Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides numerous educational opportunities at low- or no-cost to individuals. One of those banner programs is diabetes education. Approximately 12% of Hopkins County residents have been diagnosed with diabetes (higher than the state of Texas and the U.S.) according to the Centers for Disease Control. Unlike some other chronic diseases, diabetes can be controlled through four key factors: nutrition, physical activity, monitoring blood glucose and taking prescribed medications. Diabetes education is near and dear to my heart because of having a son who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2. He is now 26 years old and he and his wife are the proud parents of two beautiful little girls.
Two separate opportunities are available for anyone wanting to learn more about managing diabetes. These classes do not take the place of a doctor’s visit, but they do provide research-based, evidence-based information in an easy-to-understand format, led by professionals in the health care field.
ìSi, Yo Puedo Controlar Mi Diabetes!
This is a 7-lesson series to help individuals and their loved ones learn to control their diabetes. Taught in Spanish, the series covers nutrition, physical activity, and other components of diabetes management. It will include recipe sampling, materials, and group interaction. Below are the details, so please share if you know anyone who could benefit:
- When: Mondays, February 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1
- Where: Christus Trinity Plaza Conference Room, 115 Airport Dr., Sulphur Springs
- Time: 4:00 p.m.
- Charge: the class is free, but participants are encouraged to call
- To register, please contact Angela Doddy, at 903-244-1424
Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes
This is a 5-lesson series focusing on nutrition and self-care topics.
Session 1: Getting Started – How Food Affects your Blood Glucose
Session 2: Are You Eating the Right Number of Carbohydrates/ Self testing
Session 3: Improving Blood Glucose with Physical Activity/ Portion Control
Session 4: Diabetes Medications/ Dining Out with Diabetes
Session 5: Understanding Diabetes Complications/ graduation
Below are the details for this series:
- When: Mondays and Thursdays, March 11, 14, 18, 21, and 25
- Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Hopkins County Office, 1200-B W. Houston, Sulphur Springs
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Charge: $25 covers notebook with materials, refreshments, door prizes, and “graduation” gift. If the fee is a hardship, let us know.
- To register, please contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443. Leave you name, address, and phone number. A registration form will be provided.
Hopkins County 4-H’ers Start Spring Activities
Spring is a busy time for Hopkins County 4-H members! 4-H Sewing Fun Day, Junior Market Show, Food Challenge, Consumer Decision Making, Food Show, Fashion Show, Educational Presentations, Public Speaking, Share-the-Fun (talent contest), Quiz Bowls, and more will all take place in the next few weeks. The Dairy Judging contest, held in Fort Worth, recently wrapped up, and Hopkins County did very well. Results will be available soon. If you would like more information on the Hopkins County 4-H program, give us a call and we’ll be glad to assist.
Closing Thought
Be available – make quality time with kids and family, take interest in what they do – Steven Covey
Recipe of the Week
Cheesy Chicken Tamale Pie
Ingredients:
2 10-ounce cans red enchilada sauce
1 package cornbread mix, prepared according to directions
1 cup cooked corn, divided
8 ounces shredded cheese, divided
1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 4-ounce can diced green chilies
Directions:
- Mix cornbread according to package directions. Add ½ cup cooked corn and ½ cup cheese and stir well.
- Pour into 11×7-inch greased baking dish and bake according to package directions.
- Remove from oven and poke holes into the bread using the handle from a wooden spoon. Drizzle ½ to 3/4 cup of the enchilada sauce over the top of the cornbread.
- Stir together chicken, green chilies and remaining ½ cup corn. Stir in the remaining enchilada sauce and ½ cup cheese. Spoon on top of cornbread. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 ᵒF for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Serves 4-6.
Source: Extension colleague
