This Summer, Make Health a Family Focus

For many families across the country, warm weather means time spent with family –whether it’s backyard cookouts, picnics at the park, family vacations, or even family get-togethers over Zoom! 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 88 million American adults–or 1 in 3–and means that a person’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough yet for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes affects some communities more than others. For example, 32% of Hispanics and Latinos have prediabetes, and only 1 in 14 are aware that they do. 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:

• Prepare healthier food for barbecues and picnics. It’s not summer without backyard barbecues and cookouts! Serve healthy options such as fruits, vegetables, and low-sugar and low-calorie beverages.
• Get the family moving. Head outside for a game of soccer,basketball, softball,or kickball.Or just go for a good,brisk family walk. Or stay inside and play an active video game or have a dance party.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!To learn more about the National Diabetes Prevention Program, visit the CDC web page at https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/index.html or check out our NCFH Diabetes Resource Hub http://www.ncfh.org/diabetesresourcehub.html for more information.