UPMC Chautauqua WCA, Chautauqua County Health Network, and Chautauqua Region Associated Medical Partners are partnering to offer a 16-week workshop series, “Lifestyle Change Diabetes Prevention Program” that helps individuals adopt lifestyle changes for healthy eating and physical activity and live healthier lives.

To register for the free workshop series, contact Cierra at the Chautauqua County Health Network at 338-0010.

According to the American Diabetes Association, staying at a healthy weight and moderate physical activity can help individuals prevent and manage problems like prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol.

“Making small changes to your diet and incorporating physical activity into your daily life can make a big difference,” said Janine Brady, registered diet technician and program instructor at UPMC Chautauqua WCA. “Our free workshop change program supports people in making changes to reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes. We empower people to lower their risk factors by losing modest amounts of weight and participating in regular physical activity. The goal of our program is to help individuals develop lifelong skills for healthy living through step-by-step changes.”

Individuals may be at risk for diabetes if they:

¯ Had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth or had gestational diabetes during past pregnancy;

¯ Have a sister, brother or parent with diabetes;

¯ Are overweight;

¯ Get little to no exercise in a typical day; or

¯ Are 45 years of age or older