Individuals who want to get fit, prevent diabetes and lower their risk of heart disease can get some free help in a program being piloted in Lehigh County.

Wilkes University is partnering with Weis Markets in Schnecksville and First 13 Athletics to pilot the Group Lifestyle Balance program.

Staff will work with individuals to make lifestyle changes to prevent disease and lower risk factors.

The first 10 participants to enroll and meet eligibility criteria will receive a free package valued at more than $500 that includes a complimentary gym membership, Fitbit and journal for tracking information.

The Group Lifestyle Balance Program focuses on three components: nutrition, activity and changes in behavior.

The program will run for 6 months and starts Aug. 20.

Classes will be held weekly 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays, Aug. 20 to Nov. 5 at Weis Markets, 5020 Route 873, Schnecksville.

After the first 12 weeks, monthly accountability meetings will be held to track progress.

In addition to the classes, the group will meet at the personal training facility, First 13 Athletics, 7562 Penn Drive, Suite 160, Allentown, 5:15 p.m. Thursdays at for the first 12 weeks beginning Aug. 23.

Participants also have access to the gym’s equipment and other classes on other days.

Participants will work toward achieving two goals:

·Increasing physical activity to a minimum of 150 minutes a week; and

·Losing a minimum of 7 percent of their body weight.

Program staff will be led by Nicole Pezzino, assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Wilkes University’s Nesbitt School of Pharmacy.

Other program lifestyle coaches include personal trainer Rob Eschbach, sports psychologist Megan Cannon and a nutritionist.

Coaches will work with participants to provide education and assistance to help achieve program goals.

Those enrolled in the program will be monitored for one year and are required to attend group sessions to support them.

Participants must be willing to:

·Commit to a positive change in diet and physical activity habits;

·Attend group sessions regularly;

·Actively participate in education sessions;

·Monitor daily food intake and physical activity for one full year;

·Track and record information as requested for the program; and

·Work toward achieving the program goals and their own personal lifestyle goals.

The program is funded through grants from the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

For information about the Group Lifestyle Balance program, contact Pezzino, at nicole.pezzino@wilkes.edu.

To register for the program, enter information on the form found at surveymonkey.com/r/WilkesGLB.