There've been times that I've thought I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come
from "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke
Time and patience ...patience and time…by putting into practice discipline, perseverance, consistency, and a positive attitude, a change will eventually come.
One of my personal goals has finally been realized. For over fifteen years I have wanted to get certified to teach a water-focused exercise class and on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, I successfully completed the requirements for obtaining my certification as an Aquatics Leader through the Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program (AFAP).
I am slowly checking off those written goals that I set for myself back in 1990.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO CHANGE!
Me and Carol, my AFAP mentor.
(This picture was taken following the last required class I had to teach to obtain AFAP Certification.)
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
Nov 26 | kara said …
YEAH Vernita! I just said to Chris when we rode over the Golden Gate I am now accomplishing dreams I didn't even know I had. - Kara
Nov 26 | Kathy Nora said …
Hi Vernita,
It feels my heart with joy to see you progressing so well. I am very proud of you. I too have struggled with eating healthy and exercise. I have had a personal trainer for 4 years now and I'm afraid to let him go. I still yo-yo from time to time but never back to where I started. Just remember to keep GOD first and don't deprive yourself of everything and you should be able to stay on track. Whenever you need motivating, I'm here for you in mind and spirit. I will be praying for your continued success. Keep up the good work. You look fabulous.
Love Your Classmate,
Kathy Nora
Nov 26 | Vernita said …
Hello Kara,
Isn't this journey great? We are crossing over "bridges" and breaking through "road blocks."
~Vernita
Nov 26 | Vernita said …
Hello Kathy,
Thank you for those well wishes.
I always support doing "what works best for you." At our class reunion in 2006 you looked the same as you did in high school. I know it takes hard work but the rewards are so great. Keep doing what you’re doing!
God has been my pilot on this journey and has been “training” me to “steer” the plane but sometimes when I take the yoke I somehow “get off route” and He has to get me back “on course.”
Thank you for your prayers.
~Vernita
Feb 07 | Audrey Carwell said …
Hi Vernita,
My name is Audrey Carwell and I am 46 years old. I am a Program Coordinator for a corporate childcare center. I am choosing to move in 2008. I am inspired by your success story. It is a true motivation for me to reach my goal of getting heart healthy. My goal is to also lower my blood pressure by losing at least 50 pounds or more.
I have lost 14 pounds since January 7, 2008. I am stepping up my gain some because in the last two weeks I haven't lost any weight but I haven't gain any either. I am not sure why I am not losing weight now but this will not get me down because I know that I can and will be successful in my weight loss. If you have any suggestions that may be helpful in me attaining my goal please email me back at dot19992001@yahoo.com.
Look forward to hearing from you,
Audrey
Feb 07 | Vernita said …
Hello Audrey,
My goal was to lower my cholesterol; therefore, I began exercising and sought information on low cholesterol foods and "invited" those foods into my home. My weight loss came as a result of not only my exercising but also my eating low cholesterol foods.
Try changing your focus from weight to “inviting” foods that will lower your blood pressure and notice the results. The National Institute of Health has an excellent resource guide on lowering blood pressure, http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/hbp_low/hbp_low.pdf
Congratulations on beginning your journey and remember to take one day at a time...
~ Vernita
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