Happy New Year!
For many, if not all of us, we are grateful to see the end of 2020. It was an unprecedented year with the emergence and spread of the novel coronavirus sparking the declaration of a global pandemic. Practically all nonessential services ground to a halt which has and continues to have major fall-out on multiple levels.
Job losses or pay reduction, disruption of studies and business operations and curtailment of mass gatherings for worship and celebrations such as birthdays and special occasions have become commonplace. Yet the greatest threat of all has been to our health, not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual. How do we navigate 2021 with a “new normal” approach to everyday activities?
One of the most traditional activities in January is to think of resolutions. These resolutions reflect our experiences, negative and positive, of the year(s) which have passed and setting our minds on what we want to achieve over the coming months. However, if we are truly honest with ourselves, the best of resolutions do not make it past the first month as we get caught up in life’s activities, both personal and professional that push our intentions to the back burner.
I therefore offer you an alternative – transformation, not resolutions. Let me share a quote which is attributed to B.K.S. Iyengar to reflect on. “Change leads to disappointment if it is not sustained. Transformation is sustained change, and it is achieved through practice.”
Ergo, the challenge is not related to the resolution but the willingness and commitment to stay the course. For persons living with diabetes, hypertension or both, let’s explore how you can sustain these changes in your daily lives.
Prioritising Health. When was the last time you visited your doctor to get a full physical check-up? If it has been more than six months, then this is a wonderful opportunity to do so. Even though you may be feeling well or think that you are managing everything okay, stress, including that brought on by COVID-19, may be taking a toll on your body and manifesting in ways that you do not recognise or feel. Get your blood sugar and blood pressure checked as well as your weight. The values will indicate if you are doing well or if you need to make lifestyle changes to reverse negative trends. These tests can be performed at the office of The Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados, so feel free to contact us to get yours done. If your doctor requests additional test to check for kidney function, these can be done at multiple health care facilities.
Also, check for upcoming scheduled eye examinations as well as hygienist and dental appointments to maintain oral hygiene. Ladies, contact your gynaecologist’s office and men, get your prostate checked. If you are over the age of 50, getting a colonoscopy done is important, given the rising numbers of Barbadians being diagnosed with colon cancer – it’s better to know early so that it can be treated promptly.
Lastly, but just as important, ensure that you have insurance to cover the major expenses you may incur – not just health but vehicle and home insurance coverage will mitigate the burden of having to start from scratch if circumstances occur that can potentially cause a strain on your finances.
Make a plan for these activities not only for this year but coming years.
Allocate funds for these in your budget and commit to sticking to this plan.
Lifestyle. I do not mean for you to go on a diet. A diet is formally defined as the food that you eat. Examine not only what you eat but also the factors that influence what you eat. Everyone needs to consume a balanced diet which contains foods form the major food groups and inclusive of vitamins and minerals which the body needs to function normally. If you have been advised by a health care professional to restrict certain foods because of specific disease conditions, please continue to follow this advice.
If you require specialist advice regarding your diet, please contact a dietitian who has received specific training in the discipline of dietetics.
The key is that you do not need to deprive yourself – the goal is portion control. Embracing self-discipline with food choices accounts for 80% of the impact it will have on your weight and blood sugar and blood pressure control.
Refer to our resource on the portion sizes to guide you in filling your plate for meals.
Being physically active does not mean preparing for the Olympics. It means that you move your body in activities such as walking, running, swimming or gardening for at least 30 minutes five days a week in addition to normal activities. This will help your heart to function better and positively affect the way your body works.
Support. The saying “No man is an island” is certainly applicable in the context of non-communicable diseases.
You may need to talk to someone about how you feel and receive help and encouragement as you navigate your journey with a non-communicable disease. And sometimes, we need guidance to get us back on the right track, particularly when difficult circumstances push off off-balance.
This is an area where the association can provide support, even financial, for you and your family. We have multiple programmes to assist you and we encourage you to reach out to us so that we can help.
Network of partners and volunteers. The Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados brings together a phenomenal network of partners and volunteers all committed to improving the lives of persons living with diabetes and hypertension and those at risk through support, education, advocacy and screening. If as part of your planning for 2021 you have considered becoming an agent for positive change, reach out to us as we are certainly on the lookout for eager, passionate, committed individuals to contribute to the cause in all areas.
Not only are we encouraging you to embrace transformation – the association is also undergoing a transformation. So follow us on our digital platforms, contact us and become members for exclusive offers on helpful tips and resources to living a transformative life with sustained change. Let us go forth and #seastheday246!
The Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados “Jessamine Cot”, Cnr. Jessamine Avenue, Beckles Road, St. Michael BB14025 Telephone: (246) 427-9338 OR (246) 437-2285 Email: [email protected] Website: www.diabetes.bb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ dhabarbados Instagram: dhabarbados Podcasts of previous radio broadcasts of “For The Health Of It” available @ http://vob929.
com/forthehealthofit/
