KPHA Conference—Deadline for hotel block rate-August 24th

If you haven’t made your reservation for your hotel room in Topeka, the block rate deadline is Sunday. The rates will go up, after that date, so be sure to call or reserve your room on-line before then! The registrations are coming in fast and strong, indicating we will really have a great conference. What makes a great conference is the attendees and networking….so, please if you’ve thought about coming to the Conference; don’t put it off, register now! Visit our website www.kpha.us!

Boxed Supper and Fitness Challenge
Jennifer Church, KDHE, and Aundrea Shafer (KPHA Washburn Intern) are putting together a “Steps Challenge” to go along with our Small Steps for Great Change theme. Click here for the flyer. You will need to sign up for the Boxed Supper since we didn’t have it on the on-line registration. Just send an email to aundrea.shafer@washburn.edu

Silent Auction
We are once again having a Silent Auction and invite you to bring a “Basket”! Who should consider donating a basket of unique items?
• Local Health Departments
• Public Health Regions
• Affiliated Organizations
• Vendors

This is a great opportunity to showcase your community, county or organization!

Click here for the flyer.

One great reason to make sure you attend the Conference is to hear Dr. Benjamin, from APHA—he is world known and respected.

Just visit the KPHA website for more information on the Conference!

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE AN OLYMPIC ATHLETE TO STAY ACTIVE

In light of our Conference Theme “Small Steps for Great Change” we are encouraging you to visit HHS site: http://www.smallstep.gov/

Here is an excerpt from their recent newsletter:

“You can be healthy even if you aren't a professional athlete. You just need to balance the food you put in your body with the energy you expend playing sports, going to the gym, or doing the things you like to do to stay active. Yet, with your job, family, and a busy schedule, sometimes it's hard to find the time. Incorporating small changes into your eating and physical activity regiment can make a difference without the need for the dedication and commitment of an athlete training for the Beijing 2008 games.”

In recognition of Small Steps in Public Health starting with US we will be giving away at the conference a one cup measuring cup stating “One Cup Per Day”—that is one cup of fruits and vegetables is all it takes to start your healthy diet!

Very Sad News from President Elect Sonja Armbruster—Dr. Doren Frederickson

We received sad news this morning. Dr. Doren Fredrickson, our friend, colleague and health officer, has passed away.

Doren was a true friend to public health in so many ways and has probably provided guidance or instruction to most students in public health at some point. I know that I work in Public Health because of his direction, guidance and generosity of spirit and we are all just very sad. - Sonja Armbruster, Sedgwick County Health Department, KPHA President Elect

Here is the announcement from Dr. Atkinson, and Dr. Dismukes, from KU:
It is with great sadness that we announce today the loss of one of our beloved faculty members, Doren Fredrickson, MD, PhD. He apparently died from natural causes.

One of our first recruits to the newly formed Department of Preventive Medicine in Wichita in 1993, Dr. Fredrickson was a "triple threat" in academic medicine: an outstanding clinician, a great educator, and a well-trained and respected researcher. His concern for those who were less fortunate was well known, and he was absolutely passionate about eliminating health disparities and correcting social inequalities. We will miss him terribly.

Dr. Fredrickson received his undergraduate degree in Spanish from the University of Kansas and his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He completed his pediatric residency in Kansas City and then attended the University of North Carolina where he obtained a PhD in epidemiology and completed a second residency in Preventive Medicine. He was a tenured professor in Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita and the Health Officer of the Sedgwick County Health Department. Most recently, he served as interim chair of Wichita's Preventive Medicine and Public Health department.

One of Dr. Fredrickson's greatest pleasures was to visit his parents' farm outside of Emporia, helping them harvest their crops and raise their cattle. Please join us in extending our deepest sympathy to his family, loved ones, our colleagues and students.

Barbara Atkinson & Ed Dismuke
Funeral arrangements have been made for Dr. Doren Fredrickson.

The service in Wichita will be held this Sunday, August 24 at 3 pm at Central Christian Church on Rock Road & 29th.