Free classes aimed at helping Benzie-area residents head off a type 2 diabetes diagnosis are available this year.
Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital offers a pre-diabetes community education class led by a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes educator on a monthly basis. Sessions this spring include a class March 27, April 24, and May 29. Classes meet in the hospital’s REMEC Room from 1 - 3 p.m.
The course covers diabetes prevention strategies such as healthy food choices, controlling carbohydrates, exercise, weight loss, medications, and goal setting.
Hospital Outreach Operations Coordinator Stephanie Williams, M.P.H, R.D.N., said the hospital wants to help people before they need medical care by promoting healthier lifestyles to prevent illness.
“Our free Active Steps exercise and pre-diabetes nutrition classes are just one of the ways we do this,” she said. “Early intervention is the key. These classes are structured in a way that meet participants where they are, identifies their personal interests and goals for the session, and helps to develop actionable and realistic goals to take steps forward.”
Active Steps is a 10-week beginner’s class at Betsie Hosick Health & Fitness Center for people who have pre-diabetes, diabetes, or are on dialysis. The class includes basic strength training, cardio workouts, core muscle exercises, and balance training with a goal of motivating participants to continue workouts on their own after the class is complete.
An area resident who took the class shared with staff: “I’m not usually much of a class person, but I loved Active Steps. The class is perfectly planned to make students function independently, writing their own workouts in only nine weeks. I am eager to continue exercising, using what I have learned.”
Residents are encouraged to register online for the nutrition class at munsonhealthhare.org/pomh-classes or call 231-352-2273.
For those interested in the Active Steps classes, call Arthur Adkins, certified athletic trainer, at 231-651-9048 for class days, times, and to register.