Free diabetes support group to launch
The Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will offer Delta Day to Day with Diabetes, a free online support group.
The deadline to register is Jan. 15, according to a news release.
The support group will meet Jan. 11 through Feb. 28. Virtual meetings will be offered on Mondays from 12:30 – 1 p.m. Other days will include Tasty Tuesdays for sharing recipes, Wellness Wednesdays, Think about it Thursdays, Fitness Fridays and Wonderful Weekends.
Registration is open at https://uaex.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eaJQYv1rDlWcsUl.
“Most of us know someone affected by diabetes,” said Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Family and Consumer Sciences agent. “The group will be a way to connect with others who are managing diabetes or living with someone with diabetes. It’s a good way to start off the New Year.”
Nearly 15% of Arkansans — about 360,000 people — have diabetes, and 800,000 more residents have pre-diabetes, according to the Arkansas Chapter of the American Diabetes Association.
The program is available to all counties and the Family and Consumer Sciences lead agents include Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County; Crystal Johnson, Dallas County; and Alta Lockley, Arkansas County.
The group is free and open to diabetics or anyone living with or caring for a person with diabetes.
“We wanted something that would be virtual so people could find encouragement from each other, especially as we are socially distancing,” said Johnson. “It will be a place where they can discuss and share recipes and strategies helpful to them for managing diabetes.”
The Extension Service offers a year-round diabetes prevention training as well as a four-week Living with Diabetes curriculum through its Family and Consumer Sciences Division.
“If you are unable to participate in the scheduled Monday Zoom or Facebook live lessons, they will be accessible on the Facebook Group Page along with recipes, handouts and posts,” Kizer said.
Details: www.uaex.edu/diabetes or mkizer@uaex.edu.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without discrimination.