More than 30 million people in the United States have diabetes. It's also the 7th leading cause of death in our country (medical officials believe that that number is actually higher - as the diabetes is often under reported or leads to the other causes of death).  And while the medical world has come a long way in regards to its treatment, prevention is the understood best means of fighting diabetes.

Prevention is the hopeful end result of a series of sessions being offered by Essentia Health and the YMCA - starting Tuesday, February 4 at the Essentia Health-St. Mary's-Superior Clinic. The 26-session program will host individuals for the next year, promoting weight loss and general health education.  According to an article in the Superior Telegram, participants will learn about "activity and food tracking; stress management; effective food shopping, planning, and preparation; and heart health" - in addition to a variety of other topics.

Interested candidates must be over the age of 18, considered overweight, rated 5 or higher on the diabetes risk scale, and must not be pregnant or already diagnosed with diabetes (the emphasis for this program is on prevention).  The program will meet weekly for the first four months, shifting to twice a month in months five and six, and then once per month for the final five month push of the series. Interested people are asked to contact Elizabeth at 715-392-5611, Extension 103.

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