Make Positive Lifestyle Changes

Healthy eating is key to managing diabetes and preventing heart disease and stroke.

Make healthy food choices. This includes vegetables and fruits, lean meats, plant-based protein sources, and fiber-rich whole grains.

There are mental and emotional benefits of getting good sleep. Sleep promotes healing, immune strength, energy, and can help improve mood. It is important to get between seven to nine hours of sleep per night to decrease your risk of additional health problems, especially if you have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.

Managing stress may help you lower blood pressure, sleep better, and feel more balanced and connected. Find healthy ways to manage stress, like meditating; stretching; taking a bath or journaling; making time for hobbies, music, movies and spending time with your family or friends, and other things you enjoy doing.

Daily exercise, alone or with a friend, can feel great and can help lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. Moving more can lower blood glucose (blood sugar) and blood pressure, boost energy and help with better sleep. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

Check out our recommendations for getting started.

Chemicals in smoking and vaping can damage lungs and blood vessels. This increases risk for heart disease and stroke. Not using tobacco or vaping is an important step toward better health and a longer life.

Keeping at an ideal body weight is tough. If overweight, losing even a few pounds can improve your health and reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. Every step in the right direction counts. Talk to your health care professional about what is best for you!