Madison County Rural Health Council receives CDC Full Recognition
The Madison County Rural Health Council, Inc., has received notification that they have received “Full Recognition” through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s for the Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program. The National Diabetes Prevention Program has been delivered in Hamilton, Oneida and Cazenovia through the coordination of the Madison County Rural Health Council.
The letter from Ann Albright, PhD, RDN, Director of Diabetes Translation at the Center of Disease Control and Prevention reads:
“We are delighted to award your organization CDC Full Recognition. This is a remarkable achievement of which you should be very proud. This designation will be noted on the national registry website… Congratulations on this achievement. We want to thank you for your work and your contribution to the prevention of Type 2 diabetes.”
This recognition is the result of markers that include attendance rates above 80 percent, weight loss of greater than 5 percent and physical activity minutes reported at least 60 percent of the time over the course of the yearlong program.
The achievement is due to the dedication of Lifestyle Coaches, JoEllen Nortz, LPN, at Community Memorial Hospital, Patty Gorman, NP, at Oneida Healthcare and Bonnie Slocum, MS, director of the Rural Health Council. The hard work on the part of the class participants and data completion and entry by the Rural Health Council Program Assistant, Stephanie Henry, completed the teamwork necessary to achieve the designation.
Led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Diabetes Prevention Program is based on research that showed that people with prediabetes who lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight reduced their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. Guided by a trained lifestyle coach, participants learn the skills they need to make lasting changes, such as losing a modest amount of weight by eating healthy, adding physical activity to their routine, staying motivated, managing stress and solving problems that can get in the way of their success.
Classes meet once a week for 16 weeks, then once a month for six months to maintain healthful lifestyle changes. The program’s group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes. Together, participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.
People are more likely to have prediabetes of Type 2 diabetes if they:
- Are 45 years of age or older
- Are overweight
- Have a family history of Type 2 diabetes
- Are physically active less than three times per week or
- Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy or
- Gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds
The complications from Type 2 diabetes are serious and an include heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure and the amputation of toes, feet or legs. Small changes can make a big difference. This program can help those with prediabetes make the lasting changes they need to prevent or delay diabetes and its complications.
To learn more about the National Diabetes Prevention Program classes or to sign up for the next class in your area, please call the Madison County Rural Health Council at 315-454-2108 or email Stephanie Henry, Program Assistant at henry.s@mcruralhealthcouncil.org.