Dear Friends,

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month!

In this newsletter, you'll meet Anita and learn how the Y Diabetes Prevention Program (YDPP) helps her avoid the dangerous path to type 2 diabetes. Did you know you can help the Y reduce the number of people who develop diabetes and turn the tide on this national health epidemic?

It only takes a few minutes to send a note to your Members of Congress asking for support of the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Act (MDPA) -- a bill that would make the National Diabetes Prevention Program (including YDPP) a covered benefit for Medicare beneficiaries living with prediabetes.

Here are the facts to show how your help will save dollars and, more importantly, save lives:

• There are 29.1 million people in the U.S. with diabetes and another 86 million people living with prediabetes, putting them at risk for developing the condition.
• Half of individuals 65 and older have prediabetes. If these people don't take action, they will develop type 2 diabetes.
• Medical costs for people with diabetes are twice as high for people without the condition; one of every three Medicare dollars is spent on diabetes.
• National Institutes of Health research shows programs -- like YDPP -- that offer structured lifestyle interventions help individuals lose 5-7% of their weight and help prevent type 2 diabetes.
• It’s estimated the U.S. could save $100-191 billion over 10 years if programs like YDPP were scaled nationally.
• A recent study found MDPA would reduce federal spending by $1.3 billion over 10 years.

Not convinced? Click here to learn even more and take action. Thanks in advance for your help in giving the community better access to affordable and accessible prevention options. Together, we can make healthy living a reality for millions of Americans with prediabetes.

Happy Holidays! Enjoy family and friends, don’t overeat, and remember the Y is open on Thanksgiving to assist you on your healthy living journey!

See you at the Y,

Tom Looby
President & CEO
813.224.9622

Striving for Optimum Health

Anita Smith is reversing her diabetes risk thanks to the Y Diabetes Prevention Program.

With diabetes in her family, Anita Smith knew the dangers of the chronic disease and her potential risk. But it didn’t really hit her until her last workplace health assessment. “I found out I was obese and bigger than I have ever been,” recalls Anita. “I was becoming so unhealthy; I was starting to have layers of problems. Doctors told me I was going to have to go on blood pressure medication. It’s pretty scary.”

Y Welcomes NFL Pros

Former NFL players working out at the New Tampa Family YMCA.

Unbeknownst to many New Tampa Family YMCA members, they have been workout buddies with former NFL stars. The former pros are part of “The Breakfast Club,” an exclusive program through The Trust, in partnership with EXOS and the Y. For six weeks, players receive customized workouts, physical therapy, nutritional education and meals.