Indianapolis Go Red BetterU Challenge: Procrastiblogging....

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Procrastiblogging....

No, I have not been procrastinating! I try to blog every week and was waiting a few days before I wrote....because - TA-DAH!!!! FOUR DAYS NO SMOKING!!! WOO-HOO! I was afraid to post on day 2 because I did not want to fail and disappoint you all. Still far from out of the woods yet, but I am feeling confident and knock-on-wood - doing well with it all. I started with a Step 2 nicotine patch although I am allergic to the adhesive....moved down to a Step 3 in hopes to just get it over with. I was really tired of the mind game and thinking about it all. My quit date was January 29th but decided to just be done.....fingers crossed - I think I am going to make it!

I have been to the gym almost every day. Cardio and I are fast becoming friends and I think being cognizant of the effects of oxygen on the body helps drive the smoking cessation. In the past I had always been so focused on the external aspect of working out, but through the educational component of Go Red, I have really focused on the internal health of my body. I honestly look forward to cardio each day. Although I am not training for any marathon, I am doing intervals with some running. I have a bum knee and it is giving me some grief but I am trying to work through it in hopes it will strengthen. It feels incredible to breath and to know that I am healing the damage I have done to my lungs, heart, and systems.

I am meeting the girls at Macy's this morning for our make-over clothes and such. I am not much of a girly-girl I must admit. Really have not much patience trying on clothes and all - but it does feel great to care about my overall self. My daughters were neglected in the area of "shopping" and had to rely on each other to go the mall because mom could never handle it. I am sure they are amazed that I am actually looking at clothes and make-up....will let you know how it goes...

I am feeling stronger everyday....some days I really would rather go home and "veg" but make myself keep trying. I do not notice a lot of results but know I am gaining strength and endurance. I will keep you posted on the smoking - not only do I not want to let myself down, I do not want to let you down....trust me - I know you have heard this a million times - but if I can do it - you can do it! Go Red!

Kimila

4 comments:

ruthJanuary 27, 2010 at 2:47 PM
Yay hooray on 4 days smoke-free AND cardio AND running thru the pain of a bum knee.

It was really adorgorgeous (Jessica's word -- do I have it right, Jessica?) to see each of you today. To quote from the musical Tommy, in you I find my strength...or words to that effect. You are all the best! Really grateful for knowing each and everyone of you in this program.
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AmyJanuary 28, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Four days without smoking? Your heart and lungs must be overjoyed! I need to follow your lead on the daily cardio. I feel like I'm losing steam. It was fun shopping with you yesterday.
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AnonymousJanuary 28, 2010 at 7:33 PM
I am SOOOO proud of you miss Kimila! You have really taken the step and your workouts are going to become more enjoyable every day!! Keep up the hard work! I'll see you tomorrow at 4:30pm!!!
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AnonymousJanuary 31, 2010 at 2:38 PM
4 days, o'ya!!!!!!! So proud of you.
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Meet the BetterU Challengers

Julie B., 42, Marion – Julie was diagnosed with high blood pressure at age 14 even though she wasn’t overweight at the time. She has struggled with her weight for the last 15 years, has high cholesterol, arthritis and back problems. Her father had a heart attack 18 years ago, and Julie does not want to follow in his footsteps. She is pursuing a career in the medical field and wants to be a good example to others.

Laura, 55, Greenfield – Laura has a family history of heart disease and is looking to become a better role model for those she influences as a nursing instructor. Laura had quit smoking for 15 years, but resumed the habit about 1 ½ years ago. She would like to quit.

Molly, 35, Yorktown – Molly was a cheerleader in high school and was active in sports, but started struggling with her weight 15 years ago. She does part-time work for Ironman and doesn’t feel like the type of person who should represent that company. Molly has already started training for a 5k and is eager for the BetterU program to help her make changes for a healthier lifestyle.

Pamela, 42, Indianapolis – Pamela has struggled with weight her entire life. In April, she was put on high blood pressure medication. Already motivated to make changes, Pamela has lost 15 pounds while working with a wellness coach at work. BetterU can help her continue her journey.

Paula, 62, Greenwood – Paula recently retired after 40 years as a teacher. She was shocked when she needed aortic valve replacement in 2007, but it wasn’t enough of an impetus to cause her to stop smoking or adopt a healthier lifestyle. She loves to travel and wants to stop smoking and lose weight as part of a healthier lifestyle.

Renee, 63, Indianapolis – Renee’s mother passed away from a heart condition, and Renee has already had three stents implanted. She’s started taking care of herself, and is paying it forward by taking an 81-year-old friend to aerobics two days a week and to yoga once a week. Renee would like to get off some medications she is taking, and is looking for the professional guidance of the BetterU program to help her take the right path.

Ruthann, 58, Fishers – Ruthann suffered Sudden Cardiac Arrest “out of the blue” five years ago. She was in a coma for four days and in the hospital for 12, yet came out of the experience with no physical or mental disabilities. She had a pacemaker/defibrillator implanted and has since gained a lot of weight. She is looking for motivation to start and maintain a healthy lifestyle that can give her many more years.

Past BetterU Challengers

2011 BetterU Challengers
Natale, 28 – A staff R.N. who teaches patient families to take care of themselves, Natale knows it’s time to follow her own advice. Her hectic 12-hour days leave little time for herself. She’s ready for a change.
Carla, 37 – Carla doesn’t believe in dieting, but she has already made some positive changes to what she eats. Now she’s looking to keep up with her 70-year old father, who can climb the sand dunes in half the time it takes her.
Annette, 45 - Annette decided 2010 was her time to become a BetterU. She started exercising and eating right and lost 55 pounds. She wants to stay motivated and to inspire others.
Peggy, 57 – Peggy is obese and taking several medications. She lost her father and both maternal grandparents to heart attacks and knows this is her opportunity to change her fate.
2010 BetterU Challengers
Ruth Holladay - Ruth has a family history of heart disease. Her mother had a number of strokes and her father died of a heart attack at 46. A devoted grandmother, Ruth knows that now is the time to put herself first for a change. You can also find Ruth at RuthHolladay.com

Kimila Brown - Unhealthy lifestyles can sometimes be packaged in healthy looking packages, or so it would seem with Kimila. Although she’s not overweight, Kimila admits she no longer exercises. Once an avid bodybuilder and softball player, Kimila says she now barely remembers to eat. After several personal tragedies, she started smoking again – a habit she had quit for nine years. She spends all her time and energy working long hours as a teacher and working on a second master’s degree. She knows she is not healthy on the inside and doesn’t want to follow the same road many in her family have taken - her father died of heart disease and her grandparents both had strokes.

Dee Leonard - Heart disease and obesity runs in her family. She lost her grandmother to heart disease. Newly married, Dee knows she should be looking forward to a bright future. Instead, she worries about her future. Already overweight and never having been at a healthy BMI, she wonders what she will look like at 30 years old. Dee wants to learn to enjoy fitness and start making healthy meals for her family -- so that when she has children, she can bring them up in a healthy household.

Amy Magan – The mother of three, Amy wants to make sure she is around to see them grow up. She takes medications for her blood pressure and cholesterol. She feels this is the perfect time to change her life. She plans to attack the BetterU Challenge with humor and the support of her family who have vowed to be her personal cheerleaders. For more of Amy's efforts, check out The 4th Frog Blog.

Jessica Woodson – Jessica’s father died from a stroke. She said her family never even knew he had a heart problem. Overweight her entire life, Jessica knows she could be headed down the same path. She suffers from high blood pressure and her dosages of medication keep going up. She feels like there is so much she never accomplished because of her weight. She says she “wants to be able to cross my legs for a change” and doesn’t want to be the “girl with the cute face” anymore. For once in her life, she wants to know what it feels like to be healthy.

Indianapolis Go Red BetterU Challenge

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Procrastiblogging....

4 comments:

2012 BetterU Challengers

Meet the BetterU Challengers

Past BetterU Challengers

BetterU Experts

Go Red For Women Resources

Blog Archive

Media Coverage

Followers

Indianapolis Go Red BetterU Challenge Sponsors

Indianapolis Go Red BetterU Challenge

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Procrastiblogging....

4 comments:

2012 BetterU Challengers

Meet the BetterU Challengers

Past BetterU Challengers

BetterU Experts

Go Red For Women Resources

Blog Archive

Media Coverage

Subscribe To Go Red BetterU Challenge

Followers

Indianapolis Go Red BetterU Challenge Sponsors