Building Healthy Habits: Small Changes, Big Impact

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on how small, intentional changes can lead to big improvements in our health. At Jemez Public Health, we believe that creating a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It starts with simple steps that build discipline and become habits over time and these methods can be applied anywhere: at home, with friends, or even at work. 

Our Approach at Jemez Public Health 

To lead by example, our team has implemented fun and engaging challenges during the workday to prioritize self-care. Here’s what we’ve done: 

 Step Challenge: Teams of eight competed to see who could accumulate the most steps over three months. The winning team earned an incentive, but the real reward was improved health and camaraderie. 

Biggest Loser Challenge: Not “loser” in a negative sense, but a friendly competition to see who could lose the most weight. This challenge encouraged accountability and healthy habits. 

Daily Accountability: We support each other by tracking what we eat and drink, making sure we’re mindful of our choices. 

These activities remind us that practicing what we preach is essential. If we want to inspire the community to live healthier lives and prevent diabetes, we must start with ourselves. 

How You Can Apply This Anywhere 

The beauty of these techniques is their flexibility. You can make small changes in any setting: 

Swap Choices: If you drink soda daily, try cutting back or switching to carbonated water. Craving chips? Choose a baked version for a healthier option. 

Move More: Take a short walk during your break, stretch at your desk, or even walk in place while chatting with a colleague. 

Feed Your Mind: If you spend a lot of time driving, listen to podcasts that inspire you—whether it’s sports, cooking, nature, or personal growth. 

 Why It Matters 

Every small change adds up. Over time, these adjustments accumulate into significant improvements for your health and well-being. By spreading awareness about diabetes prevention and promoting healthier habits, we can create a stronger, healthier community. 

This Diabetes Awareness Month, let’s commit to making small changes that lead to big results. Together, we can build a healthier future for Jemez Pueblo and beyond. 

For any questions or concerns, please call Jemez Public Health @ 575-834-7207