​ This Summer, Make Health a Family Focus

For many across the country, warm weather means time spent with family – whether it’s backyard cookouts, picnics at the park, family reunions, or family vacations. These events are a time for families to reconnect and reflect on traditions. Family functions are also a time to talk about family health.

In the United States, all too often a family’s health history includes prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is a condition that affects 84 million American adults - or 1 in 3 - and means that a person’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Putnam Independent Living Services (PILS) wants to help individuals with prediabetes bring their blood sugar levels back to the normal range.

Prediabetes affects some communities more than others:

32% of Hispanics and Latinos have prediabetes, and only 1 in 14 are aware that they do.
36% of African Americans have prediabetes, and only 1 in 10 are aware that they do.
American Indians and Alaska Natives are twice as likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when compared to the rest of the population.
Asian Americans are 10% more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when compared to the rest of the population. What’s more, they are at risk for diabetes at a lower body mass index – a ratio of height to weight – than other Americans.

The good news is prediabetes can often be reversed with a healthy diet and more physical activity.

When spending time with family this summer, think about ways you can get healthier together. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

• Start a conversation about prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. It’s not always easy to bring up a topic like prediabetes, but it sure is important – 9 out of 10 people with prediabetes don’t even know they have it.
• Encourage your family members to find out if they might have prediabetes by taking a one-minute CDC Risk Test at www.putnamils.org/diabetes-pre...
• Sign up for Prevent Type 2, through PILS, at a location near you; this free lifestyle change program is recognized by the CDC, has a CDC curriculum, and a trained lifestyle coach.
• Prepare healthier food for barbeques and picnics. Serve or bring healthier options such as fruits, vegetables, and low-sugar and low-calorie beverages.
• Check out farmers’ markets and make trips to “pick-your-own” farms and orchards. Kids may be more likely to try new foods they pick themselves. Plus, the whole family can get in more activity.
• Get the family moving. Gather the family for a game of soccer, basketball, softball, or kickball. Or just go for a good, brisk family walk. If your family goes on vacation, incorporate opportunities to walk to, around, or between sites.
• Create a family health buddy program. Accountability works. Encourage family members to pick a “health buddy” who they can talk to when they feel like they’re slipping into unhealthy behaviors or when they want to celebrate a health win. Texting a family member after completing a workout or when a dessert craving hits can be just what they need to stay on track.

Summer is a time to have fun with family, but it’s also a time to help take care of them. Encourage family members at risk for type 2 diabetes to understand their risk and learn that they can prevent or delay it if they take steps to change their lifestyle. Help them get started today!

For more information about Prevent Type 2 visit the PILS website at www.putnamils.org/diabetes-prevention-program/ or call Lonna Kelly at 845.228.7457 ext. 1110 or email lkelly@putnamils.org.