Prior Lake, Minnesota - The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community announces the dates for the Wellness Conference, at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. The conference will be held July 21-22, 2008, in the new Mystic Showroom which opened in August 2007. Use of The Showroom will accommodate up to 750 participants.

Registration is free for the conference which is being held to increase awareness of the influence of lifestyle choices on the prevention and management of chronic illness both personally and for individual communities. Tribal members from American Indian communities across the Northern Plains as well as health care professionals are expected to attend.

The focus of the conference will be merging ways of healing, nutrition, exercise, and motivation for change. On the second day of the conference a morning walk will be held at The Meadows at Mystic Lake golf course to honor the important role of exercise in maintaining good health.

The Kidney Early Education Program, K.E.E.P., from the National Kidney Foundation, will be on site during the conference for free kidney disease screenings for conference participants. Blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure readings will also be available.

The SMSC Wellness Conference is designed for Native Americans who wish to lead healthier lives. For more information call SMSC Health Program Coordinator Tania ZumBerge at 952-496- 6125. For a hotel information call 952-445-9000.

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