American Diabetes Association: kicking off the new year with healthy resolutions

January 27, 2013 — A new year is upon us and for many that means a renewed commitment to living healthy and a dedication to achieving resolutions. Adopting small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on your health.

“As the new year begins, people often make resolutions related to improving their health and well-being. Resolutions such as losing weight, exercising more or eating better can also help lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” said Lurelean B. Gaines, RN, MSN, president, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association. “To support people with their health resolutions, the American Diabetes Association has many free programs, tools and resources to help them achieve their goals for diabetes prevention and management — and keep their New Year’s resolution intact throughout the year.”

People typically enter January with the best of intentions, but sometimes need help keeping on track with resolutions. Long-term changes are easier to make if you choose one habit that you are ready, willing and able to change. For each change, create a goal that is short, realistic and specific. The American Diabetes Association has the resources to help make a plan for long-term success:

My Health Advisor: Newly re-launched, My Health Advisor helps people learn about the small steps they can take to lower their risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes complications. Users enter basic health information to find out their risk. They receive a personalized action plan showing how modifications, such as losing 5-10 pounds or quitting smoking, can lower their risk and improve their health.

Living With Type 2 Diabetes Program: It’s not easy to be diagnosed with diabetes. But for millions of Americans, learning about their diabetes is the first step toward feeling better and living a longer, healthier life. Living With Type 2 Diabetes is a free, year-long program that provides information and offers opportunities for support for people interested in learning about diabetes and how to live well with their disease. It includes everything from nutrition tips to exercise ideas to learning how diabetes affects your emotions — all in one place. This program is available in English and Spanish, online or by mail.

MyFoodAdvisor: Recipes for Healthy Living®: Tracking what you eat can help in managing diabetes and in turn, preventing the onset of complications. This online resource provides food information to people with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, celiac disease and those looking to lose weight including recipes, cooking tips and a healthy meal plan every month.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Source: American Diabetes Association, diabetes.org