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articipants of last fall’s Dining with Diabetes class met in Coffeyville on March 13. We reviewed basic information discussed during the four initial class sessions last fall, and then went over some American Diabetes Association tips for eating out. This final class also included the normal food preparation demonstrations as well as examining appropriate portions sizes and tasting of foods prepared.
We featured our “Fast Food Reviewed” display complete with fat tube visuals. A highlight of the evening for me was three ladies who stood for several minutes studying the visuals and information in the display, pointing to different things and making comments like: “Oh My Goodness!” and “How come I never knew this before!!” One of our participants excitedly reported that she has been putting into practice what she learned last fall and has lost significant weight, has much more energy and motivation, and has lowered her A1C. Those kinds of reports make all the work that goes into this program worth the effort!
Another Impactful Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Class
It is so neat to watch the bonding and comradery that develop among the people in our Stay Strong, Stay Healthy classes. Of course, all that is just an extra added perk that accompanies the stronger muscles, improved balance and agility, and increased functionality we always see by the end of this amazing eight-week program. My winter class in Coffeyville has been no exception as evidenced by the numbers on the charts I prepared for them after completing their recent post assessments.
We have two ongoing strength training classes in Montgomery County that have developed out of previous classes I have led. Several from the current class have already spoken with leaders of those ongoing classes and have made plans to join up and continue to reap the benefits of strength training. I’m so happy to see they understand the great importance of choosing a lifestyle of physical activity including strength training.
FCS News Columns Getting Noticed
Sometimes we wonder if all our work is worth it…does anyone really read the articles we write for those news columns? This week on two separate occasions, someone in my Stay Strong, Stay Healthy class commented to the group that everyone needed to get a copy of the local paper and read my column “Can You Stop the Clock?”. They went on to say how much they appreciated that article.
In addition, I ran into a man from Parsons a few days ago who made it a point to tell me how much he always enjoys reading my columns. “But that’s not all,” he said with a grin. “I also pay attention to what you say and I try to follow it!” Needless to say, he made my day!