I met Warren at the gym when I began Choose To Move in March 2007. Warren retired a few years ago but agreed to work part-time at the gym during the a.m. hours for the semester. Following my workouts we would often chat about the challenges and benefits of exercise, eating heart-healthy foods, and current events.
At the end of the semester when Warren informed me that he would not be working at the gym during the summer months (and the Fall semester) but would be fishing in Lake Michigan (as he does every summer) I couldn't help but to ask him if he ever caught any salmon during his fishing escapades. He told me that he always caught a "boat load" of salmon. How do you think I responded to his reply? What do you think was my next question? Bullseye!
Enroute from Michigan while heading to visit his son and daughter in Colorado, Warren stopped in Iowa and surprised me with some salmon. I even took a picture of the King Salmon that Warren caught in Lake Michigan near the city of Manistee, MI.
~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.
Dear Dr. Mieres:
About the only time I can find to walk is during my lunch break. Is it better to eat prior to or following a vigerous walk?
Thank you,
Ruth
Dr. Mieres,
I saw you on TV several months ago and while the face has changed some, the name surely was very familiar. I finally found out that you are a native of Trinidad and just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the great job you are doing.
I believe we attended the same high school in Curepe, Trinidad, SAGHS.
Keep up the good work.
Denise Baptiste formerly Charles
(Math Teacher/College Instructor)
Dr. Mieres,
I saw you on TV several months ago and while the face has changed some, the name surely was very familiar. I finally found out that you are a native of Trinidad and just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the great job you are doing.
I believe we attended the same high school in Curepe, Trinidad, SAGHS.
Keep up the good work.
Denise Baptiste formerly Charles
(Math Teacher/College Instructor)
Comments
Oct 17 | Oneda said …
Hi "V",
That salmon looks good. I wish I had some fresh salmon and could receive the benefits you are getting with that healthy lifestyle.
Keep up with your studying and your physical activity - remember to balance.
Love,
Dad & Mom
Oct 17 | Vernita said …
Hello Dad & Mom,
I will save a piece of salmon for your next visit:)
Balancing it all has been a challenge. Keep me in your prayers that I can maintain a total mind, body, spirit, and heart balance.
Much love,
~Vernita
Oct 25 | Shellie said …
Dear Vernita,
I lived in Michigan all my life. There are beautiful salmon! Unfortunately, I am HIGHLY allergic to all kinds of fish due to my mom eating tainted fish during her caring me.
I hope that you enjoy these beautiful specimens.
Keep going,
Shellie
Oct 25 | Vernita said …
Hello Shellie,
I began eating salmon regularly (once or twice each week) after learning that salmon would "attack" my high cholesterol number and help to "knock it down." And that it has done in fashion from over 300 in March to just over 200 in September.
In addition, oatmeal for breakfast, spinach w/ garlic, steamed broccoli, and beans-red and black have played major roles in the ring; I hope that these foods do not cause you to have an allergic reaction - as Tony the Tiger says, "They're great!"
~Vernita
Oct 27 | Gloria said …
I just heard of and registered with "Choose to Move". Chose you as my inspiration, although I'm heavier than you were at the beginning of your "trip". I hope to have your results and look forward to more of your experiences. Congratulations to you. I love salmon and will make sure to eat it at least 2 x a week. I started a weight loss program last week and have lost 7 lbs. "Congratulations" to me.
Oct 27 | Vernita said …
Congratulations on such a powerful start, Gloria!!
The benefits of Choosing To Move, in addition to the personal growth you will experience along the way, are priceless. Keep me posted on your progress.
~Vernita
Dec 08 | Pam said …
Hi, Vernita! Due to your inspiring profile and willingness to help others, I have decided to give "Choosing To Move" a try. On Tuesday, Dec. 11th, 07, I will have a Stress Test. I am a little nervous because I feel I probably will not pass it. I have not exercise for quite some time. I did take a week of Water Aerobics during the month of May but had to stop due to family illness that I had to help with in Dallas. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I was inspired this afternoon after reading about you and I will move forward to improve my health. Thanks for sharing. Pam Qualls/Illinois
Dec 09 | Vernita said …
First of all, Pam, let me say that I already feel a strong connection to you. You see, there were 5 Pam's who graduated from high school with me...Pam C., Pam F., Pam S., Pam T., and Pam V. And now I can say I know a Pam Q.-Wow.
Use the results of your stress test as a "before" tool and set manageable goals for yourself while revisiting your "before" to track your progress along your journey. Trust me; you'll get a kick out of the changes in your "numbers" and overall health.
I salute you for taking a courageous step forward and making a decision in the positive direction!
~Vernita
Jan 05 | Leah said …
Vernita, Congratulations on your weight loss. I am at the beginning of a journey and also weigh more than you did when you started. You look good girl and the big thing that I see is a huge smile on your face. I want that. I want to go and do all the things that a person of average weight can do. I know that I am already beginning to feel better, and will start to look better like you too. Keep it up and thank you for being such a great role model. I have a way to go but hopefully can do it.
Jan 06 | Vernita said …
Hello Leah,
You GO girl!! Congratulations on starting 2008 out on a positive note and outlook. When we feel better we tend to be happier which in turn affects our personality, ability to handle stress, and facial expressions(SMILE).
Whether you think so or not, Leah, YOU WERE BEAUTIFUL, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, and YOU WILL CONTINUE TO BE BEAUTIFUL at any weight.
Keep me posted on your progress along this journey.
~Vernita
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