Barnes Trust supports YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program

SOUTHINGTON – In recognition of its success, the Southington YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program recently received an $18,630 grant from the Bradley H. Barnes and Leila U. Barnes Memorial Trust of the Main Street Community Foundation. The Trust also provided the grant to launch the health initiative in 2018.

The funding was celebrated in a ceremonial check presentation held June 20 at Southington Community YMCA Spirit, Mind, Body Center, located at 130 N. Main St.

“The Main Street Community Foundation is excited to renew our support of this program which aligns with the intent of the Bradley Henry Barnes and Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust to improve health outcomes for Southington residents,” said Susan Sadecki, president and CEO of the Main Street Community Foundation.

Each Diabetes Prevention class includes a presentation or guest speaker who addresses various aspects of type 2 diabetes and 30 minutes of physical activity. Participants learn about healthy eating, realize accountability and track their food intake using food journals. The goal is to bring out each person’s personal best, potentially preventing type 2 diabetes while promoting healthier eating and exercise habits that can lead to weight loss, lower blood pressure, and other benefits. Individuals receive a free YMCA membership to exercise during the sessions.

The 12-week program is augmented through education provided by Hartford HealthCare medical professionals including registered dietitians, pharmacists and an advance practice registered nurse who present on topics including healthy cooking, medication and cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes.

“The partnership between the YMCA and Hartford HealthCare enables us to bring together wellness and medical expertise in the form of value-based programming to the Southington community. This, combined with the generosity of the Main Street Community Foundation, is helping people take the important steps needed today so that they may live healthier lifestyles,” said Lisa Connolly, vice president, Hartford HealthCare Community Network.

Individuals should be Southington residents, at least 18 years old and meet at least one or more of the following criteria: adults who have been told they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes; have been told they are overweight (BMI>25); or have had a blood test result in the prediabetes range during the past year.

“The combination of physical activity and education is proving its success. Participants have met many of their initial goals and have gained the knowledge they need to keep living their best healthy lives,” said Jolene Miceli, Southington Community YMCA Healthy Initiatives coordinator.

The next session will begin in the fall. For more information, contact the Southington YMCA at 860.628.5597.

HHC and the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs have a similar goal: to be committed to the health and healing of the community. The two entities are developing new strategies to optimize their expertise and partnerships to make Southington and Cheshire residents healthier.

Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA and Hartford HealthCare are both not for profits that serve the Southington community. For more information about Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA, visit www.sccymca.org. For more information about Hartford HealthCare, visit www.hartfordhealthcare.org.