RACELAND, LA - On Wednesday, November 18, 2009, from 7:30am-2pm, Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital will host Diabetes Education Day, a free, community event offering nutritional tips, a cooking demonstration by Chef John Wright, and an hour-long Q&A with registered nurses. Local residents are encouraged to attend this free event at 4608 Hwy 1 in Raceland, to register call (985) 537-8350.
"Since the late 90's, Louisiana has had the highest diabetes death rate in the U.S.," says Mae Hitt, Community Outreach Director Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital. "Education is the single most important way to help residents manage their condition, especially as the holidays approach," she adds.
Local residents can participate in the following educational lectures throughout the event:
• 7:30am: Registration
• 8am: Managing Your Diabetes with Angelique Torres, Nurse Practitioner
• 9am: Diabetic Wound Care with Tim Foret, RN, CWS, Wound Care Specialist
• 10am: Latest Nutritional Updates
• 11am: Living with Diabetes Cooking Demo with Chef John Wright
• 12pm: Free Lunch
• 1pm: Q&A Session with Mae Hitt, RN, CDE and Karen Keiser, RD, LDN
Chef John Wright, who currently works for a diabetes supply company, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 13 years old and has mastered the art of cooking healthy with loads of flavor without the fat and calories. "Diabetes doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor, after all, in Southeast Louisiana, flavor is what it's all about," says Wright. A native New Orleanian, Wright holds a degree in the culinary arts from Delgado College and has worked at some of New Orleans best restaurants including Emeril's, Bella Luna and Smith & Wollenski's.
"Chef Wrights' practical, home-style approach to gourmet cooking with just the right amount of nutritional information and easy instruction thrown in is helping people with diabetes live a fuller life," says Hitt.
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