If you or a loved one has diabetes, make a New Year’s resolution to attend a series of educational classes offered by Covenant Community Outreach. The four-week series is free for those who are uninsured or financially in need.
The class will meet once a week for four weeks beginning on Thursday, Jan. 5. Other class dates for the series are Thursday, Jan. 12, Thursday, Jan. 19 and Thursday, Jan. 26. Each class is from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Covenant Counseling Center, located at 1302 Broadway.
Throughout the series, Julie Crane, a registered and licensed dietitian for Covenant Community Outreach, will teach participants basic nutrition guidelines, the importance of carbohydrate counting, how to shop and cook with diabetes as well as how to understand food labels. Crane will also discuss the health complications associated with diabetes, the importance of exercise and tips on how to feel better during those inevitable sick days.
Aside from learning diabetes management skills, participants will learn how to handle the emotional aspects of living with diabetes. Joanne Neill, a licensed professional counselor and manager for the Covenant Counseling Center, will present emotional management tips at each class session.
Throughout the course, participants will receive numerous handouts and brochures with tips and health education regarding diabetes management. Those who attend at least three of the four classes will receive a free glucometer, a medical device used to determine the approximate concentration of glucose in the blood. In addition, participants will receive a voucher to purchase 50 glucometer strips for $5 or 100 strips for $10.
To see if you qualify for the free four-week course, call 806.725.5218. The deadline to register is Wednesday, Jan. 4.