Griffin Hospital workshops to offer free weight-loss program

DERBY - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living will offer free workshops in March to help individuals lose weight through lifestyle change.

Weight-Loss Toolkit – A Well-Being Program is a free, evidence-based healthy eating and active living course for adults based on Eating Smart, Being Active©. This six-week program provides tools and tips for sustained weight loss, such as creating individualized meal plans and proven weight-loss exercises.

There will a session on Wednesdays March 4, 11, 18 and 25, and April 1, and 8 from 5:30-7 p.m. and another session on Mondays March 23 and 30, and April 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 10-11:30 a.m. Both sessions will be held at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.

Based on the latest research findings from the American Dietary Guidelines and written by educators at Colorado State University, Weight-Loss Toolkit educates and empowers participants to lead a healthy life through concepts for physical activity, food preparation, cooking and shopping skill development, and food safety. 

Nutrition education for chronic disease management is integrated into every class.

To register or for more information, visit griffinhealth.org/weight-loss-toolkit or contact The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Health to host cooking demo Tuesday at Quarry Walk in Oxford

OXFORD - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living is helping individuals get a fresh and healthy start to Spring with a free cooking demonstration.

Spring into Healthy Eating will be held March 11 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen, Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

This free culinary workshop will feature a discussion by Registered Dietitian Becca Cretella and Executive Chef Daryeal Murphy about nutritious, in-season produce and pantry staples that can help improve health and well-being. Chef Murphy will also demonstrate how to make Spring Farro Salad, which is a great source of protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, zinc and B vitamins, and can help improve heart health and the immune system.

Opened in 2020, the Griffin Center for Healthy Living is a unique facility in which Griffin Health partners with the community in wellness – offering education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease, and promoting overall well-being. 

The Center is part of Griffin’s mission to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and embodies Griffin’s goal to not only care for individuals when they are not well, but to build a meaningful relationship, guide, and coach them to maximize their quality of life. Visit griffinhealthyliving.org for more information about the Center's features and upcoming community events.

This event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Visit griffinhealth.org/events-calendar/spring-into-healthy-eating or contact the Griffin Center for Healthy Living coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up. 

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Learn to make healthy juices at Plumb Memorial Library program in Shelton

 The Library is at 65 Wooster St., Shelton.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.  

Seymour Public Library to host Tiny Food Explorers cooking program

SEYMOUR - Join Tiny Food Explorers at 10:30 a.m. May 16 at Seymour Public Library for some fun with food! 

Come and explore new flavors and textures while playing games all about food and MyPlate! 

You’ll make a hands-on healthy snack that even the pickiest of eaters will be keen to try. All snack ingredients will be nut free but may contain dairy. No food will be shared.

Registration is required and limited for this program. Ages 3-6. 

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Seymour Community Center to host healthy cooking workshop

 

Griffin Center for Healthy Living in Shelton offers weight-loss tool kit

Weight-Loss Toolkit - A Well-Being Program is a free, evidence-based healthy eating and active living curriculum for adults based on Eating Smart, Being Active ©.
Curriculum content is based on the latest research findings from the American Dietary Guidelines and was written by educators at Colorado State University. 

The lesson content emphasizes tools for sustained weight loss, such as creating individualized meal plans and viewing weight loss exercises.

The program is designed to ensure participants learn what it means to lead a healthy life, including concepts like physical activity, food preparation, cooking and shopping skill development, and food safety. Nutrition education for chronic disease management is integrated into every class.

This session at Griffin Faculty Physicians Family Health Care Center, 110 Commerce Drive,  Shelton includes virtual and in-person classes. 

The session runs from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 19 and 26, and Feb. 2, 9, 16, and 23.

To register or for more information, contact The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369.

This is shared from Griffin Health's website. 

Learn to live with diabetes at Seymour Community Center

SEYMOUR - Naugatuck Valley Health District has partnered with Griffin Hospital and the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging to offer an in-person session of the popular Live Well with Diabetes workshop for adults in the Valley with diabetes or pre-diabetes or those that care for someone with diabetes.

This program helps them learn new skills to manage their diabetes. 

Once a week for six weeks, two trained Live Well leaders will facilitate the two-hour group sessions at the Seymour Community Center, 20 Pine St.

Participants will learn about healthy eating, high and low blood sugar, being active, sick day guidelines, tips for dealing with stress, foot care, making weekly action plans, and how to set small and achievable goals. Participants will be given at no cost the book Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, and an exercise CD.

Class size is limited to sixteen participants and pre-registration is required. A new group is starting on Mondays from Sept. 27-Nov. 8 from 1-3 p.m.

To sign up, call 203-888-0406 ext. 1 or visit www.seymourcommunityservices.com.

Live Well is sponsored by The Southwestern Connecticut Area Agency on Aging, State Unit on Aging and Connecticut Department of Public Health through grants from the Administration on Aging and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Live Well with Diabetes is an evidence-based self-management program developed at Stanford University.

This is shared from the Naugatuck Valley Health District Facebook page.

Seymour Community Center to host fitness coach's 'WINTERvention' program

No matter if you are sitting by a pool or roaring fire, winter can be a time of increased caloric intake and decreased physical activity. 

That’s a simple recipe for weight gain and a de-conditioned body.  

What if this year, you could work with a certified fitness and behavior change coach to get a jump start on a healthier/fitter you for the New Year?

What if you could get doable "mini moves" on a regular basis created with you in mind, building movements  to improve your current fitness level, all in the safety and comfort of your home - even if a chair if needed?

What if you could be a part of a private Facebook group, whose members are supportive and help you stay accountable to your personal goals - a place where you can find maximum support and be a cheerleader for change.

If a Health and Fitness "WINTERvention" is what you need, join Master Fitness and Intuitive Eating Coach Linda Gottlieb for a six-week intensive program starting Jan. 11 to get a fresh-eyed focus on your resolutions and goals.

Program will include: 

• Time tested accountability tools/daily activity logs for chronicling your activities and accomplishments


• Weekly zoom meetings with the group for sharing, learning and busting through roadblocks


• Access to private Facebook group for communication throughout program


• Two mini moves each week posted to Facebook* for you to follow and refer to for proper exercise form and consistency


• Supervision, education and support from a veteran fitness and intuitive eating coach with over 30 years experience helping folks make important health and fitness changes

  *Facebook Membership Required for Group Access
** Even without Facebook you will be an important part of the group!
***Minimum 10 People to run Program 
** Program will take place via Zoom. 

Register Now - $30 - 6-week Program

This is shared from the Seymour Community Center Facebook page.

Seymour Community Center to host virtual workshop on fitness during holidays

Eat, Drink and Be Merry ... & 

STILL 

Fit in Your Jeans•  Register •  View Cart •

Free Virtual Workshop - Must Register 

The average American will consume a hefty 3,000 calories this Thanksgiving!  

The holiday season can derail any healthy eating and exercise plan. Not to mention the stress and uncertainty of a pandemic!

That's why you won’t want to miss joining veteran Fitness and Intuitive Eating coach, Linda Gottlieb in a jam packed tips and tricks session to help you eat your way through the holidays, sneak fitness into your busy schedule, and still fit in your jeans on Jan.1, 2021.

The session is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 3.

Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants. 

This is shared from the Seymour Community Center Facebook page.

 

School Farmers Market slated at Sunnyside Elementary in Shelton

Sharing from the Valley United Way Facebook page:

SHELTON - Mark your calendars for the next School Farmers Market happening from 4-5 p.m. Jan. 21 at Sunnyside School, 418 River Road. 
If schools are cancelled, then so is the market, but they will be back the following month. 

Bring your bags and fill up on produce and healthy foods to help supplement your monthly food bill.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host healthy holiday eating presentations

The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host free talks on healthy eating for the holidays./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations about healthy eating for the holidays Nov. 13 at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. 

The hospital is at 130 Division St.

Certified Diabetes Educator Mary Swansiger, will lead “Eat, Drink & Be Healthy to Survive and Thrive through the Holidays,” an open discussion of tips and techniques for finding and maintaining balance, including recipe makeovers, finding time for physical activity, managing stress, and dealing with the “diabetes police.”

The presentations will be in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A.

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September-June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the 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.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Prendergast 6th grader wins cooking contest at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Contributed photo

From left: Nicole Gregory, Grade 5, Bradley School in Derby, Rocco Grella, Grade 4, Maple Hill School in Naugatuck, Naomi Ortiz, Grade 6, Prendergast School in Ansonia, Brooklyn Neff, Grade 5, Perry Hill School in Shelton, and Victoria Koether, Grade 6, Seymour Middle School, competed in the 5th Annual Valley Initiative to Advance Health and Learning in Schools (VITAHLS) Healthy Cooking Competition Finals at Griffin Hospital.

DERBY - Prendergast School sixth grader Naomi Ortiz of Ansonia, was top chef at the 5th Annual Valley Initiative to Advance Health and Learning in Schools (VITAHLS) Healthy Cooking Competition.

Ortiz’s Sweet Chili Salmon with White Jasmine Rice was named best by a panel of judges that included experts in cooking and youth health at Griffin Hospital May 15. 

Ortiz’s recipe beat out tasty and healthy Asian fusion-inspired entries by Rocco Grella, Grade 4, Maple Hill School, Naugatuck; Victoria Koether, Grade 6, Seymour Middle School; Brooklyn Neff, Grade 5, Perry Hill School, Shelton; and Nicole Gregory, Grade 5, Bradley School, Derby.

“We look forward to this contest every year because it provides a fun and exciting way for local students to showcase their talents for cooking, and it encourages healthy eating and cooking at home and in the local community,” said Kim Doughty, MPH, PhD, VITAHLS Coordinator at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (PRC).

The five contestants advanced to the finals by winning local competitions in their school district. 

All finalists received a personalized apron, gardening tools and seeds from Massaro Community Farm, a gift card to Sports Center of Connecticut, and a cookbook. 

Ortiz received all of this plus a Big Y gift card, passes to Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park in Trumbull, a one-month membership to the Valley YMCA, and a gift certificate to Wild Kanji hibachi restaurant in Shelton. 

VITAHLS is a childhood obesity prevention initiative collaboration between Griffin Hospital, Yale Griffin PRC, and the Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Shelton, and Naugatuck school districts. 

Since 2011, VITAHLS has integrated a variety of nutrition and physical activity programs into the existing school structure to help reduce childhood obesity.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Congratulations to all the young chefs who competed!

Valley United Way offers 'grow your own' gardening in Ansonia

Valley United Way helps residents in two Ansonia neighborhoods plant and tend to vegetable gardens./ Contributed photo

ANSONIA - ​The​ ​enthusiasm​ ​was​ ​infectious​ ​and​ ​tangible​ ​as​ ​neighborhood residents​ ​came​ ​together​ recent​ly ​to​ ​celebrate​ ​​flourishing​ ​community​ ​gardens​ ​planted​ ​in​ ​May.  
The​ ​Valley​ ​United​ ​Way’s​ ​program,​ ​“Grow​ ​Your​ ​Own”​ ​spearheaded​ ​by​ ​Susan​ ​Meek​ ​and​ ​followed by​ ​Brian​ ​Rich,​ ​consists​ ​of​ ​numerous​ ​garden​ ​beds surrounded​ ​by​ ​picket​ ​fences in​ ​Gatison​ ​Park​ ​and​ ​Pine Lot.

These​ ​neighborhoods​ ​were​ ​chosen​ ​as​ ​an​ ​ongoing​ ​effort​ ​to​ ​help​ ​low-income residents​ ​fight​ ​food​ ​insecurity​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Valley​ ​and​ ​provide​ nutritious​ ​food​ ​for​ ​their​ ​families. 

​Valley​ ​United​ ​Way​ ​President​ ​Sharon​ ​Gibson​ ​said,​ ​“Valley​ ​United Way​ ​is​ ​excited​ ​to​ ​offer​ ​the​ ​garden​ ​program​ ​to​ ​our​ ​Valley​ ​communities.” 

The​ ​key​ ​word​ ​is​ ​“community”​ ​as​ ​residents​ ​came​ ​out​ ​in​ ​droves - many​ ​discovering​ ​the​ ​gardens​ ​and produce​ ​were​ ​for​ ​them​ ​for​ ​the​ ​first​ ​time.​ ​Wide​ ​eyes​ ​and​ ​big​ ​smiles​ ​became​ ​commonplace​ ​as​ ​the​ ​news spread.​ 
​Many​ ​residents​ ​asked​ ​for​ ​tours​ ​and​ ​were​ ​given​ ​bags​ ​to​ ​search​ ​for​ ​fresh​ ​veggies​ ​that​ ​were​ ​ripe​ ​for picking:​ ​cherry​ ​tomatoes;​ ​lettuce;​ ​green​ ​peppers;​ ​squash;​ ​chard;​ ​cabbage; cucumbers;​ ​eggplant;​ ​and​ ​​more,​ ​plus​ ​herbs​ to flavor ​their​ ​meals.

“I​ ​live​ ​right​ ​next​ ​to​ ​Pine​ ​Lot​ ​and​ ​I​ ​thought​ ​this​ ​garden​ ​was​ ​just​ ​for​ ​the​ ​Boys​ ​and​ ​Girls​ ​Club.​ ​I clicked​ ​like​ ​and​ ​share​ ​on​ ​Facebook​ ​and​ ​headed​ ​down​ ​here​ ​right​ ​away,”​ ​said​ ​Rhonda​ ​Rossik.​ 
“I​ ​can​ ​get​ ​the​ Girl​ ​Scouts​ ​involved​ ​too!”​ ​as​ ​she​ ​walked​ ​through​ ​the​ ​garden​ ​sharing​ ​her​ ​knowledge​ ​and enthusiasm​ ​with​ ​others​ ​who​ ​were​ ​deciding​ ​what​ ​they​ ​wanted​ ​to​ ​pick​ ​for​ ​dinner.  

Cherry​ ​tomatoes​ ​were​ ​by​ ​far​ ​the​ ​most​ ​popular​ ​vegetable.​ ​
At​ ​Gatison​ ​Park,​ ​Maya,​ ​her​ ​two​ ​sisters Ramona​ ​and​ ​Tiffany​ ​Wright​ ​and​ ​their​ ​children​ ​come​ ​to​ ​the​ ​garden​ ​often.​ ​“We​ ​go​ ​here​ ​everyday​ ​picking carrots​ ​and​ ​grape​ ​tomatoes​ ​and​ ​eating​ ​them,”​ ​she​ ​said.​ 
​Jazmiah,​ ​Ramona’s​ ​7-year-old​ ​daughter​ ​“loves vegetables”​ ​and​ ​Tiffany’s​ ​daughter,​ ​5-year-old​ ​Kaylynn​ ​“loves​ ​gazpacho,” they said.

Another​ ​Gatison​ ​Park​ ​resident​ ​who​ ​frequents​ ​the​ ​garden​ ​is​ ​Malika​ ​Mosley.​ ​
She​ ​has​ ​an 11-year-old​ ​daughter​ ​and​ ​walks​ ​by​ ​in​ ​the​ ​morning,​ ​afternoon, ​and​ ​the​ ​evening​ ​on​ ​her​ ​way​ ​home​ ​from work.​ ​“I​ ​usually​ ​look​ ​for​ ​the​ ​lettuce,​ ​cucumbers,​ ​and​ ​tomatoes,”​ ​Mosley​ ​said. 

And​ ​what​ ​would​ ​a​ ​block​ ​party​ ​be​ ​without​ ​Domino’s​ ​pizza,​ ​an​ ​ice​ ​cream​ ​truck​ ​and​ ​a​ ​special​ ​arts and​ ​crafts​ ​project​ ​for​ ​the​ ​children?​ ​

Chef provides samples, recipes
Also on hand was chef​ ​Audra​ ​Weisel,​ ​who​ ​had​ ​stiff​ ​competition​ ​from​ ​the​ ​pizza​ ​and ice​ ​cream,​ ​but​ ​was​ ​up​ ​to​ ​the​ ​task.​ ​Happily​ ​she​ ​handed​ ​out​ ​samples​ ​of​ ​her​ ​healthy​ ​cooked​ ​tomatoes, asparagus,​ ​zucchini,​ ​and​ ​other​ ​fresh​ ​veggies​ ​along​ ​with​ ​the​ ​recipes​ ​for​ ​cooking​ ​them​ ​in​ ​their​ ​own​ ​homes. 

Weisel​ ​has​ ​a​ ​long​ ​history​ ​of​ ​helping​ ​out​ ​low-income​ ​families​ ​and​ ​started​ ​digging​ ​and​ ​planting​ ​for “Grow​ ​Your​ ​Own“​ ​this​ ​past​ ​May.​ ​“I’m​ ​happy​ ​to​ ​lend​ ​my​ ​expertise​​ ​i​n​ ​any​ ​way,​ ​shape ​ ​or​ ​form,”​ ​she​ ​said. Quickly​ ​adding​ ​whether​ ​that​ ​means,”teaching​ ​them​ ​how​ ​to​ ​can​ ​their​ ​vegetables​ ​or​ ​learning​ ​how​ ​to​ ​cook them.”​ ​She​ ​is​ ​hoping​ ​“they​ ​will​ ​try​ ​something​ ​new​ ​…​ ​and​ ​like​ ​it.”  

“Grow​ ​Your​ ​Own”​ ​is​ ​one​ ​of​ ​Valley​ ​United​ ​Way’s​ ​projects.​ ​
With​ ​a​ ​third​ ​garden planted​ ​at Irving​ ​School​ ​in​ ​Derby,​ ​the​ ​program​ ​is​ ​expected​ ​to​ ​expand​ ​next​ ​year,​ ​including​ ​more​ ​locations​ ​and getting​ ​more​ community members​ ​involved.​ ​
This​ ​project is​ ​possible​ ​thanks​ ​to​ ​the​ ​generosity​ ​of​ ​​​premiere sponsor,​ ​Avan​ ​Grid,​ ​Newtown​ ​Savings​ ​Bank,​ ​and​ the ​Lavietes​ ​Foundation. 

To​ ​volunteer​ ​or​ ​get​ ​involved​ ​with​ ​Valley​ ​United​ ​Way,​ ​​contact​ Patricia​ ​Tarasovic,​ ​Vice President​ ​of​ ​Community​ ​Engagement, ​203-​926-9478​ ​or​ ​visit:​ ​​www.valleyunitedway.org​. 


This was written by Lori Singer, volunteer writer, Valley United Way.

Learn to create healthy salsas at Derby Public Library presentation

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host Salsa: Sweet and Savory Flavors to Get You Dancing at 6:30 p.m. June 19.
Alissa Monteleone, author of EveryBody Eats and owner of Simply Good Thinking, will discuss the healthy advantages of homemade salsas made with antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables.  

Participants, ages 18 and over, will have the opportunity to experiment with new flavor combinations, both sweet and savory, and then taste their creations.  
Registration is required.  
For more information, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.      

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Importance of fiber is topic of talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Griffin Hospital to hold program on adding fiber to diet./ Contributed photo

DERBY - In honor of National Nutrition Month, Griffin Hospital’s Community Health Resource Center will host a free program about the importance of adding fiber to your eating habits March 21, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Griffin Hospital Clinical Dietitian Jody Wagner will present “The Importance of Fiber and Where You Can Find It,” a discussion of why you should focus on the fiber in the foods you eat and which foods are the best sources of fiber.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah, 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials.
The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital's diabetes support group to host tours at ShopRite in Derby

The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free grocery store tours to help with healthy shopping on Jan. 10 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at ShopRite in Derby. /Contributed photo   

DERBY- The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free grocery store tours to help with healthy shopping Jan. 10 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at ShopRite, 49 Pershing Drive.

Jenna Hourani, registered dietitian at Grade A ShopRite, will lead a tour of the store to help make sense of grocery shopping so participants can better take care of themselves and their families by selecting nutritious and cost-friendly choices.

Managing diabetes starts at the supermarket with choosing foods that make up a healthy, balanced diet. 

Topics on the tour will include label reading, navigating the departments and aisles for healthier choices, and comparing products.

The tours will be from 2:30-3:30 p.m. and from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The group will meet in the produce section of the store.

Space is limited; contact Mary Swansiger at 203-732-1137 or mswansiger@griffinhealth.org to reserve a spot.

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

Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Buy local at Seymour Farmer's Market

We stopped at the Seymour Farmer's Market for the first time today. 
I had to take a photo of 'Patty' Pan Squash, even if my name, Patti, is spelled with a 'y.' 
I've never tasted it, nor would I know how to prepare it. Some day I'll give it a try.

The market, featuring locally grown fruits and vegetables and bakery goods, is open from noon-6 p.m. every Tuesday through October at the corner of Pine and Broad streets.

Derby Public Library to host nutrition program

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host The Search for Healthy Snacks at 6:30 p.m. March 8.

In recognition of March as National Nutrition Month, Jenna Hourani,

a registered dietician at ShopRite of Derby, Shelton, and Fairfield, will give advice on how to select a 

variety of snacks to maintain energy throughout the day and leave you feeling your best.  

She will discuss using tools such as label reading to compare

nutrient quality of food products and offer suggestions of nutritious on-the-go snacks for our busy lives.  

Learn how a healthy balance of snacks can be the key to improving our everyday routines.  

Registration is requested.  

For more information, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.       


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talks for diabetics, caregivers

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations about holiday eating for diabetics Nov. 11 at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.

Cora Ragaini, Registered Dietician from Grade A Shop Rite, will host “Healthy Holiday Eating,” an open discussion about shopping and meal planning for diabetics and their caregivers for the holidays and special events.

The presentations will be 2:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Childbirth Classroom A and at 6:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Dining Room. Ask for directions to these rooms at the hospital’s front desk.

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. 

All diabetics and their families are welcome to attend. No registration is required. 

Free valet parking is available for the 2:30 p.m. session. 

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

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby celebrates Food Day

Griffin Hospital employees, volunteers, and visitors marked Food Day Oct. 24 with an 'Apple Crunch' in the hospital’s dining room. / Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital employees, volunteers, and visitors marked Food Day today by taking a bite out of an apple at noon.

The “Apple Crunch” was timed with similar events across the state as the Connecticut Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encouraged all its members, partner health organizations, agencies, and schools to simultaneously crunch into an apple.

Griffin Hospital also held a farmer’s market in its Dining Room along with a table staffed by dietitians to provide information about healthy eating.

Food Day is a nationwide celebration and movement to promote healthy, affordable, and sustainable food, and to inspire Americans to change their diets. 

Every Oct. 24, thousands of events around the country bring Americans together to celebrate and enjoy real food and to push for improved food policies.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.