Presented at the 2024 MDF Regional Conference on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the Westin Seattle in Seattle, WA.

Join this session to gain an overview of occupational therapy and exercise as they relate to myotonic dystrophy. Learn about modifications to help daily life and how exercise is safe and may be effective for individuals with myotonic dystrophy.

Speakers: Nassim, Rad, MD

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Presented at the 2024 MDF Regional Conference on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Dunn Tower at Houston Methodist in Houston, TX.

Learn about nutrition and swallowing difficulties in myotonic dystrophy. The session will cover adaptive eating techniques and dietary recommendations that cater to the unique swallowing challenges faced by individuals with DM. Gain practical guidance on enhancing nutritional intake and managing dysphagia, improving overall health and daily functioning.

Speakers: Anna Miller, MS, RD, LD, Senior Clinical Dietitian & Carolyn Martinez, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech Pathologist, Houston Methodist

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Presented at the MDF 2024 Regional Conference in Iowa City, IA, on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Iowa Memorial Union building at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA.

This session provides an overview of occupational therapy and how you can utilize this form of healthcare and the services it provides.

Speakers: Mikayla Miller, MOT, OTR/L, CBIS

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Presented at the MDF 2024 Regional Conference in Iowa City, IA, on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Iowa Memorial Union building at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA.

This session provides information on social security administration programs, benefits, and services available to the DM community in the US.

Speakers: Lori Crosser LISW ACM, Brittni Engrav LISW

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Presented at the MDF 2024 Regional Conference in Iowa City, IA, on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Iowa Memorial Union building at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA.

This session is for those new to the DM1 community and those seeking a refresher. It includes an overview of DM1 genetics, symptoms, self-management, and working with your clinical care team to ensure the best quality of life.

Speaker: Andrea Swenson, MD Medical Director, University of Iowa Myotonic Dystrophy Clinic

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Presented at the MDF 2024 Regional Conference in Gainesville, FL, on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Harrell Medical Education Building at the University of Florida.

This session explores the relationship between myotonic dystrophy and sleep and breathing issues, covering prevalence, impact, and emerging research. Gain practical insights and best practices for managing sleep and breathing issues in both DM1 and DM2, empowering better care and self-management.

Speaker: Megan M. Lowery, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, University of Florida

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Presented on September 8th, 2023.

Diana Varela, Public Affairs Specialist
Social Security Administration

Joyce Lee, Medical Relations Officer
Department on Disability Services

Gain a better understanding of the role of the Social Security Administration (SSA) programs, benefits, and services available to the DM community in the US. Leaders from the SSA will join this panel to help demystify the application, denial, and appeal process.

Click here to learn more about the 2023 MDF Annual Conference.

Presented on September 8th, 2023.

Johanna Hamel, MD
University of Rochester Medical Center

This session is ideal for those new to the DM1 community and those seeking a refresher. Learn from a leading expert about the causes and genetics underlying DM1, how and when in life it can affect different symptoms of the body, tips for self-management of symptoms, and how to best work with your clinical care team to ensure the best quality of life.

Click here to learn more about the 2023 MDF Annual Conference.

Originally presented on September 10th. 2021 as a part of the DM2 Track at the 2021 Virtual MDF Annual Conference.

Learn about genetic factors causing DM2, the different body systems affected, the most common symptoms, and how best to manage and provide care for the disease from a leading expert. Appropriate for newly diagnosed and those living with DM2 for many years.

Speakers include:

• Johanna Hamel, MD
• Lindsey Baker, PT
• Araya Puwanant, MD

Originally presented on September 10th, 2021 as a part of the DM1 Track at the 2021 Vitual MDF Annual Conference.

Learn about genetic factors causing DM1, the different body systems affected, the most common symptoms, and how best to manage and provide care for the disease from a leading expert. Appropriate for newly diagnosed and those living with DM1 for many years.

Presented by Jacinda Sampson, MD, PhD.