PORT CHARLOTTE\u00a0\u2014 Charlotte County residents looking to stay healthy can attend a free course with local medical officials, starting this week.<\/p>\n
In a news release last week, the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County extended an invitation to residents to attend a year-long Diabetes Prevention Program at:<\/p>\n
Charlotte County West County Annex6868 San Casa Drive, EnglewoodStarting\u00a04:30-5:30 p.m on\u00a0Tuesday\u00a0DOH-Charlotte1100 Loveland Blvd., Port CharlotteStarting 9-10 a.m. on Friday\u00a0<\/p>\n
The classes are weekly during the first six months, and one to two times a month for the remaining six months, the announcement stated.<\/p>\n
Anyone 18 or older who has not previously been diagnosed with diabetes, is at risk for pre-diabetes or diabetes, or has previously had gestational diabetes is encouraged to participate.<\/p>\n
The Diabetes Prevention Program is a no-cost, year-long class focused on making healthy lifestyle changes to lower a resident’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it noted.<\/p>\n
According to the announcement, 1 in 3 American adults have prediabetes.<\/p>\n
The group-based class allows participants to receive support from their assigned lifestyle coach and each other.<\/p>\n
“Florida has seen an increase in the percentage of adults diagnosed with diabetes from 8.2% in 2002 to 12.2% in 2022,” DOH-Charlotte Health Officer Joseph Pepe stated. “Our diabetes prevention program intends to help reduce new diabetes cases in Charlotte County by helping participants make positive lifestyle changes with the support of their peers and our staff.”<\/p>\n
To register, visit:<\/p>\n