Registration now open for spring Dining with Diabetes session

The Putnam County Office of the Purdue Extension Service and Putnam County Hospital will be offering the 2010 spring series of Dining with Diabetes cooking classes on four consecutive Wednesdays starting April 7.

The class is limited to 14 participants. The spring classes will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. each Wednesday. The classes will be held on the third floor of the Putnam County Hospital on Bloomington Street in Greencastle.

The weekly classes will be taught by Putnam County Hospital, registered dietician, Sharon Black and Purdue Extension Educator, Jackie Baumann. Cost of the four-week workshop is $25 per person or $35 for a couple. The fee covers course notebook, handouts and sample foods at each class.

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.

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.

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.

Participants will learn up-to-date information on nutrition, meal planning, exercise and how to understand common diabetes related medical tests. Persons wishing to register for Dining with Diabetes can send their name and registration fee to the Putnam County Extension Office at 209 West Liberty Street, Greencastle, IN 46135. Deadline for registration is March 24th, or when class is full.

For more information on this or other programs offered by the Purdue Extension Service, call 765-653-8411.

Check our website www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to view the most up to date info. You can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding column topics or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are eastern time.

Upcoming Events

March 8: "Twenty-Five Behavior Changes for Health & Wealth" Extension Office, 1 pm

March 16-18: Putnam County Ag Week

March 25 -- Extension Homemakers Spring District Meeting in Parke County --Those attending should meet at the Fairgrounds at 8:30 a.m.

March 29: Extension Homemakers Program Planning meeting at the Extension Office 7 p.m.

April 1: 4-H Enrollment forms due

April 5: 4-H Trip, Award and Workshop Interest forms due

April 16: Putnam County 4-H Scholarships Due