New Morning Star Baptist Church

November is National Diabetes Month; the World Diabetes Day 2025 theme is "Diabetes and Well-being” This is a time when communities across the country team up to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on managing diabetes by building your health care team.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 37 million Americans, including adults and youth with one in four do not even realize they are walking around with the disease. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and is linked to some types of cancer. 

But there’s also good news: Taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems.

Tips to get started. 

1. Manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. You can start by managing your diabetes ABCs.

• A is for the A1C test that health care professionals use to measure your average blood glucose levels.
• B is for blood pressure.
• C is for cholesterol.

2. Take small steps toward healthy habits.  Lifestyle habits such as planning healthy meals, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and not smoking may help you manage your diabetes ABCs. 

3. Take your medicines on time.

4. Reach or maintain a healthy weight.

5. Take care of your mental health.

6. Managing diabetes takes a team. Your health care team may include a primary care provider, diabetes specialist, registered dietitian, or certified diabetes educator.

For more information:

https://diabetes.org/adm

https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/national-diabetes-month/

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The November’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is focused on caregivers. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that impacts memory, thinking and language skills, and the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia itself is not a disease, but a term used to describe symptoms such as loss of memory, loss of judgment and other intellectual functions. Alzheimer’s disease can cause dementia. More than 6.2 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Facts:

• Alzheimer’s is deadlier than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
• The disease is most prevalent in women and Black Americans.
• 11 million Americans act as unpaid caregivers for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
• Fewer than 1 in 5 Americans are familiar with mild cognitive impairment, which can be an early stage of Alzheimer's.

A strong support system is essential for an Alzheimer’s caregiver. Alzheimer Foundation Association (AFA) was founded by a family caregiver to be a resource for caregivers and a place they can turn to for help, guidance, and support in their time of need. It is vital for caregivers to be supported and equipped to give their loved ones the best care possible.

For more information: https://alzfdn.org/alzawarenessmonth/| National Toll-Free Helpline: 1-866-232-8484