HealthPlex offers KEYs-4-Life Diabetes classes

The HealthPlex at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese is now offering a KEYs-4-Life Diabetes program.

For anyone with elevated blood sugar, the program begins with a presentation by a registered nurse and certified athletic trainer and closes with a progress evaluation. Times and dates vary but a new series generally starts at the beginning of each month; morning and evening sessions are offered alternating months.

Participants exercise at their convenience; the HealthPlex is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Studies have shown that people can lower their risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and other complications from diabetes with 30 minutes of physical activity five days of week, said hospital Diabetes Educator Barb Voss. This program can fulfill those exercise needs.

The $60 fee includes the two classroom sessions and eight weeks of access to the hospital HealthPlex. Blood pressure and weight will be checked weekly during the program.

Participants must be cleared by their physician before beginning and can continue using the exercise facility at the end of the program for $30 a month.

Those already enrolled at the HealthPlex can attend the educational sessions at no additional charge.

For information, physician referral and registration forms, contact 526-5743 or email Barb Voss.