Diabetes and the heart of the matter
THE HEART is said to be the seat of human emotions – love, hate and everything else in-between. So what does diabetes have to do with the heart? The truth is that when we talk about the heart in diabetes circles, we are really getting to the heart of the matter.
The University Diabetes Outreach Programme (UDOP) will pick up the story of ‘Diabetes and the Heart’ when it stages its 25th annual international conference between April 25 and April 27 at the Jewel Resort, Runaway Bay, St Ann. The conference is open to all healthcare providers: doctors, nurses, nutritionists, dieticians, diabetes educators, pharmacists, providers of healthcare products, students, persons with diabetes and persons who simply have an interest in diabetes.
This year, the conference is being hosted by UDOP in collaboration with The University of the West Indies, University of Technology, Jamaica and the Diabetes Association of Jamaica.
The three-day event will kick off on Thursday, April 25 with an official welcome and roll – call by Professor Errol Morrison, OJ director of UDOP and convenor of the conferences for the past 25 years.
This will be followed by the Silver Anniversary Lecture to be delivered by one of UDOP’s own ‘sons’, Professor Simon Anderson, professor
of population at the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, Caribbean Institute of Health Research, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus.
Anderson obtained his first degree and his PhD in biochemistry from The University of the West Indies, Mona. A Commonwealth Scholarship propelled him into study and work in the United Kingdom for many years, where he earned many accolades, conducted seminal research and published widely.
PRESENTATIONS
Highlights of the conference will include four distinguished lectures and awards, a meeting with the experts over breakfast, a poster competition, and interacting with exhibition,
Scientific sessions will discuss case studies and updates on diabetes best practices and protocols for heart procedures in the diabetic, as well as medical ethics. Presenters from India will share their experience with diabetes management.
ANNIVERSARY BANQUET
A silver anniversary banquet on Saturday night, April 27, is an exciting event to anticipate.
Karl Subban, who is a highly sought-after Canadian leadership/motivational speaker and educator, will be the guest speaker at the banquet. He is of Jamaican origin, has diabetes, and is from a ‘diabetic family’. He is a champion for diabetes and will illustrate how by managing his diabetes, he enjoys a productive life.
LAUNCH OF MORRISON’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY
The action on Saturday night will also feature the launch of Professor Errol Morrison’s autobiography: Growing Tall, Pursuing Excellence. Previews indicate that it is a fascinating journey!
WALK/RUN FOR DIABETES
Everyone is invited to the pre- conference activity, a walk/ run for diabetes on Saturday, April 14, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Emancipation Park. This highlights the importance of physical activity to maintaining a healthy heart, mind and body. UDOP recommends all healthy, safe physical activities: walks in the park, in the neighbourhood, or at home; yoga, swimming; athletics; and games like tennis, badminton, football, basketball, and cricket as long as your doctor approves. The heart is at the centre of our lives! (See Flyer in this supplement for registration details).
For conference programme details please see UDOP’s fullpage advertisement in this supplement and in The Sunday
Gleaner, April 14.