North Carolina Retirement System (NCRS) offers various retirement webinars each month to help members better understand their retirement benefits, planning, and resources. These webinars are a great way to get information directly from the system and ensure you’re on track for a comfortable retirement.

To stay up-to-date on what’s available, it’s a good idea to regularly check the NCRS website for their schedule of upcoming webinars or sign up for any newsletters or notifications they offer.

Sentara Health Plans EAP
November 2026

Everywhere you look, the holidays are pictured as joyful, picture-perfect gatherings: smiling families around a glowing table, kids who never cry, teens who never roll their eyes, and adults who magically agree on everything. Of course, that’s not real life. Real families are wonderfully messy, complicated, and sometimes… exhausting.

For many of us, the holidays are one of the few times we see certain relatives. Reuniting can remind you how much you care about each other—but it can also stir up old stress, grief, or tension. Add in the pressure to fit a whole year’s worth of memories into just a few days (sometimes across multiple households), and it’s easy for “festive” to turn into “frazzled.”

The good news? With a little planning and perspective, the holidays really can feel more joyful and less draining.

Here are a few ideas to help:

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To READ MORE on Sentara Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources sign into www.SentaraEAP.com with username “currituck”.

North Carolina Health Insurance Pool (NCHIP)
November 2026

November Newsletter (PDF)

Self-Care for Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a term that describes when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. Elevated blood sugars are an important warning sign that your body is struggling to regulate blood sugar properly. Without lifestyle changes, prediabetes often progresses to type 2 diabetes, which can lead to serious complications that affect your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Understanding what prediabetes is, how it is diagnosed, and what steps you can take to reduce your risk is essential for protecting your long-term health.

Diagnosing prediabetes involves specific blood sugar criteria. Your healthcare provider may use one or more of the following tests to determine if you have prediabetes:

• Fasting Blood Glucose Test: A blood sugar level between 100 and 125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/ dL) after fasting for 8-12 hours typically indicates prediabetes.
• Hemoglobin A1c Test: An A1c value between 5.7% and 6.4% suggests prediabetes.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):A blood sugar level between 140 and 199 mg/dL two hours after drinking a standardized sugary solution often indicates prediabetes.

Prediabetes usually does not have any noticeable symptoms. In fact, you may feel perfectly healthy, which is why screening is vital, especially if you have risk factors like being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, or being over age 45. Regular screening can help detect prediabetes early, allowing you to take action before it progresses.

Without lifestyle interventions, about 15 to 30% of individuals with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes within five years. This risk makes early detection and prevention critical. Fortunately, many people can either slow or even reverse prediabetes through effective lifestyle strategies.

Here are key self-care actions you can take to reduce your risk:

• Adopt a Balanced, Nutrient-Rich Diet: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Limit sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods.
• Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
• Achieve and Maintain a Healthy Weight: If your weight is above the goal established with your healthcare provider, losing just 5-7% of your body weight can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: If recommended by your healthcare provider, regular monitoring helps you understand how lifestyle changes affect your glucose.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can impact blood sugar regulation, so include relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises in your daily routine.
• Avoid Tobacco Use: Smoking increases your risk of developing diabetes and related complications, so quitting can reduce your risk.

The good news is that prediabetes is both reversible and manageable with timely lifestyle adjustments. By making mindful choices, you can protect your health and reduce your chances of developing diabetes.

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