24 for Life Positively Impacts Participants Life
24 for Life is a Diabetes Prevention Program currently being offered in Shawnee and Lyon counties. This program focuses on finding candidates that are at risk for Type 2 Diabetes through a short quiz and connecting them with educational tools to reduce their risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Deron, a 24 for Life participant has seen positive impacts on his health and lifestyle since participating in the program.
“I took the pre-diabetes test and realized that I was a prime candidate for developing Diabetes. I decided to sign up for the 24 for Life course,” said Deron
Deron started the 24 for Life program at 251 pounds. After participation of the program he has lost 26 pounds through the skills he developed from participating in 24 for Life. Some of the skills participants can learn are accountability, healthy eating, physical activity and nutritional tracking.
“24 for Life has made me aware of my unhealthy lifestyle and what the possible consequences could be if I don’t make changes. Now, I am getting in at least 150 minutes a week of physical activity and I am tracking my food intake each day to keep track of calories and fat intake,” said Deron.
Groups meet for a year — First weekly for the first 3 months, biweekly in next 3 months, then once or twice a month for the second 6 months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. During each session, your lifestyle coach will teach a lesson and lead a group discussion. For example, you will learn how to:
- Eat healthier
- Add physical activity to your life
- Manage stress
- Stay on track when eating out
- Understand your responses to food
- Stay motivated
- Solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes
“The accountability for one year has been great for me. It has kept me on track and will get me into the healthy habit of eating right and getting in my physical activity each week,” said Deron.
If you’re interested in learning more about 24 for Life, you can take the risk test online at www.midlandcare.org/24forlife or call 785-232-2044 and ask to speak with Donna Doel.
READ: 24 for Life program helps to prevent Type 2 Diabetes
You May Have Prediabetes and Be at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes if You:
- Are 45 years of age or older
- Are overweight
- Have a family history of Type 2 diabetes
- Are physically active less than 3 times a week
- Ever had diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes) or gave birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds
Contact: Donna Doel
785-250-5210
ddoel@midlandcc.org
24forlife@midlandcc.org
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