University Advancement

Public Relations and Strategic Communications

NEWS RELEASE

Genetic Health to be Discussed at Conference Hosted by CSUN

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Oct. 11, 2006) -- In an effort to provide community members with valuable information regarding the relationship between genetics and health, Cal State Northridge’s Marilyn Magaram Center for Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics will host "Genetics and Your Health: What is the Connection?" on Friday, Oct. 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event, presented in association with Kaiser Permanente, will be held at Brandview Collection banquet hall, located at 109 East Harvard Street, Glendale.

The conference’s goal is to familiarize health care professionals and students with the dual role genetics plays in risk and treatment of varying medical conditions. Areas of discussion will include cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, the role of genetics in nutrition therapy and the ethics of genetic testing.

Featured topics and presenters include:

• "Obesity, Hispanics and Genetics" -- Zaida Cordero-MacIntyre, assistant professor, Department of Nutrition, Loma Linda University
• "Genetics 101: background and basics" -- Neil Lamb, director of education, Department of Human Genetics, Emory University
• "Some Moral and Legal Issues in Genetics" -- Oscar Marti, director of Center for Ethics and Values, Cal State Northridge
• "Cardiovascular Disease and Genetics" -- Dr. George Tiller, certified genetic counselor, Kaiser Permanente
• "Genetic Susceptibility to Cancer" -- Julianne Wojciak, certified genetic counselor, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA
• "Nutrition Therapy in the Genetics Revolution" -- Steven Yannicelli, director of science and education, Nutricia North America

Continuing medical education and professional education units will be available for physicians, nurses, registered dieticians and registered diet technicians.

Registration is $80 and $30 for students. The fee includes breakfast and lunch.

For a registration form or more information, contact the Magaram Center at (818) 677-3102 or visit its Web site at www.hhd.csun.edu/magaram.

The Marilyn Magaram Center at Cal State Northridge is dedicated to providing current and complete nutrition and lifestyle information to enhance the knowledge and health of the community. Since its dedication in 1991, the center has been committed to conducting research and providing educational programs, literature and professional services to students, faculty, professionals and the community.