Glendive Medical Center and Billings Clinic collaborate to offer program aimed at prevention and treatment of diabetes
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Contact:Parker Powell, Interim Chief Executive Officer Glendive Medical Center PH: (406)345-3302 FAX: (406)345-3378 ppowell@gmc.org |
Glendive, Montana, July 22, 2014 Glendive Medical Center and Billings Clinic will use telehealth technology to offer the LifeStyle Balance Telehealth Program to members of the community. The LifeStyle Balance Telehealth Program is a comprehensive program for the prevention and treatment of diabetes using telehealth technology. This program sets challenging, reasonable, safe and effective goals for weight loss.
Research has demonstrated that people who are at risk for diabetes can reduce their risk by up to 58% if they become more active and lose at least 7% of their body weight. Those who have diabetes can significantly lower their risk of complications related to diabetes.
Obesity and diabetes are chronic diseases that are increasing in prevalence in both children and adults in the United States. Nationally, 34% of our population is overweight, a status defined as having a body mass index (BMI), the relation of a person's weight to height, of 25 to 29.9. A number less than 25 is normal. More concerning is that nationally, up to 33% of the adult populations meet the criteria for obesity, a category defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Currently 64% of Montana's population is overweight or obese. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and other chronic conditions.
This program is open to all adults who are overweight or obese. It is a 12-week comprehensive program with six follow-up maintenance meetings to support continued weight loss success for each participant. The LifeStyle Balance Program is individualized to meet the specific needs of each participant. Sessions will address lifestyle changes by providing individual and group counseling about nutrition, healthy decision making and exercise.
The LifeStyle Balance sessions will be led by a specially trained team consisting of a dietitian and a life style coach. They will provide the knowledge and framework for participants to build healthy habits into their daily lives and carry those behaviors forward for a lifetime.
This program will be offered in September. To register, please contact Penny Maher RN, Glendive Medical Center, 345-3309 or pemaher@gmc.org or Barb Holloway RN, Billings Clinic, 406-238-5594.
This program is possible due to a grant awarded to Billings Clinic by the Montana INBRE (IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence) Program.
This program is possible due to a grant awarded to Billings Clinic by the Montana INBRE (IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence) Program.ABOUT GLENDIVE MEDICAL CENTER - Glendive Medical Center (GMC) is a 25-bed critical access hospital located in eastern Montana, providing 24-hour emergency care and a full array of medical and surgical services. In addition, GMC operates two nursing homes with 151 total skilled beds-Extended Care (71 beds) and Eastern Montana Veterans Home (80 beds)-Gabert Clinic and Pharmacy, and The Heritage (Assisted Living 13-Units). Please call 406-345-3306 for inquiries or visit www.gmc.org.
