"I had never been told how to change my lifestyle to improve my health,” said Melba, who has had diabetes for 20 years. “I am excited about going home and doing what doctors here have suggested.”

Melba attended the Reversing Diabetes, Obesity and Heart Disease seminar that drew 79 individuals from San Diego to Oroville, wanting to improve their health. The weekend, held at the Pacific Palms Conference Resort in Industry Hills, was sponsored by the Southern California Conference with co-sponsors Glendale Adventist, Loma Linda University and White Memorial Medical centers, Simi Valley Hospital and Weimar Institute.

The lifestyle seminar promoted a whole-plant-food diet balanced with walking and other exercise.

A 93-year-old woman in excellent health persuaded a friend to drive them 800 miles to attend, and both pronounced themselves well satisfied with what they learned.

“I am desperate,” one woman said, tears in her eyes. “I have tried everything, and nothing is working for me.” After talking with seminar leaders and presenters and attending the presentations, the same lady gratefully acknowledged, “I’m feeling much better. I’m going to do some weight training and other things the doctors have suggested,” she said, smiling.

To conclude, James Lee Jr., SCC vice president, presented a challenge by sharing his personal decision to pursue the program outlined at the seminar and encouraging fellow participants to do the same. “Just try following the lifestyle program you’ve learned about here,” he said, noting that he had already seen some improvement in his own health that weekend. “All we have to lose is weight, high blood pressure, elevated sugar levels — just try it.”

For further details and a blog, visit www.reversediabetesnaturally.com.