Chronic Disease Prevention
Information
A Program of the Prevention & Health Communications Department
Some chronic diseases such as diabetes can be prevented, delayed or improved by making lifestyle changes. This page provides a few resources you can consider in pursuing a healthier lifestyle.
Could you be at risk for prediabetes? Click the link below to find out!
Prediabetes-Risk-Test-Final — NEW 2019
NEW PROGRAM! 
SCALE (Sustainable Change and Lifestyle Enhancement) for Families is a new program for women and children in Wicomico and Somerset Counties. This free evidenced-based weight loss, nutrition, and physical activity program is for women ages 18 to 55 and their children ages 7 to 17. In a group setting, health coaches will guide participants through healthy eating and physical activity education and activities to achieve sustained weight loss and healthy lifestyle habits.The program will also include special group exercise, cooking demonstrations, grocery store tours, and more. The Wicomico program starts on September 12 and continues for 12 weeks until December 5. For more details see this flyer and call 410-334-3480 to register. for Wicomico County sessions. For Somerset County sessions, call 443-523-1700.
Wicomico County Health Department’s Diabetes Prevention Program is an evidenced based program developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a lifestyle change program for preventing type 2 diabetes.
- It can help people cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half.
- The Diabetes Prevention Program research study showed that making modest behavior changes helped participants lose 5% to 7% of their body weight (that would be 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person).
- These lifestyle changes reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% in people with prediabetes.
- Participants work with a lifestyle coach in a group setting to receive a 1-year lifestyle change program that includes 16 core sessions (usually 1 per week) and 6 post-core sessions (1 per month).
- Participants learn how to eat more healthily and decrease the fat in their dietary intake.
- Participants are also coached to increase their physical activity.
- Tracking food intake and monitoring activity are important components of the program.
For more information or to see if you are eligible, call (410) 334-3480.