"Healthy Living, Healthy Eating" Events at Five Points West and Central Libraries, February 27 and 28

On February 27 and 28, the Birmingham Public Library will partner with Cities For Life and the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation to present "Healthy Living, Healthy Eating.'' The purpose of these events will be to spread the word about a new website, www.mydiabetesconnect.com, and show people how to use it. The website was designed to help promote healthy lifestyles, reduce the risk of diabetes, and encourage diabetes management in Birmingham.

A doctor and a nutritionist will speak at these events. There will also be a 20-minute YMCA exercise class, free T-shirts and pedometers, healthy snacks, and more. Both events are free.

The first event will be held on Wednesday, February 27, at 10:30 a.m. at Five Points West Library, 4812 Avenue W. Another one will be held at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place, on Thursday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Cities for Life is a diabetes management program in Birmingham that is led by the American Academy of Family Physicians with support from Sanofi US. This new website is the program’s most recent offering to help people living with diabetes or at risk for diabetes in the community.

Dr. Andrea Cherrington, of UAB’s Division of Preventive Medicine, will guide audience members through the site and answer questions about how Birmingham residents can locate programs and services near them on: healthy eating, physical activity, healthy families, support and education, healthcare, and research opportunities. A representative from UAB will provide information about free classes and health evaluations at UAB HealthSmart. Cooper Green dietician Ann Heard will give healthy living and eating tips. YMCA instructor Russell Lee will lead an exercise class.

For more information, call 267-6673.

Submitted by Chanda Temple

Director of Public Relations for the Birmingham Public Library