For Immediate Release
Contact: Claire O’Connor/Claire O’Connor Public Relations, Inc.
212-245-5784/oconnorpr@aol.com
HEALTHY HOLIDAY COOKING CLASS
FOR CHILDREN WITH DIABETES
AT THE GERALD J. FRIEDMAN DIABETES INSTITUTE
DECEMBER 2, 2008 AT 4PM
…AND A SUPPORT GROUP FOR THEIR PARENTS
The Gerald J. Friedman Diabetes Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center presents a healthy holiday cooking class for children with diabetes on December 2, 2008 at 4 PM.
The team of professionals at the Institute understands that living with diabetes is difficult, especially for children, and typically requires a restrictive diet. This interactive cooking demonstration will make food fun by involving young patients (aged 3-18) in preparing tasty, sensible snacks and entrées that are appropriate to each child’s health status and meal plan. The children will not only learn about cooking and healthy eating habits, but also meet and interact with other children who have diabetes as well, addressing their inevitable issues of loneliness and feeling “different” from other children.
Dietitians Randi Levine and Jennifer Regester, with Family Nurse Practitioner Artee Srivastava, will demonstrate how to prepare tasty meals and snacks that incorporate insulin regimens. Approximately 15 children with diabetes will participate.
Pediatric Endocrinologist Dr. Gabrielle Grinstein will moderate a support group for the parents or guardians of participating children. The goal of the event is to make patients and their families aware that they are in control of their diabetes – diabetes does not control them!
Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 % of all diagnosed cases of diabetes, and is the leading cause of diabetes in children of all ages. Type 2 diabetes is on the rise, becoming more prevalent in young people as more children and adolescents in the United States become overweight, obese and inactive.
The Gerald J. Friedman Diabetes Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center offers innovative methods to help patients control blood sugar levels and avoid serious health complications from diabetes. The Institute also conducts both basic and clinical diabetes research. Their mission is best summarized by the acronym C.A.R.E.: clinical care of patients; increased public awareness of diabetes; research into causes and mechanisms of diabetes; and education of patients, general public and health professionals about diabetes. The goal of these activities is to provide better management of the disease, prevent complications and achieve optimal health.
For further information, please contact:
Claire O’Connor
Claire O’Connor Public Relations, Inc.
212-245-5784
oconnorpr@aol.com