Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talks on healthy eating, diabetes

In recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Month, Griffin Health is hosting talks on healthy eating and diabetes self-management and a free diabetic foot screening in November./ Contributed photo

DERBY - In recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Month, Griffin Health is offering two talks and a screening to help educate the community and promote preventative health.

On Nov. 12, Griffin’s Diabetes Education and Support Group will discuss healthy eating in preparation for the holiday season. 

Certified diabetes instructor Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, will present “Making Healthy Swaps in Cooking” from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.

This open discussion will include ways to reduce sugar intake without using artificial sweeteners.

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September-June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss management of diabetes, its challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. 

Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

No registration is required. 

For more information, call Mary Swansiger, 203-732-1137.

Foot screening event

From 5-7 p.m. Nov. 14, the Comprehensive Wound Care Center at Griffin Hospital will host a free diabetic foot screening event. Each screening will take about 10 minutes and will include consultation with a podiatrist if needed.

Foot problems are common with diabetes. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes cause damage to blood vessels and peripheral nerves that can result in peripheral artery disease and peripheral neuropathy.

The screenings will be first come, first served, however registration is required by visiting the Griffin Hospital events calendar at griffinhealth.org/events or by calling 203-732-1511. For any questions, call 203-732-7140.

Self-management

From 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 endocrinologist Dr. Chi Tang, of Griffin Faculty Physicians, will discuss Advanced Diabetes Self-Management. 

The ideal audience will be people who know the basics in diabetes or have already completed Griffin’s six-week Diabetes Self-Management Workshop and would like to gain a deeper understanding to become more independent in their diabetes management. 

Register by calling 203-732-1137 or e-mail mswansiger@griffinhealth.org.

This is a  press release from Griffin Hospital.

Valley Senior Services Council to host day for caregivers

Derby Neck Library to host calligraphy workshop, dinner and movie, more

DERBY - Calligrapher Debby Reelitz returns to Derby Neck Library from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 6) to lead a free workshop. 
Reelitz will guide attendees through the process of creating a “Versal Letter.”  

This can be your own initial, or that of a loved one. All supplies are provided.  
Your completed project can be framed and would make a lovely holiday gift.  

Registration is required; seating is limited.

Dinner and a Movie

The Library hosts “Dinner and a Movie” for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 7.  

This month’s feature film is “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” a dramatic comedy.  
Free refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner at intermission.  

'Learn Quiet Sitting'

From 6-8 p.m. Nov. 13 the Library presents a free workshop, “Learn Quiet Sitting.” 
Annette Szczesiul, a Derby native, social worker, and WPKN radio personality, leads attendees through relaxation methods using soft music and calming readings. 
The benefits from this exercise are many -enhanced creativity, emotional well-being, and a respite from holiday stresses.  
No registration is required.

Women's Forum

The Library hosts Women’s Forum, a literary and history-minded discussion group ,at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 18.  
This month the focus is on two short stories by an award-winning author recently in the news -Margaret Atwood. Free copies of the stories are available at the library.  
Feel free to bring a light lunch. Coffee and tea served.  

Evening Book Club

On Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. the Library hosts the Evening Book Club.  

This month’s selection is a mystery -“A Study in Scarlet” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  
Join us for a stimulating and informative discussion of this classic book. 

Call 203-734-1492 for information and to register for programs. The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

This is a press release from Pat Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.