ST. JOSEPH — A local healthcare provider is looking to improve community health by offering a number of upcoming programs in the new year.

Spectrum Health Lakeland will be offering courses at multiple facilities in the coming months.

Classes include:

• Free pre-diabetes class in Watervliet — Spectrum Health Lakeland is offering a free program designed to help anyone with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels learn about lifestyle changes which may help them avoid or delay the onset of diabetes. The class will take place on from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3 in the Pharmacy Conference Room at the Center for Outpatient Services, located at 3900 Hollywood Road in St. Joseph.

During the first hour of the program, a registered nurse will guide attendees through the disease process of diabetes and introduce healthy lifestyle changes. The final hour will be spent with a registered dietitian who will suggest meal selections that can help you maintain health and manage weight.

This program does not require a physician referral. Pre-registration for this free class is required, and class size is limited. For more information or to register, call (269) 556-2868. Visit lakelandhealth.org or find Lakeland Health on Facebook or Twitter for more classes and events.

• Good Grief: Bereavement sharing and education program — Good Grief is a free program that covers topics such as how to cope with loss, guilt and regret; why you feel the way you do; and finding a sense of peace. Each seven-week session meets for one and a half hours of meaningful information and sharing. Classes will be offered at three separate locations. In St. Joseph, classes will be offered Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. from Jan. 8 to Feb. 19 at Caring Circle, 4025 Health Park Lane. In Buchanan, classes will be offered Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Jan 10 to Feb. 21 at Caring Circle, 4017 Chamberlain Road. In South Haven, classes will be offered from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 11 to Feb. 22, at Caring Circle, 05055 Blue Star Hwy. For more information, and to find out about other ongoing bereavement programs, call Lory’s Place at (269) 983-2707 or (800) 717-3812.

• Bones in Balance — Lakeland Orthopedic Physical Therapy is now enrolling participants for Bones in Balance, a four-week program designed to teach those diagnosed with osteoporosis and osteopenia how to successfully live with these conditions through self-management. Bones in Balance incorporates education and exercise and is led by specially trained physical therapists. The program includes valuable self-management tips from a pharmacist, registered dietitian, and nurse educator.

Classes meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a four-week period at the Center for Outpatient Services, located at 3900 Hollywood Road in St. Joseph. Registration is now open for the next set of classes which will run from Jan. 8 to 31 and be held at 9 to 11:30 a.m. or 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that affects over 44 million Americans, and although both men and women can develop the disease, over 80 percent of sufferers are women over the age of 45. Osteoporosis is commonly referred to as “the silent disease,” because bone loss occurs without any visible symptoms at first. Many people don’t realize they have osteoporosis until their bones are so weak that the smallest strain or fall causes a bone to fracture, according to Lakeland officials.

A physician’s order is required to participate. There is a $25 registration fee to cover the cost of materials; the remaining amount is billable to your insurance. For more information or to register, call (269) 556-7150

• Free wellness event — Community members are invited to attend an upcoming Neighborhood Centered Health Home event from 2 to 6 p.m, on Thursday, Jan. 10 at Elite Barbershop, located at 1301 Pipestone Road in Benton Harbor.

Free blood pressure screenings will be offered during the event. A nurse and clinical educator will be on-site for personal health coaching sessions. Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to meet with a Lakeland Health resident physician and participate in discussion about key medical topics. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call (269) 556-2874

Spectrum Health Lakeland is a non-profit, community-owned health system serving southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. The health care provider offers a full continuum of care and wellness services including three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, a cancer center and 41 physician practices. Lakeland is a division of Spectrum Health with 30,000 professionals, 4,100 medical staff experts, 3,200 volunteers and a health plan serving 1 million members. Lakeland has been recognized as one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems by Truven Health Analytics, part of IBM Watson HealthTM.