Overcoming Diabetes

It's hard to believe it, but the holidays are just around the corner. For people with diabetes, or those who are battling weight issues, it's not always a pleasant time of the year -- when turkey and all the trimmings are piled high on the plate and favorite pies are readily available, before and after dinner.

Of course, we didn't even get to the warm-up to this food/sugar/carb extravaganza, which is Halloween. To those with diabetes, especially, the season provides more tricks than treats.

So how can people better cope with the mountain of holiday temptations shoved in front of our faces? Dr. SeAnne Safaii a registered dietitian and assistant professor of dietics at the University of Idaho, will provide some answers during a seminar sponsored by Lions District 39W on Saturday, Nov. 10. The free seminar, titled "Overcoming Diabetes -- Information That Can Save Your Life" -- will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Plantation Country Club. Seating is limited, so please send me an RSVP by calling 830-7832, or by email (lionchuckm@gmail.com).

Dr. Safaii's presentation will be a highlight of the event. And you don't need to have diabetes, or be overweight, to appreciate the importance of healthy eating during the holiday season. She has written hundreds of newspaper articles and delivered many keynote presentations on matters such as cancer prevention, medical nutrition therapy, feeding children, intuitive eating and overall wellness. As the UI describes, "She brings a unique blend of practicality and freshness to everyday nutrition advice, which has made her a highly sought-after speaker and workshop leader for professional and consumer groups across the country."

As the mother of three teens/young adults, Dr. Safaii understands the challenges of getting families to eat healthy foods and be physically active. She has served as chair for Idaho's Action for Healthy Kids, past president and media representative for the Idaho Dietetics Association, the Governor's Task Force on Nursing and state adviser for the Idaho Health Occupations Students of America.

The seminar will have more. On the "Overcoming Diabetes" side, I will be joining Erin Matson, a registered nurse, in telling our stories about living with diabetes and some complications we have experienced. The bottom-line message is that diabetes is not a death sentence. It can be controlled and managed, and the effects can be reversed.

On the "information" side, Lisa Gonser, the marketing and communications manager for St. Luke's Humphreys Diabetes Center, will discuss services and programs available there. Humphreys, a world-class diabetes education center, has been a lifeline to thousands of people with diabetes. Also on the program are representatives with Active Health Chiropractic, who will discuss overall wellness. The seminar will conclude with presentations from Take Shape for Life and My Fit Foods, which offer products aimed at helping people lose weight, lower blood sugar levels and reduce or eliminate insulin consumption.

It's an ambitious program, and the best part is that it is free. Donations will be accepted, with proceeds going to the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation -- an organization that also is dedicated to increasing diabetes awareness.

Saturdays are always tough days to conduct health seminars. But if you have diabetes, or weight issues, this seminar will be well worth your time. Indeed, there will be information that can save your life.

Chuck Malloy is the Lions District 39W chair for Diabetes Awareness. The district covers southwestern Idaho and Eastern Oregon.