Solera Health, Johnson County, Kansas Team Up Against Diabetes

PHOENIX, Jan. 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Solera Health, a leading integrated community network, added Johnson County Department of Health and Environment in Olathe, Kansas to its national network of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-recognized diabetes prevention program (DPP) providers.

Eighty-six million American adults are living with prediabetes and 90 percent of them are unaware they are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. To fight this epidemic, diabetes prevention programs recognized by the CDC work with people with prediabetes on lifestyle changes that will reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improve their overall health.

Johnson County's DPP intervention emphasizes that even small changes in diet and exercise can lead to significant lifestyle changes and prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Led by an experienced dietitian and lifestyle coach, the DPP sets goals of five to seven percent weight loss and an increase in physical activity to 150 minutes per week. Classes use a hands-on approach tailored for adults where participants attend cooking demonstrations, healthy food taste tests, and grocery store tours to change their eating habits. Another DPP feature is the grouping of participants with others facing similar lifestyle challenges. Classes are also available "to go" where a coach will travel anywhere with 12 or more participants.

Last year, Johnson County's 41 DPP participants lost a combined 274 pounds. Several also saw reductions in A1c levels, translating to a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes to the point where they are no longer considered to have clinical prediabetes.

"Solera Health allows us to raise awareness of the services we provide to Johnson County as well as enables people in participating insurance plans a chance to take DPP classes free of charge," said Lougene Marsh, director of the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. "As a trusted partner in our fight against diabetes, they know well that prevention must be a focus if we are to reverse course against this disease."

"Growing our national network of DPP providers who meet the needs of their local communities is a Solera priority," said Brenda Schmidt, Solera Health's CEO. "It's an honor to work with a program like Johnson County's that understands how adults learn best, which is crucial in instilling healthy habits that will help prevent diabetes."

About Solera Health
Solera Health is an integrated benefits network that connects consumers, payers, and providers with community organizations and digital therapeutics, simply and securely. Solera helps consolidate highly fragmented programs and services into one integrated network, allowing health plans and medical providers to increase consumer participation while lowering associated costs. Solera proactively identifies the "best fit" program based on each individual's unique needs and preferences, which has proven to have a significant impact on improved patient outcomes at a fraction of the cost of traditional medical care. For more information, visit Solera Health at www.soleranetwork.com, call 800-858-1714 or follow us on Twitter @SoleraNetwork or LinkedIn.

About Johnson County Department of Health and Environment
Located in the southwestern quadrant of the Kansas City Metropolitan Region, Johnson County, Kansas is a community of choice with a current population of more than 590,000, making it the most populated of the 105 counties in Kansas. The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment has served as the county's public health department since 1943. The department's mission is to protect the health and environment, prevent disease and promote wellness for all who live, work and play in Johnson County through exceptional public service.

Media contacts: 
Joe Reblando for Solera Health 
[email protected] 
703-599-5641

Barbara Mitchell, Public Information Officer
JCDHE
[email protected]
913-477-8436

SOURCE Solera Health

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