Have you thought about becoming healthier? What about losing a bit of weight, so you look and feel better? Washington State University Extension is offering the National Diabetes Prevention Program. The series will be held virtually — using Zoom meetings. This program has been proven effective in delaying diabetes by encouraging participants to increase their physical activity and lose a modest amount of weight.

The Diabetes Prevention Program is a year-long program that begins with 16 weekly sessions, each an hourlong, followed by twice-monthly sessions and then monthly meetings to help maintain the new lifestyle changes. This program covers a variety of topics including healthy eating habits, suggested ways to include light physical activity and tips on how to manage stress. The group setting helps provide support for all participants as you learn that others are facing similar lifestyle challenges. Sometimes change can be daunting, but when you are with a peer group, learning to make some of the same choices, it becomes easier. Together the group celebrates successes and finds ways to overcome obstacles.

Follow-up studies of past Diabetes Prevention Programs have shown that those who participated in this program have been able to delay the development of diabetes. This is even three to 10 years after their initial participation in the program.

Two different series are being offered, both held on Tuesdays, starting Feb. 16, and you can choose the time that works best for you. One series is offered at 10 a.m. and the other at 5:30 p.m. Both series require that you have a Zoom account, which is free. Program materials will be mailed before each session.

Preregistration is required and the deadline is Feb, 10. There is a $30 charge for supplies for the program. For more information — or to enroll in the program — contact Chris Koehler at 360-482-2934 or by email: koehler@wsu.edu .