...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.
Alicia Pederson, the Project Coordinator for the American Stroke Association - Power To End Stroke, Dallas, Texas, trained and assisted the volunteers at the booth.
picture a - When festival attendees arrived at the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association booth they were met by Patricia (an American Stroke Association Ambassador and Management Coordinator for the Stroke Program at Inova Health System in Virginia). Patricia shared information about the causes, risks, and indicators of stroke.
picture b - Attendees would then move to the Spin the Wheel area where they could get a chance at winning a free Soul Food Cookbook, t-shirt, Power To End Stroke pin, or a bookmarker.
picture c - At the next stop, pictures were taken of the festival participants.
picture d - And finally, the participant's picture was placed on the "My Health Family Tree" poster. Attendees were encouraged to complete their family health tree (genealogy) poster.
a)
b)
c)
d)
NOTE:
In response to Shary (May 15 comment) - here is a link to a previous discussion on HOW TO SET GOALS.
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
Jul 16 | Tina Hoffman said …
Way to go lady! You're looking fabulous at the new 20! This summer has put us all to the test, but I too have at least been maintaining :) And.... I bought a treadmill which has been the saving grace to my sanity this summer.
Can't wait to see you again in the fall! Bring home some wonderful cajun flava when you return!
tina
Jul 21 | jwells@idph.state.ia.us said …
Hi Sister Girl
Miss you here in Iowa, and so proud of the work you are doing in your home state. I have returned from St. Lucia and while there I have come up with a choose to move plan to eat better and try to really work on some minor health issues - all because of your inspiration. Miss you - Love you
Janice
Jul 21 | Vernita said …
Hello Tina,
You have made a GREAT purchase for the summer - your treadmill :) It makes a lot of sense...spend your money on purchases that will assist you with staying heart-healthy, now, instead of spending money on medications later (medications that will help to undo what we did to our bodies by not practicing heart-healthy behaviors).
~ Vernita
Jul 21 | Janice said …
Hello Sistah Janice,
I just know that you had a blast in St. Lucia!! Where's next years trip? Can I go?
This Choose To Move Challenge is still a challenge for me, especially in New Orleans. As a public health official for the state of Iowa, your whole being focuses on encouraging others to live healthier lives. You, too, are my mentor.
We can do this!
~ Vernita
Aug 22 | Marsha said …
Vernita,
You continue to keep yourself active, and it rubs off on others - especially me! Take care, and enjoy another blessed year.
Your Sister in Christ (& in Healthy Living),
Marsha
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