[Nfbmo] Diabetes Seminar

[Daniel Garcia]

Today the Diabetes Action Network of Missouri in conjunction with the Kansas
City Chapter presented a seminar on Diabetes at the Westport branch of the
Kansas City Public Library from 10 a.m.  to 3 p.m.

Deborah Washam, Community Educator, talked about the A1C level as it relates
to the daily blood sugar level. In addition she talked about having  a plan
for healthy eating and exercising to help manage diabetes.

Janie Berquist, Certified Diabetes Educator then gave a long presentation on
the risk factors for diabetes, including weight, hypertension, cholesterol,
aging, genetics, etc. 

After lunch we had to burn off some of the calories we consumed so Byron
Frye, a personal trainer, made us do some fun chair exercises.

The next guest was Randy Fifer, a member of the Johnson County Kansas
Chapter of the NFB of Kansas. He considers diabetes to be a diabolical
disease. He explained the myriad health problems and associated
complications he suffered as a result of diabetes. He emphasized prevention
by telling us multiple times to "go to the doctor today, do not delay" if we
detect possible warning signs of health problems. For more information about
Randy Fifer visit: http://www.rjpmotivation.com/

Then there was a panel discussion headed by Missouri DAN President Debbie
Wunder and Jeremiah Wells. They each used a talking glucose meter to test
their blood. Other members in the audience then made comments about their
daily struggles with diabetes.

The seminar was very educational. I have to say that I learned more than I
ever wanted to learn about the subject. I think that Randy Fifer's
presentation put the dry medical information into context. Diabetes is a
serious disease and like he said, "prevention is better than intervention."

Best Regards

Daniel