Learn about diabetes

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is sponsoring several events providing diabetes information and awareness.

• On Friday, Nov. 12, it's "Rockin' World Diabetes Day" at the Hard Rock Café, 333 Prospect St., Niagara Falls, an international call to action to heighten awareness of the worldwide epidemic of diabetes. There will be a light dinner and educational presentation at 5:30 p.m. and a walk to Niagara Falls (illuminated in blue) at 7 p.m., followed by a "Rockin' for Diabetes" party featuring Joe Mahmoud and his band at 8 p.m. The free event is sponsored by the Diabetes & Endocrinology Center of Niagara, Hard Rock Café, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the American Diabetes Association.

Call 278-4604 to register.

• On Sunday, Nov. 14, it's a gospel festival, "I Decide to Stop Diabetes Day," to promote diabetes health and wellness, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Doris Jones Family Resource Building, 3001 Ninth St., Niagara Falls. It will feature area gospel music singers and dancers, health presentations, health prizes and giveaways. The free event is sponsored by the Diabetes & Endocrinology Center of Niagara, area churches, Verizon and the American Diabetes Association.
• On Wednesday, Nov. 17, "The Lowdown on Diabetes and Depression" will promote diabetes awareness and prevention with healthy cuisine. Demonstrations by Cornell Cooperative Extension will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 18th Street Community Resource Center.

•On Thursday, Nov. 18, "Small Changes -- Big Rewards," a free program on preventing and managing diabetes, will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Crestwood Commons Patio Homes & Apartments Community Center, 2600 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield.  Nurse Practitioner Kathleen Ventry of Summit Family Health Center will be the speaker. Call 278-4604 to register.