Check up on your health at the Y during Diabetes Alert Day®

Later this month marks the American Diabetes Association® Alert Day®. Recognized the last Tuesday of March, the day is a call to action to address the growing trend of Americans being affected by prediabetes and diabetes.

To mark the upcoming Alert Day®, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA will host a cooking demonstration with Registered Dietitian Victoria Coglianese from the Shoprite of Garwood a day early, on Monday, March 25 from 12:15-1:15pm. Ms. Coglianese will be preparing quick and easy meal and snack recipes that are balanced in carbs and made with wholesome ingredients to promote healthy blood sugar.

During the cooking demo and information session, the Y also will address why this type of eating balances blood sugar and is helpful not only for those with diabetes, but also those want to optimize their health and energy. Participants will gain practical skills on how to prepare and shop for foods that help balance blood sugar. Healthy samples will be provided.

The event is free and open to the public. All guests are asked to show a valid, government-issued photo ID to enter the YMCA building.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that more than 84 million people in the United States have prediabetes, up from 79 million people in 2010. Without weight loss and moderate physical activity, 15-30 percent of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years. Having prediabetes puts people at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but also heart disease and other conditions.

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is a provider of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention program, a year-long program based on lifestyle coaching and focused on small sustainable changes. This evidence-based program has been found to decrease the incidence of prediabetes turning into diabetes by 58% - and for those over 60 years old, the incidence is decreased by 71%.

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA also provides education for those with Diabetes through its Diabetes Self-Management Program. This is a 6-week program for those with Diabetes or a support person for someone with Diabetes. This evidence-based curriculum teaches how to better manage blood sugar and self-care through lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, exercise suggestions, developing goals and problem solving.

For further information on any of these programs, please contact Donna Peart at dpeart@fspymca.org or 908.889.8880.

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The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the individuals, families and communities it serves through programs and services that build wholeness of spirit, mind and body. The YMCA is a not-for-profit organization founded on Christian principles, serving people of all ages, races, faith, cultures and socio-economic conditions. For information on membership or programs, or to request a schedule of classes, please call the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA at (908) 889-8880 or visit https://fspymca.org. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is located at 1340 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains.