la rabida children's hospital

La Rabida Children's Hospital Hosts April Diabetes Health Fair in Orland Park

Tuesday February 8th, 2011

Free to Public Advance - Registration Requested
 
(CHICAGO – February 08, 2011) La Rabida Children’s Hospital is hosting a Spring Celebration: Healthy Living with Diabetes April 9 at the Homewood Suites by Hilton, 16245  La Grange in Orland Park.
 
The day-long fair is for both newly diagnosed children and those more familiar with the condition, as well as their families and friends. It will feature lectures and sessions with local and national diabetes experts who will discuss the chronic disease and its management.
 
The event is hosted by the Chicago Children’s Diabetes Center (CCDC) at La Rabida, Chicago’s only American Diabetes Association-certified pediatric program. CCDC Medical Director Anita Swamy, MD, and other staff will provide disease resource education about the potentially debilitating disease.
 
Jill Weissberg-Benchell, PhD, a prominent pediatric psychologist, will talk with families about the psychology of diabetes and how a child’s development affects daily management. In addition, experts will help patients and caregivers discover the relationship between diabetes and high cholesterol, and keys to managing both conditions.
 
Vendors and representatives from area support groups such as COMMIT-TED Inc., Jimmy Insulin and the American Diabetes Association will demonstrate the latest trends and upcoming events.
 
Families and caregivers are on the front lines of defense against diabetes, said Swamy who hopes the fair will help promote disease education.
 
“We want to help families learn about healthy eating and living in order to help prevent some of the diseases and complications we see associated with diabetes,’’ said Swamy.
 
At the end of the Spring Celebration, experts will host an “Ask your Educator” session in which participants will engage in an interactive panel with their educators. This will provide them have the opportunity to get answers to day-to-day questions about diabetes care.
 
La Rabida’s CCDC serves an estimated 800 children and their families at several sites including Chicago, Hinsdale, New Lenox and St. John, Indiana.
 
For more information, please call 773.770. 2232 (CCDC) or register at larabidadiabetesfair2011.eventbrite.com