No April Fools – Diabetes Can be Managed!
Each spring, the Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes series teaches individuals and their loved ones some methods to manage diabetes. Even though this series is targeted toward those with type 2 diabetes, individuals with type 1 (or anybody, actually), will benefit from the nutrition and self-management techniques discussed in the series.
We’ve had a good response, but it is not too late to sign up! Below is a brief synopsis of what each session entails:
- Tuesday, April 4: “Getting Started: How Food Affects Your Blood Glucose” – In this session, we’ll discuss type 2 basics, keeping glucose in the recommended ranges, how food affects your blood glucose (foods high and low in carbohydrates), carbohydrates choices, label reading, and setting goals. We’ll have discussion, group interaction, and handouts.
- Thursday, April 6: “Are You Eating the Right Number of Carbohydrates? Let’s Find Out!” – This session will include reasons to check your blood glucose, what the recommended ranges are for a person with diabetes, A1c test, glucose meters and strips, resources to learn more about diabetes. Pharmacy personnel will be on hand to answer questions and lead individuals in the process of performing blood glucose testing (finger sticks).
- Tuesday, April 11: “Beyond Diet: Improving your Blood Glucose with Physical Activity” – this is a fun session! Jane Watley, personal trainer who is certified in geriatrics, will lead the discussion on the two basic types of physical activity and how each is important for overall blood glucose control. Discussion on the right shoes and socks, drinking plenty of water, suggestions on incorporating physical activity every day, how to treat low blood sugars, and more will provide great information!
- Thursday, April 13: “Improving Your Blood Glucose Control with Medication” – This session will be led by pharmacy professionals with discussion on medications to treat diabetes, when to add insulin, and more.
- Tuesday, April 18: “Celebration! Having Your Snack and Eating it, Too! Avoiding Complications” – As the title implies, we’ll discuss complications that can be associated with diabetes, and how to prevent or delay them. We’ll discuss what medical check-ups you need, and recommended numbers for cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. You’ll discover that you can still have special celebrations if you know how to manage your diabetes, physical activity, check your blood glucose, and take medications as recommended. Sue Potts, registered nurse, will lead the discussion. Completion certificates will be given at the conclusion of this session.
A one-time fee of $25, payable at the first session, covers materials. I will provide refreshments, bottled water, coffee, handouts, and even some great recipes! Two time slots are being offered to best fit schedules of participants. You may sign up for the 1:30 p.m. session or the 6:00 p.m. session. All sessions will take place at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston, Sulphur Springs. Please call our office at 903-885-3443 so adequate preparations can be made. If you are coming with a loved one, only one fee is required if you share materials.
In the fall, “Cooking Well with Diabetes” will be offered, which is a completely separate series. I had the privilege of serving on the committee that revised the curriculum, and it is fantastic! Participants will receive a cookbook containing several recipes. Watch for details as the series draws closer, but if you want to pencil in the dates, they have been set for September 12, 14, 19, and 21 at the Extension Office. Again, two times will be offered – 1:30 and 6:00 p.m.
4-H Members Participate in District 4-H Contests
Hopkins County had a great group of 4-H members participating in District 4-H Contests at North Central Texas Community College, in Gainesville on March 31 and April 1. Members took part in Educational Presentations, Public Speaking, Share-the-Fun, and Ag ID Contests. As of this writing, results were not available, but stay posted! Our 4-H members always bring home blue ribbons! Thanks go out to all the parents and 4-H leaders who assisted in transportation and encouragement of our youth!
Speaking of 4-H, our 4-H Exchange Trip group would like to extend appreciation to everyone who purchased a meal (or gave a donation) during the Curbside Beans and Cornbread supper. Proceeds will go toward the 2017 summer trip to Montana. A Facebook Bake Sale Auction is scheduled for Friday, April 14, along with a baked potato supper, so stay tuned for more details. Our youth are working hard to raise funds for this special trip!
Closing Thought
Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking!
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
