Seniors Get Tough on Diabetes

Thirteen Cape Girardeau County seniors began their journey to better health through the Senior Diabetes Risk Reduction Program at Saint Francis Medical Center. Front row, from left: Sue Ann Smith; Barb Johnson; Shirley Pirtle; Eileen Sievers, RN, CES, wellness instructor and program coordinator; Emily Wahlers, BS, NASM-CPT, fitness trainer; Janet Anders, RD, LD, wellness dietitian; John Dragoni; Becky Almond; and Karen Lewis. Back row, from left: Doug Golden, Bill Stallins, Larry Smith, Jerry Pirtle, Leon Eftink, Evelyn Riley and Dennis Roth.

Thirteen Cape Girardeau County seniors recently decided to take their health into their own hands. After learning about the Senior Diabetes Risk Reduction Program at Saint Francis Medical Center during the weekly Heart & Health Screenings at Saint Francis, the individuals committed to the 12-week program and began their journey to better health.

"We know if we can catch diabetes in the early stages of development, there is a good likelihood to delay, or even prevent, the onset of the disease," says Eileen Sievers, RN, CES, wellness instructor and program coordinator. "We were able to identify each of these individuals as being 'at risk' by testing their fasting glucose level." An at-risk glucose level is anything between 100 and 125 when checked after an overnight fast. "Many people are familiar with the term 'borderline diabetes,' but we now call it pre-diabetes, because it is very clear that the blood glucose will continue to rise to diabetic levels over time, unless steps are taken to reverse the trend," says Sievers.

The group was given the task of following a basic nutrition/weight control plan outlined by Janet Anders, RD, LD, wellness dietitian at Fitness Plus. Their nutrition plans focused on eating more whole foods -- vegetables, fruits, whole grains -- and less processed food and unhealthy fat sources. "The group became much more aware of the calorie balance in their diets," says Anders, "and several participants lost as much as 20 to 25 pounds during the 12-week program."

They received basic education on diabetes, nutrition and weight control, and exercise principles, then 'went to town on it!' says Emily Wahlers, BS, NASM-CPT, fitness trainer for the program. They gained strength, endurance and balance through their exercise sessions three times each week. "By the end of the program, they were able to do things they had not done easily in years, such as lifting furniture to vacuum and climbing stairs without the support of the railing," says Wahlers.

Since diabetes is so closely linked to heart disease and stroke, reducing diabetes risk also greatly reduces the risk of other chronic diseases. "We are very proud of this group's efforts, and very excited about the future of our upcoming classes," says Sievers.

Another 12-week session of the Senior Diabetes Risk Reduction Program will begin September 6. This program, along with "The Works" at the weekly Heart & Health Screenings, are available annually at no charge to Cape Girardeau County citizens over age 60, thanks to a grant from the Cape Girardeau County Senior Citizens Fund Board. For more information or to register, please contact Saint Francis Wellness at 573-331-5970.

A similar fee-for-service program for the general public is available at Fitness Plus. Please call Fitness Plus at 573-331-3355 for more information on the Exercise is Medicine™ program.