Sometimes life throws you a few curve balls. Ok, it does all the time but that is what makes it fun. Its really ironic that my newest passion is cooking. I grew up with an eating disorder and threw myself into various career choices and hobbies that judge me on what...weight! I started my career as on-air talent at HSN and we were weighed and measured every month and then it was broadcast on national TV! Talk about a self esteem crusher! I then decided to compete in my first Miss America local and again, I was judged on weight. I remember when I won I was given the great pep talk post pageant of that I needed to change my song, change my gown, get a tan and work on my walk. I remember thinking...how exactly again did I win?

This past year has made me realize a lot and my body basically gave me a good dose of , "hey, you need to make changes, serious changes. SNAP TO IT". We all can talk the talk, walk the walk (literally) but you also need to make really smart healthy choices in what you eat. As I was laying in the hospital last week on pain meds I just had to say enough. Medications and I do not get a long so you need to take control of your body. As a culinary student there are some challenges I do admit. There is not a culinary school that specializes in vegan or clean eating. So I have decided to take what I am learning and modify everything. I have also mastered the art of moderation. Spices are the true key. I tend to like everything a little bit on the spicy side so it works but you can also modify any recipe to the heat you prefer.

I am also becoming addicted to cook books! Yes, most of mine are from the American Heart Association or Rachel Ray but you can find some pretty awesome recipes that really do not take a lot of time to prepare in a very busy world.

I also look for the American Heart Associations health check labels on foods. Studies have shown that those who look for the labels tend to make smarter choices in their diets.

Here is a link to tools that I have found very useful in making those smart, heart healthy choices:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/GettingHealthy_UCM_001078_SubHomePage.jsp

My heart truth~

American Heart Associations Golf Tournament!

The American Heart Association Golf Tournament is a captain's choice scramble that supports the fight against heart diseases and stroke. Senior level executive leaders from across the metropolitan DC region compete in the tournament. This year, the tournament is dedicated to raising awareness of heart diseases in women and the Go Red for Women campaign. The event day includes a hot breakfast, silent auction, exciting contests, raffle items, and post-event awards dinner. Woodmont Country Club is a private and exclusive club that hosts a U.S. Open sectional qualifier.

I am looking forward to the day! Hope to see you there!

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kara Laing,

Director of Development, at 703.248.1745 or kara.laing@heart.org. 

www.ahagolftournament.org

golftournament.org    

A beautiful day is great for the heart!

Have you ever really listened to all of the conversations that go on at Starbucks? Trust me, you don't need to ease drop. Perhaps it's the breeze of the beautiful Spring day ( finally Spring has sprung) but as I am enjoying my veggie wrap and large coffee after a very long week I could not help but hear so many of the conversations. The first thing I notice is the attire. There are a plethora of scrubs and a lot that look like they were so excited to not wear boots that they went straight to full on Summer. I get it, I am from Florida so trust me when I say we do the reverse when it hits 60 degrees. We pull out the puffy coats and light our electric fireplaces.

I do see the appeal of Starbucks. It's like an afternoon happy hour that everyone feels important on their digital devices as they talk, tweet, post and have the ever important conference call. You know, the one that you don't want to admit you are at Starbucks on the call yet speak so loudly that everyone around you concludes that you must be important. After all, we all did just over pay so we could use words like caramel makeoto, vente latte and cafe anything. Really we should be looking at the calories of some of the beverages! Ouch!

Everything in moderation though. Sometimes it's just nice to sit outside, with a nice cup of coffee and appreciate the day. Have a blessed day!

My heart truth-

A must read on Women's health and heart disease!

Take a Stand Against Heart Disease in Women

Childers, Linda

 

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When most people think of a heart attack, they think of crushing chest pain–but that isn't always the case. A study published in the February 2012 Journal of the American Medical Association found that many young and middle-aged women who have a heart attack don't experience chest pain.
“Women may have harder-to-recognize symptoms such as pain in the jaw, neck, shoulders or back, sudden trouble breathing and developing a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness,” says Tracy L. Stevens, M.D., a cardiologist at St. Luke's Health System in Kansas City, Mo., and a national spokesperson for the American Heart Association. “Anyone who is having new and persistent symptoms that can't be explained should seek medical attention.”
Stevens says that heart attack symptoms can often be more subtle in women and they may also be quicker to write their symptoms off as an anxiety attack. Indigestion that doesn't respond to antacids, shortness of breath or new or overwhelming fatigue that lasts a week or longer can all be symptoms of a heart attack.
“If you are having new symptoms such as extreme fatigue, don't be tempted to dismiss your symptoms,” Stevens says. “If you suspect you are having a heart attack, especially if you have known cardiac risk factors, it's important to call 9-1-1 [or an emergency response number].”
Stevens says the AHA's Go Red for Women campaign can help make it easier for women to take ownership of their heart health. At goredforwomen.org, women can get heart-healthy meal ideas, read inspirational stories from real women who have overcome heart disease, assess their own heart health risk and learn how to make positive lifestyle changes.
“You have to be proactive about your health and be physically active and make healthy decisions on a daily basis,” says Stevens. She emphasizes the 90/10 rule, noting that it's what you do 90 percent of the time that makes a difference, not 10 percent of the time.
While changing your diet may seem challenging, Stevens says the Go Red for Women website offers many easy, family-friendly recipes that promote fresh fruits, vegetables and fish.
In addition to adhering to a healthy diet, Stevens stresses the importance of being your own health advocate and knowing your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
“Don't be passive about your health,” she says. “Seventy-two percent of women didn't discuss their heart health at their last doctor's visit. It's important to talk to your doctor about potential cardiac risks and to address those risks before you have a heart attack.”
To be proactive about your heart health, Stevens says to follow these guidelines:

• Stay physically active.
• Laugh.
• Reduce stress.
• Keep your waistline under 35 inches (measure just above the belly button).
• Avoid processed foods

© 2014 by the American Heart Association

M...E.....enough of that!

This past week brought a lot of uncertainty. SHOCKER for me. I guess I am learning to not expect anything but the unexpected. This kind of made me think, in a world where we have no control, what can I truly control? What do I control? What do I OWN, internally speaking? First, my actions. This can be food, lifestyle, personal choices and what comes out of my mouth or fingertips. I don't think anyone can make you be anything you were not already. I think its important to OWN who we are and take action to things that we need to change. I am trying to do that in my lifestyle with my health and in my faith. I admittedly have lost faith at times but never lost hope. I was thinking though that every time I look back at someone else that I should be looking at me. What did I learn? What did I change? What would I change?

ME is a lonely place to be for anyone. It actually should be the acronym for My Ego!

In the world that I have had pity for myself here are some check points:

This week alone:

• 239 Passengers and crew are still missing from the Malaysia flight
• Ft Hood~3 died and 16 wounded this week

Estimated annually:

• Heart disease: 597,689
• Cancer: 574,743
• Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 138,080
• Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 129,476
• Accidents (unintentional injuries): 120,859
• Alzheimer's disease: 83,494
• Diabetes: 69,071
• Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 50,476
• Influenza and Pneumonia: 50,097
• Intentional self-harm (suicide): 38,364

This by no means covers all of the fatalities or sickness or the family struggles and it does not even touch on the day to day survival of life.

Just a check point. Sometimes I just need a dose of reality and need to stop the pity party already! Party for one!

My heart truth~ D

Hairy Days ~ Throw back Thursday!

As a child of the hair generation, well the 90's, you gotta love the hair. I was a principle dancer on a show called "Nite Life". It aired on UHF! We were hoping to be the next generation of solid gold dancers and I was oh so young with so many big dreams. NO I WAS NOT THE SHORTEST! People always go there with this photo! It makes me wonder about so many great artist. What happened to the one hit wonders? I skipped school to watch Paul Young on MTV, Loved INX's and the 1st concert I went to on May 2, 1985 was U2! Howard Jones, Tears for Fears! My greatest was Madonna. She made bad movies and I watched them over and over but she is a great artist.

Its kind of fun to throw back!

Today's The DAY!!!! Time to start moving!

What You Don't See

I have to admit, I can be a Martyr. We all have stories. We all are victims of something. I am a victim of bad choices and bad situations. What I did not see was the good. I have an amazing friend who works with Operation Smile. It made me think a lot. My vision and eyes have been bad for 8 weeks. I took them for granted and they were my best feature. I have been laying in bed crying. Feeling sorry for myself. Am I that person?

You never appreciate those around you or the gifts we are given everyday. Its simplistic in some ways but yet so amazing.

God gives us lessons.

See what's in front of you. If you look behind you will be chasing the wind as it blows by.

My heart truth~

My secret crush on Bobby Flay

He may be my pass but don't we all want to eat what looks good. Lol. I am loving cooking or should I say designing and I think have become addicted to all things food. It's kind of fun. So my Bobby Flay is like Rachel Ray to me.  They can do nothing wrong. Home cook verses Iron Chef. This brings me to my new love. Short ribs. I grew up and as an adult have always thought of ribs as a grill thing. Who would have thought a pressure cooker would be the savior!

As a new cook, dare I say chef...key essentials.

• Patience
• Good knifes
• Food processor not to be confused with a blender
• Pressure cooker
• Iron skillet
• Great spices! 
• Great wines! 
• Treadmill :)

You can do it an be heart healthy. Remember,everything in moderation! 

My heart truth

D

Being a Father~Happy Birthday

My Birthday always comes with so many thoughts. A lot of my Dad. His Birthday was April 1st. I remember the stories of him not wanting me born on the same day. He also shared the day with one of his 4 Brothers. My Mom was adopted and I know that had its burdens. My Dad was a workaholic, smart and with a very strong temper. My Mom did have that too. The Cherokee in her.

When I was 16 I ran away to Canada. It was not a Pat Benatar song but I did kind of feel it. My  Brother and Sister joined the military and I was left alone. It was hard. I ran away to sleep not to sleep with. I did runaway with a girlfriend to Canada. I just wanted to sleep through the night.

My friend and I were in New York when we had to call her parents. 

In 7th grade in Georgia, my parents owned a business with my grandparents. It was like a kick in the night and we moved to Florida. It's was like moving from a big house to small and so vague. We did not get a reason.  We moved a few times in Florida. My siblings had their journeys and all I wanted was to believe in something more. I grew up skating and we could not afford it. When we got to Florida I was smart but so emotional. I was an outcast. 

I try to gain clarity of the men in my life. My Dad drove me in a very stern way. I am blessed for that in so many ways. My Brother is very much the same. Much like  my Grandpa's and Andy, they love me through everything and have never left my side, My Mom was adopted and I times I questioned that myself. It always amazes me when a grown man makes a choice to discard a child. All for ego.

What would you regret? What do you think about? Who do you think about? Would you pick your career over a person? If it were your own? What do you say one day when they knock on your door? Hey, I had great promotions. Hope you were well. Who is that person?

I sang this song for my Dad when I gave up a local Miss America crown

 

There are so many great men and women. Count your blessings and love those in your life.

To my Daddy. Happy Birthday. Your heart gave out but your love never did. You fought for me and I will carry on and fight for you and my family. I miss you so much. You were never an April fool, you were my King and the greatest man I never knew.

Golden wings.

Rainy days on Saturdays always make me smile:)

Being a self proclaimed Floridian, I have always loved the rain. I should clarify, warm rain. It reminds me of the beach and just relaxing days. In Florida, during the summer months we get rain but it passes. They are summer storms that feed the humidity. After this winter, I will not longer allow myself to complain about the heat. If it's warm, I'll take it!

I have been a wake for a while hence a crying child over night and my over crazy thoughts in my head. I did manage to find my glasses in the crib this morning. Guess where I slept last night! Hey who does not love some great cuddle time. I did manage to get some reading in and I am continuing to process the new move. I have to admit, for the first time in a long time I am so excited. Let's just hope my vision is not too cloudy when I look back in the future. It just is going to offer a freshness and it's time!

I have a lot coming up with the American Heart Association which should also be great. With this weather, I am hoping the Celebrity Golf Tournament brings with it some sunshine! We also have Lawyers Have Heart and Hearts Delight Wine Tasting and Auction. I feel so blessed to work with and formally for such a great organization. I am a heart and stroke survivor because of the work the AHA/ASA does. I am happy that my eyes are so much better and I am finally off the treatment as of two days ago. My stomach has been a mess to I welcome the healing process!

On this rainy morning, I am feeling blessed for the love in my life, for the family and friends around me and looking forward to a great week. God has given me a lot of lessons in life. Sometimes it's what that is front of you that can make you great. Let's just avoid the land mines!

My heart truth- d

Has anyone ever written anything for you.........................

Music and cooking are a part of me. Its comfort in art. I have written songs. Expressed songs and lets face it you can come off a but unhinged to some if they are not open to the lyrics, not so much the melody.

When I was young, today is my Birthday, so not feeling so young but I was a journal writer. Before Facebook. I have always loved autobiographies. I have always felt there is something to learn. As a parent, I have learned that even more. Don't we all wish that every child came out with an owners manual. Yep, that's not happening! I spoke with my Grandmother today. She said something I never heard before. If I were your Mother, I would have been better to you. Hurt but I wonder about that. I have always gotten lost in music. It's was skating, writing and just a very sad childhood. They did their best. I have never doubted that but also why I will also fight for my family. Always. No one should ever feel alone in the dark and never a child.

I had an unhinged moment today. First, it was not me but a conversation. It was someone who was cold. It was a Father who wants nothing to do with his child. EVER. He by all rights is impressive but it just makes me so sad. His family is accepting of his behavior and he is not young. How are people dismissed so easily?

This probably is why I write so much. My Brother did too. I hope he still does. There are stories in everyone and yes they can be uncomfortable, martyr like, bitter but there is also happy and blessed.

I can't and won't ever get hurt or hate. I'll do your hair and you will hate me but at the end of the day, I could never hate you.

My hate is missing someone. I miss my parents. I DO HATE THEY ARE NOT HERE. I don't hate them. Just left confused at my lessons but I will get them .

Has anyone ever written a song for you? Even if seems so meaningless to you, listen to the words.

Listen to your heart. Your heart truth.

The Go Red for Women Cookbook!

First and foremost, its not just for Women. I was so excited to receive this edition as a gift from American Heart Association and more excited to cook with it! As a new student of the culinary arts and one who is obsessed with my weight because I battled an eating disorder as a teenager, to me its important to find balance and health. Listen, I will NEVER be the skinniest, tallest, prettiest or richest but I do hope to make some strides in my health. Fairest, I may come close!

I have never found comfort in food. Maybe in a good pair of shoes or a glass of champagne but food to me has been a struggle. Having lived in Europe for many years gave me a unique palette. Cheese to me is the new chocolate. My issue with food is I hate feeling full. So with all the new recipes I am incorporating a lot of veggies and lean meats. Yes I have tried everything but balance is the key.

I have been plummeted with meds because of my heart, eyes etc so I decided to create my own medicine. HEALTHY EATING! Medications and treatments have made me ridiculously sick so on my third day of a medication cleanse, my eyes are not red and I have not purged on anyone. I think the Zoo was my last straw, sorry Joannie! Love you girl.

Purging and a picture of what's for dinner tonight may not be the ultimate post, LOL, but I a having fun with health!

80% of our life health we have control of. 20% is out of our hands with heart. I'm taking control. Its got to be exhausting to hear me complain!

Next up....Lawyers Have Heart 10K. Yep, some of them do!

My heart truth~D

Animalistic time at the ZOO!

Today was such a nice day as we headed to the zoo. It could not have been better weather and all of the kids had a great time! The Smithsonian Zoo in DC is free and offers a lot to see including the Panda's! Yes, I considered buying a Panda hat or two or three! It was a great family day with great friends. Joannie came to visit from Tennessee and Judy from MD. It was also a great way to get some exercise that did not feel like exercise at all! My favorite of the day was a monkey that was just free ranging in the Amazonian exibit.

Blessed for today and everyday

Here's to your heart

Agh no you didn't just say that?

Since 2001, I have been volunteering, advocating, employed by and spokesperson for the American Heart and Stroke Association. It started with me and my Mother and Father. I think I new EVERY hospital in the St.Pete/Clearwater area. In Florida, trust me we have a lot! It was not my story. It was not something that I could fathom. They looked fine. They were parents. They looked like parents. They passed in 2001 and 2006. 54 and 56. WAYYYYY to young and they didn't drink, were not diabetic, not over weight but yes stress, smoking and my Dad's workaholic state put a tremendous amount of stress on their bodies. My Mom's first stroke she was in her 30's. I was too young to remember much at all but I think she , like I, just carried all of her stress with her everyday. We as humans are capsules. We take everything in. Literally we take it to heart. Without going all Deanna drama, my parents were alive when I had my first case of stress from a bad accident.  My Mom had just had valve replacement, I was in the hospital on and off for months in Chicago and it was like arms reaching out with no one there. My Dad was such my savior. He got me home. That was a journey. (Jerry Springer anyone?)

I honestly never thought, hey, I have heart disease...hello???? What does that mean?

So fast forward and yep, here I am in 2014 after stent placement, 2 surgeries in my LAD and speaking about heart disease in women. Difference is, I am a Mother so maybe I was listening this time. So I am doing an interview at NBC Washington which was just a great experience BUT the cardiologist sitting next to me on air stated the longevity after stent placement was 2-5 years. I was in the middle but I swear you could have seen me doing the math in my head followed by HELLO I AM RIGHT HERE! My first surgery was done in 2010 and then in 2013. Does it just close? What does that mean? Is there not a detour here sign?

My other Mother Judy texted me today to remind me its our Birthday month. Oh no, its happening, I'm 29 again and she better stick around too!

What am I truly doing for my health? What am I repeating? How do I change? What am I changing? Lifestyle choices. What can't I change history. What I don't want to repeat, history.

Here's to your heart~

D

My Brother rocks. Let's not tell him.

Families are tough. We don't pick them, they just are. That always comes with challenges. My family comes with so much grey it's hard to see black and white. I don't and will never get some of the separation that had nothing to do with my siblings or I and my Mom's family is and will always be a question. I hate that for my children. Antkowiak and Lee. That's all I have.

I have never been perfect and continue the reign but gain great strength from my brother Todd. I can't fully explain our relationship but so blessed for his choices in life ( Lois, Danni and Benjamin) and he walked me down the isle and held me with a stupid fake turtle and hung with me on Easter mornings. He can play any instrument and yet can't read music. He is amazing on so many levels and paints or use to without fear and writes with such passion. I could not be more proud of anyone in my life more than my Brother Todd. You have no idea how special you are. I love you. You are just so talented, humble and loved. Thank you for always be there for me.

National Walking Day!

Its funny, whenever I am sad, sick, tired or just having a blah day, the one thing that ALWAYS makes me feel better is WALKING! Walking just 30 minutes 5 days a week can make a huge difference in your overall health! The American Heart Association's NATIONAL walking Day is April 2, 2014! Its a perfect time to start walking!

Time to go by those new walking shoes and get moving!

Here's to your heart!

D

Heart Disease Facts (www.healthline.com) . What are you doing for your heart today?

Teaching Gardens and the AHA

In all of my doctors appointments lately (yes, I did want to punch a young resident  this week as he said to me there is nothing more we can do as long as you are taking all your medications) but instead I just cried; however, it got me thinking about natural health remedies and what we eat. I have been having so many side effects from my treatments and medications and then they give you another pill to offset the effects...its a spiral effect. When my Mom passed she was taking TWENTY SEVEN pills a day. I am up to 10. It reminded me of food. I know, its hard to believe but food can heal. Growing up in Georgia my Mom was a southern cook. FRIED was our dinner and Crisco was a staple. She also made us eat chicken liver but fried it just tasted like a bad mussel. The one thing I remember clearly, mostly because I got to pop beans for HOURS was my Grandparents farm. They had a huge garden and every year we got so many fresh veggies. They also had grape vines so we could eat right off the vine and often did. OK so the crab apples made me really sick but I think I ate about 50 of them but there is something amazing about fresh fruit and veggies. Its hard in the winter to grow things but it can be done. Spring is coming so my goal is to start my new garden and teach my family how fun it can be!

The American Heart Association has a lot of incredible tools and a lot of incredible initiatives. One that is important to me are the Teaching Gardens. Through fundraising efforts, the Teaching Gardens are put in schools that may not have access to fresh veggies and help to teach the children how fun health can be. If they plant it and watch it grow, veggies become a part of their diet in a way that is fun and healthy! This can be done at home too!

I won't fry food for my family even though I love to cook and I know those options are just a part of almost every menu. My goal is to make food fun, nutritional and a part of a healthy lifestyle that can help to prevent so many ailments in our lives.

About the teaching gardens:

Obesity is one of the most expensive health care problems in America. One third of U.S. children are overweight or obese putting them at higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

The American Heart Association is taking a new approach in the fight against childhood obesity. We’ve teamed with noted child-nutrition activist and philanthropist Kelly Meyer to create the American Heart Association Teaching Gardens planted in elementary schools across the country that become real-life learning laboratories for students to learn what it means to be healthy.

Aimed at first graders through fifth, we teach children how to plant seeds, nurture growing plants, harvest produce and ultimately understand the value of good eating habits.

Garden-themed lessons teach nutrition, math, science and other subjects all while having fun in the fresh air and working with your hands.

Together, we can dramatically change the way America thinks about and consumes food.

To learn more log onto www.heart.org

Here's to your heart and your health~

Deanna

Only human