Seekonk’s Newman YMCA Launches Diabetes Prevention

The Newman branch of the Greater Providence YMCA, located at 472 Taunton Avenue in Seekonk, MA, is pleased to announce a new diabetes prevention partnership with Sturdy Memorial Hospital’s Rehoboth Medical Center, just in time for November’s National Diabetes Awareness Month. The program, which begins its 16-week series of classes on November 5th, will allow up to 40 patients at Sturdy Memorial to receive free access to the YMCA’s Diabetes PREVENTION Program. For more information, please call 401-427-1843.

The YMCA’s Diabetes PREVENTION Program is part of the landmark Diabetes Prevention Program recognized by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The program shows that by eating healthier, increasing physical activity, and losing a small amount of weight, a person with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

The program cost is $429, but through a grant provided by the Coverys Community Healthcare Foundation, funding will be provided for 40 participants, referred to the YMCA by Sturdy Memorial Hospital. Chosen patients will receive a year of support and the opportunity to learn the keys to avoiding a diabetes diagnosis through healthier eating, increasing physical activity, and reducing weight.

“Diabetes is a serious condition that affects more than 29 million people, yet can be avoided by making a few simple lifestyle changes,” said Joni Bloom, the Program Director for the YMCA’s Newman Branch. “We are so pleased to partner with Sturdy Memorial on this initiative, which will allow even more of our neighbors to access the help they need to live long, healthy lives.”

In a classroom setting at the YMCA, a trained lifestyle coach will help participants change their lifestyle by teaching them about healthy eating, physical activity, and other behavior changes over the course of 16 one-hour sessions. Topics covered include nutrition, getting started with physical activity, overcoming stress, staying motivated, and more. After the initial 16 core sessions, group members will meet monthly for up to one year for added support to help them maintain their progress.

“Through the generosity of Coverys Community Healthcare Foundation in Boston we are pleased to offer this limited opportunity to help people who are in danger of developing Type 2 diabetes by partnering with local YMCA’s” says William J. Florentino, Chief Marketing and Development Officer at Sturdy Memorial Hospital.

About Sturdy Memorial
Sturdy Memorial Hospital is a locally controlled, not-for-profit, acute care community hospital which is dedicated to providing a broad range of health care services to the residents of the communities it serves. Sturdy’s mission is to provide high quality care to the sick and injured, on both an inpatient and outpatient basis, without regard to race, creed, national origin, age, gender, disability or ability to pay. The primary commitment of Sturdy Memorial Hospital is to serve the residents of Attleboro, Foxboro, Mansfield, North Attleboro, Norfolk, Norton, Plainville, Seekonk, Sharon, Rehoboth, Walpole, Wrentham, and nearby Rhode Island.

About YMCA of Greater Providence
The YMCA of Greater Providence has enjoyed a long history of building healthy spirits, minds, and bodies through programs, services and relationships that are based upon its core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The organization, comprised of nine branches, is a valued resource for families and individuals who seek health and wellness in their lives.