Make a Lifestyle Change Presented by: Jessica Waytashek – Digital Health Coach, Omada Health Aimee Jambor – RN & LSN, Brainerd High School Janet Bedard – Community Volunteer, St. Christopher’s Catholic Church Learn more about the National Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Change program. This group based program supports participants over the course of a year guiding them through making healthy food choices and increasing physical activity. This evidence based program can be offered to workplaces, churches, groups, clubs and the general public.

What is the Lifestyle Change Program? A CDC-recognized, evidence based program developed specifically to prevent type 2 diabetes. A trained lifestyle coach leads the program to help you change certain areas of your lifestyle, like eating healthier, reducing stress, and increasing physical activity. The program uses a group format that connects you with others that share your goals and struggles. This lifestyle change program is not a fad diet or an exercise class. And it’s not a quick fix. It’s a year-long program focused on long-term changes and lasting results.

Jessica’s Story Implemented as workplace wellness strategy Offered right after work for convenience 15 participants Influence reached beyond the classroom Offered healthy vending after beginning the program to offer healthy snacks that aligned with the program Benefits of having a trained lifestyle coach in your staff Send reminders of class and occasional positive class wrap-ups

Aimee’s Story Implemented as workplace wellness strategy for ISD181 Launched two class sessions right after school for convenience Each group is unique and will vary with involvement – for example, one of the groups formed a club, ordered t-shirts, hosts healthy food potlucks and monthly fitness challenges

Janet’s Story Launched class to parishioners of St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Nisswa The pastor supported having a full page in the bulletin that described the program, at-risk factors, and had a registration space. Our phone number and were listed. Because our church has three parish sites, participants could also submit their registration to the parish secretary. Personal testimony. At the end of the church service at each site, we spoke about our experience as participants in the program--including our challenges. I wore my "fat lady" slacks, and did a little twirl- around with my hands in my pockets to show just how successful I was. We also spoke about the changes in our medical numbers (bp, chol, A1c, etc.) Participant contact. We called every participant before the first meeting. We answered questions, learned some personal history of the participants, and generally did everything we could to let them know they were welcome and would be successful if they saw this as a life-style change rather than a diet Upbeat s. I didn't send reminders of every meeting, but when challenges presented themselves, I'd address them. We encouraged people to attend the Italian dinner night in support of youth group activities although it obviously put everyone way beyond the calorie and fat gram goals. So we talked about eating lightly before the meal and the following day, and about increasing physical activity.

How Do I Get Started? Get the right approval for your situation – Managers, owner if a small business, parish staff if at a church, wellness committee members Choose a location – Business breakroom, church, town hall, hotel meeting rooms, public spaces Spread the word! Work with Crow Wing Energized to get the supplies you need Consider optional supplies to enhance the classroom experience – Measuring tools, Calorie King book, taste testing and comparison supplies

Tips for Success Meet weekly for at least 3 months to gain momentum and create commitment Send encouraging s Create a supportive environment in the workplace or church Show personal support and encouragement

Questions? Additional Contact Details: How To Breakout Session Handout Thank You!