The Diabetes Association, Inc. (DAI) held one of its weekly educational sessions for people with diabetes or those who have been determined to be pre-diabetic by their physicians at the Cantina Cafe on March 26, 2008. Participants were able to take a heart-healthy walk to the Cafe, just a few blocks from the Diabetes Association Headquarters on Pleasant Street. Cafe owner Henry Oliveira and Carolyn Pomfred met them there and then demonstrated how to prepare whole grains like brown rice, millet, and buckwheat. Whole grains have more nutrients and digest more slowly, keeping blood sugar levels lower. Future sessions, including one on April 30, 2008, will cover vegetables and proteins. For more info on upcoming events, contact John Quintas at 508-672-5671..
 

(Top row) Support group members arrive at the Cantina just a few blocks from the Diabetes Association headquarters at 170 Pleasant Street. (Middle row) Mr. Oliveira talks about the use of salt and olive oil in cooking whole grains. (Bottom row, left) Bob Bouchard of Westport and Kevin Goulet listen as Mr. Oliveira goes through the steps in preparing brown rice. (Bottom row, center) Carolyn Pomfred watches as Henry serves some hummus that he made from scratch using chick peas, lemon, garlic and olive oil. (Bottom row, right) Participants sample the hummus with some raw vegetables..