Module 15: Get Support Participant Guide

Session Focus

In this session, we will talk about:

How to get support from family, friends, and coworkers; groups, classes, and clubs; and health care and other professionals.

You will also make a new action plan!

Tips:

  • Tell family, friends, and coworkers what you’re doing, and why you’re doing it. And tell them what kinds of support you would find helpful.

  • Check with your local library, recreation center, community center, or senior center. Ask about local or online groups, classes, and clubs that support your healthy lifestyle.

How To Get Support

Janel’s Story

Janel is at risk for type 2 diabetes. She’s made healthy changes in her eating and activity habits. But she doesn’t always get the support she needs from her family, friends, and coworkers.

At home, her kids complain about missing their favorite foods, like pizza and ice cream. Her husband resents the time Janel spends working out instead of being with the family. Her mom keeps telling her she’s just fine the way she is. And some of her coworkers always put out candy.

Janel asks her family, friends, and coworkers to support her healthy lifestyle.

Janel starts with her family at home and explains to them how much she needs their support. She explains the reasons she is making these lifestyle changes, and she is open about her struggles. She is also specific about the kind of support she needs, such as trying new healthy recipes.

Today, her husband helped Janel prepare a healthy new meal. Even though her kids are not very happy about the healthy foods, they are being much more cooperative. And her husband is also much more understanding about Janel spending time away from the family to work out. In fact, the two of them go out dancing sometimes. And the whole family plays soccer or tag after dinner.

Janel also has a conversation with her mom. She sees how hard she has been working and is proud of her for changing her lifestyle. She’s thinking about changing hers too.

Janel also explained to her coworkers how she is changing her eating and activity habits. Many of them were interested in hearing more because they wanted to make changes too. They’ve even stopped putting out candy as often.

For additional support, Janel has also joined an online health community. She and the other members share tips and cheer each other on. Right now, they’re competing to see who can take the most steps each week.

Get Support From Family, Friends, and Coworkers

Your family, friends, and coworkers care about you and want you to be well. But they might not understand what you’re doing or why you’re doing it. Or they might not know how to support your efforts. It’s up to you to tell them.

Ways To Get Family, Friends, and Coworkers To Support Your Healthy Lifestyle:

  • Share facts about type 2 diabetes and how to prevent it.

  • Tell them why you are trying to lead a healthy lifestyle.

  • Ask them nicely to support your efforts.

  • Give them regular updates on your progress.

  • Set family rules.

You could also invite them to:

  • Be active with you

  • Plan and shop for healthy meals with you

  • Cook and eat healthy food with you

Conversation Starters

Starting a conversation may include:

  • “I care about my health and want to live a long life. I am working towards improving my health.”

  • “I am working hard on living a healthy lifestyle and need help with _________.”

Write some of your own conversation starters here: _______________________________

Practice Getting Support

Directions: Work with a partner to role-play asking a family, friend, or coworker to support your healthy lifestyle. Think about what you would say. Then, act it out with your partner. Write some ideas and tips that you found helpful in your conversations.

Helpful Ideas/Tips for Getting Support:

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

Overcoming Challenges

Your family, friends, and coworkers may not always be supportive of your healthy lifestyle.

  • In the left column, write some challenges that you face or might face.

  • In the right column, write ideas on how you can overcome each challenge.

Get Support From Groups, Classes, and Clubs

Here are some groups, classes, and clubs that could support your healthy lifestyle and ways to find them.

Get Support From Professionals

Here are some professionals who could support your healthy lifestyle.

  • Lifestyle coaches can help you adopt and sustain healthy habits.

  • Nutritionists and dietitians can help you with healthy food and eating habits and concerns.

  • Pharmacists can talk with you about the effects of medicine.

  • Your primary care provider is likely the person who told you about being at risk for type 2 diabetes. He or she can help you learn about how to prevent this condition and refer you to other professionals.

  • Psychologists and psychotherapists can help you manage and overcome thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

  • Recreational therapists can help you manage daily life and be involved in your community.

  • Social workers can provide counseling and connect you to support services.

  • Trainers and exercise physiologists can help you learn how to move your body in order to be healthy.

  • A doula is a non-medical person who works specifically with pregnant and postpartum women to provide physical and emotional support. Ask your Malama coach or find a doula at:

Get Support Module

This “Get Support” module contains suggestions for how to find social support for positive changes and a Support Action Plan that you can tailor and print. www.cdc.gov/diabetes/programs/preventt2/quiz.html?week=14