Summer Tips for Parents Day 2020
What’s more important than ensuring health and happiness for our beloved parents? Parents Day is celebrated in the US and around the world on July 26th. The United States holiday was created in 1994 under President Bill Clinton as a day of appreciation for all the things parents do to keep their children happy and healthy.
As the number of individuals with Type 2 diabetes around the world is rising, it’s important to take time on this day and reflect on how we can help our parents and grandparents maintain overall health and wellness.
As diabetes is a dietary disease in nature, there are a number of lifestyle habits that can make all the difference. Constant dips in energy, food cravings, mood swings, and other symptoms of course not only impact day to day life but also can impact our parents and grandparents ability to be fully attentive during those special moments for the entire family.
It’s important to stay on top of daily health routines to help your loved ones throughout this health journey, allowing them to continue to stay in control. Especially in the summer months, we suggest the following:
#1: Avoid Illness.
The body sees illness as stress, and as we mentioned previously, stress is a direct contributor to higher blood sugar levels. Practicing good hygiene, nutrition, and having healthy sleep habits is crucial to keep the immune system strong.
#2: Drink lots of water.
Did you know that people with diabetes have an increased risk of dehydration? Most don't realize that high blood glucose levels lead to decreased hydration in the body. Especially in the summer months when it’s hot, humid and many are exercising outside, it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration can cause low energy and increase food cravings.
#3: Make smart food choices.
Avoid processed foods and sugars. Instead, focus on increasing vegetables and lean sources of protein that will keep your loved ones satiated throughout the day.
#4: Yoga.
Doing regular exercise is one of the best things anyone can do to manage diabetes. Yoga increases circulation and blood flow while de-stressing the mind and body.
#5 Socialize.
Besides spending quality time with family, encourage your parents and grandparents to seek regular social time with friends. Having regular social engagement increases serotonin and dopamine levels, which also helps de-stress the body and increase the quality of life. Besides that, providing support can make all the difference. Daily life can be challenging but with support, planning, preparation, and lifestyle management, it’s more than possible to thrive as diabetes is managed.
#6: Less screen time.
Take every chance to get outside and get some exercise in! Hours sitting in front of the computer or smartphone not only can increase blue light exposure, but inactivity is known to make the symptoms of type 2 diabetes worse.
Remember, diabetes is a lifelong illness, and continued support from family is crucial to stay on track. From everyone at CuraLife, we wish you a happy and healthy Parents Day 2020!
