Healthy Living for ME plans in March to offer workshops focused on helping Mainers who are living with diabetes and other conditions, as well as a workshop focused on helping people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or acquired brain injuries live a healthy lifestyle.

Available across the state, with in-person, virtual, and telephonic options, these workshops are provided to the public through Healthy Living for ME’s partnerships with local organizations and health systems, according to a news release from the organization.

“We’re grateful for the partnerships that allow us to continue to bring workshops to Mainers. These workshops offer education and guidance for managing conditions and improving health while importantly providing a supportive space for participants,” said Maija Dyke, contract and business manager of Healthy Living for ME.

Many of Healthy Living for ME’s workshops are free to the participant, while others have a low cost. For virtual workshops, participants who do not have the necessary technology may be eligible to borrow an iPad from Healthy Living for ME in order to participate.

The following Healthy Living for ME workshops are planned.

• Living Well with Diabetes — This workshop will be held in-person Thursdays, beginning March 3, at the Alfond Center for Health, 35 Medical Center Parkway in Augusta. It is designed to help people with type 2 diabetes by covering topics such as: dealing with diabetes symptoms, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, depression, anger, fear, frustration, appropriate exercise, healthy eating, appropriate use of medication and working with healthcare providers. This workshop is provided in partnership with MaineGeneral’s Peter Alfond Prevention and Healthy Living Center.

• Better Health Now with Diabetes — Participants in this workshop will receive a free mail order toolkit and will work with a certified leader via phone or Zoom at a predetermined time. The workshop is scheduled to begin Monday, March 14. It is designed to help those who have or are at risk of type 2 diabetes and/or their caregivers. Topics covered include dealing with diabetes symptoms, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, depression, anger, fear, frustration; appropriate exercise, healthy eating, appropriate use of medication and working with healthcare providers. This workshop is provided in partnership with the Peter Alfond Prevention and Healthy Living Center.

• The National Diabetes Prevention Program — This workshop will be held virtually beginning Tuesday, March 22. It is not a diet or exercise class, but a program led by a certified lifestyle coach that provides free health coaching to reduce a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Participants can learn to apply practical strategies to stay motivated, manage stress, prepare food and avoid negative thoughts. Participants attend 16-weekly sessions followed by every other week sessions for the remainder of the year-long program. A registered dietician will be available to support participants of the program.

• HealthMatters — This workshop will be held in person Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning March 28 at the Muskie Community Center, 38 Gold St. in Waterville. It is designed to help people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or acquired brain injuries and their supports live a healthy lifestyle. Through exercise, nutrition and health education activities, this workshop helps participants become stronger and healthier, improve self-advocacy skills and confidence, and connect with peers as they gain the knowledge, motivation and skills needed to create healthy habits that last a lifetime. This workshop is provided in partnership with Bridges Home Services.

• Living Well with Diabetes — This workshop will be held online on Thursdays beginning March 31. It is designed to help people with type 2 diabetes by covering topics such as dealing with diabetes symptoms, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, depression, anger, fear, frustration, appropriate exercise, healthy eating, appropriate use of medication and working with healthcare providers. This workshop is provided in partnership with SeniorsPlus and the Lewiston/Auburn Senior College.

Healthy Living for ME welcomes referrals from healthcare providers. Its evidence-based programming can help patients manage and prevent conditions before they become more serious or result in emergency situations.

Registration is required for these workshops. For more information and to register, contact Healthy Living for ME at 800-620-6036 or info@healthylivingforme.org, or visit healthylivingforme.org.