Yesterday, the power of one became the power of many as a cover photo of me taken in January of this year in my adopted city of downtown San Francisco was discovered and then shared from San Francisco to New York to New Jersey and then to Nashville, Tennessee! Thank you all so much for all your kind words regarding my appearance, however now I would like for all of you to put aside for a moment what I look like and think about what it represents and what it can mean for you, your health and your quality of life.
What you saw yesterday is real, all natural and equipped with all original parts and labor. If you read in the bio section of this website you will learn that in 1996 an unidentified airborne viral infection made its way into my bloodstream and caused Multiple Organ System failure as a result of Septic Shock. Many of you yesterday were stunned because you all saw me as the picture of health at every Teaneck High School Class of 1980 reunion since 1990, but of course 1996 fell in between reunions so no one was the wiser. On February 14, 1996 I fell critically ill and was put on life support immediately. My husband Hal was told I had a 10% chance of survival and despite what little chance I had, I not only survived, but I truly thrived. What most of you do not know is that by Dec 1989 I had gained over 50 pounds as a result of eating very unhealthy food, drinking too much soda and not exercising at all. When Hal and I received the notice in the mail that the Teaneck High School Class of '80 reunion was coming up in May of 1990 I looked in the mirror and thought there was no way I could attend. Then something came over me. I wanted to see all of you very badly so I knew I had to take action. On that day in the Fall of 1989, I made a complete 180 degree turn which included the following: 1) I replaced all soda and juices with WATER both still and sparkling. 2) I began to EAT a much greater VARIETY of fruits & vegetables every day including all varieties of berries. 3) I now consumed only non-fat or low-fat milk, Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. 4) I now consumed mostly whole grains in the form of Wheaties brand cereal, brown rice and other whole grains for much-needed daily fiber intake. 5) I began a daily program of "upright" cardiovascular and a 5-day anaerobic training regimen at home. I purchased an Alpine Stairclimbing machine, free weights and a mat. I learned how to lift by watching a cable TV program at the time with trainers on the beaches of Hawaii showing proper form and technique. The key to my success was slowly but surely increasing the intensity, duration and resistance and all this while my then two-year-old was napping. ***On certain occasions, such as a wedding, birthday party, or a gala event then deviating from this is fine, but only 4-6 times per month.*** I lost the 50 pounds in time for the ten year reunion in 1990 and everyone complimented me on how I looked, but this is NOT really a weight loss story. It is rather a story of survival when six years later, Valentine's Day 1996 almost became my last day on earth. After 29 days in the Intensive Care Unit my expert New York Metro area physicians agreed that my very healthy and fitness-oriented lifestyle which included intensive cardiovascular and anaerobic conditioning as well as proper nutrition in all likelihood saved my life! I would take it one step further and say that the notice in the mail arriving in the Fall of 1989 announcing the upcoming ten year reunion was an integral part of saving my life as it "forced my hand" and prompted me to take action immediately! My message is geared to everyone but especially to the Teaneck High School Class of 1980 who unknowingly prompted me to take action. Now at age 52, I am healthier and stronger than I have ever been at any age and all this via proper cardiovascular and anaerobic exercise while EATING good, solid and proper nutrition! It is NEVER about getting up from the table hungry, but rather it is about FUELING your body properly to work for you! My focus is on maintaining proper organ function, creating strong muscles, building strong bones and having the energy to live life to its fullest! Stay tuned for more more INSPIRATION, MOTIVATION and EDUCATION!
4 Comments
Laia Calduch
6/12/2014 10:49:30 am
Amazing post! You are such an inspiration
Reply
6/17/2014 03:01:46 pm
Smart, fit and funny, definitely a New York Combination! A true inspiration!!!
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Audrey"Let's PREVENT what we can and BE COMBAT-READY for what we cannot as we ENJOY and make the most of every single day!" Archives
July 2024
Categories |