The Keya Program
Sponsored through a HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) grant, this began in the Aberdeen clinic in August 2006. The design and intent of the Keya Program is built on using South Dakota Urban Indian Health’s current connection with diabetes patients. The Keya Program can have a huge impact on providing diabetes prevention services (exercise and nutrition) to patients living in the Aberdeen and Pierre/Ft. Pierre clinic areas.
This grant opportunity gives South Dakota Urban Indian Health a unique opportunity to “add” services that can help our patients receive all components (medical, education, physical and nutrition) of diabetes care at one location, i.e. “one-stop” care. The medical component is offered by our nursing and medical providers, and the basic nutrition education is offered by our registered dietician/licensed nutritionist. Through the Keya Program, South Dakota Urban Indian Health has added an exercise room (located onsite with the clinic) to provide the physical activity piece for a healthier lifestyle.
About the Turtle Logo
The symbol for the KEYA Program is a turtle (which is Keya in Lakota). Keya (turtle) is believed to be a symbol of good health and long life. SDUIH has used the color of green for connection and representation of Mother Earth. Keya (turtle) demonstrates the ability to adapt to changes and surroundings by living in and out of water – a trait (adapting to change) is used to help clients adapt to new health activities and lifestyle. Keya is also viewed as uncomplaining and moves with a slow and steady pace forward – another trait that is used to help clients realize that health improvements don’t’ happen quickly and it takes a steady pace of activities and changes to become healthier. The SDUIH Keya logo has sweet grass across the turtle’s back. Typically, sweet grass is used for smudging or burning for cleansing and is very important in Indian culture.
Exercise programs
A significant component of the Keya Program is the exercise program is guided by Joe Dudley, an American Indian who is professionally trained as a Physiologist. His expertise and approach to exercise helps the patients to adjust to an exercise plan and do so without injury.
To accommodate the exercise room, Aberdeen remodeled their conference room and the Pierre clinic built additional clinic space to house the exercise program (expected to open in Dec 2007).
South Dakota Urban Indian Health purchased several different pieces of exercise equipment which is professional grade and includes: Nu-Step, Elliptical, Recumbent Bike and Treadmills.
