Last night, Theresa Bindig, MS, RD, CDN and co-op member presented the first of four sessions focused on different aspects of health. As a Registered Dietitian, Theresa provides nutrition counseling at the Neighborhood Health Center in Buffalo, while also raising three small children.
“I can’t volunteer three hours a week at the co-op, but I can do this,” she said of offering nutrition classes for co-op members.
The first session addressed diabetes prevention.
Theresa said it’s “problematic” that an estimated 79 million people worldwide have what is now called “pre-diabetes,” which indicates an elevated blood sugar level.
“It’s like the tip of an iceberg,” she said.
According to the presentation, 26 million Americans have diabetes, and the national cost of diabetes care is $174 billion per year.
Theresa presented the findings of a Diabetes Prevention Program facilitated by the National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. The most beneficial health findings included:
-a loss of at least 7% body weight
-less than 25% of calories from fat in a daily diet
-150 minutes of physical activity per week
-psychological support/stress management
For those who missed last night’s lecture on the prevention of diabetes, Theresa will present the information again at 7 p.m. May 30.
Classes are free of charge and held at the Mini-Market. They are open to both co-op members and non-members.
“This is a great way to bring new people into the co-op,” Theresa said.
See below for the rest of the classes:
Thurs., Feb. 28 7 p.m. – Healthy Eating for Children
Thurs., Mar. 28 7 p.m. – Eating Gluten-Free
Thurs., April 25 6-8 p.m. – Community Dinner (location TBD)
Thurs., May 30 7 p.m. – Diabetes Prevention