As the year comes to a close, millions of Americans, are thinking about resolutions for the New Year—eating healthier, getting in shape, and taking better care of themselves. But if they don’t take the right approach by February many will experience resolution dissolution. Most people fail at diet and lifestyle resolutions because they set unrealistic goals and lack support as they strive to improve their health.
As a Certified Diabetes Educator, I know first-hand that living with diabetes is challenging. Every day you must make choices that will affect your diabetes and your life: monitor your blood glucose (BG), take your medication, inject your insulin, read food labels, find time to exercise, put down the donut, check your weight, check your feet and hide the salt shaker. And you have to make those choices again tomorrow and the next day and the next. Moreover, most of the time the choices you make to improve your health go unnoticed.
In fact, according to a recent survey from LifeScan, Inc., the makers of the OneTouch Verio Flex® blood glucose monitoring system, over half of patients with diabetes agreed they often felt alone in their diabetes management. And, if a family member, friend or healthcare provider recognized their everyday effort in managing their diabetes, it would motivate them to continue their efforts to live a healthier lifestyle. Recognition is a simple thing. It could come in the form of a “good job!” or a hug, maybe even a high five. That high five can make all the difference – even if it’s for something seemingly small and insignificant.