STATEHOUSE (June 27, 2018) – Those in Howard County at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes can receive prevention assistance thanks to a new lifestyle change program, according to State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo).
The Change Your Lifestyle, Change Your Life program, or CYL2, is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized curriculum that includes lessons, handouts and other interactive resources to help participants increase their knowledge about healthy eating, engage in more physical activity and maintain a healthy weight.
“According to the CDC, more than 13 percent of people living in Howard County have diabetes, and there are even more who are pre-diabetic,” Karickhoff said. “Type 2 diabetes is preventable, and this program can help those most at risk in our community enjoy healthier lives.”
Local churches and community centers will be hosting diabetes screening and outreach events throughout the next few months to increase education and awareness, especially among at-risk populations in the community, such as African American and Hispanic residents.
A program kickoff for Howard County will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. on July 1, at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in Kokomo. This event is open to the public, and diabetes screenings will be provided in addition to more information about how to enroll in the program.
“Making healthy lifestyle changes is an ongoing process and can take time,” Karickhoff said. “Evidence-based prevention programs like CYL2 can have a tremendous impact on individuals and their families, improving the overall health and wellness of our local community.”
Led by specially trained lifestyle coaches, the program runs for one year. To qualify, patients must be at least 18 years old, have established risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes or be diagnosed with prediabetes within the past year.
According to Karickhoff, CYL2 has been operating for five years in Marion County. This year, the program expanded to assist residents in Johnson, Howard, Grant, Delaware and Madison counties.
This year, to help combat diabetes throughout the state, lawmakers passed a new law tasking the Indiana State Department of Health and Family and Social Services Administration to develop a strategic plan to significantly reduce the cases of diabetes. The ISDH will submit the strategic plan to the governor and the General Assembly and update it every two years until July 1, 2026.
For more information about CYL2, call 1-866-CYL-2DPP or visit www.imhc.org. To learn more about diabetes risk factors, prevention, and other area programs, visit www.cdc.gov.
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State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
A high-resolution photo of Karickhoff can be downloaded by clicking here.
