Registration open for 'Dining with Diabetes' class

Now is the time to register for the Spring series of Dining with Diabetes. The four week cooking class is offered jointly by the Purdue Extension Service and the Putnam County Hospital. The spring class which is limited to 14 participants will be offered from 10:00 a.m. to noon on four Thursdays in April, beginning on April 7th. Registration will be accepted until April 1st or when class is full.

The classes which are taught by Purdue Extension Educator, Jackie Baumann, and Putnam County Hospital's registered dietician, Sharon Black, 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.

The cost of the class is $25 for an individual or $35 for a couple who share the same materials. Participants receive a notebook, weekly handouts and get to sample recipes that are prepared each week.

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.

Individuals who attend the classes will learn how to prepare meals that are healthy, easy to prepare and taste good. They will also learn to modify their own recipes and menus for a healthier diet.

For more information or to register for the Spring 2011 classes, call or stop in the Putnam County Office of the Purdue Extension Service at 765-653-8411 in the Courthouse Annex.

Visit our website at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week's column topic 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 28 -- 4-H Enrollment Extended Hours, County Annex (Ext. Office) 4 to 6 p.m.

Mar. 29 -- Pond Management program Brown bag Lunch at noon

March 30 -- 4-H Enrollment Extended Hours, County Annex (Ext. Office) 4 to 6:30 PM

March 30 -- 4-H Cat Workshop, Annex, 6:30 p.m.

March 31 Ext. Homemaker Lesson Conference in Terre Haute

April 1 -- Deadline to enroll for Spring 2011 Dining with Diabetes classes

April 1 -- 4-H Enrollment Forms Due

April 1 -- 4-H Beef Enrollment Forms Due

April 7, 14, 21, 28 -- Dining with Diabetes Classes-Advance registration required

April 11 -- Ext. Homemaker Lesson on "Ways to Relax" 7 p.m. at Extension Office

April 13 -- 4-H Cat/Animal Poster Workshop, Extension Office, 6:30 p.m.

April 23 -- 4-H Dairy Feed Steer Weigh-in, Fairgrounds, 8 to 10 a.m.

April 28 -- Extension Homemakers Spring Dessert --Fairgrounds 7 p.m.

May 14 -- 4-H Sheep Tagging & Retinal Scan, Fairgrounds, 8 a.m. to noon