Good ways are healthy ways that help us keep balance in our
lives — body, mind, and spirit.
Many people live in cultures where older people teach wise ways for
living in balance. People with diabetes often have stories to share
about their struggles for balance and harmony in their lives. We can
honor people by listening to and learning from their stories to find
meaning and hope for our own lives.
An old, well-loved story, told around the world, is about the turtle
and a rabbit. In this story, the turtle outsmarts the other animal to win the race – simply by not giving up and by
staying on its path. And it has to stick its neck out! It takes
determination like that to face diabetes, day after day, reminding
ourselves that we can do it if we stick to it!
There are about 250 kinds of turtles, and almost all have the same
pattern on their top shell — 13 plates that fit together in harmony and
balance to form a strong shell. The turtle and its shell can remind us
of the harmony and balance we seek in all parts of our lives — including
living with diabetes.
![turtle](images/turtle.gif)
Balance is a key word for health. We strive for balance in all parts
of our lives — as part of the rhythm of life. You can read this story
at
http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/tcyd/index.htm.
Here are some ways to stay healthy and balanced:
We Need Our Zzzzzzzzzz!
During the day, we work hard. Then we let our bodies and minds rest
so we can recharge for the next day. Sleep is a big deal! Find out how
important sleep is at
http://www.bam.gov/sub_yourlife/yourlife_feelingfrazzled.html.
Healthy Foods
Every day we choose foods that help us grow safe and strong — for
today and for the future. Sometimes we choose to have a treat — like
birthday cake or a cookie. Visit these sites
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/kids-pyramid.html and
Energy to learn more.
Safety First!
Every day – every minute – safety counts.
Go to
http://www.ihs.gov/PublicInfo/Publications/Kids/index.cfm for
great tips and stories about safety for kids!
More on safety!
http://www.bam.gov/sub_yoursafety/index.html
You’ll find some good, safe ways to prepare foods at
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/kids/html/wash__hands.htm.
Reach Out for Help When You Need It
If you are struggling with diabetes or other challenges, you are not
alone. There are many people who care about you and who want to help you
stay healthy and happy. Reach out for help. Talk to someone in your
family or where you worship, an older friend, a school counselor, doctor, or diabetes educator. It might help to write down your
feelings in a journal. If you still feel down or sad, ask your parents
to help you find a counselor. You can learn more at
http://www.bam.gov/sub_yourlife/index.html.
More good tips on handling stress are available at
http://www.bam.gov/sub_yourlife/yourlife_conflict.html.
If you live with diabetes, be sure to visit
http://www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/YouthTips_Teen_Dealing.pdf
(
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Lend a Hand
Another good way to be — and to find balance — is to help others.
Some kids help family members or they volunteer in their communities.
Just be sure you talk with your parents before you volunteer! Read more
about “lending a hand” at
http://www.bam.gov/sub_yourlife/yourlife_feelingfrazzled.html.
More About Balance in Nature
Keeping balance in the rhythm of life is part of all life. The change
from day to night and from season to season reminds us of balance.
Farmers plant seeds at a certain time and harvest their crops at
another. Farmers also rotate their crops to balance the soil. One type
of crop is planted and then years later, a different crop is planted in
the same soil. Learn more about farming at
http://www.agclassroom.org/kids/index.htm*.
For many people, the eagle is a respected symbol of power and
balance. In flight, eagles keep their balance, often using the wind, and
even the storms, to rise above obstacles. There are so many fascinating
facts about eagles! They build round nests, often balanced high in a
tree, in the spring they care for their young for the
next two seasons. Learn more about eagles at
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/birds/eagles/index.html.
You might also want to learn about park rangers and what they do to
protect our natural resources and our cultural heritage. You might even
want to become a webranger! Here’s how
http://www.nps.gov/webrangers/become_webranger.html.
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