Making small changes to the food you eat and adding more physical activity can help you lose weight and feel better and Cabinet Peaks Medical Center’s PREVENT program is a great place to start.

PREVENT is a successful weight loss and exercise program designed to assist and motivate individuals to reach and maintain a healthy lifestyle through group activities, educational sessions, and individual guidance from their life coach.

This program targets people who are at risk for pre-diabetes and/or developing cardiovascular disease and is taught by Cabinet Peaks Medical Center’s registered dietitian, Nicole Kapan.

Nicole is happy to be starting classes again this year.

“The PREVENT program began in Lincoln County over 7 years ago and has helped countless local people learn how to live longer, healthier lives. I am pleased we can continue to share this course with the public,” she said.

The PREVENT course begins with a personal assessment by a Lifestyle Coach to determine the best guidance that will get life-long success.

The 16 weeks to follow are known as the Core Sessions where participants attend weekly classes led by Lifestyle coaches. Participants will be in classes with others who have similar struggles and health concerns.

The remainder of the program is tailored to help participants maintain the healthy lifestyles they were taught in the core sessions.

Adults are eligible if they are overweight, have medical clearance, and have one or more of the following risk factors: pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, or have had gestational diabetes.

The next PREVENT program begins Tuesday, Sept. 10.

If you are interested, please see your physician or call the Cabinet Peaks Diabetes and Nutrition Education Department at 283-7316.

The local PREVENT program is sponsored by Cabinet Peaks Medical Center and the Montana Cardiovascular Disease and Prevention Program.