Yolanda King (1955-2007)
Yolanda King, National Spokesperson for the Power To End Stroke Movement, and daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King, Jr., died on May 15, 2007, at the age of 51. The entire Choose To Move Community extend our deepest heartfelt sympathy and sincere prayers to the King family.
Me and Diane
May is Stroke Month and as a part of the American Stroke Association’s campaign, Power To End Stroke, the first Sunday in May is designated as Power Sunday.
You never know who you will meet on an airplane…
I met Diane in November of last year on a return trip from visiting my Uncle James and Aunt Zeffie in Detroit, Michigan. We were assigned adjacent seats and ended up talking throughout the entire trip.
In conversation I learned that Diane was a nurse whose specialty was working with stroke patients and that upon her return home would be assuming her new role as the Stroke Coordinator for the hospital's Stroke Center, working with research and patient outcomes, and I also learned that Diane and a friend of hers created a health promotion initiative called Rx For Fitness, in memory of their late husbands. I didn’t waist any time to ask Diane would she be willing to speak to my church during Stroke Month and she assured me that she would be more than happy to speak to the congregation.
True to her word from November of 2006, today on Power Sunday, May 6, 2007, Diane spoke to our congregation about stroke awareness- warning signs, symptoms, preventive measures, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Me and Shannon.
Shannon is Iowa's State Health Alliance Director for the Heartland Affiliate of the American Heart Association. I gave Shannon the 43 Power To End Stroke pledge cards that members at my church completed. Persons who make the pledge to End Stroke and complete a pledge card will receive a Healthy Soulfood cookbook.
Learn how to reduce your risks for stroke to live a longer, stronger life and encourage your family and friends to join the Power To End Stroke movement and make healthy lifestyle choices to protect their health.
Resources:
The American Stroke Association wants you to learn the warning signs of stroke:
** Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
** Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
** Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
** Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
** Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
~Vernita
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
May 07 | Kathleen said …
Vernita, you are looking very slim in that picture, way to go. And I'm sure you are healthier on the inside also. Great job for celebrating stroke month. I am checking teacher's b/p's in my clinic. They are always under stress. This is also Teacher Appreciation Week so its my gift to them.
May 07 | Vernita said …
Hello Kathleen,
Thanks for the compliment, I do feel better - both inside and out. I really like the changes in my skin - it's looking ageless-like (smile).
I know that your staff feels truly blessed to have a caring and approachable medical professional onsite who is willing to go the extra mile.
~ Vernita
May 08 | anna marie said …
Hi Vernita - you (and your shining personality) make the world a better place! GOOD LUCK on finals - but I know you don't really need luck because you've got the brains that it takes to do well! And being part of C2M proves that you've got the self-discipline, too!
May 08 | lisa said …
I was saying the same thing when I saw your picture! Wow! You look great! I do see your weight loss! My mother-in-law suffered a stroke and is now going through the recovery process. Thanks for the info.
May 08 | Vernita said …
Thanks, Anna Marie, the World's Best Librarian!!!
You always know when, what, and how to say the kindest things during the most appropriate times - thanks for looking out. Oh, keep me in your prayers while I drudge thru Finals.
You are so perceptive. C2M has helped me immensely with discipline in areas of my life other than fitness and eating habits, too. I find myself making short term goals in everything I do and repeating to myself, "You can do this."
Again, thanks for your support - at school, throughout C2M, and with the Cedar Rapids Community-Wide Health & Wellness Fair.
~Vernita
May 08 | Vernita said …
Hello Lisa,
I will keep your mother-in-law, you, and your family in my prayers. The recovery process takes times and I will pray that she is given patience and determination to continue her journey.
The rise in Strokes in American is steadily increasing and along with this increase more research is being focused in this area. I am glad you find the resources to be helpful.
Now, I'd better get back to studying and I know you have a few more stairs to climb (smile).
~Vernita
May 08 | Trina said …
I'm following your progress and you look great! Thank you for helping to bring awareness about strokes. I lost my grandmother a few years ago to a stroke. Your progress and determination is an inspiration!
-Trina
May 08 | Vernita said …
Hello Trina,
Just like we, from a distance, model certain traits that we find pleasant or appealing in others, we shall never know the number of lives we are touching with the C2M program. And you will never know the number of people who will read your comment and relate with your loss. After reading your comment I, myself, started thinking about my childhood neighbor, Mr. John J., who had a stroke late last year and died soon thereafter. His life was a MODEL for the Natchitoches, Louisiana, community and beyond.
Somehow our life, lessons learned, and testimonies provide healing and inspiration to those who are experiencing similar circumstances. Thank you for sharing.
~Vernita
May 09 | k-k-k-katie said …
Vernita:
I know many of us wish we could turn ourselves inside out so that others could see how beautiful we really are. You've shown us that when we are committed, that ebullient desire shows through both the inside and the outside.
We are invested in having you succeed because you are one of us; when you succeed, then we believe we have a chance to succeed as well.
You don't just honor yourself, but you honor us as well.
May 09 | Vernita said …
With misty eyes I say Thank You for those flowers, Chef K-k-k-k-katie,
I say "flowers" because I am reminded of James Cleveland's song, "Give Me My Flowers While I Yet Live," one verse in the song goes...
SPEAK KIND WORDS TO ME WHILE I CAN HEAR THEM
SO THAT I, I, I CAN HEAR THE BEAUTY THAT THEY BRING.
Your words ring loud and clear and are heartfelt.
~Vernita
May 10 | Vernita said …
NOTE:
ON THE SAME DAY FOLLOWING MY REPLY TO K-k-k-k-katie, I WENT INTO MY OFFICE AND MUCH TO MY SURPRISE THERE WERE SOME FRESHLY PICKED LILIES OF THE FIELD ON MY DESK. ANNA MARIE, THE WORLD'S BEST LIBRARIAN, PICKED THEM FROM HER GARDEN AND GAVE THEM TO ME AS A GIFT...JUST BECAUSE.
LIFE IS GOOD!
~Vernita
May 12 | Melanie said …
Ditto to Kathleens's comment - girl, you look GOOD! Wow :D
May 12 | Vernita said …
Thanks, Melanie...you're so tweet!
~Vernita
May 12 | k-k-k-katie said …
Vernita: It's almost Mother's Day and while not every woman is a biological mother, it's important to thank those women who have "nurtured" us like mothers throughout our lives -- friends, co-workers (like your librarian), and sometimes even strangers, who may just be angels in disguise.
Look at all the "motherlies" you've received from people you don't even know, but who are supporting and nurturing you on your journey.
Keep up the good work!
Happy Mother's Day to all those who provide "mothering" without having the labor pains!
May 12 | Vernita said …
Hello Chef K-k-k-k-katie,
This week has been BUSY!!! How have you been? How is Curves going? My cousin told me that she recently joined near her home.
You are SO CORRECT! There are many women and men who provide a "just like a Mother" nurturing touch through their spirit, and you are one of them.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOTHERLY!!!!
~Vernita
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