The Samish Diabetes Program is pleased to announce the 12th Annual Samish Diabetes Healthy Heart Conference and Wellness Gathering.  This year’s event will take place at the Fidalgo Bay Resort Convention Center in Anacortes on Saturday May 5, 2018.  The focal point of this well attended annual health and wellness gathering is the Samish Diabetes and Healthy Heart Conference.  The theme of this year’s educational program is “Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease.”  This year’s conference hosts a distinguished array of medical professionals.  Acclaimed professor, Dr. Dace Trence, MD, FACE, Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition at the University of Washington’s Diabetes Medical Center will be presenting as our keynote speaker on the topic “Know Your Numbers: How to Achieve Targets for a Healthy Lifestyle.”  Kelly Van Horn, RD, CD, CDE, from Swedish Diabetes Education, will follow Dr. Trence with an innovative nutritional approach entitled “Tips and Advice for Making Healthy Food Choices.”  In the afternoon, Kim Arends, RN, BSN who heads up Whidbey Health’s Pulmonary Rehab Program will address fitness with a motivating presentation entitled “The Surprising Benefits of Exercise.”

Free health screenings will be offered.  No fasting or reservations required.  Get your A1C read an reviewed, your blood pressure and cholesterol checked.  Vision, foot and hearing screenings are available as well as bone density screenings for women.  Get a health screening for a chance to win a new pair of Nike walking shoes!  Sign up for a chair or table massage.  Stop by to see this year’s health exhibitors and pick up free samples including free seeds and plant starts to grow you own home garden!

Enter the raffle for a chance to win awesome door prizes including one of ten $50 cash cards and one of four $100 gas gift cards.  Enjoy a complimentary wild salmon catered buffet lunch and take home a free conference tote bag filled with health and wellness products (one per household).     

This annual wellness event is free and open to Samish Tribal Members, their families and friends.  It’s a great opportunity to gather together with the Samish family.  Hope to see you on Saturday May 5th at the Fidalgo Bay Resort Convention Center!