Bring it home to me....

I love Sam, Gavin and Martina. Just a song worth sharing.

STROKE month!

The bad thing about heart disease is that it effects every organ and every part of your body. Our bodies are like a bunch of highways and side roads that lead to some major destinations. If there is a road block, it just can't get there! Stroke month starts tomorrow. It is a reminder to me of a lot. My Mother, who had her first stroke in her 30's and my own "events". My history is not that remarkable for someone with CVD except my age. Since both my parents passed in their 50's from Cardiovascular disease , it was family history that hit me the hardest. There was no warning to my heart attack in 2010 and who knew I had the blockage? Then 2011 and 2013 happened. There were warning signs, that even after a heart attack and surgery, I ignored and even worked for heart. I had TIA's. They were just quick moments. Vision, confusion. The morning of my stroke I woke up and got out of bed and started my day as everyday. My vision suddenly just blurred. Of course I thought I was just tired, then my words left. I knew I was speaking yet nothing was making sense. I had all these conversations in my head and my husband just did not understand me. No one did.  I ended up in the ICU and given TPA ( a blood thinner). The scarest thing to me was laying there with what I thought were all my capacities and yet I had none. My husband did act FAST. I do kind of have a funny story and also some words of wisdom too. When the EMT's came they asked him what meds I was on. He responded she takes herbs. You cannot imagine their initial thought. I now have all my meds posted on the side of my frig. My doctor got a good laugh. Heart meds and vitamins. VITAMINS!  Lol.

Educate , advocate and take action FAST!

Learn more. wwww.powertoendstroke.com, www.heart.org, www.strokeassociation.com

My heart truth-

The American Heart Association 30th Annual Golf Event!

This was my 5th year of being involved with this event and each year is more impressive than the last! Kara is the Director for this event and we have worked together at heart and I have know her for a while. She just amazes me each year with her passion for heart and just as a person, period! She also has engaged her hubby, as ever hubby should do, to help out! What a team!

Today was a great day and pretty good weather considering we have no idea if it will be 100 degrees or snowing. That's another topic for another day and Mother Nature probably has more to say!

I am always so proud and so honored to be a part of heart!

The heart truth!

I spy a Cherry Blossum!

I have had such a nice few days filled with family, great friends and a sunburn! I don't welcome a sunburn ever and as a Floridian I could quite possibly be the palest of them all; however, a wonderful VERY LONG walk around Washington, DC was a lot of fun. I did use sunscreen (borrowed it from the kids) yet still...I burned. I have lived and been around DC for a while so this was not my first rodeo but I have noticed that every time you take the tour, you just see so much more. Arlington National Cemetery always humbles me. So many sacrifices for our freedoms. We then went to the WWII, Vietnam and Korean Memorial. We then hit the White House. It was a very packed day and only one of 4 previous days! Every Smithsonian, a Pentagon tour and the air and space museum.  Oh, I forgot, how could I, the LINCOLN!

The great thing is we got a lot of exercise in, a lot of great pictures and yep...I even got to put on my culinary hat complete with veal and pork meatballs and some pretty fun breakfast. The kids were all game and the meatball recipe was a hit! Thank you Chef Anne Burrell!

Tomorrow is the American Heart Association's Golf Tournament. PLEASE Don't rain!

Here's to your heart!

D

Rose colored glasses

I find myself writing then deleting as if someone really knows me will that make me less than what they thought before. I find myself doing exactly what I don't get. The closed door. I look at people and I see perfect because that is what they let me see. Paint a pretty picture and much like I change the channel on a TV, it's so easy to do and is easier to watch.

My life, my history, is unique. I feel like in my darkest hours, God has always been there when I don't know why. I should go to his home more often but I do feel he still loves me when he visits mine.

I was an honoree last night but I was a voice of silence. Please know I was so honored and humbled I just wish others were here too. They should be.  They should have survived. The hands of anyone should never define you and never be allowed to take anything from you.

Laquisha Hall, thank you. SheRose is the rose in you. You shine through. I am beyond blessed to call you a friend. All the honorees are so amazing. True heroes.

She Rose and because of you I always will.

My heart truth-

Do you ever feel less then alone? In a crowded room, who is with you? Who do you see and what do you think they see in you? In the realm of reality we all are victims but who do we choose to be? My reality bites. Check movie credits here.

I keep filtering my dreams. I try to understand them but I really have no clue except my parents are in most of them. Does this mean I am angry? Does this mean they are angry? Does the Long Island medium really have a channel?

Holidays are tough. I know it is said your loved one's are always with you. Just having one of those days that I just feel like I am just laying out there on a platter slightly burned around the edges. It never gets easier....

My heart truth~

 

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

 

Image Tools

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~