Balancing the enjoyment of holiday eating with the importance of glucose control for people who have diabetes is the topic of an Illinois Valley Community Hospital educational program that also will include food samples.

"Spirits and Cookies and Pies, Oh My!" will be offered at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, and also at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Besides helpful advice concerning food choices for those for whom glucose control is a concern, the informal program also will include foods to sample according to presenters Deb Redd, IVCH certified diabetes educator, and Marta Busken, IVCH dietitian and food service director.

Redd and Busken note the program also is for people who don"t have diabetes but may be planning holiday parties at which people with diabetes will be guests.

Although there is no charge to attend, advance registration is requested by calling 815-780-3337 or by registering online at www.ivch.org.