South Heartland District Health Department

Smart Moves: What’s Your Why?

November 07, 2025

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What are a few of the things you would really like to be able to do (or continue to do) in the next 5 years, 10 years, or 25 years?

We asked a few people and we heard: Run a 5K (or maybe a half marathon)! Play with my grandkids. Visit my friends in another state. Take daily walks with my dog. Add to my family. Travel to a beach. Continue to farm.

What’s YOUR “why”? Are any of YOUR things worth a little work on your part now, “up front”, to make sure you get there?

If so, consider this: Making some Smart Moves now, to add or reinforce healthy habits, can be a great way to put you on track for your future you!

Once you’ve thought about some of your “whys” for making a change, we can help you identify some actions to take. You can start small, making some smart moves toward a healthier you.

Where should I start, you might ask. One place to start is to figure out your risk factors – those things that get in the way of you being your healthiest. We can help with this! You can also ask a health care provider for recommendations.

You might complete a risk questionnaire, or have a screening lab test, or talk with a health coach or health care professional about your individual risks and where you have opportunities to make change.

Being physically active, eating healthy, and shedding some pounds are the basis of many health improvement programs that aim to reduce risk for chronic diseases, like cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Even losing a modest amount of weight, 5-7% of your body weight, is a positive step. Having a goal of exercising regularly, ideally at least 150 minutes per week, will move you toward your goal. Paying more attention to the types and amounts of foods you eat is another smart move.

That’s all well and good, but making these kinds of changes is a big challenge for most of us. So, now here’s some good news: there is support to help you be successful at making these lifestyle changes!

South Heartland’s ‘Smart Moves’ Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a proven (evidence-based) lifestyle change program recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for people who are at risk for getting diabetes. It also supports changes that can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and many cancers.

Smart Moves is a 16-week group program with a trained lifestyle coach followed by on-going support for a total of one year. South Heartland coaches also offer an on-line version of the class.

Smart Moves participants are supported to eat healthier, to increase their physical activity, and to overcome obstacles that may get in the way of making lifestyle changes. The Smart Moves program emphasizes that even small changes can have a big impact on a person’s health.

How can you learn more about the Smart Moves program? How can you know if it is right for you? More good news! Contact South Heartland District Health Department to find out more or to register for the Smart Moves program.

In November, National Diabetes Awareness Month, we are encouraging you to consider your “why” and to start making some smart moves to reduce your risk of diabetes and other chronic illnesses, or stay on track managing your chronic disease, if you have any.

For a free diabetes risk factor assessment, or to learn more about prediabetes, or to find out more about the Smart Moves National Diabetes Prevention Program, you may contact the health department or visit our website at: www.southheartlandhealth.ne.gov and click on SMART HUB for Diabetes Prevention on the home page. For healthy tips and local activities, follow the Hastings Diabetes on Track coalition on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adamscountydpc/.

Want to get involved? The SMART HUB for Diabetes Prevention is a product of the Hastings Diabetes on Track Coalition. The coalition is made up of local organizations, government officials, professionals, and community members whose expertise and passion are focused on helping lower the rate of uncontrolled diabetes cases and to reduce the rate of diabetes progression among those with prediabetes. Join us! We are working to create a community that helps people at risk for diabetes or those with prediabetes to stay on track to make healthful lifestyle choices and prevent diabetes.

Michele Bever, PhD, MPH, is the executive director for South Heartland District Health Department, serving Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster Counties in Nebraska. She may be reached at 402-462-6211 or toll free at 877-238-7595.

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