'Dining with Diabetes' program helps people keep diabetes in check


4 photos
Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

HEBER — Jerry Myres has lost 10 or 15 pounds in the last year. "I have a lot more to go," he said.

He credits the "Dining with Diabetes" class at Wasatch County Health Department for putting him on the right path.

He attends the class weekly with his wife, Barbara. Doctor's diagnosed him with diabetes about seven years ago. They've tried other classes, but say this one's hands-on approach has helped keep Jerry Myres diabetes in check.

"I consider myself disciplined in a lot of areas, but (not) food control and diabetes ... It (the class) has really given me discipline that I didn't have," said Jerry Myres.

Barbara Myres said she sometimes has to play police officer, monitoring his portions and types of food he eats. That is why they take the class together, so they can both learn the important lifestyle changes.

"They emphasize that it's an all around lifestyle, so you're supposed to exercise every day," said Barbara Myres.

The classes are a joint effort of Wasatch County Health Department, Intermountain's Heber Valley Hospital and Utah State University's extension service. The three organizations supply experts from all levels to come and talk to participants about cooking, eating, exercising, and how to live the healthiest life possible.

A favorite part of the class for some of the participants are the diabetes friendly recipes and cooking demonstrations. This allows them to try new foods.

"I had my quinoa. I never eat quinoa and I'm learning how to make quinoa," said Maribel Ramirez. Rameriez just moved here from Miami. She credits these classes for helping her bring down her glucose. "I learned how to eat. How to control my numbers," said Rameriez.

It's definitely a community atmosphere, where everyone feels free to ask questions and share. Dietitian and Clinical Diabetes Educator for Intermountain Heber Valley Hospital Betty Wade said, "I think it takes a lot of the fear away. In fact, I know it does, because they can speak out and say this is really a hard thing to do. I don't know how to do it. Anybody else have some ideas?"

The ultimate goal of the class, Wade said, "is to have good diabetes control and make their life livable and pleasant and normal."

To sign up, call the Wasatch County Health Department at 435-657-3260.

Photos

Most recent Your Life - Your Health stories

Related topics

Your Life - Your Health
Erin Goff

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast