Got my numbers today

Weight loss barely 5#, which means BMI barely moved as well. Since I didn't have the "before" BP,I don't know if that changed. But what did change was/is my attitude. My back is currently wrenched, so I'm taking slow walks - anything to keep moving:) And I'm tolerating hunger pangs a little longer so that I can make it to a meal without snacking! I joined a gym close by, and love the classes. And I know that challenge brings change, and that change is a challenge! I had a fantasy of who I would be at the end of the 3 months:) The reality is that I accept who I am today, and I could not have done that without W2L - thank you!

You've arrived!

Here we are at the final week of BetterU--and it seems like we just got started!

And, you HAVE just gotten started.  BetterU is simply the start of many healthier moments for each of you--moments we hope you'll enjoy for a long lifetime.

We hope as many folks as possible will get their final #'s today at WPH.  If you don't make it today, we encourage you to work with your healthcare provider to learn your #'s (see my recent post about MyLifeCheck). 

Congratulations...we are looking forward to celebrating all of the "you's" in BetterU, Westchester, later this week! 

where DID the time go?

Looking forward to seeing everyone on the 2nd!  I can't believe that the program is winding down.  It has been an interesting journey.  Glad I had the opportunity to participate.

Life's Simple 7 Materials: Small Changes, Big Impact

Thanks to the women who joined me for our Life's Simple 7 presentation last week.  I want to share with all the AHA materirals provided.  I think you will find the simple concept of small changes that lead to big impact will serve you well in the months ahead, as you "graduate" from the BetterU program.

http://mylifecheck.heart.org/ Is our website dedicated to lifestyle changes that improve heart health.

The Simple 7 are the 7 areas where you can make a huge impact with small efforts:
http://mylifecheck.heart.org/Multitab.aspx?NavID=3&CultureCode=en-US

You can create an action plan--along with your healthcare providers--and take our MyLifeCheck Assessment.  http://mylifecheck.heart.org/PledgePage.aspx?NavID=5&CultureCode=en-US

You can complete the assessment initially without knowing all of your health #'s, but it is a great idea to work with your health care provider and get as much of the following information as you can to input into the confidential, private assessment tool:

Total cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
Triglycerides
Blood sugar
Blood pressure

After you've plugged in information about your #'s, your lifestyle, and your family history, you'll get a heart health score and great information about how to move toward more ideal cardiovascular health.

You can also pay it forward using the My Life Check resources page:
http://mylifecheck.heart.org/Resources.aspx?NavID=563&CultureCode=en-US

Our www.heart.org website is something I encourage you to explore in an ongoing way.  Some highlights:

The "Getting Healthy" area gives you TONS of information about nutrition, physical activity, etc.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/GettingHealthy_UCM_001078_SubHomePage.jsp

Under "Conditions" you can find information on specific needs like controlling high BP or cholesterol:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Conditions_UCM_001087_SubHomePage.jsp

Here are our cholesterol tools and resources, for example:  http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/CholesterolToolsResources/Cholesterol-Tools-and-Resources_UCM_001216_Article.jsp

We hope that you've had a wonderful journey toward better health, via BetterU.  But you are just getting started!  Use the resources above as a jumping off point to be your own best health advocate, work with your healthcare providers to create a concrete plan that will help you stay on the good health path. 

Cheers to your heart-healthy life!

We Need to Hear From You

Good morning,

With our closing programs coming up this week, if you haven't already contacted Julia Moran (julia.moran@heart.org) with your RSVP information, please do so.

Ladies, we'd like to see the strongest turnout possible on 5/2 so that we can show our appreciation for Will2Lose and White Plains Hospital.  We also need to let Shop Rite know a final headcount for our 5/1 grocery shopping trip program.  Again, please let Julia know if you plan to attend, ASAP.

We also need as many participants as possible to get their final numbers checked this Monday at WPH.  Please call Kristine Sposato at WPH and schedule a time for Monday 4/29.  Her number is 914-681-2563.  They will get your final, Height, Weight, BMI and Blood Pressure numbers for our presentation on May 2^nd.

Thanks,
April Dawn

ch ch ch changes!

Getting ready for a transition away from BetterU, and on my own. Trying to work walks and hikes into my pal time, instead of lunch. Norma suggested more greens in my diet, so I juice a quart of parsley, cukes, celery etc mixed with zero cal coconut water for breakfast. Deelish - not at all like the kale experiment from a month ago!

Reminder, TONIGHT at 6:30 p.m. Life's Simple 7 at WPH Auditorium

Good morning!

I hope to see many of you this evening at White Plains Hospital.  If you didn't RSVP, you can still show up.

We'll learn simple, practical ways you can improve your cardiovascular health--and how you can keep track with a private, personal health assessment...and all of it is free!

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/MyHeartandStrokeNews/Getting-Heart-Healthy-One-Simple-Step-at-a-Time_UCM_447728_Article.jsp

National Volunteer Week

This is National Volunteer Week, and we thank the folks who make AHA happen--and make BetterU happen.  We'd like to especially recognize the folks from White Plains Hospital and Will2Lose who are so supportive of BetterU.

Heart health e-zine available

Did you know we have a free e-zine available via www.heart.org?  Check it out!
http://content.yudu.com/Library/A231cz/HeartHealthMatters/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.free.yudu.com%2Fitem%2Fdetails%2F772581%2FHeart-Health-Matters

spinnin'

Just came from Spinning with Karla.  What a workout! Awesome!

AHA Tips on Weight Loss

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/WeightManagement/Weight-Management_UCM_001081_SubHomePage.jsp

Remember, it's always important to work with your healthcare providers if you have questions about weight loss--or any other aspect of physical well-being. 

Being a caregiver and taking care

Good morning!

I thought of you all, last night.  While my young child played in the yard in the early evening, I was determined to get a workout in.  So, I walked--with bursts of running at regular intervals--in my driveway...I could interact with the kiddo, and get in my 30 minutes.  It wasn't exciting, but it was still exercise.

How do you get creative about fitting in your workouts?

This heart.org link for caregivers is really geared toward folks involved in taking care of someone with a cardiovascular condition, but I think its advice is good for any type of caregiver...including parents:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Responsibilities/ResponsibilityIntroduction/Caregiver-Responsibility-Introduction_UCM_301828_Article.jsp

Also sharing some of our "how to make a healthy home"...how to create a heart-healthy household.  Makes our journeys easier when the folks we live with are engaged in healthy lifestyles with us.  The link is geared toward parents, but it has great tips for everyone who manages some tasks of "keeping house" (budget healthy meals, for example)!

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/HealthierKids/HowtoMakeaHealthyHome/How-to-Make-a-Healthy-Home_UCM_304154_SubHomePage.jsp

Have a good rest of your week!

I am so grateful for this experience.  I have learned so much, and have moved on to a healthier lifestyle.  I will take all I have learned, and incorporate it into my daily lifestyle.  I am so addicted to Will2Lose!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Important Dates

April 23:  6:30 p.m.
Life's Simple 7:  The American Heart Association's Easy Tips for a Healthier Life
White Plains Hospital Auditorium
Please RSVP to julia.moran@heart.org by 4/19


May 1:  7 - 8 p.m.
Healthy Grocery Shopping
ShopRite of White Plains, 13 City Place 
We'll meet Stacey Jackson, nutritionist, who will teach us how to make better food choices when grocery shopping.  Stacey serves the White Plains community and will also provide everyone with her contact information at the event...you will be able to touch base with her in the future, and schedule an appointment if you find you need more help after the session.
Please RSVP to me (aprildawn.shinske@heart.org) by next Wednesday, 4/16

May 2:  1 - 3 p.m. 
Makeup Makeovers by Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's of White Plains, 175 Bloomingdale Rd.
Please RSVP to julia.moran@heart.org by 4/19

May 2: 4 p.m.
BetterU Program Close
White Plains Hospital
Please RSVP to julia.moran@heart.org by 4/24

 

Gimme a word, please!

How's everyone doing?  Can you describe this moment in your journey in just one word?  Let's hear it!  Comment away! 

Everyone at AHA is pulling for you--and your healthier life!

Keep Movin'!

 

Ladies where are the food logs? Will2Lose wants to help you make that life style change. Email them to me at Normal@Will2Lose.com

Tried Mary Ann's band camp class today.  It was great!  Good workout.
Beth C

Graduated my weights!

I moved up from 5# to 8# today. Sure I'll sleep well tonight. Thank you Katie, Norma and Keith for all your inspiration:))

Don't forget to walk, today!

Good morning, ladies!

Don't forget today is AHA's National Walking Day...if you get a chance to get out and walk, post your pics...we'd love to see!

-April Dawn

http://www.startwalkingnow.org/

Week 7 Challenge Sheet

National Walking Day is tomorrow!

Pull on your sneakers and join us! Please view

Biggest Change

......... for me has been that I am no longer a girl without a Plan. Either I have a workout scheduled for the day, or I adjust my food plan, or I find a way to put small efforts into my day. I chose to bring my snow tires up from the basement to put into my car, instead of accepting help! I put a salad together in the fridge before the day gets going, so I can just grab. And I think my back has one less roll in it today!