Diabetes Improvement Program- a bit of “Acorn” news

submitted by Ruth VanBogelen, Acorn Farmers Market Board

Right here in Manchester, a new program to help people control their diabetes will start soon, and it is free! September 18 at 6 pm at the Manchester Wellness Center is an informational meeting and sign up. If you can’t make this meeting, call 800-482-1455 for information and sign up. The first meeting of the program will be Wednesday, October 2 at 6 pm at the Manchester Wellness Center (710 E. Main St behind the school).  

The Diabetes Improvement Program (DIP) will help you take steps to live a healthier lifestyle. There will be 16 weekly sessions where you’ll learn how to: move those muscles, control your carbohydrates, find your healthy weight, manage stress and stay motivated. After the 16 weekly sessions, there will be monthly maintenance sessions for 8 months.  

This program was developed by the Diabetes Prevention Center, a division of the National Kidney Foundation. Gayla Martin from Dr. Eccles’ office will be the instructor for the program. The 5 Healthy Towns Foundation funded the program for Manchester.  

Manchester is a community that supports local residents to live a life of wellness. This program is just one of many offered right here in Manchester:

• To Move More – use the shared use trails, participate in Walk to School program (contact the school for more information), use the Manchester Wellness Center (behind Riverside School), check out The Distance (across from the Post Office), join the walking groups on Mondays and Fridays at 9:30 am in the parking lot behind Riverside School. Also Manchester has miles of good sidewalks so you can walk every day!
• Eat Better – Manchester has a TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) chapter which meets on Tuesdays – with 2 meeting times at 8:20 am and 6:30 pm in the Village Room (below the Library). Registration for a year is only $32 and dues are $1 a week. More than 50 people belong to Manchester TOPS – so join for support to get to and stay at a healthy weight.  

Around April next year, Acorn Farmers’ Market & Café will open and will host additional programs for living a life of wellness. Follow us on Facebook or get added to our email list to get information  – 48158food@gmail.com.  

Acorn Farmers’ Market & Café will be a non-profit food store in Manchester, MI next spring. Acorn Farmers Market & Café, PO Box 432, Manchester, MI 48158. The address will be 327 W. Main. To follow progress on this new food store which will sell locally grown produce, meat, dairy, eggs and more – all produce by local farmers go to the web site  www.acornfarmersmarketcafe.org and like us on Facebook Acorn Farmers’ Market and Café.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.