Physical activity promotes health—get moving with EnhanceFitness
The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) is recognizing African American History Month in February by spreading awareness about the increased risk of diabetes and kidney disease in African Americans, and the importance of lifestyle changes to prevent and manage these health issues. For African American adults with diabetes, it’s important to take care of your health to prevent kidney failure and other health complications. In fact, unmanaged diabetes is four times more likely to cause kidney failure in African Americans than in non-Hispanic whites and can also lead to serious complications such as blindness, limb amputation, heart attack and stroke. Type 2 diabetes can be managed, and research shows that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in minority groups. You can cut your risk for developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 58% by losing weight, eating less fat and fewer calories, and being active for 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
A fun way to be more active is to join an EnhanceFitness class. Drop-ins are welcome at the following Flint area locations:
Berston Field House
3300 N. Saginaw St., Flint 48505
Tuesdays and Thursdays
10 to 11 a.m.
Donation suggested
Call 810-787-6531
Hamilton Community Health – Main Clinic
2900 North Saginaw St.
Flint, MI 48505
Tuesdays, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
No cost to participants
Call 810-406-4912
Hesselbring Senior Center
1002 W. Home, Flint 48506
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
9 to 10 a.m.
Donation suggested
Call 810-232-0522
EnhanceFitness (EF) is an evidence-based one-hour physical activity program specifically designed for adults of all ages. The programs are inclusive and can be modified for adults with different abilities and fitness levels. The classes are taught by certified and EF-trained fitness instructors.
“This is a unique experience where people can get a good workout in a nonjudgmental environment. No special equipment is necessary and we modify the moves depending on participants’ abilities. You can stand or sit in a chair,” states Esther Nichols, EnhanceFitness Program Coordinator. “The classes give people a sense of independence and also provide a social component.”
EF focuses on cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, flexibility, and balance. Every participant has access to a chair for seated or standing exercises. Instructors conduct functional fitness assessments on participants, look for any risk factors, help with setting goals and motivate the class.
For information on the EF classes listed above, call the NKFM at 800-482-1455. To find other PATH classes in Michigan, visit nkfm.org/enhance-fitness or mihealthyprograms.org.
