Diabetes Workshop

Auburn, April 1, 2003---The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is sponsoring the Second Annual Diabetes Workshop April 3 and 4 at the Governors House Hotel and Conference Center in Montgomery.

“Last year’s workshop was such a success, we decided another one should be done this year,” said Dr. Evelyn Crayton, a foods and nutrition specialist and registered dietitian with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. More than 100 people from throughout the state attended the workshop last year.

The Alabama Department of Public Health’s Diabetes Control Program is again cosponsoring this year’s event, and many other organizations and agencies either helped financially or sponsored speakers.

"The two-day event will provide a wealth of new information on diabetes helpful to all health care providers, county agents, school nurses and others dealing with people with the disease," said Dr. Crayton.

The workshop will provide updates on foot care, dental care, drugs for treating diabetes, nutrition and diet management, food safety, exercise and physical activity, diabetes and obesity in children, and the psychosocial aspects of coping with chronic diseases.

Important things to ask when you visit your doctor; things to do if you are sick, Medicare coverage of diabetes, the future of implantable glucose sensing, and the glucose watch will also be discussed. A one-hour session on preparing recipes appropriate for people with diabetes also is being offered.

A special Thursday night session, beginning at 6 p.m. is planned for parents and other caretakers of obese, diabetic children. Topics will include “The Basic Approach to Diabetes and Obesity in Children” and “Dealing with Diabetic Children in Schools.” In addition, a panel discussion on diabetes from parent and child perspectives will begin at 8 p.m.

Extension county agents hope to organize diabetes support groups and coalitions that will help educate Alabamians about diabetes management. Extension’s main role in the coalitions will be to provide nutritional diabetes information and recipes appropriate for people with diabetes through cooking school demonstrations.

Cost of registration for the two-day event is $100 and includes all educational materials, meals and breaks. For those who can only attend one day, registration is $50, and the cost for the Thursday night session only is $15.

Up to 17 hours of continuing education credits are available for attending the workshop.

Anyone interested in attending the workshop should contact Parico Osby at (334) 265-0233.

Source: Dr. Evelyn Crayton, Foods and Nutrition Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System (334) 844-2224

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