Session 15

Get Support; Maximize your Chances of Success

The likelihood of achieving your lifestyle goals is much greater if you have support from others.

Optimizing support from those around you

Your family, friends, and coworkers care about you and want you to be well. But they might not know how to support your efforts. It’s up to you to tell them what you need.

Al’s Story

AI

AI is at risk for type 2 diabetes. He’s made healthy changes in his eating and fitness habits. But he doesn’t always get the support he needs from his family, friends, and coworkers.

At home, his kids complain about missing their favorite foods, like pizza and ice cream. His wife resents the time AI spends working out, instead of being with the family. His mom keeps telling him he’s just fine the way he is. And some of his coworkers often put out candy.

Can you relate?

Here are some ways Al can get support from those who care about him:
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Share facts about type 2 diabetes and how to prevent it.

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Tell them why he is trying to lead a healthy lifestyle.

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Give them regular updates on his progress.

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Ask them nicely to support your efforts.

He can also work with his family to establish healthier habits.
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Engage in physical activities with him

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Plan and shop for healthy meals with him

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Cook and eat healthy food with him

How it went for Al 

Al decides to ask his family, friends, and coworkers to support his healthy lifestyle.

His wife now understands how important it is for Al to work out as a tool to stay healthy. In fact, the two of them now go out dancing sometimes. The whole family is now riding bikes on the weekends and his kids have stopped complaining about the changes in family meals.

Al’s mom now praises him for trying to become healthier. She’s even thinking about making some changes herself. And his coworkers have stopped putting out candy.

Al has also joined an online health community. He and the other members share tips and cheer each other on. Right now, they’re competing to see who can take the most steps each week.

Get Support through Groups, Classes, and Clubs

Here are some groups, classes, and clubs that could support your healthy lifestyle and ways to find them.
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Join Weight Watchers in your community or other online weight loss groups

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Informal or Formal Exercise group

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Online health community and support group

Ways to Find Them  

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Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations.

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Check with your local library, recreation center, community center, or senior center.

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Look for postings at your gym.

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Look in your community newspaper.

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Search online (for health forums like MyFitnessPal, Weight Watchers etc)

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Start your own with friends, coworkers.

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Join a YMCA or Silver Sneakers in your community.

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Contact the American Diabetes Association: 800-DIABETES (800-342-2383).   www.diabetes.org

Get Support from Professionals

You can get useful advice from your physician and medical assistant, lifestyle coach, counselors and/or physical trainers.

Create A Positive Action Plan

In the next week I will:
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Think of 2-3 individuals who can have an impact on my lifestyle efforts (home, work, friends).

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Identify the situations or ways they can help me. Come up with a plan to ask for their support.

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Think of groups in my community or online that I might join to further support my healthy lifestyle.

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Keep track of my weight, calories, and physical activity

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