Diabetic exercise/education offered at HealthPlex

A new KEYs-4-Life exercise and education program for those with elevated blood sugar will begin Nov. 6 at the St. Joseph's Hospital HealthPlex in Breese.

The diabetes program-one of several Knowledge, Exercise & You (KEYs) offerings at the facility-will include four classroom sessions and eight weeks of gym access for $60. Participants-who must be cleared by their physician before beginning-can continue using the gym after the initial eight weeks for $30 a month.

The first classroom session is at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6. Lasting about an hour, this session will focus on exercise precautions. A certified strength and conditioning specialist will then discuss individual programs, provide a floor demonstration and lead the class in some basic movements.

Session Two is at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, with a half-hour of class followed by exercise; and Session Three, a question and answer period with healthcare professionals, is at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13. Session Four-at the end of the eight-week program-is at 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, and will include progress evaluations.

"Studies have shown that people can lower their risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and other serious complications from diabetes with 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week," said Barb Voss, hospital diabetes educator.

"We also invite anyone who has elevated blood sugar but who may already be enrolled at the HealthPlex to take advantage of these sessions," Voss said. "The more you know, the safer and healthier you'll be."    

A new series of programs will be offered Dec. 4, Dec. 6, Dec. 11 and Jan. 29.

For information, physician referral and registration forms, contact Voss at 526-5743 or bvoss@sjb.hshs.org.