Fresh Start: Programs for Better Health

Lower your blood sugar to manage diabetes

Alaska's health department supports programs to help you manage diabetes.

Looking for a program near you?

• Many of these programs are low-cost. Some are free to you.
• When you choose a program, you're not alone. You're matched with a diabetes specialist for support.
• You create a plan to lower blood sugar to manage diabetes, move more, choose healthy foods and drinks, and take medications as needed.
• Some programs offer tools to track progress, such as blood sugar testing strips.

We're ready when you're ready. 

Lower your blood pressure

Alaska's health department supports programs to help you lower your blood pressure.

Looking for a program near you?

That's available in some communities across the state.

Looking for a program that's an option, no matter where you live in Alaska?

That's available too. We have a partner that's ready to connect you to the program that's the best fit for you. Click here if you're ready to learn more or join.

• Many of these programs are low-cost. Some are free to you.
• When you choose a program, you're not alone. You're matched with a coach for support.
• You create a plan to lower your blood pressure, move more, choose healthy foods and drinks, reduce stress, and take medications as needed.
• Programs share short lessons that you read at your own pace.

We're ready when you're ready. 

Stop smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco

Ready to quit smoking, vaping or chewing? Alaska's Tobacco Quit Line can help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Thousands of Alaskans have signed up over the years to help them quit for good.

• You don't have to quit alone. This service provides free quit coaching over the phone or online.
• You can get free nicotine replacement therapy, like patches, lozenges, and gum.
• You can call the Quit Line as many times as it takes to quit.

Learn more or sign up by:

Calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
Texting READY to 34191

Be active with your children

Join the free and fun Healthy Futures Challenge each school year.

Alaska's Play Every Day campaign works with the nonprofit Healthy Futures program to provide a physical activity challenge for families with elementary-age kids.

Dozens of elementary schools across Alaska sign up to offer the challenge to kids each spring and fall.

Kids are active wherever and however they choose to move. They log that activity and win prizes when they're active at least 60 minutes a day for 15 days each month. Parents can support their children by being active as a family.

Find out if your child's school is signed up for the Healthy Futures Challenge. If so, join your child in being active during the challenge. If not, talk to your principal or teachers about signing up the school for the next challenge.

Healthy Habits

Healthy habits may prevent, delay, or slow dementia and Alzheimer's.

Dementia is a term for losing the ability to remember, think, or make decisions. These losses can interfere with everyday activities and independence. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, but it is not the only one.

Age and genetics can increase risk for dementia. But there are many healthy habits that can reduce your chances of developing dementia. These healthy habits may also delay the onset or slow the progression of dementia.

Healthy habits support a healthy body. It turns out these same habits also improve the health of your brain.

Past posts

2024

• December 17, 2024: New Year's Resolutions start now. Alaska has free and affordable resources to help.

• August 20, 2024: Alaska's Fresh Start campaign expands to address dementia
  • Healthy habits protect brain health as you age.
• March 27, 2024: Want to feel happier? Eat fruits and vegetables.
  • You expected to read "healthier" there, but eating fruits and veggies also improves your mood, mind, and brain.

2023

• December 20, 2023: Over 4,000 Alaskans enroll in Fresh Start programs to improve health in campaign's first year
• December 5, 2023: Pacific Community of Alaska hosts film premiere to support healthy changes
• October 25, 2023: Alaskans have lost more than 10,000 pounds through free Fresh Start weight loss program
• June 20, 2023: Free programs that could save your life: Alaska's Fresh Start programs can help lower your blood pressure
• May 18, 2023: Get a fresh start today: Join Alaska's free online program to lower blood sugar and manage type 2 diabetes
• April 18, 2023: Join thousands of Alaskans who've quit using tobacco through free Fresh Start programs
• March 7, 2023: Maurine is moving at 100. She'll make you want to move too.
• February 22, 2023: Lose weight with help: Hundreds of Alaska adults have signed up to lose weight through free Fresh Start programs
• January 27, 2023: Every semester kicks off a new Healthy Futures Challenge at schools across Alaska
• January 10, 2023: Alaska's free Fresh Start programs help you move more: Adding just 10 minutes of daily activity increases your chances of living longer

2022

• December 20, 2022: Ready for a fresh start in the new year? Alaskans can join free programs for better health — anywhere in the state.

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