The African American Women's Leadership Conference was held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from Thursday, September 20, to Friday, September 21, 2007.
Betty, Alecia, Mary, and I were panelists for the "From Fat to Phat" session that was held on Friday at 1:30pm.
Promoting Heart health Awareness Together is PHAT!!!
Fittingly, our session began immediately following a heart healthy lunch.
Alecia of the YMCA came equipped with a weight scale, and as conference attendees entered the seminar room she asked them to get on the scale...yes, everyone in the room bravely stepped up to the challenge. She then showed the participants how to calculate their BMI, and eventually informed them what BMI numbers are ideal for their age group. Alecia also helped particpants with the body fat monitor so that they would know their body fat percentage.
Mary of Iowa Public Television coordinated the ice breaker activity which consisted of questions about heart health education and statistics. “Mystery people” were given answers to different questions and the participants had to go around the room and find the mystery people who had the answers to the various questions.
I represented the American Heart Association, (Shannon represented AHA on Thursday) and shared my Choose To Move journey with the participants. In addition I revealed some personal breakthroughs that I have experienced along the way.
Betty of I'll Make Me a World in Iowa highlighted the key points that had been shared and stressed the importance of setting an example for our families and the younger generation. She also facilitated the group discussion and posed questions to the 25-30 in attendance.
I truly believe that everyone left with some lagniappe!
~Vernita
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
Sep 24 | Mary Bracken said …
What an experience!
Vernita, you are truly an inspiring woman! Thank you for sharing your journey and words of wisdom with all of us at the Black Women's Leadership Conference in Cedar Rapids. I'll keep checking your blog to see where "Choose to Move" leads you.
~Peace,
Mary
Sep 24 | Vernita said …
Hello Mary,
It was a truly POSITIVE experience that I shall never forget. I loved working with you, Betty, and Arlecia - such powerful voices for the community!!
Keep Choosing To Move - I'm sure our paths will cross again on this journey:)
~Vernita
Sep 24 | Oneda said …
Hi Vernita,
Congratulations on your continued success with the C2M healthy lifestyle.
It was great you had an opportunity to share your experience with others at the conference. I am sure you made an impact on someone and they will begin moving to improve their health.
Keep up the good deeds.
Love,
Dad & Mom
Sep 25 | said …
Hello Dad and Mom,
It is so interesting how life operates. I would have never imagined in a million years that I would be an advocate for health. God is truly AMAZING!
Much love,
~Vernita
Sep 26 | Melanie said …
You look down right skinny!
~Melanie
Sep 26 | Vernita said …
Hello Melanie,
Who would've thought how much toning a person can experience by doing strength training combined with cardio? I'm still 202 lbs.
~Vernita
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