BMC Offering Diabetes Education Classes in Pittsfield, North Adams

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Diabetes Education program at Berkshire Medical Center is offering classes in July in Pittsfield and North Adams for those with diabetes, focusing on a wide range of issues.

In Pittsfield, there are four classes scheduled on consecutive Wednesdays, beginning July 6 and running through July 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the BMC Medical Arts Complex, 3rd Floor, in the Diabetes Education offices. In North Adams, classes are offered on four consecutive Thursdays, beginning July 7 and running through July 28, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the North Adams Campus of BMC.

Class topics include an overview of diabetes, achieving goals, blood glucose monitoring, pattern management, acute complications from the disease, high and low blood sugar, sick day management, nutritional management, meal planning, carbohydrate counting, artificial sweeteners, reading food labels, physical activity, medications and additional medications that may be recommended for diabetes management, chronic complications and their prevention and treatment, foot care, links between heart disease, stroke and diabetes, community resources, diabetes health, goal setting and problem solving, psychosocial adjustments, stress and depression.

These classes are covered by most insurance, including Medicare, and are open to anyone age 18 and over with diabetes.

Pre-registration and pre-qualification is required for the classes. Call the Diabetes Education program at 413-395-7942 to receive your individual assessment and to enroll. Interested individuals should schedule their assessment and enroll for the classes as soon as possible. For individuals who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the assessment and classes, a Patient Care Needs Fund is available to help cover co-pays and/or deductibles.

Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:42AM / Saturday, May 04, 2024

Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.

The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.

"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.

"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."

Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.

He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.

BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."

"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.

She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.