The Labor Management Project (LMP)’s Diabetes Prevention Program first two classes have been completed. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive from the participants, who are well on their way to achieving their weight loss goals.
This September, 11 1199SEIU members, non-union MSBI staff, and staff were trained as lifestyle coaches for the Diabetes Prevention Program pilot at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. To date, two classes have launched, one on October 28 with 19 participants, and the other on November 18 with 13 participants. The coaches deliver a curriculum from the National Diabetes Prevention Program, which has proven successful in lowering the risk for Type 2 diabetes.
During each one-hour class, two trained lifestyle coaches weigh in participants, collect food logs, return prior week’s logs to participants with feedback, and review learning objectives for the week. Participants may also debrief with either of the coaches after class or by phone. The classes last for 16 weeks and are followed by monthly support sessions over the course of a year.
Kemmely Mondell, LMP Field Coordinator II and DPP lifestyle coach, has been an integral part of the launch of both cohorts. “Seeing the participants show up to class each week with strong determination and effort to reach their goals brings nothing but satisfaction to the work I do,” she says. “It feels like a family.”
The Diabetes Prevention Program is part of the LMP’s Workplace and Community Health Program, which supports the development of innovative initiatives that promote healthy worksites and communities for 1199SEIU members and their families. For more information about the Diabetes Prevention Program, please contact Dr. Chris Pernell, Senior Manager, Workplace and Community Health Program.