Do you have diabetes or pre-diabetes? Do you want to learn ways to control your weight? If you answered yes, then this class is for you. You can! Manage Your Weight is an eight-week course focusing on how you can learn to eat healthier and become more active in your daily lifestyle.
“People have had great success with this course,” said Lisa Mason, RD, CDE, WellStar Diabetes Program. “There is an average loss of 6 pounds after going through the program.”
The course is taught by a registered dietician who specializes in diabetes, as well as a social worker. During this course, you will see cooking demonstrations, grocery store tours and information on healthy meal planning. You also will receive helpful information on how to cope with stress.
“Participants who complete the program become more confident and less stressed about managing their weight,” said Linda Watson, LMSW.
According to the CDC, Diabetes affects 28.5 million people. About 1.9 million people aged 20 years or older were newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2010 in the United States.
“Diabetes is a major cause of heart disease and stroke, as well as the leading cause of kidney failure and non-traumatic lower-limb amputations,” said Jeffrey Tharp, M.D. “This course provides beneficial information that can improve the lifestyle of someone living with diabetes, or can even prevent diabetes for those that are borderline, which ultimately helps avoid larger health issues down the road.”
Diane Flink, a billing coordinator with WellStar Health System, decided to take the course after being diagnosed with diabetes.
“Not only did I learn ways to change my lifestyle, but I built wonderful relationships with the other people in the class,” said Flink. “We truly became a support group encouraging one another.”
The program is offered at WellStar Douglas, Kennestone and Paulding hospitals. Classes meet weekly in a comfortable classroom setting. The cost for the course is $64. For more information or to register, contact 770-956-STAR.