As the Ho-Chunk Nation continually strives to create a healthier membership through health education, the need to communicate becomes more important. At the "Living Wisely" conference held April 22, 2002 at The House of Wellness in Baraboo, WI, communication played a key role in learning. 

Talking about diabetes, heart attacks and strokes, what causes them and what prevents them, tribal elders shared their experiences, telling each other how the illnesses have affected their lives. The elders explained how the problems have changed their lives and what the experience has taught them. Later health professionals explained the keys to diabetes prevention and how to successfully live with the disease. They warned that diabetics are the most susceptible to heart attacks and strokes, the two leading causes of death among the Native American population.

Stressing the need to have a good diet and exercise program, health professionals provided tips on good eating, proper exercise and the need to be aware of changes in your body. Dr. David Jarvis noted "that while diabetes can be prevented", those suffering from the disease "must want to take care of themselves" if they expect to live a normal life. "Medicines are only part of the solution", he added, "they do not replace a healthy diet and exercise."

Sara Hoffman of St. Clare’s explained that having received grant money from the Center of Disease Control, money targeted toward educating minority populations, St. Clare’s decided to partner with the Ho-Chunk Nation, a neighbor in the community. Members of the Nation’s Health Department, Language Division and TAU began working with St. Clare’s last October, setting up and planning the event.

In addition to stations offering health checks (blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol), information on diet, exercise and other health topics were also available. The day also featured a video and a Panel of Elders discussion. The video, produced by the Language Division, featured Ho-Chunk elders talking Hocak (with English subtitles), telling their health stories. The Language Division also designed some of the flyers and pamphlets available. The Panel of Elders, moderated by Andrew Thundercloud, had Carlos Funmaker, George Stacy,Sr., Bernadine Tallmadge and Earl Blackdeer detailing how they have survived various health problems, a personal glimpse into their lives.

TAU representative Judith Ann Thundercloud stated the day brought back memories when people volunteered and nobody expected money for their time. She stressed that to the elder participants, telling their stories was important, "none of them got paid." President Swallow later presented each volunteer with certificates that recognized their efforts participating in the event.

As noted earlier, invited speakers offered tips on eating well and staying fit. Diana Gray, Diabetes Coordinator for the Lac du Flambeau tribe, stated "there is no bad food, it’s how much or how often you eat it." Aware that being overweight is a contributor to diabetes, she advised those wishing to lose weight to "don’t go on a diet, go on a change of diet regimen." Make the necessary changes in small increments she said. A dietician or nutritionist in the Nation’s Health Department is available to help you plan meals designed with your health in mind.

In addition to Dr. Jarvis explaining the relationship between diabetes, heart attack and stroke, Dr. Thomas Zirkel, a Podiatrist with the Nation, stated that every tribal member, particularly those with diabetes, have a foot check at least once a year. He explained that nerve damage in the feet is often irreversible and that a physician should be contacted immediately if the feet become red, swollen or painful. Good foot care includes, keeping the feet clean, not wearing sandals or thongs, wearing the proper shoes and not going barefoot.

Elders who appeared in or helped produce the video include; George Stacy, Sr., Norma Greengrass, Earl Blackdeer, Carlos Funmaker, Donald Blackdeer and Keith Snake.

Helping plan the Panel of Elders were; Bernadine Tallmadge, Delphine Pyawasay, Vaughn Pettibone, Fred Mallory, George Stacy, Sr., Carlos Funmaker and Andrew Thundercloud.

Though many others contributed to planning the event the following people were most responsible for "putting it all together". From St.Clare: Sara Hoffman, Sue Chianelli, Bonnie Raab. From the HCN Health Department: Linda Severson, Ruth Puent, Janet Greendeer. From HCN Language Division: Nela Stacy, Daryl Lonetree, Marlon WhiteEagle, John Warner. From Tau: Louisa Decorah and Judith Ann Thundercloud.