MARQUETTE — The year 2020 was an unusual year, according to a release from the Upper Peninsula Diabetes Outreach Network, and COVID-19 brought sickness, death, job loss, quarantines and emotional distress.

For many, the stress of last year led to overeating and weight gain. People also put off getting medical care and often did not manage lifelong health conditions well.

The release states that the year 2021 can be a new beginning. Organizers said there are a variety of free online options that you can check out to get you back on track or to help you stay on track.

Better Choices, Better Health is a six-week online program and is an easy way to get more help with making changes that you have been having trouble doing on your own, organizers said.

BCBH is easy to use, and you go online when it works for you — no classes to attend. Thanks to a grant that the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan has, participants can attend for free instead of paying $250.

Go to U.P. Diabetes Outreach Network website at Diabetesinmichigan.org to register or for more info.

If you are at high risk of developing diabetes, free online Diabetes Prevention Weight Loss programs are being offered for Michigan residents by MSU Extension. Many people pay $450 for this program and you can attend for free. Contact Laurie Anderson at MSU Extension for more details at ander359@msu.edu. Programs begin on March 16 and April 22.

UPCAP and a variety of partners across the state are offering a six-week Diabetes PATH Zoom program, staring Monday; it meets online from 5:30-8 p.m.; call 517-887-1465 for more information or to register to attend the program.

It you live with daily pain that is making it difficult for you to do the things you want to do, UPCAP and some of their state partners are also offering a six-week online program to help you manage your pain. The Chronic Pain PATH program begins on Monday and meets from 1- 3:30 p.m. Call 517-592-1974 or email livingwellprograms@r22aaa.net.

The U.P. Diabetes Outreach Network or UPDON, is a program of UPCAP and has been forming partnerships for diabetes detection, prevention and care since 1986.

In addition, UPDON has been nationally recognized for improving the health and care of people with diabetes across the U.P. of Michigan.

Visit diabetesinmichigan.org for more information.