At age 45, after a routine health screening, I was tagged with being at high risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke due to the big three risk factors: hypertensions (high blood pressure), high cholesterol and elevated body mass index (BMI). I carried these risk factors unmanaged for the next several years until my primary care doctor did what doctors in the American healthcare system often do…prescribe medications. Frequently I recall hearing that many of these risk factors are hereditary, and that there is not much one can do about it.

Faced with the potential of being on at least two lifelong medications at the prime of my life, I asked my doctor what I could do, rather than what I had to take.   With a somewhat bewildered look, he told me I could think about changing my diet and begin to exercise. However, with my blood pressure often reading 180/95 (stage II high blood pressure: 160/100), he stated that I should not attempt to start an exercise program without starting medication to reduce my blood pressure due to significant risk of heart attack or stroke.

Over the next 30 days, I changed my diet to include a heavy emphasis on fruits and vegetables and low fat alternatives. (It’s what we know we should do anyway.)   I continued to maintain, however, my 60 hour a week, high stress sedentary life-style. Upon my follow-up visit 45 days later, my cholesterol level had gone from a 241 (240 mg and over: high risk) to 174 (less than 200 mg: desirable) with no medication. Needless to say, my doctor asked me how I did it.   And while my blood pressure reading was somewhat less, when I told him I wanted to start an exercise program to lose weight and reduce my BMI, he insisted that I fill the blood pressure medication prescription.   I agreed to be placed on a 40mg daily dosage during which time I would begin to exercise.

Fast forward to November 2014, at age 50, I completed my first 26.2 mile marathon in Indianapolis crossing the line in 3 hours and 40 minutes, and at my high school weight. In April 2016, having qaulifed with a time of 3 hours and 26 minutes, I will run in the 120th Boston Marathon at the ripe young age of 52. Today I run an average of 30-35 miles a week. However, the hardest step was the decision to take responsibility for my health, and not to rely on others.   I am in complete control of my health and I feel GREAT!

Looking back, there is no magic in my story.  It is a timelness wellness story that rests within each of us.  It began with a decision to make a change for me and for my family, and then taking small steps to get there.  If I can do it, anyone can do it. We can show you how!  The whole purpose behind the Heaven by Health Wellness Academy is to help others take those smalls steps towards ultimate health and to live the life that God designed for each of us.