More than 40 patients attended a Diabetes Wellness workshop conducted in Spanish by GLFHC Registered Dieticians Dariana Soto, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, and Joan Quinn, RD, LDN, CDE.
The workshop, sponsored by United Healthcare (UHC) at our 34 Haverhill Street site, included information on diabetes with a nutrition focus on healthy eating habits in a familiar cultural setting, exercise, and success in making healthy behavior choices.

Motivated and inspired by authentic cultural music, attendees engaged in 10 minutes of light exercise to promote healthy behaviors. For members of UHC, a free membership is available to Flow Fitness at 280 Merrimack St., Lawrence. There was a demonstration of a one-day healthy meal plan using cultural foods focusing on portions of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Participants were shown how to plan a meal using the plate method of meal planning. The demonstration was interactive with enthusiastic participants asking questions and sharing food experiences. Healthy snacks, raffles, give-a-ways, transportation to the event, and cultural food was provided by UHC.

Each participant was given a folder with the material covered at the workshop and further programs offered monthly at GLFHC to improve knowledge in self-management behaviors.

Special thanks to United Healthcare’s Gail Phillips, RN Quality Consultant, Ardy Louis, Clinical Practice Consultant, and Joe Pereira, Sales Director.