25% of one Nutrition education class indicated pre-existing medical conditions. This caused concern on the part of the NEP paraprofessional. Lessons from the curriculum, “Healthy Choices for Every Body”, identified nutrition requirements and limitations, answering many questions for these clients while reinforcing or discouraging their present practices.  Valuing the partnership that had been created with the local Health Department, the NEP Assistant gave these adults a schedule of free Diabetes classes that were being offered.

Those having medical conditions  attended 100% of NEP classes and graduated, and also attended the diabetes classes and reported making better choices to properly manage their health based on the information learned.