March 18, 2008

Announcing 6th Annual Taking Control of Your Diabetes Conference with Native American Focus

Taking Control of Your Diabetes Conference Heads to Santa Ynez, April 5

Click here for complete program schedule.

Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) conference and health fair will be held April 5 at the Chumash Casino, bringing national and local medical experts in diabetes care to people with all types of diabetes, those at risk for diabetes, and their loved ones for a day of highly informative and motivational programs.   The California Area Indian Health Service and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians have partnered with Taking Control of Your Diabetes to present the 6th Annual Native American-focused TCOYD conference and health fair.

Diabetes continues to afflict Native Americans in shocking numbers. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports, "2.8% of American Indians and Alaska Natives aged 20 years or older who received care from IHS in 2003 had diagnosed diabetes. 118,000 (15.1%) American Indians and Alaska Natives aged 20 years or older have diabetes (both diagnosed and undiagnosed). Taking into account population age differences, American Indians and Alaska Natives are 2.2 times as likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites."

Feature presentations include headlining comedian and actor Drew LaCapa (Apache Hopi Tewa), and Olympic 10,000 meter race champion Billy Mills (Ogala Lakota, Sioux).   Leading medical specialists will discuss practical advice and developments in treatment of the disease, the complications of the disease, psychological barriers to controlling diabetes and much more. TCOYD participants can hear lectures, participate in free screenings, and speak one-on-one with diabetes specialists including physicians, exercise physiologists, psychologists, dietitians, diabetes educators, eye specialists and podiatrists.

"With strong genetic and lifestyle influences, diabetes affects more and more Native Americans. This conference and health fair is a great way to learn as much as you possibly can in one day and in one location from a variety of diabetes experts. TCOYD educates, motivates and empowers individuals and families living with diabetes to take control of their diabetes," said Steven Edelman, MD, TCOYD Founder and Director.

A health fair with 20 informational exhibits from national and local diabetes-related companies and organizations will be open throughout the day.

Space is limited. Registration fees are $15 for per person. The fee includes breakfast, lunch and all conference activities and materials. Onsite registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and costs $20 per person. The conference is from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Financial aid is available for those who need assistance. To register or get more information, call 800-998-2693 or visit www.tcoyd.org.

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