YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee to host free breakfast event for World Diabetes Day, Nov. 14

The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee will host a free community breakfast and educational open house to emphasize the importance of healthy eating habits on World Diabetes Day, Friday, Nov. 14, from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Northside YMCA, located at 1350 West North Avenue in Milwaukee. Diabetes is a growing epidemic in Milwaukee County, with 40 percent, or 241,000 people at high risk for developing diabetes – 14 percent higher than the Wisconsin state average of 25 percent – according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

“Improving access to healthy living programming and education within our community is critical to our mission of working with partners to create a stronger, healthier Milwaukee where neighbors of all ages, incomes and backgrounds truly thrive,” said YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee President and CEO Julie Tolan. “Diabetes and obesity are two of the biggest health issues facing Milwaukee, and the YMCA is leading the charge to instill healthier eating and exercise habits through our lifestyle coaching, fitness classes and our outcomes-focused Diabetes Prevention Program.”

Besides a free healthy breakfast, the Nov. 14 event will feature diabetes screenings, free flu shots administered by Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and educational presentations and community resources to help reduce diabetes risk and help those who are already diagnosed take control. At 8:45 a.m., John Anderson, a cyclist and runner with Team Novo Nordisk, will share his inspirational story as an athlete living with type 2 diabetes. Team Novo Nordisk is a global all-diabetes sports team of cyclists, triathletes and runners whose mission is to inspire, educate and empower those affected by diabetes.

As a leader in preventative health programs, the Milwaukee Y is focused on addressing the diabetes epidemic through collaborative approaches within the community such as the Milwaukee YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. Part of the Milwaukee Y’s Healthy Living program portfolio, the program is a comprehensive, community-oriented approach that combines diet, exercise and education elements in a supportive environment where participants work with a lifestyle coach to learn how to adopt healthy habits and exercise more. Participant retention is at 90 percent, with an average weight loss of 7 percent following the year-long program. Based on research funded by the National Institutes of Health, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 58 percent when program goals are achieved.

The 2014 World Diabetes Day campaign challenges communities to “Go Blue for Breakfast” to highlight the impact that making healthy food choices has on preventing type 2 diabetes and avoiding the serious complications associated with diabetes. All attendees of the Milwaukee Y’s “Go Blue for Breakfast” event are encouraged to wear blue, the global symbol for diabetes awareness.

This event is sponsored by Novo Nordisk and Metro Market, in partnership with the American Diabetes Association and Children’s Community Health Plan, administered by Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

For more information regarding the event, please contact Ellie Duyser, Diabetes Prevention Program Director, at (414) 241-0073 or eduyser@ymcamke.org. Media interested in attending should contact Lynn Sheka at (414) 499-5157 or lynn@reputationpartners.com.

YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee

The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion to strengthen the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Since 1858, Milwaukee YMCAs have helped kids and families live healthy lives in spirit, mind and body. Supported in part through contributions to the Annual Campaign, the Y provides membership assistance and scholarships to programs like summer camp, child care and teen activities, to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to be healthy, confident, connected and secure. www.ymcamke.org.