MIDDLEBURY— This winter Porter Medical Center will host two free classes designed to help people improve their health by preventing diabetes and stopping smoking.
First on offer will be a free smoking cessation program, which begins on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 5 p.m. at Porter. In the 4-5 week class, those who would like to try and kick the habit will work with a trained Tobacco Treatment specialist to design a plan to quit. Such a plan involves deciding to quit, developing a plan to quit, preparing, rehearsing and knowing what to expect on “Quit Day,” and more. Quitting smoking is very difficult, especially when attempted on one’s own — quitters will not be alone with this program.
The free diabetes prevention program begins Tuesday, January 23, at 4:30 p.m. at Porter Medical Center and runs for 16 weeks. It is designed to help people who are deemed at-risk for type 1 diabetes. Potential candidates are those considered pre-diabetic based on elevated results in glucose tolerance test, or A1C, or previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes. In addition, persons considered at-risk — including being overweight, having low activity levels, or a family history of type 2 diabetes — may also qualify to participate. 
Both of these programs, while free, require resistration. Anyone interested can learn more and resgister by contacting Michele Butler, Community Health Team, 802-388-8860 or [email protected].