News

National diabetes conference to be held in Kalispell

The 3rd Annual Taking Control of Your Diabetes, 501(c)3 (TCOYD) conference and health fair will be held March 20, 2010, 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.

Leading specialists will offer practical advice and discuss the nature of diabetes, treatments for it and what people with diabetes can do as individuals to keep themselves as healthy as possible. Local co-directors include Jennifer Janetski, MS, RD, CDE, the diabetes management coach at KRMC; Chris Corsi, MD, an endocrinologist at the Western Montana Clinic in Missoula; and Shelli Hilde, an avid Kalispell diabetes advocate. Visiting speakers include internationally recognized leader in diabetes treatment, Dr. Steven Edelman and the noted diabetologist from Ontario, Canada, Dr. Ian Blumer. Keynote speaker will be Formula One racecar driver, Charlie Kimball, an inspiring young man who is living his dreams and living well with diabetes.

Health professionals from Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Western Montana Clinic in Missoula, Glacier Eye Clinic, St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby, Glacier Foot and Ankle Associates, Woodland Clinic, St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, VA Montana Healthcare System in Fort Harrison, Eureka Prompt Care, Smith’s Pharmacy, North Valley Hospital, Summit Medical Fitness Center and a host of other diabetes specialists have partnered with Taking Control of Your Diabetes, a San Diego-based 501(c)3 diabetes education organization, to hold this premier conference and health fair.

TCOYD participants can hear lectures, participate in screenings, and speak one-on-one with diabetes specialists including physicians, exercise specialists, dietitians, diabetes educators, podiatrists, pharmacists and opthalmologists. Shelli Hilde, diabetes advocate and co-director said, “The number of lives changed by this overwhelmingly positive program last year brought tears to my eyes, and to many others. I’m so glad TCOYD is coming back to Kalispell.” A health fair with 25 informational exhibits from national and local diabetes-related companies and organizations will be open throughout the day.

CONFERENCE SPACE IS LIMITED; pre-registration is recommended. Financial aid is available for those who need assistance. The early registration fee is $20 per person and includes breakfast and lunch, and all conference activities. If there is any space available, onsite registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. and costs $25. Call ahead to confirm availability. Breakfast is from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and the conference is from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To register or get more information, call 800-998-2693 or visit www.tcoyd.org.

Steven V. Edelman, MD, founder and director of Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD), was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 15. Edelman, an internationally recognized leader in diabetes treatment, research and education, says, "It is my conviction, that health care in this country will improve when the people living with diabetes themselves are informed and empowered to take an active role in their own condition."