Jennifer is the AHA Marketing Director in Cedar Rapids and Lyn is an AHA Volunteer. 
One of the events planned by the American Heart Association (Cedar Rapids, IA Branch) in celebration of Heart Month was the Go Red For Women - Heart Health Day which was held on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The events for the day included free health screenings, heart-health informational booths, free CPR Anytime Training Sessions provided by CR Heart, Go Red For Women registration, and Go Red Survivor Fashion Show.
In the picture on the left I am administering CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to my inflatable CPR manikin, “Mini Anne.” Each participant received a free Family & Friends CPR Anytime Kit. The CPR Anytime Training Sessions were provided by CR Heart.
Click here to find Heart Month and Go Red For Women events in your area.
~ 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
Feb 19 | Ann said …
Vernita,
As always, you look great and your activities in support of better health for all of us are an inspiration!
My brother is home from the hospital and I'm back in Seattle. My brother, mom, and step-dad live together and my step-dad is also diabetic and has other health problems. So,we're working on education and better habits that will help all of them. They have already decreased my brother's insulin dosages, so he's on the right track. The advances in open-heart surgery since my dad had it in the 80s were astounding. My brother won't be completely recovered for 4-6 months, but he was up and around the day after the surgery and home in 4 days!
Now, if I can just convince my sister (in NJ) to start some healthy habits of her own... I've started giving her the clothes that are now too big for me, and I don't want to be able to do that.
Feb 19 | Vernita said …
Hello Ann,
Glad you made it back to Seattle safely- truly this weather has been so UNPREDICATBLE lately.
Thank you for the PRAISE Report. I know that the many prayers that were lifted on behalf of your brother in addition to the support circle of family and friends have been a refuge for your brother. With this experience under his belt I have a feeling that your brother will make a few changes that will plunge him to a more heart-healthy way of life.
Now, in walks the next challenge: OPERATION STEP-DAD & SISTER.
Do some investigating and find out some of the more economical exercise-related or health education-related events, classes, and opportunities located in the areas where your step-dad and sister live. Haphazardly mention it to them via email and, if possible, with links to the information. Let me know if this works.
As always, Ann, I love hearing from you and encourage you to share your story on http://www.goredforwomen.org/.
~ Vernita
Feb 26 | Kathianne said …
Ann, I'm glad to hear your brother is doing ok and that you were able to be there for him and your folks!
Vernita, I've been reading about you and others here all day and saw Ann's post on another entry. You are inspirational and if you don't mind my saying so, the only one of the 'picks' to keep the blog updated!
I figure it would be good to introduce myself and let others know something about me. I'm close to deaf, 75% bilateral hearing loss, I wear 2 digital hearing aids. While I'll tell you about my children below, the are now 26, 24, and 22. All are in or finished college, so my 'real job' is completed, but I hope for many years of helping/inspiring other young people. I'm a teacher.
I found out last Saturday that I had to take hypertension med. I don't like that! I'd always had low blood pressure, but have put on 20 pounds over the past 10 years or so.
Today the CBC came back, seems it's a mix of good and bad news, my HDL is 46, while LDL is 138. Total: 206.
I need to lose about 30 pounds, eat healthier, stop smoking, stop drinking alcohol too excess and exercise more regularly. I'm starting today.
Like almost everyone that I've seen here, I've 'good reasons' for my bad habits. Bad divorce that started in '92 and ended in '94, with lots of costs to my children. I returned to college and picked up a history degree and teaching credentials. (That was my 3rd degree and a positive).
After graduation picked up my insurance producer license and bought a town house, (at the time), 1 in high school, one in middle school, 1 in grammar school.
1999 got a full time teaching position after 3 years of subbing while switching to part time insurance.
2000 spring, my parents were visiting for my youngest's graduation from middle school, my mom broke her hip and had another stroke. They moved in with me. We had 24 hour nursing, which my dad was able to pay for, thank the Lord. My mom had to be placed in nursing home in 2003, her caretaker was no longer available and money from my dad was nearly depleted.
2004, my mom died, whom was my inspiration of all things good. I inherited my dad. Trials and blessings. He and I were oil and water for nearly 50 years, we came to a better understanding by the time he died in Aug. 2007. I miss them both, desperately.
The day after my dad's funeral, we found out my nephew had a brain tumor, thankfully benign, but after surgery he lost so much. But he's alive and now married. He can't drive or remember many things, but we pray that there is a purpose for his survival.
During these years, I drank too much and gained weight. About a year and a half ago I joined a health club and got my weight down to 145, then after my dad died and my nephew got sick, I stopped. Then came a kidney infection and finding all this out. (Needless to say, I hadn't been to a doctor in 10 years or so).
Now I'll do what I can. Thanks for being there and I'll support anyone I can, as I may need lots myself!
Feb 28 | Vernita said …
Kathianne, after reading your comments I am reminded of a song titled "I'm still here." Click on the link and enjoy Chaka Khan's interpretation of that song on YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezsndnHTixM
You are a living testimony! After all that you have done, experienced, been involved with....you are still here AND contemplating making heart-healthy choices so that you can be here even longer for yourself, your family, and your friends.
Your story is truly an inspiration to many. I hope you will consider sharing your story with http://www.goredforwomen.org/
I have family members and friends who smoke (smoked) and drink (drank) excessively and, unfortunately, in most cases their quality of life now (for those who are still living) is nowhere near their peers’ who did not indulge in those same vices. Just as I shared with Tami in “REASONS aka Emotional Eating,”
http://choosetomoveblog.com/vernita/2007/04/reasons_aka_emotional_eating.php
…I know that the habit will make you feel artificially good…But is the “temporary fix” worth a lifetime of health problems? I am SO happy that you were able to combat that challenge. Kathianne decided to change and Kathianne changed! When Kathianne is ready to go back to the doctor, Kathianne will go.
What is a “good reason” for treating yourself less than optimal? Take back your power, Kathianne!! Don’t give in your power to your life circumstances. We all slip, yes we do, sometimes more than others-period. 1 minute goes by…1 hour goes by…1 day goes by…1 week goes by…Okay, now that we’ve “rested” from our slip let’s dust off our knees and get to moving!
Apr 02 | Kathianne said …
Hi Vernita!
Well here I am on the day after April Fool day. I came back from seeing Jersey Boys a few hours ago and breaking my diet a bit, from the last time we 'spoke.'
I've lost 22lbs. At 4am bp is: 128/78 and pulse 88. All my 'levels' are close to normal. Two weeks ago my doc said I may well be one of the hundred that wish to get off meds and can. I'm staying on them for 6 months to a year, along with the aspirin.
I walk almost 18k steps per day, with nearly 11k being aerobic. I've been doing some weight training machines, usually 20lbs or less, 5 reps, 3 rounds. I do aqua exercise for about a half an hour.
The above is usually 4 days per week, I spend about 2 hours at my health club, including shower, steam, sauna, blow dry. Hey, if we don't pamper ourselves, who will?
I'm lucky, I'm a teacher, while many steps aren't 'aerobic' nearly 6k are from the school day. The balance comes from health club, daily life.
Right now I'm on break, which is why I could do a play and be writing at this hour. ;)
I just want to say, "Thank you!" for being their when I was scared and low. BTW, I'd highly recommend seeing "Jersey Boys" if it comes your way! It was fun and we all know the words.
Apr 05 | Vernita said …
Hello Kathianne,
WOW-what a rush!!! You are ON THE BALL!!!
You are adding QUALITY to your life. I know that you will get off of those meds real soon because of your physical activity.
WAY TO GO!!!
The last couple of months have been very challenging for me. I lost focus of "Bringing Healthy Back Into My Life". But last Saturday I recommitted myself to my journey. Thank you for your feedback and support.
~ Vernita
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