By Michelle Jenck, YOW Coordinator

If it seems like you have been hearing a lot about diabetes and pre-diabetes lately, you are right. At the risk of over-sharing, the Year of Wellness team wants to make sure Tillamook County residents are getting the message – loud and clear.  A lot of people have prediabetes and there IS something we can do about it.

Our YOW partners at the Y and Northwest Senior & Disability Services are teaming up to prevent diabetes in Tillamook County. This infographic highlights key risk factors and prevention methods.  Losing even a few pounds (and keeping them off) can help most people reverse their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  The best way to do that is to follow healthier eating habits and become more physically active than you are right now.

Because we know change can be difficult, our YOW partners are working to provide community-based supports to make these changes easier. Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) classes are one way to learn about healthy habits and how you can adapt your lifestyle to optimize health.  Plan to attend the DPP orientation, March 6th at either 12:00 noon or 6 p.m. at the YMCA, 610 Stillwell Avenue in Tillamook.  You have nothing to lose (but weight) and everything to gain (in health)!

Continue to follow us in the Headlight-Herald each week to learn more about local resources available to you and your family. Visit our website at tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org or download the app, Tillamook County YOW, for additional community-based wellness resources and information.