Mississippi Diabetes Network

Yesterday's screening for the City of Oxford was a huge success! We are so thankful for all of the work that they do to keep Oxford safe and sound. We were able to provide on on-site A1C, blood sugar and blood pressure screenings for members of OPD, OFD, Environmental Services, IT and even THE MAYOR and her team! It was truly an honor and a pleasure. The MDN fall calendar is almost full with screenings and this makes our hearts very happy! If you are in North Mississippi and are interested in having the Mississippi Diabetes Network provide a free screening for your office (25 people or more must sign up) or CITY municipalities, contact us at atharp@mytgh.com or 601-540-2476. #diabetesscreening #healthscreening #cityofOxford

🌟Challenge Time🌟 Welcome to the MS Diabetes Network's Wednesday Challenge! This week we are featuring our MINDFUL EATING CHALLENGE🩵 Did you know studies show that we consume more food if we eat while watching tv or scrolling on our phones? Mindful eating isn't just about what you eat—it's about how you eat. By slowing down and truly savoring each bite, you give your body time to properly digest food, which can lead to better nutrient absorption and improved digestion. Paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues helps you recognize when you're truly satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating. This simple practice not only enhances your digestive health but also helps you build a more balanced and positive relationship with food. #diabetes #msdiabetesnetwork #mindfuleating #wellnesschallenge #insulinresistance #wellness

🩵Meet the Network Mondays🩵 Introducing Dr. Stephen Farrow, MD with the National Diabetes and Research Institute (NDORI) Dr. Stephen Farrow joined NDORI as Executive Director in 2020. He is the treasurer for the Diabetes Coalition of Mississippi’s Board of Directors and physician Co-Chair for the Mississippi State Health Improvement Plan’s Obesity Subcommittee. Dr. Farrow joined NDORI after a 3-decade career in academia with the Wayne State University, University of Michigan, and University of South Alabama Schools of Medicine. His funded, peer-reviewed domestic and international research addressed cardiovascular and metabolic genetics and physiology in elite athletes and in hypertensive and diabetic patients. Dr. Farrow served as Medical Service and acting Staff Chief for the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System. He completed medical, internal medicine, and endocrinology education at Detroit’s Wayne State University. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with an executive master’s degree in international business administration. Today, Dr. Farrow is Clinical Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology with Wayne State University and a student mentor with the COM. #MSDiabetesNetwork #NDORI #diabetes #mississippi #Insulin #metabolichealth #obesity

☀️Weekend Wellness☀️ As we ease into the weekend, it's a good time to get outside and enjoy our local markets. Visit a farmers' market this weekend and pick up some fresh, local, in-season veggies and fruits that are perfect for managing blood sugar. Produce in-season for Aug/Sept. Mississippians include okra, bell peppers, yellow and zucchini squash and green beans. Also, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a friend, family member, or the MS Diabetes Network via messenger or our website. Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming and lonely. You're not alone on this journey! Let’s make this weekend about nourishing our bodies and minds. Take it easy and take care! #DiabetesInMississippi #HealthyHabits #WeekendWellness #DiabetesSupport #shoplocal #localproduce #seasonalvegetables #managingbloodsugar

💪TONED TUESDAY Did you know that the MS Diabetes Network website has a plethora of workout programs for any fitness level? Visit www.msdiabetesnetwork.com under our services tab to check out Flex Fitness on Demand. It's only $9.99/mo! You can also access free downloadable PDF's with 20 minute workouts for all by clicking the "Exercise" tab under Patient Services. Regular exercise plays a crucial role in managing diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. Here’s how: 1. Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Exercise makes the body more sensitive to insulin, allowing cells to use available insulin more effectively. This reduces blood sugar levels, helping to manage or even prevent Type 2 diabetes. 2. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels: Physical activity helps muscles absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream, which lowers blood sugar levels both during and after exercise. 3. Aids Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for managing diabetes. Exercise burns calories, which can help with weight loss or prevent weight gain, improving overall diabetes management. 4. Reduces Cardiovascular Risks: People with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease. Regular exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces cholesterol levels, thereby lowering cardiovascular risk. 5. Enhances Muscle Strength: Building and maintaining muscle mass through exercise can help improve glucose metabolism, as muscles use glucose for energy, even when at rest. 6. Boosts Mental Health: Regular exercise can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are common in people with diabetes. Lower stress levels can lead to better blood sugar control, as stress hormones can increase blood sugar. 7. Improves Sleep: Better sleep quality, which is often a benefit of regular exercise, can positively affect blood sugar levels and overall diabetes management. 8. Reduces the Need for Medication: In some cases, regular physical activity can help reduce the need for diabetes medication or insulin, as it naturally improves blood sugar control. Incorporating regular physical activity into daily life can be one of the most effective ways to manage diabetes, leading to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. #exercise #type2diabetes #insulinsensitivity #mississippi #diabetes #moveyourbody

🌟Friday Vibes, Mississippi!🌟 As we head into the weekend, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made this week in managing our diabetes. Remember, every healthy choice is a step toward better living! Weekend Challenge: Try to move more! Whether it’s a short walk, dancing to your favorite tunes, or even light stretching, physical activity helps keep blood sugar levels in check and boosts your mood. What’s your favorite way to stay active? Share with us in the comments! Wishing you a healthy and happy weekend ahead! #MississippiDiabetesNetwork #MoveMore #DiabetesJourney #HealthyWeekend

Here's your Tuesday reminder of an amazing and FREE service of the Mississippi Diabetes Network. We offer Community & Worksite Health Screenings where we can check blood pressure, blood sugar AND A1C onsite. Our Fall calendar is filling up with screening opportunities at MDOT health & safety fairs and open enrollment, school staff development days, city LEO and fire departments and local large worksites to name a few. We would love to add your organization to our calendar! Discover the power of early detection and proactive health management. Our free screenings aim to empower individuals and communities by identifying diabetes and hypertension early in the disease process, fostering a culture of informed health choices. Beyond detection, provide follow-up services and resources for those identified with these conditions. Because over HALF of adults in Mississippi have some form of diabetes, often undetected until it's advanced, SCREENINGS MATTER. Prevention is key. 40% of adults have pre-diabetes, but 80% are unaware. Identifying pre-diabetes early allows for preventative measures and reduces the risk of complications. Ready to host a health screening event? Visit our website at msdiabetesnetwork.com and fill out the info under "services" --> "worksite & community health screenings" or call 601-540-2476. #diabetesscreenings #healthscreening #diabetes #mississippi #lawenforcement #healthfair #safetyfair #A1C #insulinresistance

WEEKEND WELLNESS🩵 Eating Healthy on the Go: Tips for Diabetics Life can be busy, but managing diabetes doesn’t have to slow you down! Here are some simple strategies to help you make healthy food choices, even when you're on the move: 1. Plan Ahead: Prepare snacks like almonds, lstring cheese, or meat snacks like jerky. Having healthy options on hand helps you avoid unhealthy temptations. 2. Choose Wisely: When eating out, opt for grilled, baked, or steamed dishes, focusing on protein. Look for salads with lean protein (chicken, fish) and ask for dressing on the side. 3. Watch Portions: Restaurant portions can be large, so consider sharing a meal or boxing half of it to go. Controlling portion sizes helps manage blood sugar levels. 4. Smart Drinks: Skip sugary drinks and opt for water, unsweetened tea, or coffee or electrolytes. If you want something more flavorful, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime. 5. Balanced Meals: Aim for a plate that includes at least 5-6 ounces of quality protein, non-starchy vegetables, and a healthy fats. This balance helps keep your energy and blood sugar levels steady. 6. Read Labels: If you’re grabbing snacks from a convenience store, take a moment to read nutrition labels. Look for items low in sugar, saturated fats, and carbs. By making mindful choices, you can stay on track with your diabetes management, no matter where your day takes you. #MississippiDiabetesNetwork #HealthyEating #DiabetesOnTheGo #SmartChoices

🩵Meet the Network Mondays🩵 The Network is beyond thrilled to have Dr. Seger Morris as a faithful board member. Dr. Seger Morris, DO, MBA, CPE, FACOI, FACP Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi Dr. Morris earned his medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine after a non-traditional path to becoming a physician. With a Bachelor of Science in Investment Finance, an MBA in Strategic Management, and experience in business, management, and leadership prior to entering medical school, the business and policy of health care were top of mind throughout his training. During residency training he served as Chief Resident, completed a Health Policy Fellowship and served on many other hospital and medical society committees. After completing residency, he served in several roles at Magnolia Regional Health Center. Dr. Morris now serves as Division Chief for Mississippi Internal Medicine Programs and Program Director of the Baptist Memorial Hospital-North MS Internal Medicine Residency in Oxford, Mississippi. Additionally, he is the Regional Assistant Dean and Director of Health Policy Programs for the COM, and lectures locally, regionally, and nationally. He currently serves as a delegate for the American Osteopathic Association House of Delegates and the Mississippi State Medical Association Annual Session and serves on the Board of Directors of the American Osteopathic Foundation. For his influence and service, he has received several leadership awards and is inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Physicians. He and his wife, Kellie, live in Oxford, Mississippi with their four children. Thank you for being a part of such an important mission in Mississippi, Dr. Morris! We are fortunate to have partners like you! #Monday #diabetescare #diabetes #insulin #bethechange #insulinresistance #boardmembers #MSDiabetesNetwork

Managing Diabetes: Tips for a Healthy Weekend Happy Friday, Mississippi Diabetes Network Community! Weekends are a great time to relax and recharge, but managing diabetes remains important. Here are some tips to help you stay on track: 1. Plan Your Meals: Prepare balanced meals and snacks ahead of time. Include plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. 2. Stay Active: Engage in fun physical activities like walking, biking, or gardening. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. 3. Monitor Your Levels: Keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels, especially if your routine changes over the weekend. 4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and limit sugary drinks. Hydration is key to managing blood sugar levels. 5. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help regulate your blood sugar and overall health. Remember, managing diabetes is a continuous journey. Enjoy your weekend and stay healthy! Best, Mississippi Diabetes Network #diabetes #Mississippi #healthyweekends #diabetesmanagement #insulin