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Community Corner

Local YMCA Battles Diabetes, But Where Are The Participants?

Diabetes Prevention Classes Offered at The Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA

Three in 10 people who live in Central Brooklyn report not participating in any physical activity over the last 30 days, according to the New York City Department of Health

Thirty-one percent of adults in those areas are obese, compared with 23 percent of New York City adults, and 15 percent report having diabetes, compared with 10 percent of adults city wide

But with help from the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program, a healthier future awaits. The goal of the free program is for its members to lose 5 percent of their body weight by changing the way they think about food. Five percent may sound marginal, however,that small increment lowers the chance of developing diabetes by a drastic 60 percent.

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The program helps participants feel empowered, educated and able to make healthier food choices, as well as it implements a regular exercise regiment, encouraging the use of the gym facilities at the site.

Although Tanya Jenkins, one of the program coordinators, is slim and strong and, she went through her own weight-loss journey not so long ago. 

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She got into diabetes education and training after her own weight began started putting tremendous pressure on the body. "My joints, my organs couldn't hold up to my weight gain," she said.

But all of that changed, once she became educated about the multiple risks associated with weight gain and obesity. Once she dropped the weight, she wanted to help others.

The class teaches students to become "calorie detectives" and learn how to take control by developing the skills to count what you're eating, being able to exhibit proper portion control as well as finding ways to choose better food options on a daily basis. The average weight loss for each of the 12 members was around 10 pounds.

The first run of the program headed up by Jenkins at the Bed-Stuy Y was successful. However, enrollment for the current program is much lower, with just 5 people. Jenkins would like to increase the number of community participants, but she is focused on bringing the few who do enroll an opportunity to change and teach others. 

"People don't realize until they feel sick, they think they can move the world. But one day they won't be able to anymore," said Sandra Cumberbatch, one of the women in the program. "I'm overweight, I don't have diabetes yet- but I know it's time to make changes."

Sandra B, another classmate said, "My blood sugar numbers are in the range, it's something I'm eating and I just want to nip it."

Classmates rifle through their Calorie King book. Shock registers on everyone's face as they look up their favorite foods and beverages and see the fat and calories each hold. Most of the class confessed to not knowing what a serving size was and didn't realized how many calories they were actually consuming, even foods that seemed healthy, like certain kinds of salads and salad dressings. 

"They were surprised that their healthy salads actually had 13,000 calories in them when they had added lots of high fat cheese and dressing," said Jenkins.

To help take control of their eating, each candidate is equipped with their own food journal, a book that chronicles the content and quantity of each meal. And Jenkins assures everyone that the program is about gradual, positive lifestyle changes.

"It's hard for me to remember to write everything down, I'm not the journaling type," said Sandra B. The program's participants often are nervous about quitting their habits cold-turkey, but many are also shocked. The program also covers topics like staying motivated and managing stress and allows group members the opportunity to exercise in the gym. 

"I just want to dance, I used to love to dance, I'm looking forward to being able to again," said Cumberbatch. 

"Nothing is worth letting this disease in," said Sandra B.

The Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA Diabetes Prevention group meets weekly for 16 weeks on Tuesdays at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm.

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