Diabetes Services at St. Mary's Offers Free Fitness Class.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Diabetes is a leading cause of adult blindness, lower-limb amputation, kidney disease and nerve damage. Additionally, two-thirds of people with diabetes die from heart disease. According to Centers for Disease Control, nearly 21 million people -- or seven percent of the population -- have diabetes. The good news is people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.

Since the beginning of March, a small group of adults has met every Wednesday at St. Mary's Medical Center. They attend a free, enjoyable, informative fitness class in an effort to control and manage their diabetes. Elissa Hallen, the Diabetes Program Coordinator, designed the class for adults who either have diabetes or are at risk for developing the disease.

"Exercise is so important in the management of diabetes. I designed this class to reach out to people in our community; I wanted to provide an exercise program that would help people control or prevent diabetes," said Hallen.

Joyce Gubelman, a participant since the class's inception in March, faithfully participates every week. Gubelman worked in front of a computer for many years and just recently retired. She was diagnosed with diabetes about ten years ago and admits that in the past she avoided exercise at all costs. However, her attitude has changed since starting the fitness class at St. Mary's.

"I love the class," says Gubelman. "It's a combination of the class and Elissa."

In the past, Gubelman tried to manage her diabetes through diet alone, without much success. It wasn't until she started taking Hallen's fitness class that she began to notice an improvement in her health.

Since starting the fitness class, Gubelman's blood sugar has gone down. Her blood pressure has decreased and she feels more energetic. She's lost a few pounds and is taking less medication than she was before starting the class. She can't say enough about Hallen or the program.

"I couldn't do exercises like these three months ago and now I look forward to the class because of how good I feel at the end," said Gubelman. "I can't sing Elissa's praises enough. She's phenomenal. She pulls in so much information and explains as she goes along. She is consistently cheerful and supportive."

The goal of the class is to help those with diabetes control the disease and those without diabetes stay healthy. The class is designed for beginners and people who wouldn't normally go to a gym. It consists of easy movements to work different muscle groups, a walk-in-place video, stretching, and Pilates. It is held every Wednesday from 11-12 PM when street parking is easy and accessible. The class is open to adults with consent from a doctor.

Gubelman says her favorite part of the class is the ending. "Elissa finishes with a relaxation exercise that leaves one feeling good and ready to go back into the world."

About Diabetes Services

Diabetes Services is part of the Sister Mary Phillipa Health Center at St. Mary's. The staff consists of RNs and dieticians who are also certified diabetes educators. Diabetes Services is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as a fully credited self-management education program. The center includes private appointments and group classes, many offered free of charge. For more information, please call (415)-750-5513.

About St. Mary's Medical Center

For nearly 150 years, St. Mary's Medical Center has provided the Bay Area with compassionate, personalized care combined with the latest advances in medical care and cutting-edge technology. St. Mary's is a full-service acute care facility with more than 575 physicians and 1,100 employees who provide high-quality and affordable health care services to the Bay Area community and patients from around the world. Home to advanced medical practices, such as the nation's first digital cardiac catheterization laboratory, pioneering spine surgery and comprehensive rehabilitation, St. Mary's Medical Center is one of San Francisco's leading hospitals, offering patients a full range of outpatient and inpatient services delivered with the human touch.