Going Red and Getting Healthy

From my posting at http://detroitgoesred.blogspot.com/

It's exciting, as of my Beaumont weigh in yesterday I am officially down 6 pounds and over the weekend I was back into size 6 jeans! I've gotten sooo much help from both the staff at Beaumont and St. John Macomb-Oakland with diet and exercise.  It's been a challenge, because like most of us, I have a full plate (not food! lol). Here's some great suggestions from this week: Prepare healthy meals in advance and freeze them, then you're not scrambling at the last minute...and we know where scrambling leads...to something easy and usually unhealthy. Running and walking with my dog is OK for exercise as long as I alternate the 2 and sustain it for 20-30 minutes. Ali and I are both happier and healthier. I know what you're thinking, it's too cold to run outside...but  I bought an awesome pair of fleece sweat pants that really help me to be able not only to tolerate, but enjoy it. They are actually made out of recycled water bottles. Cool, huh? And as you may have read in some other posts, we are learning meditation and stress reduction techniques from Dr. Chinnaiyan. Stress hurts our minds -- and bodies-- in so many ways. It's a journey to health I'm so happy to be on  --with some of the coolest people too!

Healthier for a Happier New Year

Today I had the honor of meeting some incredible women: health professionals, volunteers for the American Heart Association and other participants in the Go Red For Women "My Life Check Makeover Challenge".  Having worked with the American Heart Association before, I know how dedicated they are to stopping Heart Disease. It's the number one killer of women... but so much of it is within our control to stop or slow down. This morning we gathered at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital to meet the amazing Dr. Crawford and some of her colleagues. Next week I'll get to meet a second group at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.

The other participants and I with Dr. Crawford (Hand over the Heart!)

Both hospitals, along with the American Heart Association of Southeast Michigan, are supplying experts in Heart Health, Diet and Exercise to whip us into shape. We all face similar challenges, but the big monster in my closet is cholesterol. It's very high and I'm going to have a go at bringing it down with diet and exercise before doing medication.  In the end, medication may be necessary--but let's just see how far I can take it. I'll keep you posted on my progress here and on the American Heart Association's blog. (I'll share that with you soon!). In the meantime, if you want to see how you're doing with your health, check out what the AHA calls the simple 7 - Get Active, Manage Blood Pressure, Control Cholesterol, Eat Better, Lose Weight, Reduce Blood Sugar and Stop Smoking. You'll answer a few questions and get your score

Here's to a healthier 2011!

Getting serious about your health by going "RED"

One of the things we've been talking about for the New Year is self discipline, right? So many people are trying to apply that discipline to do better with diet and exercise. But it's not all for vanity's sake, it's for health. And if I may speak to the ladies for a moment, Heart Disease, the #1 killer of women in this country can be greatly reduced by our diet and exercise. That's the message from the American Heart Association with their "Go Red for Women" campaign! The first week of February marks an entire week of awareness of women's health and heart...and celebrations! Check out this list for the Detroit Area:

• Monday, Feb. 1,

6 pm
Go Red Pamper Party & Jewel Kade Showcase
Gjeto's Salon & Day Spa

• Wednesday, Feb. 3, 7 pm

Zumba for Heart
Body Language, 1567 Union Lake Rd

• Thursday, Feb. 4, 5:30 pm 

Celebrity Guest Griller Event
BD's Mongolian Grill, Canton location

• Friday, Feb. 5, 11 am 

Heart Health Luncheon & Fashion Show
U of M Dearborn

• Friday, Feb. 5, 6:30 pm 

Go Red Girlfriend's Cooking Class
Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital

AND, on Saturday February 6, join me and my girlfriends Melissa, Alicia and other great ladies from the American Heart Association as we try to get into the Guinness Book of World Records by making the world's largest red dress at Macy's in the Oakland Mall. Check out last year's event in the picture below...now that's a big dress!

Plus, it's a casting call and YOU could be the next spokesperson for the AHA!, Here's the deal:
Go Red For Women is looking for women to share their heart stories and the choices they make to live a heart-healthy lifestyle, empowering others by example. Women who share their stories have the chance to become a spokesperson for the cause - representing Go Red For Women in marketing materials, at events, on GoRedForWomen.org and possibly in a national television special about women and heart disease.Will it be you? Can't wait to see you at Oakland Mall in Troy on Saturday, February 6 from 1-3pm!

Oh yea...and here's something everyone can do whether or not you want to participate in any of the events--and no matter where you live: on Friday, February 5 -- just wear red...and pass the word on to your girlfriends! It's National Wear Red Day and we're going to raise awareness and empower women to fight for healthier lifestyles for themselves and their families! You may want to make it a group or workplace affair so if your company or group is interested in participating in 2010 Wear Red Day, please contact alicia.hoge@heart.org. Don't forget too that you can get lots of information, inspiring stories and practical tips on getting healthy (and keeping those resolutions!) at   www.goredforwomen.org ! You'll also be able to find listings for events going on all over the country!  So let's Go Red, get healthy and beat Heart Disease!