Online Help for a Healthy Life

These days, it seems like everything is available online. You can buy mattresses and cars, get legal advice, learn how to fix toilets by watching videos, and do your banking and grocery shopping over the internet.

Why not turn to the world wide web to lose weight and manage prediabetes, also known as borderline diabetes, too?

Directories

Online directories have lists of resources that may help. Many of which have user reviews to help people like you decide which are the best services to try. They can point you in general as well as specialized directions within your area:

• Professionals
• Clubs
• Classes
• Medical help
• Workout facilities
• Buddies

Forums

Discussion forums give you the opportunity to connect with people all over the world at any time of day. There are forums on all kinds of topics, giving you the chance to talk to pretty much anyone about pretty much anything. You might join larger discussions, or break off into smaller groups or find a weight loss or virtual workout buddy to keep tabs on you.

Classes

Technology makes it possible to learn almost anything from the comfort of your own home or anywhere else you please.

There are all kinds of podcasts, seminars, and classes you can attend over the internet.

Private instructors and healthcare providers from your own health plan may be available to teach about weight loss, nutrition, tobacco cessation, and work-life balance strategies...for starters.

Personal Training

Who has time to go to the gym? Who can afford a personal trainer? Online personal training and other workout programs make it possible to have customized programs for a fraction of the cost of traditional personal training, and in the comfort of your living room. You can opt for larger companies who might emphasize certain equipment, such as a stationary bike, for workouts, or work with individual trainers who design programs based on the equipment you may have on hand.

Internet Savvy

As wonderful as the internet can be as a provider of resources, it can be dangerous if you are unlucky. It is best to be aware of some of the risks of using online sites and to take precautions.

• Minimize the amount of personal information, such as name, address, and phone number, you provide.
• Remember that people online can be anonymous or lying about their identities. They can try to insult or bully you while hiding behind their anonymity. Do not let them drag you down.
• Only meet online friends in person if you have some proof that they are who they claim to be online, and try to go with one or more in-person friends to protect you.
• Be open-minded, but stick to what you know. People may have some ideas that are not the healthiest for you to try.

Lark Support

Lark DPP's Facebook group is an example of a social media site that supports your well-being. It is welcoming and supportive, with no tolerance for bullying or put-downs. Instead, it is an encouraging community comprising people who are trying their best to lose weight and get healthy to lower blood sugar after learning they have prediabetes.