Greetings! My name is Vernita and I am originally from Natchitoches, Louisiana but am currently in Iowa working on a doctorate degree. My health took a plunge last semester – very hard classes and planning a communitywide health & wellness fair set for March 31-so I decided that it was time to get serious. I am honored to be an American Heart Association Choose To Move Real Woman and I sincerely hope that this will be the start of a continuous journey of healthy living for all of us…
We can begin a new chapter in our lives at any point...It is our Option, our Alternative, Our Opportunity to make right that which we feel needs amending.
Today begins a new journey…no…a new trip (this word seems a little less harsh)…yes.
Where are we going?
To a place many of us have been before, then we lose focus and direction and revert back to our old habits…this time will be different
Who is going?
I’m going, the other 6 amazing ladies are going, and I hope that you are up to the challenge, too…let’s all do this thing together
When are we leaving?
Today, right now
Why are we going?
Because we choose to, it is our time…We’re bringing Healthy back
How are we going to get there?
We will meditate, drink lots of water, exercise, eat our fruit -n- veggies, get our rest, and always remember to smile.
What are we going to do when we get there?
Reflect and began making plans for our next destination….
Helpful Sites:
Calorie Counter
Health Power
Women’s Health Information
Neat Sites:
Create a Radio Station to your liking
(I am currently listening to Goapele’s Closer to my Dreams, how symbolic)
Posts
At the end of any journey, it’s always nice to reflect on the experience and enjoy the exhilaration that comes with accomplishment. During the past 12 weeks, seven real women have opened their hearts and minds to women across the country. They’ve revealed struggles, shared empowering messages, offered valuable tips and served as genuine advocates for this program.
During the Choose To Move challenge, these women not only engaged in physical activity, they discovered a community of women who share a common goal – increase physical activity in order to develop a healthier lifestyle. Their success is a direct result of determination, commitment and the support they received from those in the Choose To Move community.
From a mom with three kids to a full-time college student to women in the workplace, our real women take on many important roles. And as women juggling multiple responsibilities, we want to be the best we can be - a common thread among women in America. However, in order to be the best for our families, we must do what’s best for ourselves. Our seven real women did exactly that! Each woman, in her own way, learned how to make time for physical activity and develop better eating habits!
For Ruann, Kara, Lisa, Melanie, Vernita, Kathleen and Zulema, the 12-week challenge has come to an end. However, the ultimate reality is that their life-long journey to maintain a healthy lifestyle has only begun. No matter where you are in this journey, I encourage you to rely on women in the Choose To Move community, as well as those around you. Take advantage of the Choose To Move program and turn this challenge into a way of life.
My total chol. is 184
HDL is 46
LDL is 106
Trig. is 184
I have been on a low fat, low carb diet since Sept (NutriSystem). Should I be concerm about my Trig?
Comment by on February 12, 2008 2:54 PMDr. Mieres,
I'm very much an internet girl. As soon as I found out I had high blood pressure, I found this site. After going through all the 'choose to move' selectees, I chose Vervita, for the reason that she update often and replied to those that posted comments.
Well here we are, 6 months later, most of those chosen have yet to update.
Considering these are all busy and accomplished women, perhaps some slack should be cut. Ok.
The forums are worse. I have had to hunt and peck to find true posts, some of which should be answered by a professional, not a jr. high social studies teacher.
I'm sorry to be so negative. In truth, AHA diet and recipes have made it possible that I may be coming off meds next week. My diet plan has been based on your cookbooks.
When I called in my numbers today, to get a refill, the office called me back and said the doctor said when I want, to stop meds for 4 days and make an appointment for the 5th. If bp is in the 100-120 range, we'll stop the meds. Woo hoo! Diet and exercise may pay off!
Comment by on June 12, 2008 8:17 PMDr. Mieres,
I'm very much an internet girl. As soon as I found out I had high blood pressure, I found this site. After going through all the 'choose to move' selectees, I chose Vervita, for the reason that she update often and replied to those that posted comments.
Well here we are, 6 months later, most of those chosen have yet to update.
Considering these are all busy and accomplished women, perhaps some slack should be cut. Ok.
The forums are worse. I have had to hunt and peck to find true posts, some of which should be answered by a professional, not a jr. high social studies teacher.
I'm sorry to be so negative. In truth, AHA diet and recipes have made it possible that I may be coming off meds next week. My diet plan has been based on your cookbooks.
When I called in my numbers today, to get a refill, the office called me back and said the doctor said when I want, to stop meds for 4 days and make an appointment for the 5th. If bp is in the 100-120 range, we'll stop the meds. Woo hoo! Diet and exercise may pay off!
Comment by on June 12, 2008 8:17 PM
Comments
Mar 07 | A.D. Simmons said …
Hi Vernita,
I tried to post yesterday but couldn't. Well, you know I'm going to "encourage" you through this process. Hopefully I'll see you in the gym tomorrow!
Mar 07 | kara said …
Vernita, I am going on this trip with you! Don't leave without me! -K
Mar 14 | carol said …
Hi, Vernita!
I am from LA also, Baton Rouge. My son went to school in Natchitoches. Hey, I know how to spell it and how to say it!
Just wanted to say that I am proud to have Louisiana represented by you. I'm rooting for you!
Carol
Mar 20 | Katherine said …
The doctoral journey is a killer. Work, school...no time for yourself. Remember, as I'm trying to, "healthy mind, healthy body" I'm with you on this journey, starting today.
Mar 21 | Louise said …
Vernita,
I have just signed up. This is my second time signing up. I am motivated, but I often lack support from my family. I like knowing I can read your comments and go right beside you through this. I have been heavy all my life. But now, after quiting smoking, having 5 beautiful children and working fulltime as an RN, it gets very hard. I have ballooned up to 230 and I'm very discouraged.I think I'm ready to try again. Louise
Mar 21 | Sunshine said …
Hi, there Vernita!
So nice to meet you! I picked your profile because you are the closest to me in age who is also single with no kids... I am looking to get healthier, lose weight, feel better and enjoy life more! \"/ I think it would be great to get support like this, it would really help.
I just want to say I support you and I just know we can do it! :)
Mar 21 | Vernita said …
Louise,
1st - Congratulations for being a "quitter"
2nd - I am looking forward to BEING 230lbs again, you're at a GREAT point to get started. We will motivate each other!
3rd - 5 children? ...and I thought I was busy…
4th - Why is it that health care professionals are the ones who are most guilty of neglecting their own health? I’m not a health care provider, however I hit rock-bottom in December 2006 while in the midst of planning a health & wellness fair. Now isn’t that ironic?
Louise, look in the mirror and say to yourself,
"Louise, it's time to bring Healthy back into your life. Not only for my 5, but for #1, me. I love you, Louise."
Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that "we matter."
~Vernita
Mar 21 | Vernita said …
Sunshine,
Together, we will make this journey "brighter"
As we get weight "lighter"
On the path to a "shinier," healthier future.
~Vernita
Apr 05 | Carolyn Houston said …
Hi Vernetta:
I signed up today and I am ready and willing to follow along with you. I agree with you on surrounding myself with positive people, most important spiritual people. I am 54 years old, weigh 268 pounds. I just lost 10 pounds particually due to being on a fast with my church. I need to lose so much more not only to better my health but also because I have a problem with my left knee where the cartilage is completely gone on the outside (bone to bone). I have to wear a brace at the present time. My doctor says I'm too young for a knee replacement. It is beginning to affect my right hip so I've decided I NEED to have the replacement. In order for my recoup to be successful, I have to lose the extra weight. Also I have a 24 year old son who is 6'4" and weighs over 300 pounds. He is too young to be carrying the excess weight. For both of us, eating better and moving more would help us.
I just joined a program at work called "Eat Well, Live Well Challenge." Between the two, I expect to do well. I look forward to sharing with you and for succeeding in the endeavor. God bless you!!
Apr 05 | Vernita said …
Hello Ms Houston,
The 10lb weight lost can serve as your beginning motivation to continue toward your goal.
I can only imagine that your knee and hip pain are deterrents, but because you look toward the positive I know you will not let them keep you down.
Between the Challengers at work and us Movers, you will have a vast support circle. Encourage your son to move with you. It might not work at first but if he sees that you are sticking with the program he will evidentially come around. Kudos to you!
~Vernita
Apr 12 | Carolyn Houston said …
Good Morning Vernita,
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. They really mean a lot to me. It helps so much to have a support system working with and for you. I now as long as I remain committed and have the burning desire to do this, I will reach my goal. I will encourage my son to move. Once the weather breaks, we will start taking walks in the evening. Eventually we will join a gym, but right now, we will do the basic. Thank you again and have a blessed day!!
Apr 14 | Vernita said …
Ms Houston, how is the "Eat Well, Live Well Challenge" going? All of us Movers are cheering for you. Can't you hear us?
YEA Ms Houston, You can do it!!!
~Vernita
Apr 19 | redis279 said …
Hi, Venita!
I posted on the Stress thread before finding my way here. So now that I'm AM here, I'll say thank you for stepping forward to be a CTM woman!! Truthfully I was glad to find a busy BBW (big beautiful woman) to follow.
I'm 49, wife/mother/grandmother, working full-time,going to college part-time, sing in my church worship band, and am the volunteer youth leader. (Now you know why I started on the stress thread! LOL)
I have lost 18 lbs since New Years day, and broken the 300 lb barrier. Now I'm working on getting under 290. I am trying to boost my burn with getting more active. I'm starting to walk again after being hobbled with arthritis flare up in my right knee.
My motivation? Living to see my granddaughter grow up and being able to keep up with her.
Blessings,
Becca
Apr 19 | Vernita said …
With your schedule, Becca, your granddaughter will have quite a time keeping up with you. You have a very full life and are involved in a lot, it seems, so I know you have had to be VERY creative at times to deal with stress.
Thanks for the accolades. We BBW's come in all sizes, shapes, and shades, don't we?
Whooppppeeeeeeee for the NEGATIVE 18 lbs and WELCOME to the 200's. Your right knee is smiling up at you thanking you for removing some of the work it has to do. I've been in the 200's for 5 years too many and WILL be transitioning to the 100's this summer.
The move we move the more we’ll be knocking those numbers down…Cholesterol Level, Weight, Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, Hip-to-Waist Ratio, etc…
~Vernita
Jul 26 | Mitzi said …
I joined the CTM program last week but haven't started. I thought I'd wait until I got my "little red dress" pin. But I think that's really a cop-out. Another cop-out is I haven't gone to the store yet to buy my special diet food and my church is doing Vacation Bible School this week and I don't have time to fix nutritious meals etc, etc. How I fool and lie to myself. I AM STARTING TODAY! I hope someone will read this and pray for me. I need it!
Jul 28 | Vernita said …
Hello Mitzi,
Through the pages of this blog and many others you can feel the hurt, disappointment, and struggles of many who have battled the health, exercise and weight issue; however, when you keep reading you will eventually come across triumphs, successes, and affirmations from those same individuals.
You will get there….it may not come overnight but with patience and perseverance in addition to planning and prioritizing there’ll be no stopping you.
~Vernita
Jul 30 | Vernita Phillips said …
Hi Vernita,
Since you are my 'soul sistah' I'd love to take this journey with you. I've begun a while ago, but I'm rededicating myself today.
God bless you all,
Vernita, Milwaukee, WI :)
Aug 01 | Vernita said …
Hello "Soul Sistah"!
I am SO happy to be traveling with you, my name sake, on this journey.
Congratulations on your recommitment and keep me posted.
~Vernita
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