La Quest Launches to Get Community Healthier, Prevent Diabetes

rot6A La Porte County initiative by two area hospitals is underway to help community members become active, eat well and lose weight, with the goal of preventing diabetes and getting healthier.

The La Quest program is a new journey in support of healthy weight loss and an inspiring start to healthy living. The 10-week program that begins April 13 will include fun wellness challenges and educational sessions to encourage the community to lose weight in a healthy way, and to prevent one of our county’s most serious health issues: diabetes.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily, along with a 5 to 10 percent weight loss, can mean a 58 percent reduction in diabetes cases.

The La Quest educational sessions can provide participants tips on being more active and eating healthier (with delicious options), even for the busiest individuals who lead stressed lives.

The program begins with a private weigh-in the week of April 13 to 18 at either IU Health The Crossing, 1203 Washington St., La Porte, or Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City’s executive board room, 301 W. Homer St. The program is a partnership between IU Health La Porte Hospital and Franciscan St. Anthony Health–Michigan City.

A $10 participation fee is payable upon weigh-in. During the 10-week program, participants can attend any of four educational and motivational programs about preventing diabetes through weight loss. The presentations will take place from 6 to 7 p.m., May 13 or June 3 at IU Health La Porte Hospital Auditorium, 1007 Lincolnway; or 6 to 7:30 p.m., May 6 or June 10 at Coolspring Health Center Pavilion, 1225 Coolspring Ave., Michigan City. Coolspring is under the auspices of Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City.

La Quest enrollees will receive a free water bottle at weigh-in, and all who complete one challenge, attend one educational presentation, and weigh in and weigh out, are entered in a drawing for grand prizes that will go to two Michigan City participants and two La Porte participants. Final weigh-out will occur the week of June 22 to 26.

For more information or to register, visit LaQuest.org, or call (219) 326-2048.