Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – Elders, age 50 and older, looking for information on heart health, diabetes and medication management will discover workshops to fit their interests at a free conference on Friday, May 21, at Sequoyah High School. The Second Annual Cherokee Nation Elder Conference is open to all seniors. Registration is free and includes lunch. Conference registration starts at 7:30 a.m., with workshops beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. The school is located at 17091 S. Muskogee.

Conference workshops include: Diabetes 101; Crafts and Story Telling; Medication Management; Heart Health; Barrett Spinal Care; Cherokee History; Wills/Restricted Land; and Caring for the Caregiver.

“More than 170 elders participated in last year’s conference,” said Principal Chief Chad Smith. “It was a tremendous achievement for our Elder Services staff. The main goal of the conference is to inform elders in the community of all the services available to them; through the Cherokee Nation and other resources as well. We want them to know who to call when they need assistance.”

Exhibitors will provide free blood sugar and blood pressure tests, as well as have representatives on hand to share information on home health organizations, hospice services and diabetic shoes. Cherokee Nation’s Elder Services, Cancer Programs, Veterans, Family Assistance and Patient Benefit programs will be present to inform elders of their services. Other exhibitors include Area Agency on Aging, Legal Aid, and Native American Botanic with Cherokee Nation Small Farms. A voter registration table will process registration forms for attendees interested in voting in local, state and national elections this fall. Elders can register for door prizes at exhibitor tables. Prizes will be given away at the end of the conference.

Pre-registration is encouraged, to register call Cherokee Nation Elder Services, phone: 800-256-0671.

Related contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org