The Shining Mountain Health & Wellness Program will be introducing new diabetes and wellness classes within the coming weeks. The classes are established in an effort of spreading awareness for healthy lifestyles within the Southern Ute Tribe.

The program partnered with Peaceful Spirit on Thursday, Sept. 17 as part of the Cooking Matters class – a course that teaches healthy cooking and lifestyles to those recovering from substance abuse. The class is additionally geared towards families who wish to shop on a budget.

“We want our people to evolve towards healthier lifestyles,” Deanna Frost, Shining Mountain Health & Wellness director apprentice said. “It’s about focusing on your entire well being, not just eating healthy and exercise. People must be aware their behavior is important too. Keeping your mind in place is all part of being in balance. We’re excited because ‘Cooking Matters’ has never done anything like this before. We have worked hard with Peaceful Spirit on [health] education.”

The Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy also got a taste of healthy eating. Students gathered with Shining Mountain on Tuesday, Sept. 22 and learned about how much sugar is in popular drinks, such as Gatorade, soda, and energy drinks. The exercise consisted of measuring the actual amounts of sugar used in these drinks.

“We’re working with SUIMA for a four week program – Youth Staying Healthy,” Frost added. “It was an older program that we are starting back up. The kids learn things from sugar estimates to the portion amount they should have on their plates. We encourage the community to come out to our classes.”

The diabetes and wellness classes will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 11:45 p.m. to 1:00pm inside the Capote Room at SunUte Community Center.