November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

Hergert M.S., M.Ed.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Cass County, Family & Community Health

November is recognized as National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to highlight the impact of diabetes and the steps we can take to support healthier living. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, and many more are at risk.

Here in Cass County, 12% of adults are living with a diagnosis of diabetes, compared to 13% in Texas and 10% in the United States. These numbers remind us how important prevention, early detection, and education are in our rural communities. Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body turns food into energy. Normally, when we eat, our bodies break food down into glucose (sugar), which enters the bloodstream. The pancreas then releases insulin, a hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into the body’s cells for energy. In diabetes, this process doesn’t work correctly. Either the body doesn’t make enough insulin, or the body can’t use insulin effectively, causing high blood sugar levels over time. Without proper management, diabetes can contribute to heart disease, vision problems, kidney damage, and nerve issues— but many complications can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle habits.

A common misconception is that people with diabetes must completely avoid all carbohydrates. In reality, carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy and can absolutely be part of a healthy diet. The key is choosing the right types of carbs—such as whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber—and consuming them in balanced, consistent amounts throughout the day. Emphasis should be placed on balanced meals, portion control, and mindful carbohydrate choices. This can help maintain steady blood sugar levels and support long-term health.

During Diabetes Awareness Month, Cass County residents are encouraged to: Know Your Numbers: Routine checks for blood glucose, A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol support early detection and better management.

Build a Balanced Plate: Select whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods. AgriLife Extension’s Dinner Tonight! website and YouTube channel offer diabetes-friendly recipes and cooking demonstrations. https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/ Move More: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.

Understand Your Risks: Family history, age, weight, and activity level all influence the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers research-based programs to help Texans manage or reduce their risk for diabetes. Programs such as Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes and Cooking Well with Diabetes provide practical guidance on meal planning, physical activity, blood sugar control, and reducing risk factors. Whether you are newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to improve your health, our office is here to help.

For more information on local programs or to access Texas A&M AgriLife diabetes resources, contact the Cass County Extension Office or visit cass.agrilife.org.

Jobs in and around Cass County

Dispatcher - receives calls from the public for assistance; communicates to direct appropriate services from first responders; relays instructions or questions to/from remote units. Records and logs calls received, checks and maintains current information on computer.

Blade Operator - Effectively operate various sizes and models of self propelled motor graders to spread and level dirt, gravel, stone, and other road materials to rough and fine grade specifications in construction and maintenance of county roads.

Deed Clerk - Appraisal District - responsible for downloading deed and probate records weekly from the County Clerk’s site and updating database on CAD server with backup; Data collection, data entry and correspond with taxpayers regarding questions they may have regarding their property. This individual performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Appraiser.

Exemption/ARB Clerk - Appraisal District - responsible for applying exemptions and special use appraisals, processing appraisal review board (ARB); daily administrative duties, data entry, filing, answering telephone, assisting property owners. Data collection, data entry and correspond with taxpayers regarding questions they may have regarding exemptions. This individual performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Appraiser.

Administrative Assistant - ATCOG - full-time position located in the Texarkana, Texas, office. The position is responsible for greeting the public; for handling telephone calls; assisting with fax and copy machines as requested; and for providing secretarial, clerical and administrative support services as required.

Executive Assistant II - TxDOT Atlanta - Fleet Operations Division - seeking a highly organized, proactive and detail-oriented individual for an Executive Assistant position reporting to and supporting the Division.

Licensed Vocational Nurse - Community Health-Core-Atlanta: he LVN serves as a clinical member of Crisis Stabilization Unit treatment team. The LVN is responsible for using the nursing process to meet the needs of clients according to the professional standards of nursing care.

Registered Nurse - Community HealthCore-Atlanta: Under the general direction of the Director of Nursing (DON) and the RCSU RN Nurse Manager is responsible for utilizing the nursing process to meet the needs of patients in the Rapid Crisis Stabilization Unit (RCSU) (involuntary extended observation unit and voluntary crisis residential unit) according to the professional standards of nursing care.

District Maintenance Specialist - TxDOT-Atlanta: responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining bridges across Northeast Texas. If you enjoy working outdoors, solving problems, and making a difference in your community, this is your chance to build a career with purpose. TxDOT offers competitive pay, great benefits, and opportunities for advancement.

Atlanta Fire Department - Firefighter/EMT positions: Paramedic Preferred. If applicant is EMT, applicant must obtain paramedic certification within two years from date of hire. If applicant is paramedic only, applicant will be sent to the fire academy.

Cass County Property Fraud Alert Program Cass County Property Fraud Alert Program notifies landowners of actions filed that impact their property title at the County Clerk’s Office. Click the button to sign up. It’s free!

Reach out to my office — Judge Travis Ransom P.O. Box 825 Linden, TX 75563 Phone: 903-756-5181, Ext. 0 Fax: 903-756-5732