By L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review
Blame it on too much junk food consumption, being overweight or just plain heredity, diabetes is nonetheless becoming increasingly prevalent in both young and old alike.
According to statistics from the American Diabetes Association, 9.3 percent of the population has the disease, with 1.5 million of them being children.
The ADA says on its website that one of the best ways to prevent diabetes is through exercise. Findings from the organization’s National Diabetes Prevention Program revealed that participants in the program who lost 5-7 percent of their body weight decreased their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.
In an effort to provide area residents with an opportunity to get up and get moving all for the sake of better health, the Town of Apple Valley recently began holding free Dance Off Diabetes classes for ages 13 and up. Its next sessions will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Oct. 13 and Nov. 10 at the Town Recreation Hall, 14955 Dale Evans Parkway.
According to Lena Quinonez, recreation supervisor for the Town of Apple Valley, Apple Valley-based dietician and diabetes educator April Vincent will oversee the classes.
“I will be starting off each class with a 15- to 20-minute talk that is related to diabetes in some way shape or form,” said Vincent, who works at St. Mary’s Medical Center. “And I will stress how important it is to exercise if you have diabetes and the fact it’s been proven that short workouts can drop blood sugar 20 to 30 points.”
After Vincent’s lecture, she will turn the class over to dance instructor Diane Ono, who has been teaching belly dancing for the past 10 years in Apple Valley.
Ono, who dances with Scimitar Dance Co. in Moreno Valley, will teach attendees the basics of belly dancing and subsequently lead them in routines set to appropriate music.
“A lot of people think belly dancing is just for women but men can do it too,” said Vincent. “There actually is a whole movement of male belly dancers, believe it or not.”
Quinonez said Dance Off Diabetes is a perfect complement to the Town’s Health Apple Valley program, which desires to improve the health and well-being of residents through the promotion of healthy eating, education, cooking programs and physical activity.
While the Dance Off Diabetes classes have been primarily attended in the past by older folks, people ages 13 and up are welcomed and encouraged to join, Quinonez said.
“This program is such a good fit with our campaign to help our residents get healthier,” said Quinonez. “And you don’t have to have diabetes to take the class. Some may be borderline diabetic or just want to attend as a way to stay fit and prevent disease.
“Either way, it’s a fun experience and offers people the opportunity to get a good workout and meet some new friends in the process.”
For more information, visit www.avrecreation.org or call 760-240-7880.