DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM SUCCESS STORY

My doctor is Laura Nicoll from Crystal Run and I saw her yesterday for my 6 month check-up.   She was ecstatic over the progress I have made since I last saw her! She said my "numbers" for the diabetes clearly show I am out of jeopardy, the cholesterol "numbers were "perfect" and she definitely noticed the weight loss!  Thank you again for all you help and encouragement. Add me to the success stories!                                               

Sincerely,
Loretta Miller

LIVING LIFE AND LOVING IT!
Karidis Tubo
Kardis Tubo

Fitness is the change in the expectation of you. Mind over matter, nah, it starts with getting there. Knowing the information and doing it are two very different things. At 225lbs I knew, had read, and almost tried everything for short period of time to lose weight and keep it off. Same story heard over a million times .What made the difference this time? Hmm discipline, perseverance and the PUSH. #1 get there, #2keep going, and #3 PUSH. Sounds simple, well not really.

I began with a nine week get started program at my local YMCA and met weekly for fitness training, tips, and weight loss tracking. Ah the answer to my weight loss, well no not really it was exactly what it is Getting Started. The weight loss was minimal during the 9 weeks but provided the basis for evaluating where my fitness level WASN’T, started me on a schedule and provided me with the PUSH. Then came the PUSH internally from myself and outside from a fitness Trainer D’Artagnan Cortes. Well that sounds great but it wasn’t.

I began at such a poor fitness level that a sit-up was out of the question not in this lifetime, and my mental fitness was non-existent. Was this trainer crazy, you want me to do what, how, breathe, think, squeeze, and whatever, that’s not happening. But for some weird crazy reason I repeatedly showed up each Wednesday and listened, learned, and tried to ignore the embarrassing interactions during our sessions. I must say he was more than patient with me.  At the end of the nine weeks I decide to continue with personal training with him. I figured why start over with someone else and what could possibly be worse. Boy I had a lot to learn.

Several weeks after making this decision I didn’t set up the appointment, and then the calls came. Hey it’s me Danny and just wanting to know when we’re getting together for your training. Relentless, okay so now I had made a commitment and there was accountability. So it began two days I met with Danny and some progress was made with weight loss and trying to breathe without coughing up a lung.    By month three the program changed including killer Saturdays and increasing cardio. Bear crawls, torpedoing medicine balls, jump ups, choke rope jumping (I finally figured out how not to entangle myself in the rope), backwards rope jumping, and death intervals many of which I thought I would not survive. As a matter of fact I think the spectators in the gym thought the same and was glad it wasn’t them. “Taking it to another level”, July brought running good GOD! But by October I ran my first 5k, screaming on the phone at the finish line to Danny I did it.   

2011 has brought the challenge of body sculpting or “chiseling “: pushups, pull- ups core, arms, arms, arms, did I mention arms? You name it I think he’ll find it.  So here’s to another level.    Support was always present from my Trainer, Y-instructors, and members at the Y. Each week I attended a class when I wasn’t training with Danny: Monday jokes and stretching with Kevin, Joe’s Awesome Killer Boot camp Wednesdays, abs with Marlo, and ZUMBA Fridays and Sundays with Danny at the Y. In a year I have been able to lose over 75lbs. dropping from a size 18 to a 6. I would say definitely it is all worth it. No dieting or easy quick fixes. Increased activity, daily exercise and a better awareness of making good choices has redefined my life giving me a fitness balance.     

Living Life and Loving It! 

Karidis Tubo RN, BSN, MPA      

AWARENESS GAINED FROM YMCA DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM
Donald Cortright
 
8-17-2011
To whom it may concern:
 
I joined the NYS YDP Program because my blood test numbers were high. My age is 65, blood sugar @ 103, A1C was 6.5, and my weight was 214 lbs.
 
The DPP classes have made me aware of the foods that I eat, and the quantity of food I eat was a major factor in my physical condition. I was not aware of the total amount of fats and calories that I eat each day.
 
The DPP classes have educated me in a way that I would not have predicted prior to these classes. The instruction and the changes I have made resulted in a weight loss of over 22 lbs, A1C lowered to 5.6, and blood sugar down to 91. I have started walking, riding a bicycle and other exercise most days.
 
I would recommend this program to anyone who is in need of weight reduction, diet education, or physical activity training. The positive changes that I have seen are life changing.
 
Most useful aspects of the DPP to me are the food and activity trackers, and the calorie king book.
 
DONALD CORTRIGHT

YMCA DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM SUCCESS STORY!
Grace Morina

I mentioned about the positive aspects of the program in general, but I would like
to narrow down my final outcome.
 
I lost weight fulfilling the 7% loss.   I have not been able to get below 150 lbs.
for over 20 yrs., even with the help of dieticians and once under a doctor managed
weight loss program.  For me, this is a miracle.  In addition, I have maintained the weight loss.
 
My last blood test reflected that my glucose serum was 89.  Finally, below the 100    
mark.  My Endocrinologist felt it would be lower but the stress of my husband's recent
stroke probably had an impact on the level.  Stress, I found out, increases sugar levels
in the system.  My isulin count was also lower.
 
I am exercising on a regular basis.  Through the program I have found the incentive
to fit it into my life on a regular basis and overcome issues that prevented me from
exercising.
 
I am more aware of food content, reading labels on a regular basis which helps to
eliminate foods at the market before they get home.  The program group gave great
ideas about foods, cooking, overeating, etc.
 
I am still working on the program, but the book is a valuable resource I will always
have.  Most of all, the program's group sessions provided encouragement,
motivation, and accountability.   Watching my food, and most of all keeping track
in one way or another is now and always will be part of my lifestyle.
 
Thanks so much,
Grace Morina 

DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM PRAISES
Herbert Weissman

I am writing to commend the NYS-YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program co-sponsored by the YMCA of Middletown to anyone sincerely interested in warding off the scourges of the terrible illnesses afflicting our society, and in achieving his/her own good health. I recommend the Program presented at the Y in Middletown in particular, because of the truly wonderful competence, capability and intimate knowledge of the Program Director, Mr. Ed Duvinski, with respect to nutrition and exercise, which essentially comprise the dual facets of the Program.
 
The benefits I have derived from this Program are multiple. They include a weight loss of 23 pounds in 3 ½ months on the Program. I have learned which foods are harmful to eat and take their toll in weight gain and cause poor health. I have changed my lifestyle from completely sedentary to a more active program of almost daily aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility. And just as importantly, I have learned alot about myself; what initiates some of my actions and reactions, some ways to enhance the desirable ones and some ways to counteract the undesirable ones.
 
One of the high points of the Program is that you progress at your own pace and you self-monitor your progress. With respect to what you eat, no foods are eliminated but you begin to realize that moderation is key. Similarly, with respect to exercise, you do what is comfortable and appropriate for yourself. In due course the rewards of following the precepts of the Program kick in.
 
This Program is both more honest and easier to do than the fads advertised in magazines and on TV. Except for one person who dropped out of our class, everyone else is on the way to achieving, or has already achieved, the goals he has set for himself. I urge anyone who is hesitant about starting, to take the first step and see what it can do for you.
 
Herbert Weissman

PERSONAL TRAINING SUCCESS STORY
JOHN F. NOVAK

Russell Freirson has been personally training me for approx. 2 1/2 months.  We have had approx. 25, 1 hour sessions,  Some weeks 2, some weeks 3.
 
I am 70 years old, and in the past year and 1/2 have had several medical procedures, including a total knee and total hip replacement. Since training with Russell,  my flexibilty has increased to the point that people asked me if I had grown 2 inches, my reply has been, no, I now can stand and walk upright, instead of hunched over.

His program has improved my balance to the point that I can stand on 1 leg for 1 minute or more.  When we started 5 seconds was a lot. He has tailored exercises to strengthen my core, my stabilizer muscles, and my overall strength. I no longer must get an adjustment at the chiropractor every other week.  Friday I was able to bench press 185 lbs after having trouble pressing the bar only (45lbs) 2 1/2 months ago.

I have always been a very athletic and competitive individual, but I can assure you that Russell's methods, understanding, and total commitment to my goals, has enabled me to be in better physical shape today, that I was 30 years ago. I intend on continuing these sessions, knowing that Russell will continue to find new ways to improve my physical well being.
 
Sincerely,
John F. Novak 
 


Recollection  Of  The YMCA Of Middletown

I joined the “Y” sometime in the mid 80s. I was still working in NYC. So the only participation at that time was a group exercise clad held in the gym. That’s was the only place large enough at to accommodate the 15/20 participants, So I now am entitled to wear my 20 year badge and a couple of additional striped as well.

We did our push ups, jumping jacks, stretching and breathing exercises…and I remember we jogged around the gym; there was no track, so we all had to stay outside of the basketball court lines. Otherwise we were cheating. I think 7 jogs around the court was the equivalent of a 1/4th mile. But don’t quote me.

I also remember the adult fitness room was at the end of the corridor where the little kids now do there exercises and learn social skills by interacting with their peers. That room was very small and I was afraid to use it. We also had our ladies and men wash rooms in that original corridor.
My fear and patience was rewarded when the new addition was built. The home of the Fitness Center with the myriad of equipment, big windows, and loud music hold court. There us something for everyone. Some do every machine, and are looking for new additional all the time. Others have their favorite piece of equipment and are reluctant to give it up at the end of the half-hour mandate.

I do my own thing. I use 5 pieces of equipment. But my favorite is the track. I jog about a mile; walk a mile with weights for my stretching and strength training. Once in awhile you can see me skip 2 full laps. When I was a kid in public school, I could only skip on one leg. Now that I am a grown man, I can skip with both legs and I am so proud of that.

I keep score of my progress with Exercise Planner. I am pleased to say that with the passage of time, I have been increasing the weights that are an essential part of resistance and building of muscle.

In conclusion, I find that the “Y” is vital in my everyday living in three different ways – It is good for my mind, replenishes my soul and rebuilds my body. Any by the way, I may be one of oldest fitness work out members. But, I cannot reveal my age. But, I was born before 1930.
LONG LIVE THE MIDDLETOWN “Y”
 
 
Family Success Story!

I joined the YMCA four years ago with the intention of losing ten pounds and feeling better after the birth of my third child. I finally had a place I could work out with the comfort of knowing my child was being well taken care of in the child care room.

Well, besides that ten pound loss I have gained so much more. I feel so at home when I get to the facility. The people who work out in all of the different classes I participate in have become friends and everyone cheers each other on. When one of us is absent there is always the question “where were you?” Glad you are back! Then just when I think I have worked every muscle a very knowledgeable staff member will give me a tip to make a slight change and I feel I am challenging myself even more.

My family life has also improved with the family membership. I feel I am setting a good example for my children and the YMCA helps to do that with their commitment to youth and all of the great programs they have for the children. My eight year old son loves to work out in the kids cave and says he feels strong. All of my kids love to come to the special events. Everything is geared toward families spending time and having fun together.

I also can’t say enough about the swim instructors. All three of my children have learned to swim at the Y and the instructors are very patient and kind. My daughter at eight years old refused to take her feet off the bottom of the pool, and was afraid to jump in or float. Her swim instructor was determined to teach her. Within four months she was swimming laps. Now she is in the school swim club and it has given her much needed confidence.
I can honestly say, looking back now on my Y experience the atmosphere at the YMCA has helped me keep my commitment to get in shape and stay there. The YMCA has not only changed my body, it has changed my life!  Lauren Reggio.


Marcella Glueck
Marcella Glueck Marcella joined the Middletown YMCA 2½ years ago after receiving a membership as a birthday gift from her sister and with financial assistance from the YMCA’s access program.  Marcella lost 45 lbs in her first 6 months! She exercised at the YMCA 3 times a week, modified her diet and stopped drinking Pepsi. Her exercise program was focused on using cardio equipment.   Trainers Marlo and Rachel provided helpful advice and support, such as healthy eating hints and exercise suggestions. She then began adding free weights to her exercise program. With her exercise program, Marcella lost an additional 55 lbs during the course of her first year.

After reaching this plateau, exercise trainers helped with changing her routine in order to maximize the results.  Over the next 6 months, she lost an additional 50 lbs, for a total of 150 lbs lost in 1½ years. As wonderful as this is, it is not the end of the story. Marcella has kept that weight off a full one year later!  Marcella is thankful to her sister and the Middletown YMCA for helping her attain her weight loss goal. She has begun to bring a friend to help them lose weight and get healthy.  Marcella’s tips for a healthy lifestyle:
  • Be active during the day – do something to keep moving!
  • Start easy – don’t be hard on yourself
  • Set small goals for yourself
  • Healthy eating is so important – don’t skip breakfast



  
 
 
Phillip Peelor 

I began running races in 2004. Over the first four years of running ( 2004-2007 ) I had moderate success, while still enjoying every moment. In January 2008 I joined the Middletown YMCA and began a work out/training program to help improve my physical conditioning and running ability. Kristen Enering played a key role in getting me started and provided encouragement. The results of the training were seen very soon in 2008. My times in the races improved and my placements were much better. I enjoyed running even more than before.
From 2004 through 2007 I had two 1st place age bracket finishes, one 2nd place finish and six 3rd place finishes. In 2008 I had six 1st place age bracket finishes, three 2nd place finishes and four 3rd place finishes. I continued my training and in 2009 I have to date eight 1st place age bracket finishes and one team 1st place finish ( this was as a member of the Middletown YMCA Team in the 1/2 marathon). I have four 2nd place finishes and won a King of the Mountain recognition/trophy for completing 5 grueling mountain challenge races.  

I wish to thank you and your Staff for providing such a wonderful facility at which to work out and get into good physical shape.