By Tim Mastro

WILMINGTON — The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s Yes2Health recently expanded its offerings to include cooking classes and in-person walk-ups.

The free program was created and launched in the fall of 2018 to help create healthier communities. It was developed to help Delawareans who are at risk for one of the following: breast cancer, other cancers, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes or pre-diabetic and/or a body mass index of 30 or above.

At its inception, Yes2Health was an in-person health and wellness class followed by an hour of walking as a group. However, as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and safety restrictions, the program shifted to a virtual format where participants logged on from home and walked independently.

The new weekly 30-minute educational programs include fitness, health, and wellness education to help participants live an active and healthy lifestyle.

The coalition said support from other people who are on the same journey helps participants live a healthier lifestyle. Participants have shared not only how the program has helped them to gain new healthy habits, but also new friends, according to the coalition.

“We believe that giving people the opportunity to join virtually for the health lessons, and walk at a time that is most convenient to them is attributing to the rapid growth” said Yes2Health program manager, Amanda Perdue.

The program’s newest addition is the launch of its program called Yes2Health in the Kitchen — a no-cost, interactive online cooking class taught by chef Dee Iraca, founder of Eat Well Chef. The class will teach participants a new culinary skill and how to prepare a healthy recipe.

Classes are open to the public with free registration. After registration, participants will be sent the shopping list, recipe and Zoom link. Participants do not need to be a part of Yes2Health to participate in Yes2Health in the Kitchen.  

This fall Yes2Health is offering four new virtual groups starting in September. Registration is free, but required for class materials and meeting Zoom link.

The four virtual groups this fall are Wednesdays from Sept. 14 to Nov. 30 (9:30-10 a.m. or 6-6:30 p.m.) and Thursdays from Sept. 15-Dec. 8 (3-3:30 p.m. or 7-7:30 p.m.).

To register for free, contact: Amanda Perdue at aperdue@debreastcancer.org. For more information, click here.