The next session of an intensive but fun program designed to prevent diabetes begins Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 5:30 p.m. in St. Luke’s Hospital’s classroom. Buffy Ashmore, diabetes lifestyle coach, is working with adults in small group sessions to reduce their risks associated with diabetes, including heart attack and stroke.

 “We’ll work on modifying behaviors that prevent us from eating healthy while we will work to increase physical activity and weight loss,” Ashmore said. With a certificate in health coaching through Real Balance Global Wellness Services, Ashmore has worked in community health for more than 17 years.

 The St. Luke’s Diabetes Prevention Program, funded through Foothills Health Network (FHN), is a research-based diabetes prevention program approved by the Centers for Disease Control. Participants will meet for 25 one-hour sessions over the course of the year to learn and make changes in eating and exercise habits.

 To be eligible for the program, participants must be 18 or older, have no previous history of Type 1 or 2 diabetes, and have been identified as at-risk for diabetes. Physicians can also make recommendations/referrals to the program. 

 “Preventing diabetes can make a huge difference in one’s life. Changes in lifestyle now can prevent physical and medical complications associated with diabetes, obesity and poor exercise habits,” Ashmore said. “I’m excited about offering this program at St. Luke’s Hospital in 2017.”

 For more information or to register for this session, please call 894-0824 or email buffy.ashmore@slhnc.org. The program is free, however space is limited.

 – article submitted by Kathy Woodham