February: A Month of Love, A Time to Make a Difference

Time to Love Yourself!

By Jasmine Zahabi


Love a healthy lifestyle 

February is widely known as the month of love, a time when people express affection through gifts, romantic gestures, and kind word; however, love isn’t just about celebrating relationships—it’s also about making a meaningful difference in our own lives and the lives of others.

This month, instead of focusing solely on chocolates and roses, let’s expand the definition of love to include self-care, health, and positive impact.

Love starts with self-care—because if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t care for others.

A Silent Epidemic

Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension affect millions globally, often cutting lives short or diminishing their quality.

While genetics play a role, the most significant factors in preventing these conditions lie in our daily habits—what we eat, how we move, and how we care for our bodies.

Yet, a lack of education and awareness leads many to make choices that put them at risk.

This harsh reality became personal when I lost my grandmother, Madame Morkor H. Dowuona, to diabetes.

She was diagnosed at 50 and was advised to avoid sugar but was never educated on the full picture—the dangers of refined carbohydrates, the importance of exercise, and how holistic nutrition could have managed her condition.

Over time, her health deteriorated, leading to blindness and, ultimately, her passing at just 62.

Breaking the Cycle

Her loss was devastating, but it became a turning point.

Years later, when my mother—an avid cook and baker—was diagnosed with diabetes, I refused to let history repeat itself.

I turned to nutrition research and lifestyle medicine, determined to find a way forward.

Through dietary changes, exercise, and a shift in daily habits, my mother not only managed her condition but reversed her diabetes.

Today, at 70, she is thriving—a testament to the power of informed choices and proactive health management.

Love Yourself, Live Well

Preventable diseases are just that—preventable.

Choosing to prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods, daily movement, and self-care isn’t an indulgence; it’s a necessity.

This Month, let’s redefine love, let’s extend that love inward by committing to healthier lifestyles, ensuring that we and our loved ones enjoy long, vibrant lives.

Because true love isn’t just about flowers and chocolates—it’s about giving ourselves the gift of wellness, vitality, and longevity.

How will you make a difference this month?


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