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Get Healthy

BayCare is dedicated to giving all members of our community the tools necessary to achieve the best health possible. Your health is our number one priority. BayCare offers two health and wellness programs, Get Into Fitness Today (GIFT) and Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP).

NOTE: As you register for classes, your facilitator should be reaching out individually with step-by-step instructions. If you have any questions or concerns, to reach out at (727) 467-4991 or email GetHealthy@baycare.org.  

Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP)

The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) is a free program accredited by the National American Association of Diabetes Educators and managed by Certified Diabetes Educators. This six-week class teaches you how to manage diabetes through lifestyle changes including better nutrition and physical activity. The DEEP program aims to empower you to take charge of your diabetes, avoid complications from the disease, and improve self-management skills.

How do I qualify?

  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Attend one class a week for six weeks. Each class is approximately two hours long.
  • Be eager to learn and take charge of your diabetes.
Search DEEP Classes

Get Into Fitness Today (GIFT) Classes

Get Into Fitness Today (GIFT) is a free 12-week program offered to the community that was developed by registered dietitians, nurses, and health educators and uses science-based information to reduce chronic diseases through obesity prevention. The first six weeks focus on nutrition, food portioning, and labels, while the second six weeks focus on maintenance, fitness, and disease prevention. GIFT emphasizes improving your nutrition education and increasing physical activity in your daily life, both of which help facilitate weight reduction. 

Note: The class is more educational intensive and offers only a light portion of exercise demonstrations. 

How do I qualify?

  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Any individual with a BMI of 25 or higher and/or pre-hypertension (high blood pressure).
  • Attend one class a week for 12 weeks. Each class is approximately one-hour long.
Search GIFT Classes

Walk With Ease (WWE) Program

The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease Program is a community-based physical activity and self-management education 6-week program. While walking is the central activity, Walk With Ease is a multi-component program that also includes health education, stretching and strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies. The program includes a guidebook and a walking schedule to get you safely moving toward better health.
Search WWE Classes

For more information, please email GetHealthy@baycare.org or call (727) 467-4991.

Success Stories

Dean & Judy

After making a lifetime commitment, Dean and Judy decided to make another commitment to each other … the commitment of health. They joined BayCare’s 12-week Get Into Fitness Today (GIFT) program, and the results were astounding. Losing more than a combined 50 pounds, Dean and Judy feel better than ever. Dean said, “The GIFT class reinforces common sense and uses education to help participants reach their goals.” In GIFT, they learned how to live a realistic healthy lifestyle that improved their physical and mental health. All of this with the help of their encouraging and motivating instructor who guided them through the journey.
happy couple on their front porch
woman standing in front of desert mountain

Wendy

In January 2021, Wendy had an appointment with a BayCare Medical Group doctor that changed her life forever with three words: “You have diabetes.” Wendy’s doctor recommended BayCare’s virtual Diabetes Education Empowerment Program (DEEP) classes, and Wendy jumped at the opportunity. She took the diagnosis as a challenge to live a healthy lifestyle. After retiring in June, Wendy said going to the gym became her new job. Today, she joined the walking club, kayak club and got a new gym membership, enjoying swimming and cycling. After joining DEEP, she learned to make healthy choices like changing her nighttime snack to hummus and veggies instead of chips. Wendy has lost 35 pounds and is continuing to lose weight, but more importantly, she’s living a healthy and happy lifestyle. Thanks to her dedication and the support from DEEP, Wendy has the health and energy to enjoy her passions for nature, photography and traveling. She plans to enjoy her these passions during her trip to Yellowstone National Park this summer. She said, “I don’t want diabetes to define my life.” And we think she’s doing a great job.

Additional Resources

BayCare Wellness Stations

You can find BayCare wellness stations in every Publix pharmacy located in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties. You can view and track your personal health stats, including blood pressure, pulse, body weight and body mass index. For more information, click here. 

Screening Information

For information on screenings in Pinellas, Pasco and West Hillsborough counties, call (813) 870-4043. In East Hillsborough and Polk counties, call (813) 707-2175.

Community Health
For more information on BayCare Community Health’s screenings and education, click here.