<b>18 nursing students </b><b>graduate from TCL</b>

The Technical College of the Lowcountry honored 18 associate degree in nursing graduates at its Dec. 15 pinning ceremony.

“We are so proud of these graduates for their perseverance and commitment to nursing excellence,” interim program director DeAnne Johnson said. “The TCL nursing program in particular is rigorous, but produces extremely qualified and successful graduates, giving them the confidence they need to walk proudly into the nursing field.”

In the last five years, more than 200 students have completed TCL’s associate degree in nursing program. TCL’s two-year ADN program prepares graduates to practice as registered nurses. Students experience on-campus learning using high-tech simulation equipment and receive intense additional hands-on practice at clinical sites located throughout Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton and Colleton counties.

The graduates are: Keri Barnwell of Bryan County, Ga.; Emma Lee Bennett, Marcia Carlson, Brinn Cornell, Serina Forte, Kristina Geddes, Ashley Jones, Aubrey Pinckney, Jennifer Quesada, Rachel Rankin, Natasha Rollins, Samanta Sewell, Tonia Shafer, Shaylin Tims, Aubree Woodard and Dierra Roberson Young, all of Beaufort County; Sierra Garvin Foy of Chatham County, Ga.; and Kimberly Joyner of Charleston County.

For more information about the TCL health sciences programs, visit www.tcl.edu/health or call 843-525-8267.

<b>Free diabetes classes </b><b>offered on Lady’s Island</b>

More than 25 percent of people 65 and older have diabetes.

A diagnosis of diabetes includes pre-diabetes and diabetes. Pre-diabetes indicates that the blood sugar is higher than normal. Without any intervention, people with pre-diabetes, most likely, will develop diabetes later in life.

Type 2 Diabetes is a progressive disease. This means that as you age, your diabetes, most likely, will get worse. Abnormal or high blood sugar affects every part of your body and can increase your risk of complications that may include blindness, kidney failure, heart attack and stroke.

The Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence (CCME), a part of the Atlantic Quality Innovation Network (AQIN), has been contracted by Medicare to provide free Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) workshops to Medicare beneficiaries.

DSME workshops are a series of five sessions that cover a variety of topics that help participants better manage their diabetes and pre-diabetes.

During the workshops, resources and handouts will be provided and participants have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss personal concerns they have about living with diabetes.

Even if you have previously attended a Medicare-reimbursed class, you are invited to attend these workshops at no cost.

The five-week diabetes class will be held starting Thursday, Jan. 5, at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 157 Lady’s Island Drive.

To register and for more information, call 1-800-922-3089, ext. 7585.

<b>Give back this season </b><b>to those in need</b>

Like most nonprofit organizations, the Bluffton Jasper Volunteers in Medicine (BJVIM) depends on grants and donations to keep its doors open. However, there are other ways to give back that can help.

Pam Toney, executive director of BJVIM, said a great way to raise money and market your own business is to sponsor an event.

Earlier this year, Tiger Bass sponsored its 9th Annual 5K/12K Race for runners and walkers of all ages. The event included an after party, food trucks, live music, face painting and more. This is the second year BJVIM has received funds from Tiger Bass. Last year, Tiger Bass raised $14,000.

“We’re happy to report that in 2016, $15,000 was raised to benefit the Bluffton Jasper Volunteers in Medicine,” Toney said, adding, “We are grateful to Tiger Bass for their commitment.”

A unique way to give back is to donate your time or art. Local artist Deane Bowers created mixed media art made out of recycled, reclaimed and salvaged materials to adorn the walls of the Ridgeland clinic. Her artwork also can be seen on the cover of BJVIM’s holiday appeal card.

Another local woman, Jackie Friel, donated photography of the local area for notecards that BJVIM is selling at local farmers markets.

“We are very blessed to have such creative people willing to give back to us,” Toney said. “A big thank you also goes out to 100 Women Who Care Bluffton. They presented us with a generous check of $6,100 this year.”

For more information, call 843-706-7090.