Crow Wing Energized offers a variety of services focused on maintaining and improving a healthy lifestyle, including Aging Mastery, Matter of Balance, NDPP/Lifestyle Change (National Diabetes Prevention Program), and SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life). We offer classes throughout the year.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a community-based lifestyle change program that provides diabetes prevention education and support for people with prediabetes. Participants in the NDPP/Lifestyle Transformation class will learn how to build a healthier lifestyle and prevent diabetes. Groups will meet with trained instructors to help participants lose weight, eat healthier and increase physical activity. Sixteen sessions will be provided over a six-month period, and by the end of the year he will be provided with six monthly follow-up sessions. Each session is 1 hour long.
Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to cause diabetes. People with prediabetes can slow or prevent their type 2 diabetes by making simple lifestyle changes. A diet that results in a 5 to 7 percent weight loss (usually 10 to 15 pounds) and moderate exercise can often help bring blood sugar levels back into a healthy range.
Many of our classes are taught by volunteers who begin as class participants. Today I'd like to introduce two of my NDPP coaches, Peggy Norman and Karen Gruenwald.
When asked about her role at Crow Wing Energized, Peggy said, “I was so inspired by my year at NDPP that I decided to train as a coach with a woman who was in my class.” .
While some may choose to co-coach a class and others may prefer to teach on their own, Peggy chose to co-coach with Jama Davidson. “I co-teach with the same partner I started in 2019. She has knowledge that I don't have, and it's great because we can bounce ideas and problems off each other.” They also complement each other. She might connect better with someone in the class and understand something I don't, or vice versa. It's hard to stay committed to teaching a class weekly for 4 months and then monthly for another 6 months, but that's why I co-teach with someone. ”
The level of commitment required varies by class, but for NDPP, Peggy explained: There is also preparation for weekly lessons and a bit of paperwork. Peggy also says, “When people share their diets, weight, activity levels, and health concerns, they are sharing a very intimate and complex part of their lives. It's an honor to be a part of that process that I personally decided to go through to improve myself. It's also a fun class because no one is asking you to come to the class and commit to this.”
Karen also said, “When I hear the positive reactions and feedback from participants, it makes me feel like it was worth it.”
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When Peggy and Karen were asked what they would say to someone considering volunteering with Crow Wing Energized, they both enthusiastically replied, “Good luck!” Karen said, “I volunteer because it supports CWE and gives me the opportunity to do what I love.'' Peggy commented on the personal benefits of volunteering, “I also knew that by contributing to classes and curriculum, I would benefit from staying accountable to a healthy lifestyle.” .
Peggy, Jama, and Karen, thank you for volunteering with Crow Wing Energized. Your time and dedication have helped many people in our community achieve our motto: “Improving the health and wellness of our communities by making healthy choices easy.”
Registration is now open for NDPP classes led by Coach Becky Carlton. This class will be offered online via Zoom and begins March 4th. This class is free to attend, but registration is required. Classes start throughout the year, so check our website for current offerings.
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If you would like to learn more about becoming a coach, please contact Kara Schaefer at kara.schaefer@essentiahealth.org. You'll receive the training and resources you need to succeed.
If you are interested in learning more about Crow Wing Energized and upcoming classes, please visit https://crowwingenergized.org/. You can also stay up to date on events by following Crow Wing Energized on Facebook.
