The Elderly, Diabetes, and Thanksgiving: Finding Balance and Joy
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious food — but for older adults living with diabetes, it can also bring health challenges. Traditional holiday dishes are often high in carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, which can make blood glucose management more difficult. Planning ahead can help keep the celebration enjoyable and safe. Seniors are encouraged to practice portion control, prioritize lean proteins, vegetables, and limit sugary desserts and sweetened drinks. Simple swaps like roasted vegetables instead of candied yams or fresh fruit instead of pie can make a big difference. Staying active after meals — even a short walk — helps manage blood sugar and promotes overall well-being. Family members can support their loved ones by creating inclusive, balanced menus and encouraging healthy traditions that focus on connection rather than overindulgence. Thanksgiving can be both joyful and health-conscious when approached with mindfulness, gratitude, and care.
The start of the holiday season can bring both joy and stress. While celebrations and family gatherings can lift spirits, they may also trigger loneliness, anxiety, or financial pressure. Changes in routine, high expectations, and reminders of loss can affect emotional well-being. Practicing self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and maintaining balance between social time and rest can help. Focusing on gratitude and connection rather than perfection supports mental health through the season.
Practicing gratitude helps shift focus from what’s lacking to what’s meaningful and positive. It encourages a sense of contentment, strengthens relationships, and reduces negative emotions like envy or resentment. Regular gratitude practice can lower stress, improve sleep, and boost overall happiness. By intentionally acknowledging small daily blessings, individuals build resilience and a more optimistic mindset, supporting emotional well-being and long-term mental health.
Meet Our Social Worker Intern
Colby Dawkins
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern
Colby Dawkins is a native of Arcadia, Florida, where he was born and raised. She graduated from DeSoto County High School and then attended South Florida Community College where she earned her Associates of Science degree. During this time, she worked as a correctional officer at the state prison (DeSoto Correctional Institution). She then attended Florida Gulf Coast University, where she completed her Bachelor of Social Work degree. During her time at FGCU, Colby worked as a social worker intern. She identified that every person, is the most important part of the social work profession. “After completing her BSW, Colby took a short-lived break from academics and worked as the Truancy Officer for the DeSoto County School District. She enjoyed this profession very much because she was able to make a difference in the youth of 2004. Colby returned to academics and persevered through a master’s program, where she recently received her Master’s of Social Work from Grand Canyon University. Although Colby has been driven by her success in life, she is driven the most by the love of family. She is the mother of one awesome child and proudly identifies as a Behavioral Health Intern with Twin Rivers Pathways. Colby loves community outreach and support therapy to the Behavior Health Department at DeSoto Memorial Hospital. She loves her job and works to support her team in any way that she can. Among all, Colby is God-fearing and gives credit to Him for all that she has done and continues to do in her life.
Congratulations to TRP team members Tanya and Colby on their recent accomplishments! Tanya (pictured left) has officially earned her Licensed Mental Health Counselor credential, marking a major achievement in her professional journey. Colby (pictured right) has also reached an exciting milestone, becoming a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to growth continue to inspire colleagues and patients alike. Congratulations to both on these well-deserved successes!
Did You Know?
- November is National Family Caregivers Month
- November is National Diabetes Month
- November is Native American Heritage Month
- November 11th is Veterans’ Day
- November 4th & 18th @1pm CoDA Meetings @DMH
- November 20th is Transgender Day of Remembrance
- November 25th “1:30-3:30 Quit Tobacco @DMH
- November 27th is Thanksgiving Day
Fun Facts About Thanksgiving:
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“Jingle Bells” originated as a Thanksgiving song: Written in 1857 by James Pierpont, the song was originally titled “One Horse Open Sleigh” and was intended to be a celebration of Thanksgiving
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Thanksgiving didn’t become a national holiday until 1863: It was President Abraham Lincoln who declared it a national holiday during the Civil War, influenced by years of advocacy from author Sarah Joseph Hale.
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Turkey wasn’t on the menu at the first Thanksgiving: Venison, duck, goose, oysters, lobster, eel, and fish were likely served, alongside pumpkins and cranberries (but not pumpkin pie or cranberry sauce).