2014 Partner's Perspective Program Agenda - Washington, DC

2014 Partner's Perspective Program Agenda - Washington, DC

Friday, April 25 2014

1:30pm-9:00pm - Registration and Attendee Check-In

2:00pm-3:30pm - Optional Education Session
Couples' Session, moderated by Diana Naranjo, PhD, and Rhonda Merwin, PhD - This session is designed for significant others and those with diabetes to come together as a couple. We will explore the common pitfalls and traps around communicating effectively and how best to support your partner with diabetes. We will discuss communication styles or problems surrounding diabetes or its management. Participants will have the opportunity to share difficulties that arise in their partnerships, and will learn skills to navigate these situations effectively. The session will conclude with role plays that allow participants to practice difficult conversations.

4:00pm-5:30pm- Optional Education Session
Connecting with the Diabetes Online Community Through Blogging and Social Media, Speakers Cherise Shockley and Kerri Sparling - You are not alone, and there are thousands of people who are touched by diabetes and sharing their stories online to prove it.  Join Founder of Diabetes Social Media Advocacy (DSMA) Cherise Shockley and creator of SixUntilMe.com's Kerri Sparling for an in-depth discussion about how peer-to-peer connections, advocacy efforts, and friendships are being forged in the diabetes online community.  Come in with questions and leave informed and empowered to engage in this exciting, dynamic support space!

5:30pm-6:30pm - Meet and Mingle
Enjoy light refreshments in the hotel Atrium as you reconnect with old friends and create new friendships.

6:30pm-7:45pm - Getting To Know You
We'll continue to get to know one another and our motivations for attending this weekend to support our partners.

8:00pm-9:00pm - DiabetesSisters' Social Media Meetup featuring DSMA Live
Kick off your Conference experience night with a DiabetesSisters' Social Media Meetup featuring DSMA Live. Join us for a fun hour that mixes in-person networking and social media, bringing together people affected by diabetes to learn from each other and be a voice for the diabetes community. THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Saturday, April 26 2013

9:00am-9:15am - Welcome and Introduction by DiabetesSisters' Founder, Brandy Barnes, MSW

9:30am-10:45am - Education Session 
Diabetes: Highs, Lows and Everything In-Between, Speaker Gary Scheiner, MS, CDE - Being the partner of someone with diabetes is never easy.  One of the greatest challenges is knowing when to get involved and when to leave things be.  This session will focus on those times when high or low blood sugars keep people with diabetes from taking proper care of themselves, and partners play an integral role.

11:00am-12:15pm -
Education Session
Diabetes & Technology, Speaker Kerri Sparling - Want to learn about a meter that automagically zaps your blood sugars over to your smartphone? Interested in the right insulin pump t that fits into specific needs? Wondering how to fit all of these new diabetes technology bits and pieces into your actual life? Join Kerri Sparling, T1D for 27 years and self-proclaimed diabetes robot for a frank, intimate discussion about how far we've come and what's on the horizon for up-and-coming technologies for managing diabetes.  Bring your questions - this session is for diabetes newbies, veterans, and caregivers alike!

12:15pm-1:30pm - Lunch and Socializing

1:30pm-2:45pm - Education Session
Man Up! Your Game Plan for Healthy Living, Ana Fadich, MPH, CHES, Men's Health Network - Partners: it's time to talk about YOU and ensuring you are taking care of yourself! This session will present statistics and an overview of significant men’s health issues and challenges. We will discuss prevention, screening and nutritional information that will enable men to become fully engaged in their own health care

3:00pm-4:15p- Education Session
The Emotional Side of Diabetes and How to Offer Support to Your Partner, Speaker Rhonda Merwin, PhD - This session is designed for partners of those with diabetes. The session will offer participants a forum to discuss thoughts and feelings relevant to diabetes and how best to support partners in their management. We will discuss some of the common worries, concerns, frustrations, and difficulties that arise for partners, as well as scenarios and targets for effective communication. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences in an open group with others who understand the issues that arise when communicating with a partner about diabetes or its management. We will also discuss some of the more powerful thoughts and feelings partners experience most often; and we will explore effective ways to communicate at these times.

6:15pm-9:30pm - Dinner and Keynote Presentation, Women: Be the CEO of Your Life by Claudia Graham, MPH, PhD, (Education Session) and Awards Ceremony, followed by dancing and socializing
Claudia Graham has lived and thrived with diabetes for over 35 years. As Vice President of Global Access for Dexcom, she is responsible for strategic reimbursement health economics government relations and advocacy. She is focused on improving access to CGMs for patients and physicians both domestically and internationally. Please join in celebrating Claudia as she receives the 2014 DiabetesSisters’ Inspiration Award.

*Agenda is subject to change based on speaker schedules, hotel space availability, and other factors that are our of DiabetesSisters' control. Please check this page frequently for Agenda updates.