L to R: Cousin Marilyn, Coordinator, DFST Health & Wellness Fair; Cousin James Chairperson, DFST Family Reunion; and me, Asst. Coordinator, DFST Health & Wellness Fair.
Choose To Mover Kathleen volunteered at the American Heart Association Booth. Kathleen shared information on the Choose To Move Program, Power To End Stroke, Go Red For Women, and Advocacy Plus-You're The Cure.
The Demery-Farley-Syas-Taylor (DFST) Family Reunion Health & Wellness Fair was held in Houston, Texas, at the Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel on Thursday, July 17, 2008, 10am-4pm. Los Angeles DFST Cousins will host the next reunion in 2010.
The following screenings were available at the DFST Health & Wellness Fair:
* Blood Pressure
* Body Mass Index (BMI)
* Blood Glucose/Blood Sugar
* Blood Cholesterol
* Vision
* Foot
Approximately 1 out of every 3 health & wellness fair participants received ALL of the screenings offered at the DFST Health & Wellness Fair.
DFST Health & Wellness Fair Sponsors and Volunteers were:
LifeScan, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson Co.–AALC Group
American Heart Association
John B. Coleman Health Sciences College – Nursing Program
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Louisiana Public Health Institute – Steps Program
CVS Pharmacy – Pharmacy Intern Program
Greater Houston Dental Hygienists’ Society
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products
Prairie View A&M – Nursing Program
American Diabetes Association
Prevent Blindness of America
United Supermarkets.
...like the summer do?
On July 6th, I celebrated my 40th birthday--yeah, I'm 20 again. Or is it 30?
I have been working in New Orleans this summer and have been very sporadic with consistent exercise and heart-health eating. New Orleans is still recovering from the vices of the hurricanes and the levee; however, progress is being made. And the food...the food is still unbelievably the BEST! It's a challenge that I welcome, though. I can put the tools that I have gained since I began Choose To Move to the test...and even with my not-so-routine exercise schedule, I have still been able to maintain.
The picture below was taken on my birthday at the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association booth at the Essence Festival.
From L to R: Rosda, Echelle, me, and Mia.
Today I am headed to the Demery-Farley-Syas-Taylor (DFST) Family Reunion in Houston, Texas. Tomorrow I will be assisting Cousin Marilyn with coordinating the DFST Health & Wellness Fair and Choose To Mover Kathleen will also be on hand to help with the fair. Family members will have the opportunity to get their blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood cholesterol checked. I hope to squeeze in some time and take advantage of the health screenings and educational health information being provided.
I have met many people who are afraid of getting screened. I think of screenings as paying my electric bill before the electricity gets cut off!
You can download a Free Family Reunion Toolkit from the American Heart Association website.
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