Diabetes class offered at health department

Janet Hackert, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist with University of Missouri Extension is teaming up with Green Hills Community Action Agency and the Daviess County Health Department to offer a series of classes for people with diabetes and their families and friends.
“Eat Well, Be Well with Diabetes” is a three-class series that focuses on healthy food choices and meal planning for people with diabetes. “The emphasis is on healthy versions of familiar foods that are easy to prepare, and cooking techniques that use new or more healthful ingredients,” Hackert says.
Participants will learn how to better choose and prepare tasty, nutritious foods that are low in sugar, fat and sodium. Sessions include food tasting with recipes provided to participants. A Food Guide Pyramid for persons with diabetes, carbohydrate counting basics, and the Plate Method are introduced in this program; exchange lists are not discussed. This program also discusses making healthy food choices when eating out and stresses the importance of physical activity, diabetes self-management, and working with a health care team to manage diabetes.
Classes will be held on three Thursdays, starting March 13, at the Daviess County Health Department from 9-11 a.m. Pre-registration is required by March 6. To register, send the $15 class enrollment fee (or $20 per family of two) to Harrison County Extension Office, 1505 Main St., Courthouse Basement, Bethany, MO 64424. Make checks payable to Harrison County Extension Council.
“This program is not intended to provide individualized meal plans for participants nor is it meant to replace the diabetes education that is provided by qualified health professionals,” notes Hackert.
The series is intended to supplement information provided by health professionals and help people with diabetes learn how to make better food choices whether eating at home or eating out. For more information, call Janet Hackert at 660-425-6434.