Free YMCA Membership and Diabetes Prevention [SOUTHCOAST HEALTH COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT]

We debuted a new feature on Michael and Maddie the morning of April 29. In partnership with Southcoast Health, we launched the Southcoast Health Community Spotlight.

Each week, we'll shine the spotlight on a non-profit organization doing some good and helping to make the SouthCoast a better place to live.

Did you know that there is a grant that may cover the entire $600 fee for anyone who starts a Diabetes Prevention Program class by June 30, 2024? In addition, you would receive a free YMCA membership while in the program.

LISTEN:  Michael and Maddie with the YMCA's Lisa Rahn

Younger people are now at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

"We don't always eat right and we don't move our bodies enough, that's the bottom line," the YMCA's Lisa Rahn said.

By adopting two small changes in your life you can significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

1.  Reduce your body weight by 5 to 7%.

2.  Become physically active at least 150 minutes a week.

This program is looking to help you with both of those changes by covering the cost of the $600 Diabetes Prevention Program and also paying for your YMCA SouthCoast membership while you're active in the program.

Eligibility requirements

1. 18+ years old and overweight (BMI 25+ in general, 23+ for Asian ethnicity)
2. Diagnosed with prediabetes through a blood test (A1C 5.7-6.4 or fasting blood glucose 100-125mg/dL), or score 5 or higher on the CDC’s Prediabetes Risk Test. You can take the test in less than 60 seconds on this site: https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/takethetest/

Facts About the Program

The year-long support group program is facilitated by a trained lifestyle coach who is either a YMCA employee or volunteer.

Reaching and maintaining the participant goals of 5-7% weight loss and 150 minutes of physical activity per week reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 53% overall (71% for people over 60).

The IHI grant funding will cover the $600 program fee for anyone who starts a DPP class by June 30, 2024. DPP participants receive a free Y membership while in the program.

English language classes take place in New Bedford, Fall River and Wareham with potential additional classes starting over the next few months based on demand and lifestyle coach availability.  Portuguese and Spanish classes are also available.

More information is available by contacting DPP Coordinator Rutchell Charleus at (508) 996-9622 (ext.131) or rcharleus@ymcasc.org, or contacting the Southcoast Cares About My Diabetes Team at (508) 973-5287 or SouthcoastCaresDiabetes@southcoast.org.