Free 12-Week Program promotes fitness and wellness

Yes2Health provides attendees with healthy lifestyle options and is open to anyone with a risk factor for illness, from cardiovascular to all types of cancer

Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s mission is to promote early detection, provide services to those who are diagnosed and provide information on new treatments available for breast cancer. However, they also offer programs that can benefit those who have not been diagnosed but have risk factors for developing the disease. The Yes2Health program is available to woman or man who may be at risk of developing not only breast cancer but other types of cancers and diseases.

“This program is available for men and women who may be at risk for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes or pre-diabetes as well as someone with a body mass index of 30 or above,” Amanda Perdue, Yes2Health Manager, said. “Each program establishes a nurturing, supportive and safe environment for those struggling with health issues that put them at risk of developing breast cancer or other chronic illnesses.”

This fall, DBCC will offer “Yes2Health in the Kitchen” with Chef Dee Iraca, founder of Eat Well chef. Iraca is a registered dietitian nutritionist and professional chef in North Carolina. She earned a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University, completing her dietetic internship at Meredith College. The program is offered online, and participants will learn a new culinary skill while preparing a healthy recipe.

“On September 27 at 6 PM, the class will learn how to create Taco Tuesday in 30 Minutes,” Perdue said. “On October 10 at Noon, learn two ways to make the perfect chicken breast. On October 28 at noon, Chef Iraca teaches how to make a delicious vinaigrette dressing while on November 2 at noon, you can learn how to make a quick and healthy breakfast. November 29 at 6 PM, learn how to poach fish.”

Upon registration, recipes and a shopping list are provided. Registration for “Yes2Health in the Kitchen” is available by emailing Perdue at [email protected].

All Yes2Health programs are offered online via Zoom. Choose Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM or from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM starting September 14 through November 30. You can also register for Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM or 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM starting September 15 and running until December 8. A Zoom link is sent upon registration along with materials for the program. Be sure to select which class time you prefer when you register by emailing [email protected].

“I have lost eight pounds in the last five weeks,” one participant said. “My doctor was so impressed with my results that he said to keep doing what I am doing. I am thankful for the Yes2Health Program.”

Others have found that Yes2Heatlh gives them the motivation they need to continue living a healthy lifestyle.

“I was looking for positive support and there were several women in the group who are a couple of years out from their treatment,” another participant said. “They are doing well and are happy and talking with them is uplifting.”

Another stated that they wanted to “remain active until they close the lid on my casket and that’s not going to happen the way I am going right now.” They decided that 2021 was the year they take control of their health and Yes2Health has helped them in that process.

“We also offer Walk-Ups, a great way to meet and interact with other Yes2Health participants,” Perdue said. “These are usually held once each month at various locations. On September 14, there will be one from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM with those interested meeting in the parking lot of Old World Bread in Lewes while on September 28 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, walkers will meet in the parking lot of Crossroads Community Church in Georgetown. In New Castle, the September Walk-Up will be held September 15 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM and they will meet at Battery Park at the end of the pier by the circle. The Kent County September Walk-Up will be held at Brecknock County Park in Camden on September 21 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.”

Perdue stated that registration information for the Walk-Up’s as well as dates for October and November can be found on the DBCC website at http://debreastcancer.org/programs/yes2health/.