Berkshire Medical Center Offers Diabetes Classes

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Diabetes Education Program at Berkshire Medical Center is offering classes in April and May for those with diabetes on a wide range of issues.

There are four classes scheduled on consecutive Tuesdays in April, from April 3-24, each running from 6 to 8 p.m. at the BHS Diabetes Education Program offices at 510 North St. The May classes are held on consecutive Wednesdays, from May 2-23 from 1 to 3 p.m., also at 510 North St.

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.

Pre-registration and pre-qualification is required for either series of classes. The classes are open to anyone age 18 and over with diabetes, and the cost of the classes is covered by most insurance programs. To enroll or for more information, call the Diabetes Education Program at 413-395-7942, or register at the Berkshire Health Systems website (search: diabetes).
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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