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There are 23.6 million people who have diabetes in the United States, which is 8 percent of the population. As American Diabetes Month begins, make sure you are maintaining a healthy weight and routinely exercising, so that you do not become one of the millions diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The Blount Memorial Diabetes Management Center is having its annual Diabetes Services Fair from 6-7:30 p.m. today in the Blount Memorial Hospital auditorium.

The Diabetes Services Fair is to assist attendees in learning more about diabetes and community resources. Several representatives from Blount Memorial Hospital, physician offices and pharmaceutical companies will be available at the event to distribute information. Refreshments will be served at the fair, and free meters will be given away. People with diabetes and their family members, as well as those with a family history of diabetes, are encouraged to attend the free event. For more information, call 977-5767.

Another free service to check out today is a fall-prevention presentation, as part of Blount Memorial's Senior Health Circle. Physical therapists Courtney Irons and Carolyn McAmis are presenting "How is Your Balance?" from noon - 1 p.m. in the Blount Memorial Hospital auditorium. Learn about the fall-prevention program, which is offered through Blount Memorial Total Rehabilitation and developed by skilled therapists. The program assists older and balance-impaired adults to avoid falls and maintain balance. For more information, call Blount Memorial Senior Services at 977-5744.

Moms Remembered, a grief support group, also will meet today from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Blount Memorial Home Services and Hospice Building, 1095 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Maryville. The group is for women who have lost their mothers through death. Members meet the first Monday of each month. For more information or to register, call 981-2291.

Another support group offered this week is the Caregiver Support Group. The group meets from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday on the 3-east floor of the hospital. Blount Memorial Senior Services also offers free one-on-one consultations for caregivers who want to discuss their situations and explore possible strategies and resources with a Senior Services representative. For more information, call 977-5744.

Mothers less than six months pregnant, along with their support partners, are invited to participate in the "Early Pregnancy and Introduction to the Family Birthing Center Tour" on Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Blount Memorial Hospital. Participants should pre-register by 10 a.m. on Thursday. For more information about this class or other Family Birthing Center programs, or to register, call 981-3983.

'This Week in Health' is provided by Blount Memorial Hospital.