Learn the importance of exercise at Diabetes in Check

WARWICK — One of the keys to keeping blood glucose levels at your goal is to balance physical activity and exercise along with the food you eat and any pills or insulin you take. Finding that balance for yourself is important so you can feel your best, do the things you enjoy, and lower your risk of diabetes complications.

Physical exercise can lower your blood glucose, help insulin work better and help you to lose and keep off those extra pounds. And it doesn’t have to be difficult or strenuous.

That message from the American Diabetes Association will be the subject of a talk that South Orange Family YMCA Wellness Director Michele Bernieri will present to adults attending the regular monthly meeting of “Diabetes in Check” on Monday, June 16. The support group, open to anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, is sponsored by the Center for Diabetes Education at St. Anthony Community Hospital.

Bernieri, whose expertise as a fitness instructor first led her to the Middletown YMCA, where she excelled as personal trainer/fitness instructor and floor manager, is currently wellness director of the South Orange Family YMCA in Monroe, N.Y.

On Monday, June 16, she will talk about the Diabetes Prevention program offered at that YMCA as well as the YMCA of Middletown. She will discuss membership and membership assistance in addition to describing the special classes available at the Y.

“Diabetes in Check,” will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the hospital’s second-floor conference room. Everyone is invited to attend this important educational program geared toward all adults with diabetes and their families.

“The benefits of physical activity are numerous for all people in general, especially for those who have diabetes,” said Certified Diabetes Educator Lourdes Braadt, RN. “Exercise helps control the blood sugar levels, cholesterol and, blood pressure. It helps you sleep better, helps weight control and weight maintenance and on and on and on. We have all heard this before but we need encouragement to get moving and keep moving daily. Our presenter will provide us with information on the YMCA’s many programs which can help us begin our journey to making exercise part of our daily life.”

The Center for Diabetes Education at St. Anthony Community Hospital offers a series of classes for all patients who have been recently diagnosed with diabetes or those who demonstrate poorly controlled diets. During group or individual sessions, clinical instructors offer initial assessment, emotional support and will seek to help patients achieve a better understanding of the disease. They will show their patients how to live a normal and productive life with diabetes and how to control the disease through diet and exercise.

Seating is limited at the Diabetes in Check meeting and all those planning to attend are asked to reserve a place as soon as possible by calling 845-987-5168.

For more information about the Center for Diabetes Education, call 845-987-5168 or visit bschs.bonsecours.com.