November Wellness: American Diabetes Month
Diabetes Diet Testimonial
My husband was recently diagnosed with diabetes so, as any good partner, I emptied our cupboards of the box macaroni and cheese, sugar heavy cereals, and anything else that had sugar, least he be tempted to eat unhealthy meals.
I then headed to the grocery store and stocked up on all fresh fruits and vegetables, and low sugar snacks. Only after fully stocking up our pantry did a realize that most of the fresh fruit was high in simple sugars and could still cause his blood sugar levels to be unstable. I learned it was not only about what he is eating but how much and when, everything in moderation with consistent timing on meals and blood sugar testing.
We both had a lot to learn about the new diabetes diet!
Managing diabetes is a lifelong lesson in learning the effects of food, carbs, and activity on your blood sugar levels. If you or a loved one is recently new to be diagnosed with diabetes we hope you will remember useful tools such as Wellframe app available through your online Excellus BCBS app which offers digital health management that assist in answering questions, managing appointments, and discussing medication management. Diabetes not only affects adults but children as well.
The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children can be overwhelming, especially in the beginning. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes in children, but it can be managed with learning how to give injections, count carbohydrates, and monitor blood sugar. See below for links to additional resources.
Maintain Don’t Gain Challenge
This holiday season consider giving yourself the gift of eating smart and staying active. The average American gains 1-2 pounds during the holiday season. This eight-week program is designed to encourage healthy choices for proper diet and physical activity during the holiday season.
Join us starting November 4th and ending January 1st, where you will be provided with weekly resources to help you on your holiday quest to maintain and not gain!
Register by emailing hcwellness@tompkins-co.org. All participants will be entered to win a NYS Empire Pass, $100 Wegman’s gift card, or $100 gift card to a spa of your choice. Registration Due by November 11th.
2024 Wellness Survey
We are looking for feedback on the Consortium’s Wellness Program. Please complete the following survey and be entered to win a $100 Target gift card!
Additional Information
National Diabetes Prevention Program- The CDC offers a free online program to help people lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 58 percent (71 percent for those over age 60).
Visual Diabetes Learning- This provides interactive visualizations that will empower you to learn and educate about diabetes.
The Path to Understanding Diabetes Starts Here- This is the way to start learning how you can live a healthier life—with the tools, health tips, and food ideas you need.
Type 1 Diabetes in Children- Learn about diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment options for a child with type 1 diabetes.
Upcoming Events
2024 Wellness Program Survey- Please complete this quick survey to give us your feedback on our 2024 Wellness Program as we plan for 2025. Let us know what challenges you enjoyed or what topics you would like to learn more about.
November 4th until January 3rd- Maintain Don’t Gain Wellness Challenge- All participants will be entered to win a NYS Empire Pass, $100 Wegman’s gift card, or $100 gift card to a spa of your choice. Registration Due by November 11th. Register by emailing hcwellness@tompkins-co.org and receive weekly emails full of tips and tricks for surviving the holiday season.
November 13th at Noon- Diabetes and Prediabetes Virtual Education Session- learn about the early signs of diabetes, diabetes prevention, and how to care for yourself or a loved one once diagnosed with diabetes. Presented by Jennifer Hatch, RN, CDE, Care Coordinator, Diabetes & Endocrinology from Cayuga Medical Center. To register email hcwellness@tompkins-co.org to be sent the link.
December- MD Live Virtual Class- December 5th at 12pm via Zoom. Need an appointment outside of work hours or on weekends? Join the class to learn how to set up your free MDLive account. To register email hcwellness@tompkins-co.org to be sent the link.
January 2025- 10 Day Plant Based Challenge- More information to come!
Dive deeper into your wellness journey by following our Facebook page, GTC Municipal Health Consortium for more wellness information throughout the year.
