Collaborative Diabetes Education Program Offers Cooking Classes
DEER ISLE—Many partners have joined together to provide nutrition education to individuals with pre-diabetes and diabetes who live in the greater Blue Hill Peninsula region. The effort marks the collaboration of Healthy Acadia’s Nutrition Education Initiative, Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, MDI Hospital, The Coastal Care Team, and Healthy Peninsula.
The diabetes education program began on May 20 with a 6-week diabetes prevention and management themed Cooking Matters for Adults series in Deer Isle. Series participants spent this time learning new skills to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. In the fall, the partners will offer similar classes in Blue Hill and Bucksport.
“Interest in working together to deliver nutrition education, chronic disease management and prevention education arose as a result of a focus group organized by Healthy Peninsula, the Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, and MDI Hospital’s Coastal Care Team,” said Shoshona Smith of Healthy Acadia.
One focus group participant shared, “Our providers tell us what not to eat, but not what we should be eating!” The Cooking Matters series works to address this need through hands-on education.
“We are thrilled to collectively bring together resources to support greater health and well being in our communities, expanding the community of the patient-centered medical home. Our first class of Cooking Matters participants graduated June 24th!” said Smith.
For more information, contact Shoshona at shoshona@healthyacadia.org or 667-7171.
