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About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 25, 2017)
LOCAL LIFESTYLE COACH OFFERS PROGRAM TO LOWER DIABETES RISKS Blue Mountain Hospital’s registered dietitian Kim Jacobs is also a lifestyle coach, helping people learn healthy habits with the Prevent T2 diabetes program. The Eagle/Angel Carpenter Participants learn new skills, healthy habits By Angel Carpenter Blue Mountain Eagle T he National Diabetes Prevention Program called Prevent T2 (type 2 diabetes), led by lifestyle coach Kim Jacobs, is in full swing at Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day. Jacobs said Prevent T2, recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- vention, is creating positive changes for people, teaching a healthier lifestyle. “With this program, you’ll learn, laugh and share stories,” said Jacobs, who is also a registered dietitian and cer- tified diabetes educator at the hospital. Participants also try new things, over- come obstacles and build new habits while lowering their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. They learn how to eat well, get active, shop, cook, manage stress, stay motivated and more, Jacobs said. 10 || Family Health Guide 2017 The year-long class starts out with weekly meetings for four months, pro- gressing to monthly gatherings. The cur- rent class began in October 2016, and another class will begin when there are enough referrals. Jacobs said she teaches the group how to adapt to a healthy lifestyle, lowering risks associated with diabetes including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and loss of toes, feet or legs. “It’s not a diet, but learning how to live a healthy life — how to eat healthy, how to be physically active,” she said. “I truly believe this year-long program helps change people’s lives.” She said, without weight loss and moderate physical activity, 15 to 30 per- cent of people with prediabetes will de- velop Type 2 diabetes within five years. Prediabetes means a person’s blood glucose (sugar) is higher than normal, but not yet diabetes. “If you do discover that you have a diagnosis of prediabetes, participating in programs such as Prevent T2 may help you cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half,” Jacobs said. And that’s the good news. Research shows doing two things can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes: losing 5 to 7 percent body weight and getting at least 150 minutes each week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking. “A year might sound like a long com- mitment, but learning new habits, gaining new skills and building confidence takes time,” Jacobs said. “As a lifestyle coach, I will help you set and meet goals and keep you motivated.” For more information, call Jacobs at Blue Mountain Hospital at 541-575- 1311.
