Given the high percentage of local residents with diabetes, Chilton Medical Center is now holding diabetes education classes and support group meetings monthly.

“We will teach healthy eating habits, exercise tips and review meds,” said Karen Harrison, registered nurse. “It’s more of a roundtable discussion to let the patients share and get ideas from others. They discuss what works and what doesn’t work and things others have tried.”

There are two class times offered on the third Thursday of each month. The first class will begin at 10 a.m. and the second class at 5 p.m.; each will last for about an hour and a half.

“We’ve been offering these classes year-round and have been offering them for almost a year now,” said Harrison. “It’s free and no scheduling is required, so all you have to do is show up.”

Those who do not have diabetes but want to be informed are welcomed to attend.

“We have several patients’ spouses who attend the classes without their spouses to receive information,” Harrison said.

Along with Harrison, registered nurses Brenda Sherrill and Crystal Atchison will lead the classes.