Press Release:
Rhinebeck program helps adults avoid type 2 diabetes
Rhinebeck, N.Y. – Northern Dutchess Hospital will help adults avert type 2 diabetes before the devastating disease takes hold with its National Prediabetes Prevention Program, which begins on Sept. 28.
Hospital lifestyle coaches Roufia Payman, a nutrition counselor, and Marie Monroe, a fitness trainer, will teach people who are overweight with high blood sugar levels how to make small changes that lead to better health without dieting or gym memberships.
Participants will meet on 16 weekly consecutive Mondays and six bi-monthly follow-ups. The hourlong class is offered at 4:30 or 6 p.m. Sessions will be held virtually or in the hospital’s cafeteria conference room, 6511 Springbrook Ave., Rhinebeck, depending on the state of COVID-19 at that time.
With 60 pounds to lose, high cholesterol and high blood sugars, Joanne Valeo of Poughkeepsie decided to sign up, but wasn’t looking forward to driving to Rhinebeck every week.
“Turns out, I never missed a meeting,” she said. “I’m enthusiastic about it because I’ve seen such great results.” The two-time cancer survivor said her blood sugar levels and cholesterol numbers are the best they have ever been and she feels healthier.
“I had coronavirus. I’m pushing 70 and at my age, that could have turned out worse than it did,” she said. “Without the sugars and carbs, I just feel like my immune system was able to fight better.”
To find out more about the community program, visit www.healthquest.org/ndhdiabetes or contact the nutrition department at nwalsh@health-quest.org or (845) 871-3318 (TTY:
Photo caption: National Diabetes Prevention Program graduate,Joanne Valeoof Poughkeepsie, goes for a walk on July 30, 2020, at Vassar College in her hometown. Valeo now incorporates more exercise into her daily routine to keep her weight down and blood sugars normal.