Understanding Diabetes This session deals with establishing a basic understanding of the disease, and what causes it. We discuss the statistics of how many people have diabetes as well as its common symptoms, and we talk about why Native people have such a high incidence. We talk about what body systems are affected and then we end by asking the question, what can we do about it?)

Managing Diabetes: We begin by stating that the good news is that, you can manage diabetes. We discuss in detail the benefits of exercise, proper diet, ideal weight, quitting smoking, quitting alcohol, and drinking plenty of good pure water. We encourage the viewers to choose to live a healthful lifestyle.

Managing Your Weight: We discuss the problem of obesity and that it may lead to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and other serious health problems. We suggest a simple way to calculate ideal weight. We include simple, practical ways to control weight, such as, eating a good breakfast, and whole foods, cutting back on fats and sugars and following a regular exercise program.

Freedom From Smoking: In session 4 we review the problems associated with smoking, chewing and snuff, which are cancers, emphysema, and more. We outline 12 simple, do-able steps to quitting, and then give a specific itemized schedule for the first 5 days of freedom from smoking. The session emphasizes hope and courage to accomplish this lifestyle change.

Freedom From Alcohol: We begin this session by talking about the cost to our families, our communities and our culture as a result of alcohol abuse. We discuss how a person can tell if they have an alcohol problem and how to get help. We use an acrostic, NEW START, to help the participants remember the value of Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest and Trust in our Creator, in their new lifestyle change.

Keep Your Heart Healthy: In this session we open by stating that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US & Canada and also among our people. In our discussion we include several forms of heart and blood vessel disease, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and heart failure. We mention some of the risk factors and address a myth about heart disease. We outline 5 practical ways to fight heart disease which are, exercise, eat wholesome foods, choose low fat foods, limit calorie dense food, stop smoking and get regular exercise.

Understanding Cancer: In a simple and understandable manner, we discuss what cancer is, and we list 8 risk factors which may lead to cancer. We talk about cancer symptoms, cancer prevention and we promote living a healthful lifestyle by following the NEW START ideas outlined in session 5.

Understanding Suicide: We compassionately talk about this sensitive and serious topic of suicide. We discuss 6 reasons why an individual may have decided to kill take their own life. We then move into talking about simple, yet effective ways of helping someone who is suffering with depression. We list and talk about 15 warning signs that should alert us, when someone is thinking about ending their life. We discuss helping strategies, community wellbeing, and end the session with encouraging everyone with hope.