NORWAY – Stephens Memorial Hospital has announced the latest schedule for its diabetes self-management education program.

The program requires physician referral. The cost of the class is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance.

Training is offered in either a full-day class or four two-hour sessions over several weeks. Session three for 2008 will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, in the Harper Conference Center. Session four will be from 10 a.m. to noon June 3, 5, 10 and in the Diabetes Conference Room.

Session five will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, in the Harper Conference Center. Session 6 will run from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 13, 15, 20 and 22 in the Diabetes Conference Room. Session seven will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Harper Conference Center.

Doreen Taylor, diabetes nurse educator, will lead the sessions. Topics will include What is Diabetes?, exercise, complications, medications, nutrition and coping/depression.

Individuals wishing to attend the full-day sessions will need to attend a nutrition management class prior to that. Schedule for the classes can be obtained from Pat Watson, dietitian at SMH, by calling 743-1562, ext. 420.

To register for the program obtain a referral from a doctor. Call Taylor with questions at 743-1562, ext. 773.