YOUR HEALTH | FITNESS
a healthier
future By B E T H CAS P E R
S
YMCA PROGRAM CAN STAVE OFF DIABETES
YNDEE WEST WANTED TO ENROLL IN THE YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program with her father, but his disease was too advanced for the program, which serves people with prediabetes.
“My dad didn’t qualify, but he was so encouraging,” West says. “He told me to go for it, learn everything you can and bring back tidbits of information for me.” Frank West struggled with diabetes, and he hoped his daughter, 49, would stave off the disease. She began the
year-long group program in January 2019. “My dad was my motivator because I was noticing how diabetes was affecting him,” she says. “Honestly, I had not paid enough attention to my signs and symptoms of rising blood sugar.” Just a little more than a month into West’s enrollment in the program, Frank died of complications from diabetes. It was devastating for West, who had anticipated working together to stay healthy. West leaned on the other participants in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program while she grieved. But she never thought of leaving the program; her father’s death simply made her more committed to reversing her own risk and being a role model for her relatives.
Syndee’s 5 fitness tips Syndee’s participation in the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program changed her routine and how she thinks about physical activity. “I learned that the best exercise is the one that I can do,” she says. “I won’t stick with a fitness program that I don’t enjoy or doesn’t fit in my schedule —no matter how popular it is or how many other people like it.” Syndee offers these additional tips to individuals hoping to increase their physical activity:
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Take advantage of the plethora of community offerings for physical activity. Syndee participated in the Butte to Butte (which offers a 10K, 5K and 4-mile option), and Liz and Reilly’s Walk It Off in Alton Baker Park each week in the summer. She loved the atmosphere and the camaraderie. Other community events include Walk with a Doc, First Saturday Park Walks and numerous 5K walks. 4 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS SOUTH VALLEY | MARCH 2020
“Include your children, grandchildren, parents and grandparents,” Syndee says. “I’ve enjoyed pushing a wheelchair and pulling a wagon. These events spark a love of movement and build healthy relationships.” Move your body for a minimum of 150 minutes per week. That's only about 20 minutes a day.
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