Barrett Hospital & HealthCare provides compassionate care, healing and health-improving services
to all community members throughout life’s journey.
Barrett Hospital & HealthCare’s Diabetes and Heart Disease Prevention Program
The Diabetes and Heart Disease Prevention Program (DPP) at Barrett Hospital and HealthCare is now in its fourth year. The proven program assists with lifestyle changes that promote weight loss and encourage routine exercise. This 10-month program is taught by a variety of healthcare professionals providing education on nutrition, exercise, behavior change, motivation, and coping skills. The classes originally meet weekly for the first 4 months and then monthly the final 6 months. Self-monitoring is stressed, which includes keeping daily food and exercise logs. Bi-weekly exercise classes are also offered.
Classes include instruction and group exercise. The cost is a one-time fee of $150, which includes instruction for the entire 10-month period. The DPP coordinators are Deanna Nelson, RN, ACSM and Jill Pulaski, RD.
An individual is eligible for the DPP if they are overweight (a Body Mass Index or BMI of 25 or greater is the criteria) and one or more of the following:
- Impaired blood glucose (A1c of 5.7-6.4% or fasting blood glucose >100 mg/dL)
- Abnormal cholesterol lab values OR taking cholesterol-lowering medication
- Elevated blood pressure OR taking medication to control blood pressure
- History of gestational diabetes
- Had a baby weight 9 lbs. or more
Several patients of the program have given positive testimonials about their experience with the DPP:
“There are many things that I am thankful for. On the very top of that list is the 10 month Diabetes Prevention Program that I joined back in March of 2010. This program is aimed at healthy lifestyle options through food choices and exercise.”
“Before the class I had a BP of 199/98 and high blood sugar. I was overweight and seldom exercised. My wife can attest to my overall “mood!” I was on blood pressure medication and going onto cholesterol medications. I slept poorly and had more aches and pains than I care to recall. After finishing the program I am no longer on BP or cholesterol prescriptions. My weight is down significantly and I exercise daily. I’ve begun to play tennis in the summer and racquetball and skiing in the winter along with being a member of the YMCA. Every blood draw through the program showed improvements in everything from triglycerides to blood glucose and everything in between!”
“I want to thank so many people for literally changing my life! Special “thanks” to Jill, Deanna and Dr. McIntyre at the hospital. Most importantly to my wife Lynne for her support through all phases of change that I went through and especially her help in cooking great low fat meals for me.”
“This community of people and organizations is unlike anywhere else I’ve lived and I am thankful. For anyone thinking that it is time for a resolution this season that includes a healthy lifestyle, I highly encourage you to consider this life-changing program!”
For more information about the Diabetes and Heart Disease Prevention program or Barrett Hospital & HealthCare please visit: http://www.barretthospital.org