Diabetes talk slated for senior-care professionals

[admin]

Diabetes will be the topic of discussion when geriatrician Dr. Sabita Malla speaks to elder-care and senior services-focused professionals on Tuesday, May 18 from 9-11 a.m. at Summerhill Villa Senior Living in Santa Clarita.

Presented by the Santa Clarita Valley M.A.P.S. (Marketing and Admissions Professionals for Seniors) and the Tri-Valleys Aging Network, the event is open to members of the two groups, which encompasses a wide spectrum of businesses working together to provide quality care and assistance to seniors, their families and caregivers. The event will include breakfast, a question-answer period, and business networking.

"Members of the Santa Clarita Valley M.A.P.S. and the Tri-Valleys Aging Network, as well as non-members who are interested in learning about our groups, are welcome to join us and hear Dr. Malla's interesting presentation," said SuzAnn Nelsen, a Tri-Valleys member and Senior Center Supportive Services Director. "With diabetes now being a national epidemic, and a disease that seriously affects the quality of life for so many seniors, this will be a valuable lecture for everyone."

A Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital staff member, Dr. Malla specializes in caring for the elderly population. Her discussion will offer an update on the most recent diabetes information that will help professionals in serving the senior population.

A chronic disease resulting from abnormally high glucose levels in the blood, diabetes carries potentially life-threatening consequences and strikes all age groups. Complications can include vision loss, kidney impairment, heart disease and stroke, chronic infections, limb amputations, and more. Astute medical management and patient compliance are vital components of living with diabetes and decreasing one's chances for complications.

Cost: $10 if pre-registered; $15 at door if not pre-registered. Please make checks payable to "Tri-Valleys Aging Network." For further information contact SuzAnn Nelson, SCV Senior Center Supportive Services Director, at (661) 255-1588. Please bring a canned food item (appropriate for a diabetic diet) to donate to a needy senior at the Senior Center. As this is also a networking event, attendees are encouraged to bring business cards, brochures and flyers. Summerhill Villa is located at 24431 Lyons Ave. in Santa Clarita. Parking is available through the gates north of Summerhill Villa (back parking lot).