March 27, 2023

Community Hospital’s Eat Smart – Get Fit program has earned CDC Full Plus Recognition from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This designation is reserved for programs that have effectively delivered a quality, evidence-based program that meets all of the standards for CDC recognition and additional retention thresholds.

The achievement means Community Hospital has earned five years of CDC-recognition as opposed to the three years that organizations in FULL recognition receive. “The sustained success of your lifestyle change program makes an invaluable contribution to the prevention of type 2 diabetes, both in your community and nationally,” the award said. “We appreciate your participation in the National Diabetes Prevention Program, and we are committed to working with you to do everything we can to ensure your continued success as a critical member of our national effort.”

Eat Smart – Get Fit Program

The Eat Smart – Get Fit Program was designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its goal is to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes by teaching participants to develop a healthier lifestyle through healthy eating, being active and decreasing stress.

Certain requirements by CDC determine who is eligible. Participants must be 18 years or older with one of the following risk factors:

• BMI greater than 24
• Documented pre-diabetes (determined by a blood test)
• Determination made by a risk assessment, or
• History of gestational diabetes

Cost of the year-long program is $100. Anyone interested in learning more about the Eat Smart – Get Fit program and diabetes services should contact Terrie Unger, RN, Diabetes Educator at 308-344-8539, tunger@chmccook.org. In addition to the Eat Smart – Get Fit prediabetes program, Community Hospital offers individual and group classes for diabetics. A free support group also meets regularly. For more information, go to www.chmccook.org.