The Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) will soon be offering a special diabetes education program in Hillsboro that is available to individuals in the community at no cost.

The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) is open to anyone age 60 or older who is on Medicare or Medicare/Medicaid. Over the six-week workshop, participants will meet for two hours each week and discuss the following modules:

· Module 1. Beginning Sessions & Understanding the Human Body

· Module 2. Understanding Risk Factors for Diabetes

· Module 3. Monitoring Your Body

· Module 4. Get Up and Move! Diabetes & Physical Activity

· Module 5. Management of Diabetes Through Meal Planning

· Module 6. Diabetes Complications: Identification and Prevention

· Module 7. Learning about Medications & Medical Care

· Module 8. Living with Diabetes: Mobilizing Your Family and Friends

An upcoming DEEP workshop will be held in Highland County starting June 7 and ending July 12. Participants will meet on Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Highland County Senior Center, 185 Muntz St., Hillsboro.

Preregistration is required by May 31 by calling the AAA7 toll-free at 1-800-582-7277, ext.247 or 284.

The Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis in 10 counties in Southern Ohio including Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay. The AAA7’s Resource Center is also available to anyone in the community looking for information or assistance with long-term care options. Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., the Resource Center is a contact for learning more about options and what programs and services are available for assistance.

Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY: 711). Individuals can speak directly with a trained resource center specialist who will assist them with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs. The agency also offers an in-home assessment at no cost for those who are interested in learning more. Information is also available on www.aaa7.org, or the agency can be contacted through email at [email protected]. The agency also has a Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/AreaAgencyOnAgingDistrict7.

Submitted by Jenni Dovyak-Lewis, director of community outreach and training, Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc.