May: Stroke Awareness Month

Living Beyond the Risk: Protecting Your Brain Health With Diabetes

Stroke prevention starts long before an emergency happens. For women living with diabetes, protecting brain and heart health requires daily awareness, consistent care, and understanding how everyday habits affect the body over time.

This month, PYT is focusing on the lifestyle, emotional, and health factors that can quietly increase stroke risk and the small changes that may help protect your future.

How Diabetes Can Quietly Affect The Body Over Time

Many complications develop gradually and without immediate symptoms. Over time, unmanaged blood sugar may affect circulation, increase inflammation, place stress on the heart, and impact cognitive health. This is why consistent monitoring, healthy routines, and preventative care matter—even when you “feel fine.”

MONTHLY AFFIRMATION

“I am prioritizing my health, protecting my peace, and taking steps toward a stronger future.”

THIS MONTH’S SMALL CHANGES THAT MATTER

Try focusing on:

adding more water daily
reducing highly processed foods
checking blood pressure consistently
moving your body for at least 20–30 minutes
creating a healthier sleep routine
managing stress intentionally
keeping follow-up appointments

3 Heart-Healthy Snacks This Month

1. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter

A balanced snack that combines fiber and healthy fats to help support steady energy levels and heart health. Choose natural peanut butter with little to no added sugar.

PYT Tip:
Pair with cinnamon for extra flavor without added sugar.

2. Greek Yogurt with Berries

Greek yogurt provides protein while berries contain antioxidants that may support heart and brain health. Opt for unsweetened or low-sugar yogurt options when possible.

PYT Tip:
Add chia seeds or walnuts for additional fiber and healthy fats.

3. Cucumbers, Hummus & Mixed Nuts

This combination offers healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients that can support circulation and overall wellness while helping you stay fuller longer.

PYT Tip:
Watch portion sizes with nuts and choose lightly salted or unsalted options when available

THINGS MANY WOMEN DON’T REALIZE CAN AFFECT RISK

Stress & Burnout

Chronic stress may impact blood pressure, hormones, sleep, and blood sugar stability.

Poor Sleep

Lack of rest can affect insulin sensitivity, heart health, and mental clarity.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water—especially in warmer weather—can place additional strain on the body and circulation.

Skipping Meals

Inconsistent eating patterns may contribute to unstable glucose levels and fatigue.

Ignoring Symptoms

Frequent headaches, numbness, dizziness, or unusual fatigue should never be continuously brushed aside.

PROTECTING YOUR PEACE IS HEALTHCARE TOO
Emotional health matters. Constant stress, fear, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion can affect the body physically over time. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is not selfish—it’s part of protecting your overall health.

This Month's EmpowHER

Prevention is powerful. The choices you make today may help protect your future tomorrow. Your health journey is not about perfection, it’s about awareness, consistency, and giving yourself the care you deserve.

Simple Ways to Reduce Stress This Month

Make Time for Prayer, Reflection, or Quiet Moments

Even a few minutes of stillness each day can help calm the mind and reset emotionally.

2. Reach Out for Support

You do not have to navigate your journey alone. Community, encouragement, and honest conversations matter.

3. Speak Kindly Over Yourself

The way you speak to yourself matters. Healing and growth require patience, grace, and compassion toward your own journey.

PYT Tips for May

“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” — Maya Angelou

Create a “Feel Good” Playlist

Music can instantly shift your mood and energy. Make a playlist filled with songs that encourage, uplift, and motivate you during stressful or overwhelming days.

PYT Tip:
Turn your morning routine or daily walk into a mini mood boost with music you love.

Try a Colorful Snack Challenge

This month, challenge yourself to add more color to your snacks and meals using fruits and vegetables like strawberries, cucumbers, blueberries, carrots, or bell peppers.

Why?
Colorful foods often contain nutrients that support overall wellness and energy.

🌸

Do One Thing Just for YOU

Rest, joy, and self-care matter too. Whether it’s journaling, taking a peaceful drive, reading, shopping, doing your nails, or spending time outside—give yourself permission to enjoy small moments this month.

May: Stroke Awareness Month

MONTHLY AFFIRMATION

THIS MONTH’S SMALL CHANGES THAT MATTER

Try focusing on:

3 Heart-Healthy Snacks This Month

1. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter

2. Greek Yogurt with Berries

3. Cucumbers, Hummus & Mixed Nuts

THINGS MANY WOMEN DON’T REALIZE CAN AFFECT RISK

Stress & Burnout

Poor Sleep

Dehydration

Skipping Meals

Ignoring Symptoms

PROTECTING YOUR PEACE IS HEALTHCARE TOO Emotional health matters. Constant stress, fear, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion can affect the body physically over time. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is not selfish—it’s part of protecting your overall health.