September 20, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 91 Lifestyle Balance Program Planned SNOW HILL – Get fit, lose weight and improve your health with a free 16-week program offered Mondays and Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m., beginning Oct. 7, at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Pocomoke City. The Lifestyle Balance Program is proven to be effective in reducing the risk for type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases, assisting in weight loss, maintaining a healthy body weight, and decreasing the risk for heart disease and stroke. Since the Worcester County Health Department began offering Lifestyle Balance in July 2009, participants have lost a combined total of more than 1,700 pounds and have noticed improvements in blood pressure, body fat and cholesterol levels. When asked about the effectiveness of the program, recent participants said, “I am so thankful for this program. I truly believe it helped to save my life,” and “This program has improved my health significantly, I feel.” The free group sessions are led by coaches trained by the CDC National Diabetes Prevention Program. Instructors include a certified exercise physiologist, certified nutritionist and health educator. Each session includes education and physical activity. All participants receive a personal lifestyle change coach who assists them with goal setting, progress, and overcoming barriers. Participants also receive incentives such as step counters, resistance bands, exercise videos, cookbooks and more. After the initial 16-week core program, groups will continue to meet once a month for six months. The Worcester County Health Department is able to offer this program with funding provided by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities. To learn more about the program or to enroll, call 410-6320056. Sudoku Answers