Registration under way for YMCA diabetes prevention program

Press release

Over the past year, YMCA Buffalo Niagara has successfully assisted more than 100 Western New Yorkers in their battle with diabetes. By taking part in a 16-week diabetes prevention program, participants saw a positive change in their heath. This program was such a success that a need arose to expand the offering.

Registration is currently under way for the next session, which runs from Sept. 4 through Dec. 18. This one-hour program will be offered at both the southtowns (1620 Southwestern Blvd., West Seneca) and northeast (4433 Main St., Amherst) Family YMCAs on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. The program also will take place at the Delaware Y (2564 Delaware Ave., North Buffalo) on Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m. from Sept. 8 to Dec. 22. Classes will take place at the Ken-Ton YMCA (535 Belmont Ave., Kenmore) on Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. from Sept. 5 to Dec. 19. Each session covers diet, exercise, and behavior modification. Participants will meet in a group setting where personal lifestyle goals are set for each individual.

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and Independent Health will both provide reimbursement for the program, with BlueCross BlueShield paying 100 percent for members who have the BlueLife Health Education and Wellness Program benefit and Independent Health subscribers only paying a $50 fee for the class.

This class is offered for freethanks to funding from the Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund at the Ellicott-Masten YMCA location (585 William St., Buffalo) from from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 6 to Dec. 20. A doctor's referral is needed to partake in the program.

Locally founded in 1852, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an inclusive association of people committed to a common effort to help individuals and families reach their fullest potential in terms of spirit, mind and body. The YMCA's focus on health and wellness is reflected in the variety of programs offered for all ages and abilities.

For more information, visit www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org.