Inspire health winter 2015

INSPIRE

Winter 2015

Real Inspiration for Women

TOP 5 FOODS for a

HEALTHY TICKER!

Listen

to the BEET

t r a He

Straightfrom the JAMsIEnew meantihng bringrunning wi to T. HEAR

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INSPIRE HEALTH

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INSPIRE HEALTH

Winter 2015

“They saved my life, so I’m going to do what I need to do to keep it.”

1

NEW LEASE ON LIFE

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INSPIRE HEALTH

BON SECOURS HEALTH CENTER AT HARBOUR VIEW

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contents Winter 2015

10Cardio with Plates 5 Listen to the Beet 7 Living with a Broken Heart 14Make Healthy Eating Fun 8 Winter Dryness Solution 335 Foods for Your Ticker SUPER FOOD

EXERCISE FEATURE

HEALTHY MIND

MIGHTY KIDS

NATURAL BEAUTY

LONGEVITY

❛

MUST HAVE” STAPLES

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Cover Story: I had a great life before but I had no idea how sick I was until I had a heart that was working.

WARDROBE…

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20

LISTEN to the

eet B

By Tricia Danflous

THE COLOR IS INTRIGUING. THE TASTE IS UNIQUE.

VERSATILITY AND HEALTH BENEFITS PLACE THE BEET AT THE TOP OF THE TOP OF SUPERFOODS. SERVED HOT OR COLD, AS A LIQUID OR SOLID, BEETS MAY PREVENT NUMEROUS CHRONIC CONDITIONS, INCREASE ENERGY, AND BOOST MENTAL HEALTH.

A

PAGE

10

for YOUR

WINTER

super food

6

+

MINUTE

CARDIO CORE WORKOUT

… burn fat and build abs FAST!

InINSPIRE every : 6. Editor’s letter / 10. Exercise / 14. Mighty Kids Winter 2015 HEALTHissue

lthough beets can be golden, white, striped, and greenleafed,consumers are most familiar with the deep red-purple (think beet-red!) root vegetable found in gardens throughout the world – and throughout history. Often referred to as a prehistoric food dating back 5,000 years, thank the ancient Romans for recognizing the beet as a powerful addition to the dining table.

In more contemporary times, the U.S. Apollo 18 astronauts served borscht, a Russian beet soup, to the Soviet Soyuz 19 astronauts.

Bursting with fiber and nutrients, beets contain generous amounts of vitamin C, the B vitamin folate, potassium, and manganese.The beet is a superfood, which helps to reduce birth defect risk, promotes healthy nerves and muscles, and is good for the liver, kidneys, pancreas and bones. Rich in betaine, a nutrient first detected in sugar beets and pronounced accordingly, beets assist in fighting inflammation, minimizing risk to the vascular system and internal organs, increases energy and may prevent chronic disorders such as asthma or diabetes.

The colorful appeal of the beetroot is not just for catching the eye. In an extract form, the natural

plant chemicals, which contribute to their deep red-purple color, are being studied as a method for treating prostate, breast and pancreatic cancers. And the red and yellow, or betalin pigment, contributes to the body’s detoxification process, which assists in liver and blood purification.

Looking to spice up your life? Have a beet salad. The preChristianity Romans enjoyed beets as an aphrodisiac and science confirms it. The boron found in beets is connected to human sex hormone production.That could also explain why beets are especially beneficial during pregnancy, with high amounts of vitamin B and iron assisting in the development of new growth cells and iron replacement.

DON’T FORGET THE JUICE AND THE GREENS In a rush? Need to power up quickly for an intense workout? Grab a glass of chilled beet juice mixed with a little apple or orange juice for a sweet/tangy flavor and you are ready to go. According to several studies, individuals who consumed beet juice prior to exercise, could increase their exercise time by as much as 16 percent. Research indicates that nitrates in beets are changed into nitric oxide, which not only enhances exercise tolerance but may also assist

in lowering blood pressure.

Beet greens are good for you, too. The iron-rich greens also contain large amounts of nutrients and vitamins and may be more nutritionally powerful than the beetroot. Research shows that beet greens have the potential to boost bone density, slow the rate of Alzheimer’s disease and strengthen the immune system. Try using beet greens in the same ways you use spinach or other leafy greens.

Now that you are ready for a healthy serving of beets or beet juice, keep in mind that beets are high in carbohydrate and sugar. Enjoy the greens in unlimited quantities, but limit beets and their juice to three or four servings a week.

QUICK AND EASY BEET SALAD Ingredients Use your judgment to determine how big or how many portions you chose to make.

Beets Onions Salt Pepper Olive oil

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editor’s letter

healthy mind

TRANSFORM with Heart Welcome to the transformation issue of INSPIRE HEALTH. Whether you are looking to transform your mind or body, or both, you will find a variety of tips, suggestions and several recipes to get you on the way to peace of mind for your soul and physical improvements for your body, especially your heart.

For some people, transformation begins literally with a new body part. Jamie Napolitano, the subject of our cover story, has a new heart. A transplant recipient, her life has changed for the better at every level. Although her caring, appreciative and welcoming spirit remains as strong as ever, Jamie is taking on the challenges of running and winning a few gold medals along the way. If you read just one article in this issue, make it her story. You will not only learn how a little girl’s dream can come true, but also how the generosity of others made her dreams transform into reality. You may be so inspired that you register as an organ donor.

Transforming your health, changing the way you see your body, and establishing a healthier life are standard resolutions for the start of the New Year. But January 1 is not a magic date; start when you are ready and keep on going. I have a friend who decided it was time to return to her military shape and live healthy. She chose a start date associated with a special anniversary in her family.

When she was tempted to skip a run around the neighborhood or splurge on a sugar cookie, she thought about good family memories and found the energy to maintain her healthier lifestyle. Today she is celebrating a 45-pound weight loss over nine months with great new clothes and garden-grown vegetables.

You can transform your life. If you are reading INSPIRE HEALTH, you are already on the right path. We hope this issue offers you encouragement and suggestions for a smooth road ahead.

Happy, healthy, productive and safe living,

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INSPIRE

Staff

Executive Publishers

Creative Director

H.G. FOX, SR. SUZANNE P. FOX

AMANDA QUBTY

Editor

Art Director

PATRICIA DANFLOUS

TRA PHAM

Marketing Director

Web/Digital Design

JENNIFER CABALLERO

VICTOR BETANCOURT

ihm@inspirehealthmag.com * www.inspirehealthmag.com

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The information contained in Inspire Health is intended for educational purposes only. A reader should never substitute information contained in Inspire Health for the advice of a health care professional. Jumpstart Publishing, LLC and publishers of Inspire Health, do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of Inspire Health and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements contained in Inspire Health. Readers should not use the information in Inspire Health for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for Winter prescription of any medication or other treatment. Readers should consult 2015 INSPIRE HEALTH professional with a healthcare before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or have or suspect they have a health problem.

Heart

✓

PATRICIA DANFLOUS Editor editor@inpsirehealthmag.com Help us inspire others!

We want to know what inspires you to live healthy. Tell the editor at editor@inspirehealthmag.com. You could be published in the next issue of Inspire Health magazine.

Living with a Broken

You will look and feel amazing when you eat a diet rich in whole, plant-based foods. .

Discover how with Eat Super-NATURAL, by Inspire Health Editor Christina Leidenheimer.

Purchase at inspirehealthmag.com/shop

By Chivon John - www.chivonjohn.com “I’m probably tired from working too hard.”

“I’m too young.”

“This pain will pass.”

It’s easy to dismiss the signs of heart disease, but ignoring them can cost you your life.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease claims the lives of one in three women each year and as many as 4% to 10% of all heart attacks occur before age 45.

When health and fitness journalist Kerrie Lee Brown started experiencing chest pain on Christmas Day several years ago, she brushed it off as stress. When intense pain forced her to the doctor a few months later, tests confirmed that she had a heart attack – at 39 years old.

In Brown’s case, her health scare served as a wake up call to the importance of listening to her body, signaling that it was time to take action. Surviving a heart scare as serious as a heart attack or stroke will demand lifestyle changes, but that doesn’t mean it should change your livelihood.

Here are three tips to live well with a broken heart:

is a sure-fire way to impact your health. Once you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition or survived a health scare it’s normal to still be afraid and that’s OK. The key is to not dwell on things outside of your control and keep your stress levels to a minimum.

Listen to your body Although the warning signs were there, it took Kerrie a few weeks to acknowledge that her body was in trouble. Once you’ve had a heart scare it becomes even more critical to be attuned to your body’s signals of distress. Don’t ignore aches and pains and make a point to make your nutrition and rest a priority.

Talk it out Emotional support is very important after a health scare so lean on your partner, family members or friends when you need a loving ear.

Keep your glass half full In the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke, a study of over 6,000 adults found that individuals who had a more optimistic outlook were significantly less likely to have strokes. Not only does a positive outlook improve your mood, studies show that it can improve your health with lower risks of depression and the ability to cope with stressful situations.

Don’t sweat the small stuff Late for an appointment? Feel overwhelmed at work?

Don’t worry you’re not alone. Stressing over the little things inspirehealthmag.com § #inspirehealthmag

INSPIRE HEALTH

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natural beauty

Skin Is Winter Dryness Getting the Best of You?

LET NATURE EXTEND AN OLIVE BRANCH

By Michele Robert Poche

W

inter can be wonderful, bringing snowy days, warm nights by the fire, and festive holiday gatherings.

But it can also be harsh, wreaking havoc on the skin, hair and nails while robbing them of their natural balance. Who has time to think about a beauty regime when we’re buried beneath layers and layers of wool, fleece and other cold weather apparel?

Let’s make this easy. You’ve got olive oil in your kitchen, right? Great.

You won’t believe how much can be done with the oil of a tiny olive. One of nature’s most versatile offerings, olive oil incorporated into a regular beauty routine is an excellent way to stay moisturized and healthy from head to toe. Make sure your pantry as well as your medicine cabinet, bathroom and purse are well stocked with this essential beauty tool this winter season.

“Except the vine, there is no plant which bears a fruit of as great importance as the olive.”

Gaius Plinius Secundus, Roman philosopher

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INSPIRE HEALTH

Winter 2015

WEEKLY –as an exfoliating scrub Mix two parts olive oil with one part sea salt. Apply to body and scrub gently to slough off old skin and bring forth a softer, glowing layer beneath.  Rinse.

WEEKLY - as a purifying face mask Pour ¼ cup olive oil into small bowl.  Mix in one egg yolk and one tbsp. honey.  Apply to face for 10-15 minutes.  Rinse.

WEEKLY - as an anti-aging/rejuvenating treatment Pour one tbsp. olive oil, two tbsp. raw honey and one finely grated green apple in blender.  Blend until soft.  Apply to face for 5 to 7 minutes.  Rinse.

Keep on an EYE S

S

kin cancers do not develop overnight. Generally speaking signs and symptoms progress over a period of weeks, months, or even years. A change in the size, shape, color, or thickness of a skin blemish or mole may be significant.

Symptoms of itching, burning, and especially bleeding can indicate a problem.

You can reduce the risk of developing skin cancers by avoiding excessive sun exposure - we recommend using a broad spectrum SPF 50 on exposed areas. We must also warn about the hazards of tanning lights that can also cause radiation damage. Some things, like your basic skin type, you can’t change. Your risks also increase if you have already had a skin cancer or if there is a family history, especially of melanoma.

The most important thing to remember about skin cancers, however, is that they are almost always curable when detected early - hence the importance of skin cancer screening. We do not recommend scraping or freezing skin cancers but use a more thorough approach. Our six year experience with the Fotofinder® Computer system has helped catch cancers at the earliest stages.

When you have a concern you should always seek qualified medical evaluation from someone with the experience and tools to diagnose and treat cancer including reconstruction when necessary. ~ Dr J. Craig Merrell, M.D., F.A.C.S

E L O M

Hair

MONTHLY – as a warm deep conditioner Pour ¼ cup olive oil into small bowl and warm in microwave. Do not let it boil.

Optional: Add two drops of lavender, rosemary or your favorite scented oil.  Starting at ends, massage oil into hair and work upward to roots. For those with dandruff, massage mixture into scalp as well.  Cover in shower cap. For normal hair, let sit one hour. For extra dry hair, let sit overnight.  Shampoo and rinse.

Nails

DAILY – as a hand and cuticle moisturizer Keep a small spray bottle of olive oil handy at all times. As often as your climate and comfort dictate, lightly spritz oil onto hands and massage thoroughly into skin until absorbed. For hangnail prevention, pay extra attention to cuticles when applying to nails. For extra conditioning, wear lightweight cotton gloves after applying oil to allow it to penetrate more deeply.

Pre-melanoma changes in mole found using the Fotofinder® inspirehealthmag.com § #inspirehealthmag

INSPIRE HEALTH

9

+

MINUTE

CARDIO CORE WORKOUT

… burn fat and build abs FAST!

By Christina Leidenheimer CPT, CHLC, CPI PART OF DEVELOPING A HEALTHY CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM IS GETTING YOUR HEART RATE UP. THIS WORKOUT GETS THE BLOOD PUMPING, HEART BEATING, AND CHALLENGES YOUR CORE LIKE NEVER BEFORE! GRAB TWO PAPER PLATES AND GET READY TO BLAST FAT AND BUILD ABS IN ONLY SIX MINUTES.

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INSPIRE HEALTH

Winter 2015

MOUNTAIN CLIMBER SLIDERS

Lie face down on a mat. Place each foot (tip toes) on a paper plate. Come into a front plank position, supporting your weight on your toes and hands. Slide your right foot forward to bring your right knee near your chest. Return to the starting position and switch sides. Continue rapidly switching from right to left.

Perform this exercise for one minute. Move to the next exercise.

2 Photographer: Bobby Lecompte

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1

Model: Amber Battaglia from Monster Training Athletics

See more great workouts on our website www.inspirehealthmag.com

exercise / inspired to move

3

WALKING PLANK

Lie face down on a mat. Place each foot (tip toes) on a paper plate. Come into a front plank position, supporting your weight on your toes and hands. Move your right arm forward then your left arm so that you are walking with your hands. Allow your feet to slide on the floor as your arms walk forward.

Continue a rapid hand walk, alternating from right to left hand. Perform this exercise for one minute. Move to the next exercise.

HEEL SLIDES

Lie down on your back on a mat.

Place a paper plate under the heel of each foot. Bend your right knee to slide the right foot in toward your butt. Return to the starting position and switch to the left side.

Continue rapidly switching from right to left.

Perform this exercise for one minute. Move to the next exercise. inspirehealthmag.com § #inspirehealthmag

INSPIRE HEALTH

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See more great workouts on our website www.inspirehealthmag.com

exercise / inspired to move

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5

ALTERNATING SIDE KICKS

Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Hold a paper plate in each hand and extend your arms out in front of you. Kick your right leg up to touch the paper plate that is held out by your left hand. Return to the starting position and switch sides. Continue rapidly switching from right to left.

Perform this exercise for one minute. Move to the next exercise.

Fitness Feats: Have you tried any of Inspire Health’s custom workouts?

We want to hear about it.

Tag Inspire Health in your fitness feats #inspirehealthmag.

INSPIRE HEALTH TIP:

PLANK TO PIKE

Lie face down on a mat. Place each foot (tip toes) on a paper plate. Come into a front plank position, supporting your weight on your toes and hands. Use the paper plates to slide both feet forward while keeping your legs straight. Continue this movement until your body is in a pike position. Use the paper plates to slide your feet back to the starting position. Repeat.

Perform this exercise for one minute.

Move to the next exercise.

6

WINDSHIELD WIPER PLANK

Lie face down on a mat. Place each foot (tip toes) on a paper plate. Come into a front plank position, supporting your weight on your toes and hands. Use the paper plates to slide both feet out to the sides. Return to the starting position. Continue bringing legs together and apart to perform a windshield wiper plank. Perform this exercise for one minute. Move to the next exercise.

Don’t forget, abs are made in the kitchen. You can create a strong core through exercise, but a defined core is the result of clean eating habits. Reduce your fat intake and opt for whole foods that are high in nutrients. Increase your water intake and reduce caffeine and salt, as these are known to cause the body to retain water.

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mighty kids

P

makeating

e y h t l a e h

from n u f Lunchtime to Lifetime

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INSPIRE HEALTH

Winter 2015

Maintaining

cookie cutter. Cut vegetables and fruits in different shapes at the beginning of the week to allow for quick assembly.

Your child’s lunch does not have to be “Pinterest worthy” but it can be one packed-full of fun in the form of fruits, veggies, lean meats, and low-fat cheese or dairy. This way, you can be content knowing that at lunchtime your child will be eating a nutritious meal, while leaving them blissfully happy, and with a full tummy.

LALA LUNCHBOX APP With lively animation and characters, your child will enjoy meal planning with LaLaLunchbox app. Its engaging and playful interface teaches kids the importance of eating healthy. The app then converts their meal plan into a shopping list for the week. Fun for them and and convenient for you!

HEALTHYteeth and gums

– A WISE INVESTMENT

A

re your gums red or puffy?

Do your gums bleed while brushing and flossing? Are your teeth sensitive? Do you have bad breath? If so, you may have gum disease. Gum disease means bone loss around the teeth that may contribute to recession. It may be due to genetics, or in some cases poor oral hygiene with plaque accumulation that contributes to bad breath. Gum disease may worsen resulting in increased bone loss and ultimately teeth loss without proper professional care. You and your gums are connected for life so it’s important to keep your gums as healthy as possible.

YOUR SOUL

reparing your child’s lunch can be an activity that both you and your child can enjoy together.

Make their lunch fun, colorful and filled with love. Educating young children about proper nutrition not only benefits them in the classroom, but also for their futures. This can begin by packing a healthy lunch full of all five-food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and dairy.

Begin by using an existing BPA free container or purchase a portable lunchbox. My personal preference is the Rubbermaid lunchbox Entrée kit which is a great option sold at most large retailers.

Use containers that have different compartments, in order to preserve freshness and distinct flavors. Cupcake holders can also be used as dividers, adding a fun twist to an average lunch. Fixed ice packs conveniently allow for appropriate temperatures for perishable foods.

With your child, build one of their favorite sandwiches using lean meat, such as turkey, or nut butter and all-natural jelly on whole grain bread.

Remember to explain the importance of eating fruits and vegetables and how they are essential in receiving daily fiber, Vitamin C, potassium and other key vitamins, nutrients and minerals. Entertain your child using foods such as celery, adding nut butter and raisins to represent ants on a log.

You can also arrange fruits to look like a rainbow and remind your child about the benefits of eating an array of colors.

By Amber Deemer Make miniature sandwiches or scenes using carrot shreds, kale, PICTURE THIS AS YOUR CHILD’S MIDDAY MEAL: A yellow tomatoes or fresh corn.

LUNCHBOX FILLED WITH COLORFUL TOMATOES A fun, safe way to allow your AND PEPPERS, STRAWBERRIES AND A PINWHEEL WHOLE GRAIN SANDWICH PACKED WITH SPINACH, child to cut his or her fruits is by using their favorite shaped LEAN TURKEY AND LOW-FAT CREAM CHEESE.

Other possible contributing causes of gum disease are stress, weakened

immune system, smoking, alcohol, heart disease, and diabetes. Chronic stress is associated with higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol, which can lead to a more destructive form of gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease may result in even more serious health complications that can lead to expensive medical costs. Therefore, maintaining a healthy mouth may actually be a stress reliever itself.

You can actively enhance your immune system with professional dental care as well as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep. Exercise helps stimulate your brain and delivers oxygen to your tissues and therefore, gives you more energy for your daily activities. Exer-

cise will also help improve sleep, which will help you stay healthy and prevent long-term health conditions.

At Konikoff-Salzberg Periodontics, we would be happy to talk with you in more detail about your gums and health. There are lots of ways to treat gum problems from minor to the more severe problems. We will work closely with your General Dentist to design a custom treatment plan that will help maintain your gums and teeth for as long as possible.

For more information about gum health and its treatments, please visit our website at www.center4perio.com, or call our office at 757-484-1818.

Check out lalalunchbox. com or download it in the AppStore today!

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INSPIRE HEALTH

January  February 2015

inspirehealthmag.com § #inspirehealthmag

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cover story

S

t r a He Straight from the

CHAMPION

BRINGS

RUNNING with HEART

Photography by Richard Vallon & Tricia Danflous

By Tricia Danflous

Hair & Makeup by: Ariel Captain

New Meaning to

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INSPIRE HEALTH

Winter 2015

Napolitano is one of thousands of athletes who participated in the 2014 Transplant Games of America, a multisport event for living donors, organ transplant recipients and bone marrow recipients. In addition to competition, the Games highlight the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation, while celebrating the lives of organ donors and recipients.

Slim, and trim with the cover girl looks of a young woman in excellent shape and good health, Napolitano entered the national competition for several reasons - to promote the organ donation cause, to demonstrate the power of a second chance, to fulfill a childhood aspiration, and to thank Cameron’s parents for their gift to her.

Napolitano’s transplant journey is a long one, with many blessings and roadblocks along the way.

Thanks to the observant eyes of her grandparents, a physician and a nurse, her heart disease was first detected and confirmed when she was three months old.

“When I was diagnosed my prognosis was not good at all, but I was very fortunate to have great medical care, amazing parents and to be honest, I didn’t really know that I had heart disease,” said the West Texas native.“I didn’t feel different than other kids and I lived a pretty normal life. By the time I got to the age of ten I really, really wanted to be on a junior track team. I thought I was fast and all my school friends were joining the team.”

Her supportive and encouraging, but cautious, parents said “yes, but let’s

al, her donor’s Jamie and Roy

father

“I had a great life before, but I had no idea how sick I was until I had a heart that was working

❛❛

HE BREAKS ACROSS THE FINISH LINE WITH A GIGANTIC SMILE AND ONLY SLIGHTLY OUT OF BREATH. AT 39, JAMIE NAPOLITANO IS ACHIEVING THE DREAM OF A 10-YEAR-OLD. SHE IS A GOLD MEDALIST, A CHAMPION FOR HER FAMILY, HER LOUISIANA TEAM, FOR THOUSANDS OF ORGAN TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS AND MOST NOTABLY, FOR CAMERON. SHE IS RUNNING WITH HIS HEART.

see what the pediatric cardiologist says.” Looking forward to good news, the report came back detailing a heart that had deteriorated a little bit more and strenuous physical activity was not a good idea.“I was devastated, it was so important to me to be on the team,” Napolitano recalled. “That was the beginning of my journey in thinking that every single doctor I encountered was crazy. Surely, I was not sick, they had no idea what they were talking about.”

Fast forward to her sophomore year at Texas Tech University. “I was really, really enjoying college, but my heart was not,” she reflected. “I had a heart attack on campus. That was quite a wake up call for me as I realized that well, maybe I am a little bit sick. During recovery in the hospital, one of the interns asked ‘when’s the transplant?’ during medical rounds. I had never heard anything about transplant before. ‘Who was this guy?’ I thought.

He must be crazy; they shouldn’t let him talk during rounds. So, I decided to make sure to take my medicine, go to my doctor’s appointments and I would be fine.”

Heading on to Dallas for graduate school and a Child Life internship at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Napolitano began noticing irregular and racing heart rhythms even while sitting down at

Jamie throwing during the Shot put competition

rest. Several doctor’s appointments and tests later, she woke up with a defibrillator and the diagnosis that she was sicker than she thought. “Once again, I was sure that the doctors and everyone around me had it wrong; they were a little bit cuckoo,” she said.

Devastated, but compliant and aware the path ahead would be challenging, she followed medical recommendations and enjoyed her life.

It was on a return trip from a friends’ get-away Las Vegas vacation, that she met her husband Gary who sat next to her on the return flight.

Although that is a story in itself, she married, ended up in New Orleans and found a Certified Child Life Specialist position at internationally recognized Ochsner Medical Center.

Checking in with a cardiologist, who reviewed her history and ordered new tests, she received the news that she should be transferred to the heart transplant/heart failure team. “Of course, he could not have been right.

That was the first time I had heard the word ‘transplant’ in ten years,” she said.

Recognizing that she did have heart problems, but refusing to let that interfere with life, Napolitano and her husband thought about starting a family. “I think I went to every provider at Ochsner hoping to find someone who would tell me it wouldn’t be fatal to try and become pregnant with a inspirehealthmag.com § #inspirehealthmag

INSPIRE HEALTH

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cover story

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INSPIRE HEALTH

Winter 2015

Eat YOUR WAY

Heart to a HEALTHY

Jamie and her family with Royal and Janice, the parents of Cameron, her donor.

receive a letter from Cameron’s mom,” she said with a glint of tears forming in her eyes. “We were able to exchange information back and forth. I know his parents are hurting – Cameron was a very loved and very special young man, but they have been very supportive of me.

The two families met face-to-face for the first time at the Transplant Games, where Cameron’s parents cheered Napolitano on at every event, with off and on tears and smiles.

There are definite connections between Napolitano and her donor.

Not only are they both Texas natives, but there is also the running connection. “I never had the endurance to run before the transplant,” she explained. “Afterwards, I started setting goals for myself and when Cameron’s dad learned I had completed several half marathons, he was truly touched because Cameron was a track star.

“Cameron was only 19 when he passed away and it is important to me that they know what his heart and their gift has done for me and my family. I have been blessed. I feel good and live a very normal, very active life.”

An active volunteer within the transplant community and who has also served as a recent spokesperson for the American Heart Association, Napolitano and her family are committed to living and eating healthy.

“I have the gift of Cameron’s heart and I am obligated to take care of my health, for my family and his family.”

E

ROCKMYRUN Looking for inspiration and motivation to run faster, longer and have fun while your legs are pumping? How about a free app? Download RockMyRun and you will find workout and running DJ selected music individualized for your body and your musical taste. The app is easily customized to change the energy level of playlists to be in sync with your body. A MatchMe™ feature syncs music to your steps or you can set the Beats Per Minute feature for a push to achieve better performance. It’s free, fun and easy – give it a try.

For information on organ donation, contact your local Organ Procurement Association.

For information about the Transplant Games, visit www.transplantgamesofamerica.org

YOUR SOUL

weak heart,” she emphasized. Not getting the answer they wanted, the Napolitanos were blessed with the gift of surrogacy from her sister and doubly blessed with twins, Reese and Brady.

Shortly after bringing the babies home, she encountered another roadblock. Feeling more and more symptomatic, Napolitano was unable to hold her babies, vacuuming was a major chore, she was frequently sick to her stomach and her lab results verified that her low energy was not surprising. Finally conceding to be placed on the transplant list, she received a heart on New Year’s Day, 2009.

“I had a great life before but I had no idea how sick I was until I had a heart that was working,” she explained.

“I was starting to feel warm as I lay in the hospital bed and was scared I was getting a fever. When the nurse came to check on me, I told her my ears were hot. Her answer was simple, ‘you have circulation.’ I thought that was amazing, to have blood flowing through my body like it is supposed to do. All the time I thought the doctors were crazy, it was me. I never realized how sick I had been because that was my normal life. I felt like Superwoman after the transplant. I did need a new heart.”

Now, her heart is healing, she is achieving her dreams as a wife, mother, Child Life Specialist on a pediatric unit, and the track star she wanted to be at ten. In the last five years, she has run in numerous competitive races and completed three half marathons. At the Transplant Games she came home with gold medals in the 400 meter and 1500 meter run; a silver in the 200 meter, and a bronze in shot put.

Winning the gold took second place, however, to meeting her donor’s family. Three months after the transplant, Napolitano wrote letters of gratitude to her donor’s family, expressing gratitude and describing how her life had changed. “I did not hear back from them for four and a half years, but I was blessed again, to

ating a heart-healthy diet is the key to reducing your risk for heart attack, stroke, heart disease and diabetes. By choosing the right foods at each meal, you can add years onto your life and even improve how you feel on a day-to-day basis.

Food fuels your body. The best fuel is the proper balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals that help each part of the body perform at its best. When you feed your body nutritious food, you will find you have more energy, lose weight, lower your blood pressure and much more. Eating heart healthy is not a diet, which can be temporary. It’s a lifestyle that is focused on treating yourself well.

Heart-healthy eating should not be confusing, but filled with simple choices. The meals should not be bland or repetitive, but packed with a variety of flavors.You should enjoy the taste of the food you eat while your body enjoys the nutrients it receives.

You can try a wide variety of dishes from the cookbook, from vegetarian pasta to barbecue chicken, to spice up your home cooking. Even party appetizers and desserts can have a place in a hearthealthy diet when eaten in moderation.

To take the first step toward a delicious heart-healthy lifestyle, you can download the free e-cookbook at good-heartrecipes.com. The cookbook can be viewed on tablets, phones and computers with e-reader apps. It can also be used on some e-reading devices, including the Nook. A PDF of the cookbook is also available for download.

You can’t control many risk factors of heart disease, such as age, gender and family history. However, you can reduce your risk by choosing a heart-healthy diet that follows these guidelines: Cut down on higher fat meats. Eliminate simple carbohydrates like enriched white flour and sugars. Eat healthier unsaturated fats. Lower your sodium intake. Rediscover fruits and vegetables.

A new, free cookbook from Bon Secours Heart & Vascular Institute aims to help people make heart-healthy diet choices. The Good for Your Heart cookbook contains over 100 recipes for salads, soups, sides, breakfasts, main courses and desserts that were reviewed for healthiness by registered dietitians. Each recipe includes ingredients, instructions and nutrition facts so they are simple to make and easy to record for people watching what they eat.

The book also provides tips from cardiologists on how to live a heart healthy life, instructions on how to substitute healthier ingredients into favorite recipes and guidance on what it means to eat heart healthy. inspirehealthmag.com § #inspirehealthmag inspirehealthmag.com  #inspirehealthmag

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fashion

2.

“Must Have”

Printed Jacket

Of course we can always use a jacket during the cold months of winter.

A printed jacket is the key to adding dimension to your wardrobe and a simple way to spice up your endless layers of style! Speaking of style….

Consider a cool classic such as a plaid pattern and it will never go out of style!

STAPLES FOR YOUR WINTER WARDROBE…

By Whitney Alexandra

ARE YOU FEELING HOPELESS WHEN IT COMES TO WINTER WARDROBE OPTIONS? WELL, IT’S TIME TO BUNDLE UP, SO LET’S GET STARTED WITH SOME ESSENTIALS TO ADD TO YOUR WARDROBE THIS SEASON…

Printed Jogger Pant

Style: Whitney Alexandra // WhitneyAlexandra.com Photography: Michelle Herrick // MichelleHerrick.com Models: Victoria Mendoza represented by FORD/ Robert Black Agency Clothing: Rarescarfvintage.com

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Jogger pants are fabulous because they are available in a multitude of styles from casual to dressy. Pick up a jogger pant with a spunky print and then mix and match a button up top or an oversized sweater. They are the ultimate staple piece for your closet this winter and the pairing options are endless!

Try Nike’s Pro Hyperwarm Compression Mezzo WB Tights. These tights not only are available in a spectrum of colors. . . they are the ultimate warm tights for the ultra cold months. Designed with stretch Dri-Fit fabric with a thermal insulation giving comfort, style and warmth all in one! xandra Whitney Ale

1.

WHITNEY’S FIT FASHION FIND:

3.

Pullover Tunic A pullover tunic is the ultimate key to layering.

Find a fun (preferably sheer) neutral tunic, which you can add to layers underneath while still looking ultra chic. Combine a long sleeve with your leggings, or even add a colored print with a funkyfun necklace. Finish it off with some tall boots for an ultra stylish look. Explore your closet to mix and match just about anything with a comfy tunic and stay warm while looking cool!

Tag us in your eco-friendly fashion find photos! #inspirehealthmag inspirehealthmag.com § #inspirehealthmag

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5 TOP FOODS for a

longevity hearts, and reduce fatal arrhythmias.The plant sterols in almonds specifically, can reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the diet, while the unsaturated oils encourage the liver to make less LDL and more “good” HDL. Oranges These zippy and delicious citrus fruits contain a super soluble fiber called pectin, the famed compound also found in apples, which acts like a sponge inside the digestive system, absorbing excess cholesterol from food and blocking its absorption. Citrus pectin may also assist the body in neutralizing proteins that can cause scarring of the heart tissue. Be sure to consume the whole fruit though, as the pectin is contained in the pulp and pith.

HEALTHY TICKER!

By Meg Pearson

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

- Hippocrates -

NO GREATER WORDS HAVE BEEN SPOKEN ABOUT THE DEEP RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUR HEALTH AND WHAT YOU PUT INTO YOUR BODY AT EVERY MEAL. HIPPOCRATES UNDERSTOOD THIS CONCEPT MORE THAN 2,000 YEARS AGO, AND AS WE CELEBRATE HEART MONTH EACH FEBRUARY, THERE IS NO BETTER TIME TO TALK ABOUT BODY-LOVING FOODS.

I

t goes without saying that many of us will perhaps indulge in some red wine or dark chocolate with our loves on Valentine’s Day. Recent research has extolled the benefits of these sinfully delicious treats, along with the beloved cholesterol-clearing oatmeal.Today, we are going to look at a few ordinary bites, foods that are in their own right truly super foods!

After all, fruits and vegetables truly are extraordinary and “super’”! A truly healthy diet features a broad range of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, and here is a list of five of the best when it comes to keeping a high cardiovascular score! .

Blueberries Remember when I mentioned red wine? Well, its claim to fame for heart health, is resveratrol, which may help prevent damage to blood vessels and minimize the risks of blood clots.

This special compound may also reduce the build-up of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or the “bad” cholesterol, in artery walls that contributes to cardiovascualr disease and stroke. It is also thought that antioxidants like Anthocyanin found in

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berries (blueberries, strawberries and blackberries) help neutralize harmful byproducts of metabolism called free radicals that can lead to cancer and other age-related diseases.

Lentils Since we’re talking plant-based power foods here, let’s honor the humble lentil. Because they come from plants, legumes such as beans, lentils, and peas are an excellent source of lean veggie protein and fiber without a lot of unhealthy fat. Legumes are also a great source of folate and magnesium, which may fight hypertension by limiting calcium buildup. Another mineral these little guys are loaded with is potassium, an electrolyte that counterbalances sodium - crucial for keeping blood pressure under control.

Go Nuts! - Almonds, Walnuts, and Chia Almonds have long been a healthnut’s go-to snack, but it doesn’t deserve all the attention. Walnuts and Chia seeds are right up there on the list as far as benefits to the ticker is concerned.

Chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, all of these guys promote healthy

Leafy Greens Dark green, leafy vegetables such as kale, Swiss chard, spinach and collards are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may protect against cardiovascular disease. Spinach is also rich in folate, which helps reduce levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood.

High levels of homocysteine can be a possible risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. Ever-popular Kale boasts an extra special compound that activates a protective protein called Nrf2.This protein develops a coating in your arteries to keep plaque from adhering.

So, what’s really important when it comes to showing your heart some real love, is eating a variety of fresh, unprocessed foods that deliver all of the nutrients and micronutrients needed to keep it, and you, healthy overall.

Next time you are off to your local health food store to stock up on all those famous prepackaged and promoted “superfood” products, why not swing by your local famers market instead or visit the organic produce section of your favorite supermarket to fill your shopping basket with these alternatives.

Meg Pearson is the author of (un)cookbook MAP Wellness Morsels available through itunes!

re a C ty i l a u Q a g n Usi ouch T e l t Gen

Gentle Touch Home Care Personal & Respite Care | Private Duty | 24 Hour Care

934-6717 140 W. Washington St. | Suffolk inspirehealthmag.com § #inspirehealthmag

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Plastic Surgery Associates of Tidewater

Visit us and see the difference

Well informed families TRUST Dr. Merrell and Dr. Billet to treat skin injuries and skin cancers, and to provide the cosmetic and reconstructive care they DESERVE. 24

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J. Craig Merrell, MD, FACS

Adam Billet, MD, FACS

757-673-6000 or

757-547-0047

www.plasticsurgeonforyou.com Providing compassionate plastic and reconstructive care to women and their families throughout Hampton Roads since 1983.