Parkview Health will be conducting A1C blood sugar testing and bone density screens at no cost from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Friday, Oct. 3, at the Kosciusko Community YMCA, 1491 E. Smith St., Warsaw.

The bone density screening for Osteoporosis requires participants to place a foot in an ultrasound device which measures the bone mineral density of your heel. This pain free screen provides a score for individuals determining whether they are within the normal, mild bone loss, or significant bone loss category.

The A1C test is a blood glucose test that measures the amount of sugar in your blood over a three-month period. Higher sugar or glucose levels in one’s the blood stream indicates an individual’s risk for type 2 diabetes. Those qualifying for high risk of type 2 diabetes will be connected with information about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program.

The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne is offering the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program in Kosciusko County. By participating in the program, participants can reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes while gaining tools for healthy living.

The program helps those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and losing a modest amount of weight in order to reduce their chances of developing the disease. Based on research funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the program reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

In a classroom setting, a trained lifestyle coach facilitates a small group of participants in learning about healthier eating, physical activity and other behavior changes over the course of 16 one-hour sessions. Topics covered include healthier eating, getting started with physical activity, overcoming stress, staying motivated, and more. After the initial 16 core sessions, participants meet monthly for added support to help them maintain their progress.

One past participant of the Kosciusko County program says, “I gained a group of friends that ended up being a motivational team. We each brought a wealth of knowledge each month, and I feel that group participation led to our success. I liked meeting each week, and also enjoyed the small group. Our instructor Stacy was great, and she really listened to our individual concerns, while keeping us motivated each week.”

Another program participant says, “I have dropped twelve percent of my body weight, my blood pressure dropped 20 plus points, and my doctor stopped prescribing an oral diabetic medication. I make healthier choices when dining out, I exercise regularly, and I look forward to making even more progress through the program at the Y!”

For more information and to see if you qualify, contact: Stacy Thomas at [email protected] or (574) 269-9622 or stop by the Kosciusko Community YMCA.

Class starts at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 14.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. The program was started in Kosciusko County with funding from the K21 Health Foundation.

Rich Haddad, president of the K21 Health Foundation, says, “Type 2 diabetes is a rapidly growing problem in our community.  The program by the YMCA has been proven to be effective and we are very hopeful that people in need of a path toward a healthier life will take advantage of this wonderful program.” Financial assistance is available.

The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. All the efforts and offerings of the Kosciusko Community YMCA are guided by the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Every day, the Y works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure everyone regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through August, the Kosciusko Community YMCA has provided $79,504 in financial assistance to make sure that happens.