Small Steps Can Prevent Diabetes – Prevention Program Coming to Manchester

An innovative program aimed at helping prevent diabetes and related health complications will be coming to Manchester early next year. 

My Choice … My Health is the Diabetes Prevention Program of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM). It helps those at high risk of developing diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. The methods include developing healthier eating habits, increasing physical activity, and losing a modest amount of weight. All of these goals can help reduce your chances of developing the disease.

Based on research funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the My Choice … My Health program reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. In a classroom setting, a trained lifestyle coach will facilitate a small group of participants in learning about healthier eating, physical activity and other behavior changes over the course of 16 weekly one-hour sessions.

Program goals include reducing body weight by 7 percent, and increasing physical activity to 150 minutes per week during the course of the program.

“Many participants have had very successful experiences in My Choice… My Health, and their stories are wonderful,” said Mary Hiller of the NKFM. “This program can be life-changing.”

This cycle can be broken and the My Choice … My Health program coming to Manchester can help.

These sessions will be offered in Manchester at the Village Room on the lower level of Village Hall, 912 City Road. An informational opening session will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25, and weekly core sessions continue starting Wednesday, March 4.

Topics will include healthier eating, getting started with physical activity, overcoming stress, staying motivated, and more. After the initial 16 core sessions, participants will meet monthly for added support to help them maintain their progress.

The My Choice … My Health program is free to qualified participants. Priority Health members are admitted free with their member ID card. There are also self-pay options and scholarships available. To qualify for the program, individuals must be overweight and at high risk for developing diabetes, or overweight and have been diagnosed by a physician with pre-diabetes.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.