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Families Preventing Diabetes
Action Plan Participant:
Diabetes Association

The prevalence of diabetes in Fall River is one of the highest in the nation (9% vs. 4% nationwide). The Diabetes Association has been offering educational programs to equip the citizens of Fall River who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes with the knowledge need to avoid developing the disease. This program will provide a no-charge fitness resource especially for low-income populations that do not have access to this type of equipment. This program is one of seven Micro-Grant Programs funded by the 2004 Harvard-Pilgrim Healthcare Foundation Healthy Fall River grant

 
Priority Area:  Health Education 
Priority Sub-Area:   

3, B) Physical fitness education

Goal:

To decrease the incidence of Type 2 diabetes among the at-risk population

Method(s):

The program will offer exercise and other educational programs using new, larger office space at 170 Pleasant Street, including aerobics, yoga, stretching, arm-chair aerobics, weights and other programs that stress the importance that exercise has in helping to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Timeline:          

Six to eight week programs will be offered beginning in September, 2004.
Indicators:       

Reduced incidence of Type 2 diabetes among the participating population.
Progress: The Diabetes Association Inc. began their “Power To Move!” exercise program to help people of all ages and abilities, with or at risk for developing diabetes. The program combines stretching, strength training and low-impact aerobics. This past spring 38 children and adults participated in the DAI’s Families Preventing Diabetes: Keep Moving program. A new spring program is underway.

How citizens can  get involved:

 
Contact Information:

Bill DaPonte,Youth Program Director, 508-672-5671, or bdaponte@diabetesma.org.