November is National Diabetes Month, an ideal time to reset, refresh, and reenergize your health habits and recommit to caring for yourself and your family. Wellness is more than just nutrition; it’s a balance of mind, body, and lifestyle choices that support your overall well-being. This includes staying active, managing stress, getting enough rest, and adopting daily habits that promote lasting health.

In observance of National Diabetes Month, let’s focus on prevention, awareness, and early detection.

Many chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, can be prevented or managed more effectively through early action. Keys to prevention include regular screenings, knowing your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels), and paying attention to changes in health.

Take the First Step

Take the first step today to protect your health and your future. Prevention begins with awareness, understanding risk factors, making informed choices, and staying consistent with healthy habits.

A well-rounded wellness plan can help prevent chronic diseases, so take charge of your health, make better choices, and encourage your loved ones to do the same.

Health Tips

Try the following five simple tips to boost your health and keep the momentum going.

Move More

Physical activity benefits both your body and mind. It boosts mood, sharpens focus, and helps reduce depression and anxiety. Regular movement also supports weight control, improves sleep, strengthens bones and muscles, and reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, combining aerobic exercise with muscle-strengthening activities.

Why not start by taking some extra steps today? Plan to take a walk after meals. You can walk around the neighborhood, through a park, or take a stroll inside a shopping mall. Other movement options include stretching at your desk, dancing to your favorite song, or joining a fitness class. Consult your healthcare provider to create a wellness plan that fits your needs and goals.

Eat Smart

When it comes to good nutrition, variety is the key. Eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables provides your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

According to MyPlate.gov guidelines, fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains, and limit sugary drinks at every meal. Plan to add color and creativity to your dishes. Try red or yellow peppers instead of green peppers. Add dark, leafy lettuce to your salads, grill pineapple for dinner, or toss spinach into your morning omelet. A colorful diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports weight management and helps lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.

Rethink Your Drink and Stay Hydrated

Good health starts with hydration. Water is your best choice because it plays vital roles in transporting nutrients, regulating body temperature, removing waste, and supporting healthy digestion and blood pressure. The amount of water needed varies based on age, gender, activity level, and medical conditions. Water is another wonderful way to reenergize the body by staying hydrated. Replacing sugary or alcoholic beverages with water is a small but powerful step toward better health.

Rest and Recharge

Plan to rest and recharge by aiming for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body recover and stay energized. Manage stress through mindfulness, laughter, and connection.

Schedule Screenings

Get regular checkups with your doctor, and know your numbers. Early detection can make all the difference.

Small steps add up. Start today to reset, refresh, and reenergize your health, paving the way to lifelong wellness. Start now—your future self will thank you.

More Information

Visit Alabama Extension’s website at www.aces.edu for more information on healthy living.