The program is aimed at providing diabetics with information that will allow them to make wise food choices which will result in a healthy diet. Diet and exercise are the key issues for diabetics and this class will help those attending to understand what it takes to succeed in getting this very controllable disease under control.

This is a hands-on class with sample menu items at each meeting. The conference room at the Iron County Courthouse was filled with delcious aromas. Last night the sample food items were: Bean soup, apple slaw, ceasar salad and a fruit compote. While refined sugars are taboo for diabetics, natural sugars arrived from fresh fruit are o.k.

At the last meeting, the group was taught the five smoke alarm tests that indicate the possible onset of diabeties.

1. The A1c test, a three month rolling average blood test.

2. Blood Pressure Test

3. Microalbumin Test

4. LDL Test

5. Eye Exam

The program goals include:

Provide basic information about diabetes and nutrition

Provide people with diabetes to share and learn from each other and from diabetes health proffessionals.

Encourage self-management skills.

Demonstrate new recipes and cooking techniques

Promote physical activity.

The program consists of four classes which meet every Monday and Thursday at the Iron County Courthouse.

There are plans for a follow up meeting later this year.

Fall Nordic Film Series Begins October 8
Hancock - October 6, 2009 HANCOCK, MI – The Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center begins its 2009-10 Nordic Film Series Thursday, October 8, at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., with the Finnish film, “Uusi Ihminen” or, literally translated, “The New Mankind.” The film is directed by Klaus Häro, who also directed popular Nordic Film Series selections, “Mother of Mine” and “Invisible Elina.” “Uusi Ihminen” is set in Sweden in 1951 as a new society develops; a society where there is no room for the socially and mentally weak. The main character, Gertrud, is a 17-year-old girl from a very poor family who, against her will, is committed to a work home for young women. Gertrud learns that the only way out of the work home is by agreeing to voluntary sterilization. However, she falls in love and soon finds herself pregnant. When she changes her mind about the operation, she finds that she no longer has a choice. As a child grows in her womb, Gertrud devises a plan to fool the system. There is no charge to attend the film, but donations are accepted. The Finnish American Heritage Center is at 435 Quincy St., Hancock. For additional information, please contact Dave Maki at 906-487-7549.

The Ironwood City Bow Hunt starts today. Last night the hunters met in the city council chambers for a meeting. They received final instructions from City Manager Scott Erickson who also answered any questions that the hunter’s had. Usually representatives from the DNR and Ironwood Safety are on hand for the occasion, but were not able to be at last night’s meeting. The hunters are experienced and had little questions for Scott. They all have passed their qualifications and were given their tickets by City Clerk Karen Gullen, who was also on hand to keep things running smoothly.

Each hunter will get a ticket to bag a buck for every three doe that they bring in. Scott hopes that there will be a lot of Bucks tagged. (no bucks so far) Last year the deer kill was 49 down from 70 the prior year. The first year of the hunt, three years ago only 17 deer were killed.

Hunters were reminded not to leave their assigned area with their weapons. They were instructed to call Ironwood Safety Department if they needed assistance. Justin Lehto will be keeping track of the deer brought in by the hunters.

There are 29 hunters given permits all but five will be hunting on allocated city owned land. They will begin their hunt today and will continue through December 15, 2009.