Suffolk County, NY - August 15, 2016 - Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Department of Health Services Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken invite residents who are at risk for developing type-2 diabetes to participate, free of charge, in the county- administered National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). The program supports moderate behavior changes and has proven to reduce risk in those who are at risk for type 2 diabetes.
DPP is based on a research study led by the National Institutes of Health. The study showed that with intensive counseling and motivational support, participants were able to make behavioral changes, reducing their risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes by 58 percent. Lifestyle changes worked particularly well for participants aged 60 and older, reducing their risk by 71 percent.
“We seek to reverse in Suffolk County the nationwide trend toward increased rates of diabetes. This program addresses the behaviors that contribute to diabetes, a disease that exacts enormous costs to the individual, the family and the community,” said Executive Bellone.
“Diabetes puts people at risk for many serious health conditions,” said Dr. Tomarken. “The good news is that moderate changes in lifestyle can result in significant health benefits,” said Dr. Tomarken.
The Diabetes Prevention Program is led by a trained lifestyle coach. It meets one hour per week for 16 weeks, then monthly for the remainder of one year.
Wednesdays, September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16, 30, December 7, 14, 21, January 4, 11, 2016
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
St. Charles Hospital
200 Belle Terre Rd.
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Contact: Debora 631-853-2928
Fridays, September 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 18, 30, December 2, 9, 16, 30, January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 3, 2016
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Peconic Bay Medical Center
1300 Roanoke Ave.
Riverhead, NY 11901
Contact: Janis 631-853-3187
For more information visit here (located under Healthy Living), or Call the Office of Health Education at 853-3162.
