DAVENPORT, Iowa – February 9, 2016 -- Genesis Philanthropy announced today it will offer a health program with proven results for residents of the region. Genesis Philanthropy is offering free screenings to individuals who want to lose weight and reduce their risk for chronic disease. If clinically qualified, individuals will be able to participate in a free 10-week program to reduce the risk factors of Metabolic Syndrome.
The Genesis Philanthropy Metabolic Syndrome Initiative will be accepting registrations from individuals living in the Genesis service area from Feb. 15-26. A second class will be scheduled for later in 2016. Anyone interested in participating in the program can register at www.genesisphilanthropy.org.
The Metabolic Syndrome initiative was first introduced to the public by Genesis two years ago. Participants in the first three classes who had elevated Metabolic Syndrome risk before the program experienced a 37 percent reduction in their risk factors after the 10-week intervention. Participants in the groups also lost an average of 15.9 pounds per person.
Naturally Slim™ and has been offered to employees of Genesis Health System since 2009. Since 2009, 57% of the Genesis employees who were at risk for Metabolic Syndrome no longer had the condition because of healthy lifestyle techniques taught by the Naturally Slim™ classes. Each weekly session is about 30 minutes long. The “kick-off” session is 90 minutes and can be viewed via the web at any time throughout the week. The value of this program is $500. Only those who can commit to completing the 10-week program will be accepted.
Access to a computer with high-speed Internet is required for the online program. The Quad-City Times is sponsoring the Metabolic Syndrome Initiative. The program is being offered through these Genesis Philanthropy Affiliates: DeWitt Community Hospital Foundation, Genesis Foundation, and, Mercer Foundation for Health. Genesis Philanthropy will provide the Naturally Slim™ program, including screenings for Metabolic Syndrome, to a minimum of 105 participants in the region served by Genesis Health System in April and another 105 participants in August.
Naturally Slim™ is a Clinical Wellness Program (CWP) based in Dallas, Texas. Since its founding in 1977, Naturally Slim, Inc. has helped tens of thousands of people successfully fulfill their dream of lasting weight loss and improved health. Metabolic Syndrome increases the risks of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
“Genesis Philanthropy is improving the health of our region by engaging people in their own health,’’ said Missy Gowey, executive director, Genesis Philanthropy. “From our years of experience with the Naturally Slim™ program at Genesis and now with our community classes, we know the program can have a positive, significant impact on the health of participants.’’
Hundreds of Genesis Health System employees have improved their health while helping stabilize health insurance costs through their use of the Naturally Slim™ program. Genesis Health System and its employees have saved $101 million in healthcare and health insurance costs since first implementing the program in 2009.
Genesis Philanthropy leverages the power of philanthropy throughout our region to take the next step in the health care revolution, moving from caring for sick people to improving the health and wellness of the community. Philanthropists, foundations and corporations are catalysts in this quest via their investment in Genesis Philanthropy, a fundraising and grants making arm devoted entirely to population health initiatives.
To learn more about the regional impact of a charitable investment in Genesis Philanthropy, call (563) 421-6860.
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