Small steps for a
healthier November.

COPD is a long-term lung condition that can make breathing difficult. An ongoing cough, wheezing or breathlessness deserves a conversation with a healthcare professional; symptoms alone do not tell you whether you have COPD.

Three small steps

• Tell your provider about breathing changes, even if they developed slowly.
• If you already have COPD, ask how to recognize a flare-up and follow your prescribed care plan.
• Ask for help avoiding smoke and other triggers that affect your breathing.

If you are struggling to breathe or cannot speak easily, call 911.

Healthy eating and activity can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. This is not a promise that all diabetes can be prevented. People already living with diabetes also deserve support with their care.

Three small steps

• Ask your healthcare professional whether you need blood sugar testing.
• Choose one realistic food or activity change that fits your health, budget and abilities.
• If you have prediabetes, ask about a diabetes prevention program.

Antibiotics treat certain bacterial infections. They do not treat viruses such as those that cause colds and flu. Unneeded antibiotics can still cause side effects.

Three small steps

• Ask your healthcare professional whether an antibiotic is needed and how to manage symptoms.
• If one is prescribed, take it exactly as directed and ask about possible side effects.
• Do not share antibiotics or save them to use for a different illness.

November’s Movember campaign encourages attention to men’s health. Staying connected and asking for support can be part of caring for yourself and the men in your life.

Three small steps

• Make time to talk with a friend or family member beyond a quick “I’m fine.”
• Bring questions about your physical and emotional health to a healthcare professional.
• Choose an enjoyable way to move and spend time with people who support you.

Injury Prevention Day reminds us that small changes can help reduce risks. Older adults and caregivers can pay particular attention to falls, driving safety and changes that affect independence.

Three small steps

• Look for clutter, loose items or poor lighting along walking routes at home.
• Ask a healthcare professional about changes in balance, vision or medicines that may affect safety.
• Talk together about safe transportation and ways to stay active and connected.

Cooking is a leading cause of home fires. Holiday meals are a useful time to refresh safe kitchen habits. Fire Prevention Week was in October; this is a November seasonal safety feature.

Three small steps

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop. If you leave, turn the burner off.
• Turn pot handles toward the back so they are less likely to be bumped or pulled.
• Watch the heat. If smoke appears or grease begins to boil, turn the burner off.

November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It begins the 16 Days of Activism through December 10. Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States is October; safety and support matter all year.

Abuse can involve physical harm, threats, humiliation, sexual coercion, controlling money, isolating someone or monitoring their phone and location. You do not have to wait for physical violence to ask for support. Abuse is never the survivor’s fault, and help is available to people of all genders.

Three ways to offer support

• Listen without blame. Let the person decide what they feel comfortable sharing.
• Ask what would help them feel safer. Respect their choices rather than pressuring them to leave or confronting the person causing harm.
• Offer to connect them with a trained advocate for personalized safety planning and local resources, when it is safe to do so.

Confidential support

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or visit the website to chat with a live advocate. Support is available 24/7. Message and data rates may apply.

Talk with a trained advocate ↗

Find support in your NC county ↗

The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence lists local providers; the coalition does not provide direct services. Available services vary by agency.

Digital safety: Internet and phone activity may be monitored, and browsing history cannot always be erased completely. If possible, use a safer device that the person causing harm cannot access. In immediate danger, call 911 if you can do so safely.

Office on Women’s Health: Signs of abuse ↗

United Nations: November 25 observance ↗