The Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Team
Saturday was a beautiful day to walk for a great cause - bringing awareness to the community about HIV/AIDS. This event can be described by 5 F’s: Fellowship, Fun, Friends, Food, and yes, Fitness!
More pictures from the 2nd Annual HIV/AIDS Awareness 3 Mile Walk...
Ezekiel, Angela, and I received an award for being the first three walkers to cross the finish line.
1 in 4 people living with HIV/AIDS do not know that they are positive.
Information about HIV/AIDS can be found at the following sites:
* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
* Mayo Clinic
I also walked in the 1st Annual HIV/AIDS Awareness Walk last year carrying with me a heavy load (the picture on the left was taken in September 2006), but this year my cargo was lightened a bit. I am now 200 lbs!!! Since the beginning of Choose To Move I have lost 50 lbs. Not only am I experiencing positive heart healthy results but also I am encountering breakthroughs in other areas of my life. Kara, Kathleen, Lisa, Melanie, Ruann, Zulema and I want you to JOIN US on this journey!!!
~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
Oct 01 | Cheryl said …
Vernita,
I have joined Choose to Move. Now I need to do it. I have my own tread mill here at the house, and I have a set of weights.
I am going to start with 20 minutes on the mill, trying for 4 days a week. I will keep you posted.
How do I use the weights? I have never had any training, but I understand that weight training is really good for older folks, and being 61 this last August and 187 pounds now, (I was 200 in April) I think the weights would be a good add. Let me know what your favorite use is and what it is used for.
I love your enthusiasm. When I saw the up 16 I was worried for you. Then I read the notes. Good for you. Stay healthy, stay smart.
Oh, I live in Alaska and it is about the end of anything outside that doesn't include breaking a leg. Snow real soon here.
God Bless,
Cheryl
Oct 02 | Oneda said …
Hi Vernita,
My, My, My, What a difference a year can make with dedication to exercise and healthy diet. You are looking like "Vernita" should look. Keep on moving toward your goals.
Love,
Dad & Mom
Oct 02 | Vernita said …
Hello Cheryl,
You are on the ball and have been since April...Congratulations on joining the 100's, I'm hoping to join you real soon!
Alaska, eh? My brother lived in Anchorage, Alaska in the 1990's. I went there during the summer months (of course) to visit and was totally awestruck by the beauty of the greenery.
My favorite weight training exercise is arm curls(I think that I can do them in my sleep). There are several great weight/strength training resources available at the library and on the internet. Check out the sites listed below and keep me posted on your progress:
The American Heart Association has a really nice video about the benefits of weight training including sample exercises; click on the title “Women may prevent, delay middle-aged spread by lifting weights” at http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3038110
Walgreen's Health Corner has many great one minute exercise videos at
http://healthcorner.walgreens.com/display/974.htm
For more exercises, use the search engine located on the top right of the page. Try typing in the words "Fit in a Minute" - this will return many more exercise options.
Here is a short video of some basic strength training exercises that I found on Youtube,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_K9KWOkfCw
“Strength Training for Women” article on the Women's Heart Foundation website
http://www.womensheartfoundation.org/content/Exercise/strength_training.asp
~Vernita
Oct 02 | Vernita said …
Hello Dad and Mom,
I have so much more energy and mobility...I stumbled on an old picture from the 1990's and thought, "I'm almost there again".
Thank you two for being such supportive parents...whether I'm 250lbs, high cholesterol, 160lbs, healthy, or unhealthy, you two have always been there for me.
I love you much,
~Vernita
Jan 09 | Marsha J Eakes said …
Hello Vernita,It is so wonderful to see your story.I am 42 and weigh 250 I never thought I would ever be at this weight.I also have arthritis RA and OA. I was just about to give up trying to ever lose weight until I stumbled across your story and the pictures. You look so healthy, happy and energetic I am now inspired to get it too.I started the program 4 days ago and I already feel better.Thank You so much for your courage and sharing your story it gave me the strenght to do it one more time.Thanks again~Marsha
Jan 12 | Vernita said …
Marsha, I am exhaling with an empathic breath of relief. Oh how sweet those words, "...I already feel better...," are to my ears. I am SO ecstatic for you.
I am definitely happier, healthier, and empowered, equally, by my journey to "Bringing Healthy Back Into My Life" and my Choose To Move involvement. And you are on your way to getting a piece of the action.
On my blog entitled, "A Change is Gonna Come", http://choosetomoveblog.com/vernita/2007/11/a_change_is_gonna_come.php
I mention the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program(AFAP). Several of the students who attend the class have shared how water exercises have exponentially helped their joints and decreased their pain. You can check out AFAP classes in your area at the following link,
http://www.arthritis.org/offering-programs.php
Keep Moving, Marsha, Just Keep On Moving!!!
~Vernita
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