Seventh Annual Diabetes Prevention and Wellness Workshop to be held October 22

Much progress has been made in the fight against diabetes, the sixth leading cause of death in America. But much work remains to be done.

One of the main goals behind the Seventh Annual Diabetes Prevention and Wellness Workshop is to remove the shroud surrounding diabetes.

Elizabeth Dean, RN, diabetes coordinator for Area 10 for the Alabama Department of Public Health and clinic nurse for Coffee County, believes the best way to help the public is to educate them.

“Diabetes is such a preventable disease,” Ms. Dean said as she explained the importance of the workshop, which will be held Thursday, October 22, in the Dothan Civic Center. “Events like this, hopefully, will make people more aware of diabetes. We want to help people prevent the complications of this disease.”

Screenings, discussions and cooking demonstrations are all part of a schedule that will run from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“Diabetes is not a death sentence,” Ms. Dean noted. “But, you have to make good, healthy lifestyle choices. That is what this workshop is about - helping people make good choices.
“Part of this event is to get the knowledge out there to the people to help them know they can handle it.

“It’s also an opportunity to network with others who have diabetes.”

A wide variety of vendors will also take part in the day’s activities.

“We have a good group of vendors who will be here to show what resources are here,” said Dianne Oliver, administrative secretary with the Department of Leisure Services, which is hosting the workshop.

Ms. Oliver stated the funds generated from the vendors’ participation the workshop, which is free to the public, will be used to support the activities of the Wiregrass Diabetes Coalition - a charity that provides help for diabetics who have no health coverage.

“Through the Diabetes Coalition, we help medically indigent patients with their medication,” Ms. Dean added. “We have a maximum of $125 for six months that we can assist a person. To qualify for that assistance, the person can not have insurance nor do they have Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

“The coalition services all of Area 10 (primarily southeast Alabama).”

Through the first six years of the workshop, the Wiregrass Diabetes Coalition has received $50,000.

Organizers encourage the public to visit the workshop. A full slate of diabetes-related topics will be discussed, and cooking demonstrations will provide insight into a regimen to control the disease.

“We have a wonderful schedule of speakers for the workshop,” Ms. Oliver said. “And free health screenings will also be provided.”

The opening portion of the program will be held from 7:30-9 a.m. Participants will receive a free breakfast (while supplies last), and they can visit the various vendors who would provide information about the services they provide.

Michael Ledet, M.D., a board certified lipidologist, will lead a discussion entitled “Diabetes and Sleep Apnea,” at 9 a.m. His presentation will be followed by Tina Flanagan’s presentation, “Diabetes and Depression,” at 10 a.m. Ms. Flanagan, MN,ARNP, BC-ADM, CED, is with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

At 11 a.m., Chef Chris Lodahl of The Butcher’s Block, and Bob Woodall will offer a program on “Healthy Cooking for Diabetics.”

Lunch will be served from noon-1 p.m. (while supplies last). Attendees will also witness recreation demonstrations during the noon hour. Breakfast and lunch will be provided by Chick-fil-A.

The workshop will draw to a close with a presentation, “Ask the Expert,” led by Neil Schaffner, M.D, FACE, FACP, of Montgomery.

Other sessions of the day, held in Room D, will include Diabetes 101 at 8 a.m. This discussion will be led by educators from Flowers Hospital. At 9 a.m., Nutrition 101 will be taught by Patty Ferman, MS, RD, LD. During this session, 400 cookbooks have been provided by Dothan Brace Shop. They are available on a first come first serve basis. At 10 a.m., “Taking Control” will be presented by an A1C champion. This session is presented by Sanofi-aventis.

In Room C, from 8 a.m.-noon, free health screenings will be provided. And, in the Hallway Alcove, from 8 a.m.-noon, Dothan Brace Shop will provide lower extremities and foot assessments.

The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind will provide interpreters for the deaf and helpers for the blind. Contact AIDB, 677-6270, for more information.

Continuing education units (CEU) for healthcare professionals will be available for a $20 fee. There is no need to pre-register.

Goody bags and door prizes will also be given away.

In addition, Mike Schmitz Automotive Group is giving away $1,000 in cash at 2 p.m. You must be present to win.

The workshop is sponsored by a grant provided by The Wiregrass Foundation.

For more information about the Seventh Annual Diabetes Prevention and Wellness Workshop, contact Dianne Oliver at the Department of Leisure Services, 615-3700.