Connected Health: Dr. Soriano’s Insights on Wellness & Community

Each month, Grouper’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Theresa Soriano, explores the powerful connection between wellness and community, offering insights and tips on how staying socially engaged supports a healthier, happier life.

November 2024

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, marking an important time for us to understand how this disease affects almost 40 million Americans. If diabetes is not managed properly, it can result in heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputation and blindness. Diabetes is preventable, and for most Americans can be managed with a combination of diet changes, weight loss, regular physical activity and, if necessary, medication. Getting screened for diabetes or prediabetes by keeping up with your provider visits, and staying active physically and socially with your friends and family, is the best way to keep healthy.

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, remember that you CAN manage this disease and prevent complications by:

  • Keeping up with your healthcare appointments
  • Watching what you eat
  • Taking any prescribed medications for diabetes
  • Getting regular blood tests and eye exams 

Talk to others who have diabetes to get tips on how they manage their diet, physical activity and medications. Get support from friends and loved ones to keep physically and socially active however you enjoy most. Remember, even 10 minutes a day of physical activity – like walking – can improve your diabetes control!

Here are some options for additional resources on diabetes education, prevention, treatment, and research support:

Could you be at risk for diabetes or prediabetes? Take this quiz from the American Diabetes Association and discuss the results with your provider.

 

October 2024

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and while October is about to come to a close, breast cancer awareness is critical during all 12 months of the year! 

This year’s theme for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month  is “No One Should Have to Face Breast Cancer Alone”. Grouper could not agree more. We want to take this opportunity to celebrate people in our lives who are survivors of breast cancer and remember those who have passed away from this disease, knowing we can do better.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women, and in rare instances, can also affect men. With early detection through regular screening, many breast cancers caught early can be cured.

We can all show support for breast cancer awareness this month and all year long in the following ways. Share what you do and let us know of other ways you are getting active!

  • Support people you know with breast cancer by reaching out and offering to help run an errand or just spend time together to talk and listen. Did you know that walking or other exercise after a cancer diagnosis can help patients with cancer live longer?
  • Encourage women in your life (including yourself!) to go for regular breast cancer screening, or talk to your provider about it and make an appointment if you don’t already have one
  • Talk to your friends and loved ones about joining an awareness event together, like a breast cancer awareness walk, or make time to talk about the importance of screening the next time you get together in a group
  • Learn more about breast cancer and how you can get involved in volunteering or fundraising. Here are some reputable resources:

Let’s agree to stay healthy together so we can enjoy the group activities that keep us connected with friends!