Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) is recognized annually in November and this year, the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) is raising awareness of the importance of daily physical activity and living a healthy lifestyle among American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

On Wednesday, November 13 at 3 pm ET, OMH and the Indian Health Service (IHS) will co-host a Twitter chat that will focus on how to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and sharing resources for communities. Throughout the month, OMH will promote the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and the Move Your Way Campaign from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

Visit OMH’s NAHM webpage for more information, resources and events occurring during Native American Heritage Month.

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National Diabetes Month

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every four adults with diabetes in the United States don’t know they have it. Additionally, adults with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to die from heart disease or stroke. This year’s theme for National Diabetes Month is “Take Diabetes to Heart”. During November, OMH joins federal and non-federal partners to increase awareness about this chronic health condition and share resources for health care providers and communities.

Could you or a family member be among the one in four adults who has diabetes and doesn’t know? Take this quiz from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) to find out.

NIDDK also has the following tips for managing your diabetes that can also help lower your chances of having heart disease or stroke:

Stop smoking or using other tobacco products.
Manage your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Develop or maintain healthy lifestyle habits - be more physically active and learn ways to manage stress.
Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

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Maize Day

The day after Thanksgiving is recognized annually as Maize Day and celebrates the traditional role of corn in Native American cultures.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, corn is low in phosphorus which can help protect your bones and blood vessels. After the holidays, incorporate some corn and other ingredients to help you and your family get back on track to living active and healthy. Try vegetables such as:

Squash
Beans
Mushrooms
Persimmons
Asparagus

For more ways to enjoy corn, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website.

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Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills in older adults and is the most common cause of dementia according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Last month a study found that people with better cardiovascular health at age 50 may be less likely than those with poor cardiovascular health to develop dementia later in life.

NIA’s Go4Life campaign encourages older adults to take part in regular physical activity and has free exercise and physical activity resources to help you:

Improve your ability to do the everyday things you want to do
Manage and improve diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis
Maintain and improve your physical strength and fitness
Improve your balance
Reduce feelings of depression and improve mood and overall well-being

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Knowledge Center

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the Knowledge Center is highlighting publications that focus on the importance of physical activity and exercise to help reduce the occurrence of diabetes and obesity in American Indian/Alaska Native communities. To read these publications search the online library catalog here.