UTM will be holding the free Healthy Steps program through May 12 in an attempt to create healthier lifestyles for participants.
Diane Austin, an assistant professor in the Nursing department, will be heading the Healthy Steps program alongside her daughter, Allicia Austin. Allicia is recognized by the Center for Disease Control as a diabetes prevention program lifestyle coach. Austin describes her daughter as, “a lifestyle coach trained in the Prevent T2 program and a personal trainer.”
Diane Austin herself has over 20 years of experience as an RN, as well as her BSN from UTM and MSN from Union University. She will be bringing her expertise on caring and guiding people through their acute and chronic diseases to the program.
Dr. Brian Carroll will also be playing a role in this program. Carroll is employed at UTM as a dietetic internship director and lecturer, and will be coming in to assist the group in a few of the sessions.
The goal of the Healthy Steps program is to see participants permanently lose 5-7% body weight. This will be achieved through a combination of physical activity and healthier eating habits.
“Healthy Steps provides information to guide lifestyle choices – lifelong choices – about diet and physical activity,” Austin said. “Healthy steps are needed to prevent onset, or minimize the effects, of diabetes, and other chronic disease, or even cancer.”
Austin also acknowledges the need for accountability, and the program will include a lifestyle coach and nursing staff, as well as the other attendants who are striving for the same goals. “The program also addresses needs to build a support system to enable individual efforts.”
The Healthy Steps program is free for any adult that desires to prevent disease and adopt a healthier lifestyle, regardless of their status on campus. Students, staff, faculty and especially community members are welcome to get involved.
When asked about any future plans to frequently revisit the program, Austin said, “Yes, we would love to see this program continue each semester, and possibly expand; we are looking at a number of options to continue this service to the community.”
The Healthy Steps program meets every Tuesday night at 6 p.m. in room 120 of Gooch Hall and will continue to do so until May 12. It is free to join.
For those who are interested in attending or would like more information, email Allicia Austin at allicia.austin@gmail.com or Diane Austin at daustin@utm.edu.
