A partnership between West Virginia University Extension Service’s Dining with Diabetes program and the Osteoporosis Prevention Education Program will provide West Virginians with a greater opportunity to learn more about osteoporosis.

A $10,000 grant through the Department of Public Health will allow Dining with Diabetes leaders to improve the osteoporosis section in its current curriculum. In addition, a curriculum will be developed for a stand-alone program presentation that can be used for Dining with Diabetes Reunion sessions and independent community programs throughout the state. The curriculum for both would emphasize the nutritional and exercise aspects of osteoporosis

“The funding will allow us to purchase additional materials, in addition to making more guest speakers available,”said Karen Newton, program specialist in charge of the program.”Such materials would include additional food for cooking demonstrations, printed material, videos and PowerPoint presentations.”

The partnership will offer state residents who have diabetes, their family members and their caretakers information on the effects of osteoporosis and prevention strategies, she added. A majority of the participants of the Dining with Diabetes program are in upper age brackets and are female. Both of these categories have been statistically indicated to be potential risk factors for osteoporosis.This funding gives us the prime opportunity to reach West Virginians who are at risk for osteoporosis,Newton noted.

Run by the WVU Extension Service, Dining with Diabetes is in its fifth year as a free, three-class series open to people with diabetes, their family members and caregivers. It has served more than 5,000 people, educating them about what food preparation options diabetics have and promoting the concept of gaining better health through eating better.

For program information, contact Newton at 304-293-2694 ext. 3454, knewton@wvu.edu , or visit the program’s web site/www.wvu.edu/~exten/depts/famyou/diabetes.htm