Panhandle Health District

                                                              8500 N. Atlas Road         Hayden, Idaho  83835

www.phd1.idaho.gov

Oct. 21, 2011

Free Classes Teach Living and Eating Well with Diabetes

 Hayden – People with diabetes can learn to live and eat well this November through two free classes courtesy of the Panhandle Health District and the North Idaho Diabetes Coalition. 

                 The first free class, “Living Well with Diabetes,” is scheduled Nov. 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Rd. in Coeur d’Alene. Guest speakers will include Dr. Ben Gates, a Coeur d’Alene dentist and type 1 diabetic, and Dr. Bryan Thompson of Inland Northwest Foot and Ankle.  

                Motivational speakers from A1C Champions® will help participants take control of their diabetes by learning more about the A1C test, diabetes management, healthy choices and diabetes support

                  Gates and Adam Godwin, a local firefighter and type 1 diabetic, will offer information on how athletes with diabetes can reach maximum fitness levels. Kristi Flicker, a registered dietitian and personal trainer, will teach low-impact exercises for people just starting to work out.

                  The second free class, “Eating Well with Diabetes,” is scheduled for Nov. 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Panhandle Health District, 8500 N. Atlas Rd. in Hayden. Kathleen Thomas, a registered dietitian and type 1 diabetic, will speak about the Idaho Plate Method, which she helped create.The Idaho Plate Method helps people with diabetes eat healthier.

                  Following Thomas’s presentation, guest chefs Bill Rutherford and Emily Crawford will make green beans and feta, blueberries in cream and other healthy dishes. They’ll offer free recipes and free samples. The class will include door prizes.Nearly 90,000 Idaho residents have diabetes and another 80,000 are considered pre-diabetic with blood sugar levels higher than normal. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States even though Type 2 diabetes is preventable and reversible.Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults between the ages of 20 and 74. 

                 The risk for a stroke is two to four times higher in people with diabetes. Diabetes is also the leading cause of kidney failure and the second highest reason after accidents for leg and foot amputations.

                 Learn more about controlling diabetes at the two free classes in November. For information on the classes, call 415-5140.