By Wyatt Boyle | KOAL News

To enable and strengthen those with Type 2 diabetes, Utah State University Extension will host a diabetes cook-along class at the USU Extension Classroom on April 27 and 30, as well as May 4 and 7.

USU Extension will also host a digital literacy course for dementia caregivers and aging adults on May 4, 7, 11, and 14 at the Carbon County Community Center. The class will consist of four sessions emphasizing: accessing telehealth and online health portals; connecting with caregiver resources and support groups; using maps to manage medications and appointments; and protecting your privacy and avoiding online scams.

Christina Pay from USU Extension joined the KOAL newsroom to talk to the community about both events.

“A lot of times, diabetics are told no, no, no, no, and you can’t, you can’t, you can’t,” Pay said. “Well, we’re going to show you how you can. And still enjoy life and still enjoy food.”

The cook-along features the return of a fan favorite event in which participants are split into groups to prepare – then eat – a meal. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is a chance to learn about delicious meals you can make regardless of circumstances. 

At the end of the event,” You’ll [receive] a cookbook with a reminder of not only the education you receive but a whole variety of menus from entrées to desserts,” Pay said. 

Registration is $20 and ends April 24. Sign up for the event can be found here, or you can call 435-636-3233. The USU Extension classroom is located at 751 East, 100 North, Suite 1700.

Pay then spoke on the digital literacy class, “We have a pilot program that we’re going to be presenting to the community. The goal is to enhance caregivers’ ability to access, evaluate, and use digital tools to improve health outcomes and reduce isolation. These are very basic topics, but sometimes they are topics that people don’t know about or understand. So it’s a four-session workshop. There’ll be lots of information. And again, we are always very hands-on, so we’ll be doing a lot of hands-on things as well.”

The course is free and is especially intended for caregivers and adults over the age of 60.

“There are about 110,000 Utahns who provide informal care to a loved one who may have memory problems and dementia,” Pay said. “So there’s a lot of stress, there’s a lot of isolation. But we know we need those caregivers.”

To sign up or for any questions on the event, call 435-636-3236 or email Pay at christina.pay@usu.edu.