Back to School: What's the Most Important Lesson You'll Learn This Year?

By Billy Tart Jr.

 As students across Wayne County head back to school, they'll spend the coming months learning new skills and, eventually, receiving report cards that reflect their progress. But learning isn't just for children. No matter our age, there are lessons that can improve our health and our future. 

If your health received a report card today, what grade would it earn? The encouraging news is that healthy living isn't about earning a perfect grade—it's about making progress. Every healthy choice teaches us something, builds confidence, and moves us one step closer to better health. 

Whether you're just beginning your health journey or have been working toward healthier habits for years, it's never too late to learn. Choosing healthier foods, being more physically active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and improve your quality of life. 

This school year, make healthy living one of the most important lessons you'll ever learn. UNC Health Wayne Diabetes HealthCheck offers free diabetes risk screenings, educational seminars, and a year-long Diabetes Prevention Program to help adults learn practical skills for lifelong health. 

To learn more, host a free community screening or seminar, or enroll in an upcoming Diabetes Prevention Program cohort, contact Billy Tart at billy.tartjr@unchealth.unc.edu.