Fall series of Dining With Diabetes starts Oct. 22

The Putnam County Office of the Purdue Extension Service and Putnam County Hospital will be offering the Fall 2007 series of Dining with Diabetes Cooking Classes on four consecutive Mondays starting Oct. 22.

There are currently spaces available in the fall workshops which will start at 4 p.m. each Monday and run for approximately two hours. Classes are in the classroom of the Extension Office in the Courthouse Annex on Liberty Street in Greencastle.

The weekly classes will be taught by Putnam County Hospital's registered dietician Sharon Black and Purdue extension educator Jackie Baumann.

The Dining with Diabetes classes are intended for individuals with diabetes, their family members or caretakers, but are also open to any local residents who would like to learn more about healthy eating and how to best prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

Cost of the four-week workshop is $20 per person or $30 for a couple. The fee covers course notebook, handouts and a meal at each class.

Individuals who attend the classes will learn how to prepare meals that are healthy, easy to prepare and taste good. They will also learn how to modify their own recipes and menus for a healthier diet. Recipes will be demonstrated and participants will have the opportunity to taste many recipes that are approved for a diabetic diet.

Participants will also learn up-to-date information on nutrition, meal planning, exercise and how to understand common diabetes related medical tests.

Diabetes is a serious and costly disease, but research has shown that those who learn to manage their blood glucose (sugar) levels, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly can lower their risks of complications and lead healthier and more productive lives.

Persons wishing to register for Dining with Diabetes can send their name and registration fee to the Putnam County Extension Office at 209 W. Liberty St., Greencastle, 46135. Deadline for registration is Oct. 12 or when class is full.

For more information on this or other programs offered by the Purdue Extension Service, call 653-8411.