By CARLA MORRICAL-FREDERKING

Special to The Hays Daily News

Health care reform and preventive care are big topics in the news today. If you are struggling with caregiving issues for an older family member or working with the elderly, the Full Circle conference is for you.

Sponsored by Kansas State University Research and Extension-northwest area and Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging, this conference provides educational sessions aimed at all ages of family members who want to learn more about elder care.

Dr. Tana Goering, KSN-TV personality, will be the keynote speaker at the Full Circle Aging Conference, 9:30 to 4 p.m. Nov. 6 at Sternberg Museum of Natural History.

Goering's talk, "Taking Charge of your Health ... and Healthcare" will provide timely advice for participants on how to be proactive with their doctors and be informed partners in health care decisions.

The conference also features many breakout sessions such as elder law, vitamin D, nursing homes, when a loved one passes, keeping up with the grandkids (technology), mind aerobics, drug interaction, affordable things to do in Kansas, eye health issues, new service opportunities and self defense for seniors.

Registrations are due Oct. 26. For a registration brochure, please contact your local County Extension office or Libby Curry, northwest area Extension office, P.O. Box 786, Colby, KS 67701-0786, or (785) 462-6281. An online brochure is available at www.northwest.ksu.edu and click on Full Circle Brochure.

Carla Morrical-Frederking is the Ellis County Research and Extension agent for family and consumer science.