CARIBOU — Dr. Joel Fuhrman, a board certified family physician, New York Times best-selling author and nutritional researcher, who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional and natural methods will return to Caribou for the annual Siruno Stroke Prevention Program.
Fuhrman, who will present the topic, ‘The End of Diabetes’, which is the title of his recent book and New York Times Best Seller of the same name, was in Caribou in 2013 and drew the largest crowd in the history of the four-year program. Bill Flagg, director of community relations and development at Cary Medical Center, said that a number of people have asked if the program could bring Dr. Fuhrman back to the area.
“We had a number of people who were unable to attend our program last year,” said Flagg, who coordinates the annual event. “We had many requests to try and invite Dr. Fuhrman back to Caribou, and we are very pleased he has accepted our invitation. He will address diabetes, which is a very serious risk factor for stroke.”
According to the 2010 Aroostook County Community Health Assessment, Aroostook County had the highest rate of diabetes in Maine — some 11.4 percent compared to the state’s 7.3 percent. The health risk of cardiovascular disease (including stroke) is two-and-a-half times higher in men and women with diabetes compared to people without diabetes.
Dr. Fuhrman’s book, “The End of Diabetes” presents a plan to prevent and even reverse type II diabetes through a nutritional plan including ‘high-density’ foods. According to Fuhrman, “These foods turn our bodies into the miraculous, self-healing machines they can be, which results in significant weight loss, improved health and ultimately, the end of diabetes and other diseases.” The book also presents remarkable patient testimonials.
Dr. Fuhrman is a prolific author with several New York Times best-selling books. His book ‘Eat to Live’ has sold over one million copies and has been published in multiple languages. In addition to his writings, he has also been a guest on hundreds of television shows including “The Dr. Oz Show”, “Good Morning America” and “Live with Kelly”. He also hosts his own hugely successful PBS Television series 3-Steps to Incredible Health.
Dr. Fuhrman’s visit to The County will mark the fifth anniversary of the Siruno Stroke Prevention Program. The program was established at Cary Medical Center by the family of the late Dr. Cesar Siruno, who served as a general surgeon at the hospital for more than 20 years and tragically suffered a major stroke from which he never recovered. Dr. Siruno died on Jan. 1, 2009. The late physician’s family provided a significant financial donation to the hospital to initiate a program to educate the general public, as well as health care professionals on the prevention of strokes.
“This generous gift has made it possible for us to establish this annual program that helps to bring the latest information on how we can reduce our risk for stroke and other cardiovascular disease,” said Flagg. “We are very grateful to the family and we are committed to a wide-ranging community and professional education effort.”
Dr. Fuhrman will present three different times during his upcoming visit to Caribou. He will speak at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s ‘University Distinguished Lecturer Series’ on Thursday evening, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Campus Center. For more information contact the UMPI Community and Media Relations Office at 768-9452.
Dr. Fuhrman will also speak at a medical staff luncheon on Friday, Nov. 7 at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center from 12–1:30 p.m., and will present a community program on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. – noon, also at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center. Copies of his books will be available at all his presentations and he will do a book signing at the University and the community programs.
“It is truly an honor to have Dr. Fuhrman back with us this year,” said Flagg. “We hope to build off the momentum of this program to further promote stroke prevention and honor the legacy of Dr. Siruno, who was an outstanding physician, husband and father.”
To learn more about the presentations by Dr. Fuhrman or the Siruno Stroke Prevention Program contact Flagg at 498-1112.
