For the fourth year, MedCentral has partnered with Third Street Family Services to inform and educate the community through its program, Health Matters. Health Matters is a free, informal series of educational classes held the second Tuesday of each month at 2 .pm. in the Barbara Pore Board Room located in the facility at 600 West Third Street.
The program originated with the mission to target diabetes and health related concerns by providing education in hopes to decrease patient re-admittance.
Sally Oswalt of MedCentral stated, ”An educated person who knows how to better manage their condition is less apt to be re-admitted.”
What started as a singular topic program has grown to include classes covering such issues as exercise, stress, heart disease and food and how they relate to better overall health. The focus on food and nutrition has blossomed into a variety of topics explored in the classes that Registered Dietician, Jill Fulk believes is filling a real need for the community.
“More people want more information on food,” said Fulk. She also added the increased focus on food and nutrition has led to increased participation.
“We have had some great group discussions,” Fulk said.
As a result of the increased focus on food related matters, classes covering topics have included subjects such as; Eat right, your way, every day, a two-part series-Virtual Grocery Tour, Summer Seasonal Foods and this months topic was Fall Seasonal Foods.
Additionally, Healthy Chef classes are offered the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Fitness Center on Fourth Street. Local chefs demonstrate creative ways to cook healthy foods.
Fulk shared her hopes the program will grow and participation and discussions will grow. “I hope to see this reach more people. It’s free and educational,” said Fulk, ”It’s a great opportunity for those to get information and assistance that may not be able to get it elsewhere, I would like to see it be utilized.”
For more information on upcoming classes visit www.medcentral.org or call 419-522-6191 or 419-520-2550. You may also visit our community calendar.
“I hope to see this reach more people. It’s free and educational,” said Fulk, ”It’s a great opportunity for those to get information and assistance that may not be able to get it elsewhere, I would like to see it be utilized.”