Lawrence Harkless, D.P.M., professor of orthopaedics and chief of the podiatry service at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, is the co-chair of a major educational event for diabetics to take place this month in San Antonio.
The conference, titled “Taking Care of Your Diabetes” (TCOYD), is geared to patients and their families. The public is invited to attend from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center. The fee is $20 per person, or $15 a person if two or more register. “This is a very successful program that has made a difference in 65 cities,” Dr. Harkless said. “November is National Diabetes Month and it coincides with this program.”
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| Ralph DeFronzo, M.D., professor and chief of diabetes at the Health Science Center and deputy director of the Texas Diabetes Institute, will be a featured speaker. | |
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Speakers will include Ralph DeFronzo, M.D., professor and chief of diabetes at the Health Science Center and deputy director of the Texas Diabetes Institute. He will discuss “Preserving the Health of Your Heart and Your Kidneys” at 11:15 a.m. Dr. Harkless will follow with a presentation on “The Latest in Proper Foot Care” at 11:40 a.m. Several other Health Science Center and national and community health providers are scheduled to speak.
The event also features a health fair with at least 35 informational booths.
Program and registration information is available at www.tcoyd.org. The other conference co-director is Jerome Fischer, M.D., of the University of California, San Diego.
TCOYD promotes three main themes:
1. Patients have the responsibility for taking control of their diabetes.
2. Patients are their own best advocates.
3. Patients and families must be smart and persistent.
Financial assistance will be considered for those who cannot afford the regular fee. “We are hoping to pack the Convention Center,” Dr. Harkless said.
