering a free, 10-week Diabetes Education, Support and Self Management program, made possible by a grant from the Ohio Diabetes Prevention and Control Program (ODPCP) .

Classes are led by a combination of YMCA staff, registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators, nurses, and health educators.

Participants need to have a doctor referral and be pre-diabetic, diabetic or at high risk. Download the Doctor Referral Form here.

Program Outline:

Week 1	Diabetes Education and Information
Week 2	Understanding How Diabetes Affects the Whole Body
Week 3	Diabetes and Fitness
Week 4	Pushing Through Barriers
Week 5	Nutrition—A Cornerstone a of Better Health
Week 6	Let's Go Shopping–Field trip to a local grocery in the neighborhood
Week 7	Stirring Up Something Healthy
Week 8	Pulling the Pieces Together— Discovering Total Health and Wellness
Week 9	YMCA programs that contribute to enhanced health and wellness
Week 10	Program Graduation—Celebrating Steps to Better Health

Through the program, participants will learn how to properly use a blood glucose meter, learn about the effects diabetes has on the body, and realize the benefits of physical activity.

They'll have access to YMCA of Greater Cleveland facilities and exercise classes, and after completing 90% of the classes, will receive a free six-month membership to the YMCA.

They'll also learn general exercise principles, proper nutrition, how to make healthy eating choices, explore the importance of reading food labels, and learn about making long-term healthy lifestyle choices.

Please note: Due to space limitations, the program is only open to those who have not previously participated.

Class Times/ Locations

Southeast Family YMCA: March 12 – May 14
DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM HERE
Fridays, 9 am - 10 am
(first class will meet 9 am – 10:30 am)
(216) 663-7522
Download the Doctor Referral Form here (required)

Downtown Family YMCA : April 6 – June 8
DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM HERE
Tuesdays, 6 pm – 7 pm
(first class will meet 6 pm-7:30 pm)
(216) 344-7700
Download the Doctor Referral Form here (required)

Euclid Family YMCA: April 8 – June 10
DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM HERE
Thursdays, 3 pm – 4pm
(first class will meet 3 pm – 4:30 pm)
(216) 731-7454
Download the Doctor Referral Form here (required)

About the Ohio Diabetes Prevention and Control Program (ODPCP)

The ODPCP's mission is to prevent the onset of diabetes and to reduce the complications and premature mortality among all Ohioans affected by this growing epidemic. It is estimated that more than 700,000 Ohioans have been diagnosed with diabetes and many more have the disease but are unaware.

Diabetes rates are highest among African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos and persons living in Ohio’s Appalachian counties. Diabetes is a leading cause of non-traumatic amputations, adult blindness, kidney dialysis and heart disease.

Twenty-seven YMCA branches in 17 counties are offering the free Diabetes Education program at no cost to their communities through ODPCP funding.