AUBURN – The Auburn-Lewiston YMCA Wellness 101 program is designed to introduce the principles of several wellness issues that face society today.

The YMCA’s goal is to help individuals in the community make informed and educated decisions on healthy lifestyles.

The Nutrition Basics class, which will kick off the program, is for anyone with questions regarding nutrition and eating habits. The class will help participants make informed decisions for healthy eating habits and what to look for at the grocery store.

The same class will be offered at two times on Wednesday, Oct. 13. The first will from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. and the second from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. The same topics will be covered in each. The free classes will be held at the YMCA at 62 Turner St. Doug McFarland and Patricia Caldwell will be instructors.

McFarland has been the YMCA health and fitness director for seven years and is a certified personal trainer. He has a bachelor or science in community health education and has wellness certificates from the national YMCA.

Caldwell is the wellness coordinator at the YMCA, where she has worked since 1986. She is a registered nurse, cardiac rehab nurse specialist and exercise specialist and is certified in polarity therapy bodywork and integrated yoga. Caldwell recently became a certified pilates instructor.

Both have extensive education and experience in nutrition and helping individuals find ways to make healthy eating part of their lifestyle.

For more information or to register, call 795-4095, e-mail dmcfarland@alymca.com or visit the YMCA.