The end-of-the-year holidays are just around the corner, along with all the tempting goodies – from Halloween candy to Thanksgiving pies to Christmas cookies. With all this high-fructose cheer, maintaining a healthy diet can be difficult, especially for people with diabetes.
The Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, is offering two options for learning to navigate the holidays with diabetes. Living Well with Diabetes, a 4-week program, will meet during November. This class will include general diabetes education, suggestions for increasing physical activity, and food tastings of diabetes-friendly recipes. Contact Debbie Miller, Family & Consumer Science Agent at Scott County Extension Service to register. There are four classes and cost for the program is $5 per session. COVID-19 prevention practices will be in place. Facemasks are recommended.
“Food is a big part of many of our holiday traditions and staying on track can be a challenge,” Pope County extension agent Pamela Luker said. “Day to Day with Diabetes offers a place for people to connect with others with similar goals and to share strategies that work for them. Weekly virtual meetings will be offered each Monday, Oct. 26 – Dec. 18, during lunch hour through Facebook Live and ZOOM, with additional resources posted throughout the week. Registration is at https://www.facebook.com/groups/DaytoDaywithDiabetes.
November is Diabetes Awareness month. Nearly 15 percent of Arkansans – about 360,000 have diabetes, and 800,000 more residents have pre-diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association’s Arkansas Chapter.
Extension is happy to offer these two options during November. “The good thing about the virtual setting is that everyone can be as active in the group as they want to,” Rachel Chaney, Yell County extension agent said. “You can watch the meetings live or you can watch the recording later. You can participate at your own pace.” For more information about the virtual class, contact Pam Luker at (479) 968-7098 or [email protected] or Rachel Chaney, (479) 495-2216 or [email protected].
“For those who prefer in-person classes and an opportunity to taste-test the recommended recipes for the class, the class will be offered on Mondays, Nov. 9 to Nov. 30, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Waldron campus of Rich Mountain Community College.” For more information about the in-person class, contact Debbie Miller at (479) 637-2173 or [email protected].
