TCOYD News

August 15, 2007

Little Rock to Host 2nd Annual Premier Diabetes Educational, Motivational Conference and Health Fair, October 6, 2007
Not-for-profit Taking Control of Your Diabetes Returns to Arkansas

Taking Control of Your Diabetes, 501(c)3 (TCOYD) conference and health fair will be held October 6, 2007, at the Statehouse Convention Center 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.  

Over a quarter million people are living with diabetes in Arkansas. African Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and Latinos are at increased risk of developing this chronic disease, which is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S.  

The nonprofit diabetes education organization, Taking Control of Your Diabetes, has presented over 80 conferences throughout the country to help the 23 million Americans cope and stay informed about treating diabetes and its complications. The all-day event presents speakers, small group workshops, and one-on-one sessions with specialists such as physicians, pharmacists, psychologists, dietitians, exercise physiologists, diabetes educators and foot specialists.

Lunch is included and will feature speaker Joe Solowiejczyk, RN, MSW, CDE presenting on the intricate and powerful effect that family dynamics has on your diabetes care.

"It is our belief that the most effective way to improve diabetes care is to inform the people who are living with diabetes about the best ways to control this condition and prevent complications," said Steven Edelman, M.D., diabetes specialist and founder of Taking Control of Your Diabetes.   Dr. Edelman was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 15.

"We are dedicated to educating and motivating people with diabetes and their loved ones to take an active role in their condition in order to live healthier and happier lives," he said.

Debra Simmons, MD, and Jan Wall, MS, RD, LD,CDE, both of University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Arkansas Diabetes Program, worked with the TCOYD team to offer topics of special interest to Arkansans and to have representation from health care providers throughout the state at the conference.   Dr. Simmons and Ms. Wall are conference co-directors with Dr. Edelman for the Little Rock event.

Early registration fees are $20 for one person, or $15 when two or more people register together.   Registration fees include lunch, healthy snacks and all conference activities, including a full-day health fair featuring informational exhibits.   On-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and costs $25. The event is from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.   Conference attendees will receive a copy of the new 3 rd Edition of Dr. Edelman's highly acclaimed book, Taking Control of Your Diabetes . Financial aid is available for those who need assistance.   More information is available at www.tcoyd.org or by calling 800-998-2693.

A concurrent TCOYD continuing medical education program for healthcare professionals will take place at the Statehouse Convention Center, entitled, "Making The Connection: Cutting Edge Strategies in Diabetes Care".   The program offers 6.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM .   Visit www.tcoydCME.org for more information and to register.            

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