Insulin Pumpers Canada

Free public lecture - Dr. Michael Vallis - March 23/04













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We have been asked if the following presentation will be suitable for younger children. Although Dr. Vallis has presentations geared to children and families, this particular one will address some potential psychological downfalls of dealing with diabetes; therefore, we would recommend that it is more suitable for mature teens and adults.

 
















Insulin Pumpers Canada

A non-profit group connecting people with Diabetes to a better quality of life www.insulin-pumpers.ca                  

 Presents a Free Public Lecture

 

The Psychological Paradox of a Pump

Surrendering to Win

 

 

Date:  Tuesday, March 23, 2004

Time:   7:30 p.m. 9:00p.m.

Place:  Thistle Room, Dartmouth Sportsplex

 

This talk will focus on psychological factors of diabetes in general and the use of an insulin pump in specific. Some of the topics will include: the burden of diabetes, issues of control, freedom, and decision-making, the necessity of acceptance of diabetes, and winning by surrender.

 

The Presenters

Dr. Michael Vallis is a registered clinical psychologist employed at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, where he practices health psychology. He currently is Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, and Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychology, Dalhousie University.  His main area of expertise is in adult health psychology, with an emphasis on diabetes, Gastroenterology, cardiovascular risk and obesity.   Dr. Vallis has been part of the diabetes treatment team at the QEII HSC, formerly the Camp Hill Medical Centre, since 1988.  In this capacity he maintains clinical, teaching and research roles. Clinically, he participates in the Education Program for Type 1 diabetes and runs an outpatient clinic two days per week for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. He also is a member of the GI team, when he spends half of his clinical time. Dr. Vallis regularly provides professional workshops and public lectures on the role of psychological factors in diabetes self-management.

 

Kris Devoulyte is in her 4th year of a clinical psychology Ph.D. programme at Dalhousie University. Her doctoral research is supervised by Dr. Vallis, and focuses on psychological barriers to diabetes self-care. She has also conducted research in the areas of psychology of pain, and substance abuse and eating disorders. She has done clinical work in the areas of health psychology, mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders and sleep disorders. After obtaining her doctoral degree, Kris hopes to spend a significant part of her time working as a health psychologist, with an emphasis on diabetes.

 

For more information call Barb Chafe at 223-7867 or barbchafe@ns.sympatico.ca