Diabetes prevention programs funded through U.S. Rep. John Murtha are on the right track, Anne Wagner of Johnstown said -- speaking proudly of her success in Conemaugh Diabetes Institute's Lifestyle Balance class.
In fact, the Johnstown resident would like to see wellness education expanded into public school curriculum.
"I should have known years ago," Wagner said. "It's not a diet. It's a lifestyle you can live with the rest of your life."
Wagner signed up for a
12-week wellness class for those at risk for diabetes because she had trouble losing weight because of a thyroid condition. She lost
30 pounds during the class and continues to sing its praises.
"Everything worked," Wagner said. "It was one of those classes that taught you everything."
Besides calorie counting, exercise options and label reading, Lifestyle Balance covers emotional aspects of weight management and healthy living.
"We learned to recognize stress and the cues that make you want to overeat," she said. "It's back to basics. It's a wonderful program."
All those in Wagner's class lost weight, and many said their co-workers and families noticed the changes and even caught the excitement.
"They are eating better, too," she said.
The program does not limit participants on the type of food they eat. Instead, it stresses choices and portion sizes, swapping 100 calories of vegetables for an extra sliver of cake.
"It makes you aware of all the choices you make the rest of your life," Wagner said. "I have no fear I am going to gain weight." To see more of The Tribune-Democrat or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.tribune-democrat.com. Copyright (c) 2008, Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
Copyright (C) 2008, Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.