Small Nutrition Changes Can Help Hoosiers Fight Chronic Illness

Health experts say simple kitchen habits like reducing sodium and adding whole grains can lead to big health improvements.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:20pm

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Chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes continue to impact thousands of Hoosiers, but health experts say small changes in the kitchen can lead to big improvements. Nutrition plays a key role in prevention, and there's encouraging news that more families are cooking meals at home and paying closer attention to what's on their plate. Cutting back on sodium, incorporating whole grains, and choosing quality proteins are all steps in the right direction.

Why it matters

Chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes are major health issues for many Hoosiers, but nutrition can make a big difference in prevention. Encouraging more home cooking and healthier eating habits can have a meaningful impact on long-term health outcomes in the state.

The details

Extension Educator Abigail Creigh says that simple habits like reducing sodium, balancing plates with whole grains and quality proteins, and adding more fruits and vegetables can make a big difference. She encourages Hoosiers to take advantage of local, seasonal ingredients that are both affordable and enjoyable.

  • The article was published on April 1, 2026.

The players

Abigail Creigh

An Extension Educator who provides nutrition advice and encouragement for Hoosiers to adopt healthier eating habits.

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What they’re saying

“Chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes really affect many Hoosiers. But of course, nutrition can make a big difference. Encouraging that we're cooking more meals at home, that we're reducing that sodium in our diet. Balancing our plate with those whole grains and quality protein and of course, plenty of fruits and vegetables. So we like to encourage just those simple habits.”

— Abigail Creigh, Extension Educator

“One simple step, especially here in Indiana, is definitely to take advantage of what is in season. So whether that's apples in the fall, sweet corn in the summer, and even frozen Indiana grown vegetables that you get to enjoy during the winter months. Just adding those extra fruits and vegetables to your plate is a really good place to start.”

— Abigail Creigh, Extension Educator

The takeaway

By adopting small, practical nutrition changes like reducing sodium, incorporating whole grains, and adding more local, seasonal fruits and vegetables, Hoosiers can take meaningful steps to prevent chronic diseases and improve their long-term health.