Prairie Band Potawatomi Sponsors Lose-Weight Holiday Community Challenge

Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

MAYETTA, KANSAS – The Prairie Band Potawatomi Diabetes program is sponsoring a challenge to members of the PBPN and reservation community to lose or keep off weight during the holiday season.

November is National Diabetes Awareness month.

Prairie Band Weekly Walk at the Government Center

Unfortunately, American Indians and Alaska Natives have a 2.2 times higher likelihood to have diabetes compared with non-Hispanic whites.

The purpose of the program is to have people maintain or lose weight by earning points through the Diabetes program's exercise and educational activities that begin when they sign up until January 4, 2013.

Sign up begins today in the Diabetes Program office located in the Health Center where people can register and weigh in until November 9. A release, waiver & assumption of risk form as well as a photo release form must also be signed as part of the registration process.

Participants will earn points by attending weekly DPP exercise classes currently being offered by the Diabetes Program (zumba, weekly walks, chair exercise) and through attending other diabetes related programs, events, and activities.

As part of an incentive to get people involved, the first 145 registered will get a t-shirt.

The Diabetes Program is located in the Health Center at 11400 158 Road, Mayetta, Kansas and for further information call Cody Wilson at 785.966.8272.

posted November 5, 2012 6:30 am est