Three leading physicians from Westchester County will discuss new ways to prevent or manage diabetes, heart problems, cancer and other conditions at the annual spring health forum on May 20 at the Lake Isle Country Club, 660 White Plains Road, Eastchester.

The theme of this year’s program is “Take Charge of Your Health:  Focus on Prevention and Cost Savings.”

The forum, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is free and is presented each year by the Health and Wellness Coalition of the county’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS).  

It is part of County Executive Andy Spano’s “Be Fit” initiative, an anti-obesity campaign to promote healthy eating and exercise.

The speakers will include Dr. David Blum, chief of the division of endocrinology of the Diabetes Center at the Sound Shore Medical Center in New Rochelle; Dr. Michael M. Silver, a cardiologist and internist with the Westchester Medical Group and Dr. Julie Toback from the Scarsdale Medical Group, an internist who specializes in gastroenterology and hepatology. 

Attendees will also learn about preventive services they are eligible to receive through Medicare to save health-care dollars.

Registered dietitian Ann Darcy, coordinator of DSPS’ Nutrition, Health and Wellness Unit, will introduce the speakers.

The program will also include a demonstration of Zumba  - an aerobic exercise done to music with a Latin beat. Local health and wellness organizations will provide brochures and other take-home educational information.

DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said seniors should not miss the annual spring forum, which is a special opportunity for seniors to learn how to stay as healthy as possible. 

“I encourage everyone to attend this valuable program,” Carpenter said. “Seniors can do so much to care for themselves and have a good quality of life through healthy diet and exercise.  It’s an important message for seniors to hear and follow.”

Sponsors are Pinnacle Healthcare Coalition for Diabetes Prevention, Classic Residence by Hyatt, Jewish Home Lifecare/Sarah Neuman Center, the Westchester Medical Group, Family Services of Yonkers, the Alzheimer’s Association and ElderServe – The Hebrew Home at Home.

Registration is required by May 12. To RSVP, contact Kathy Santoro at (914) 813-6416 or send her an email at kjs1@westchestergov.com. A continental breakfast will be served.