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Graduating is often a joyous event. For one group of graduates in the community, the learning during class has brought peace to the participants.

Jessica Fountain, instructor for the class, said class members graduated equipped with knowledge of how diabetes works and how to help combat the disease.

“When asked what healthy behavior changes the participants accomplished over the six-week class, several responded with improved eating and exercise habits as well as healthier grocery store purchases,” Fountain said. “One participant greatly decreased their smoking habits as they had never truly understood how tobacco use put someone at risk for further health risks until the topic was explained in class.”

Fountain said not only did class members learn how their body works in regard to diabetes, they have learned new ways to maintain good health habits.

“One participant commented ‘I now eat better and try to exercise at least 3 times  a week.  I rest more, I now portion out my food and eat more veggies and no carbs, no sugar.  I now have a support team with my family,’” Fountain said.

The diabetes class is a free six-week class open to the public. Classes are held at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton.

A new six-week session will begin on Thursday, April 22 with class beginning at 5:30 p.m. each Thursday through May 27.

To register, or to get more information about the class, contact Jessica Fountain, RN, BSN, CDCES at 205-233-1613 or at jfountain@echca.org.