User: sburris
H4
Time: 01-28-2014 13:49 Product: INIBrd
PubDate: 01-29-2014 Zone: Special
Edition: 7
• WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014
Page: ToAdvFolio-C
Color: C K Y M
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR
Real Women. Real Change. Local women inspire others to choose life By Deb Buehler For Custom Publications
effective strategies to keep off her newly lost weight.
Open-hearted observations
Eleven central Indiana women were recognized for their inspiring story of lifestyle changes.
T
he American Heart Association — the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization focused on heart disease and stroke — has a long history of turning discoveries into action. Ten years ago, the AHA learned that more women than men were dying of heart disease. In light of that discovery, the organization took action by creating Go Red For Women to help protect more people from heart disease. In the decade since then, Go Red For Women has saved more than 650,000 lives — a 32 percent decrease in the death rate. At the same time, real women have made significant life changes to reduce their personal and family risk of heart disease.
Real Indy women
Because heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S. — even above all forms of cancer — Go Red For Women continues to grow women’s knowledge of their own health and design effective strategies to reduce the likelihood of heart disease. Last October, AHA and its sponsor, UnitedHealthcare, sought nominations for central Indiana women to represent the 2014 Go Red For Women campaign. Hundreds were nominated, and 11 finalists were selected. Their goal as individuals and as a group is to inspire Hoosiers to choose a heart-healthy lifestyle. All 11 will be present at the annual Go Red for Women
Luncheon in Indianapolis on Friday, Feb. 21. The event also will feature free health screenings and vendor exhibits.
Recognizing the risks
Patti Noblet, RN, interim director of cancer care research for St.Vincent Health, was in her late 40s when high blood pressure crept up on her. By the time she was diagnosed, her blood pressure already had reached stroke levels. Noblet’s doctor began treating her with diuretics, with no Noblet improvement. Noblet had a family history of stroke — it took her grandmother’s life — and a lifelong battle with her weight. “I was really afraid because I had headaches every day,” she said. “I could do some things to try to make this better.” On the recommendation of a friend, Noblet joined a physician-monitored nonsurgical program to lose weight. Over time she lost up to 60 pounds, gained control of her blood pressure and eliminated her gastric reflux. “The program helped me meet my goal through behavior modification,” she said. “It helped me troubleshoot.” The program’s staff members inspired Noblet to make new eating decisions, including bypassing buffets. The team also encouraged her to exercise and find
Tammy Ditto, another nominee, has worked as a nurse for Franciscan St. Francis Health for 25 years. A patient care coordinator in the surgical intensive care unit, she is accustomed to seeing people who are challenged by heart disease. Overweight most of her life, Ditto knew she needed Ditto to make a change. When the hospital network offered a wellness program for employees, she jumped at the chance to reduce her risk of stroke and diabetes. At the beginning of the physiciansupervised program, Ditto learned she was in an early stage of diabetes. “I was pretty determined,” she said. “I just know it was what I had to do, and I had only one week the entire time when I didn’t lose weight. I lost 170 pounds by counting calories and exercise. At first, I went weekly and learned to make good choices for myself.” Ditto took advantage of inexpensive technology to support her weight loss. She uses a smartphone app to track exercise and calories burned. Another app helps her track calories consumed. “I’ve had a complete life transformation,” Ditto said. “I like to shop for clothes now — something I never did before.” ●
A little help from friends Patti Noblet and Tammy Ditto, both 2014 Go Red For Women honorees, say that supportive friends, families and co-workers were crucial as they made major changes to improve their health. Both women have daughters who inspired them to lose weight and reduce their risk of heart disease. “I wanted to see my three daughters graduate and get married,” said Ditto, a patient care coordinator in the surgical intensive care unit at Franciscan St. Francis Health. “I knew very clearly that I would be my own patient if I didn’t make changes. I was bound and determined that my kids would not be a statistic [by losing a parent to heart disease].” Noblet partnered with her daughter, Bailey, as well as other family members, friends and neighbors to create a network of workout and accountability partners. “Bailey works out with me. We walk together, share recipes and grocery shop together. We have ongoing accountability,” she said. “She is such a great support and inspiration for me.” A research educator for St. Vincent Health, Noblet knows that women have a significant impact on all members of their household. “People can lose weight, but most people gain it back,” she said. “I never feel overconfident because I know how hard it is. Once you get in the groove, every single day is a success.”
Heart disease and stroke are the greatest health threats to women of all ethnic backgrounds, but only 21 percent realize it. Talk to your doctor about how your age, race and heredity may affect your risk for heart disease.
Central Indiana's
'Real Women. Real Change.' finalists
Eleven central Indiana women were selected as finalists of the American Heart Association’s inaugural “Real Women. Real Change.” program, presented by UnitedHealthcare. All 11 will participate in this month’s events, including the Red Dress Dash on Feb. 4 and the Go Red For Women Celebration on Feb. 21.
Amber
After watching her parents struggle with their health, Amber decided to end the generational cycle. She recently completed a half marathon and has lost more than 80 pounds in three years.
Melinda
Melinda is an “army wife” who works full-time and raises three kids. She chose to get healthier for herself and her family. Melinda gave up fast food, drinks only water and works out frequently.
open for you For more than 150 years, Wishard has served and cared for our community.
You helped us build a new Wishard – the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital, located just two blocks west of Wishard. It is the hospital you deserve, with 100 percent private patient rooms, it is designed to elevate the soul while caring for the body. For more information, call 880.0000 or visit EskenaziHealth.edu. IS-0000009443
Carla
Carrie
Two years Having a heart ago Carla was attack at age diagnosed 42 was a big with type wakeup call 2 diabetes, for Carrie. which spurred She began her to exercise exercising for and change her diet. She’s been the first time in her life, quick able to lose 70 pounds, reduce smoking and adopted healthier her medications and control eating habits. her diabetes.
Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
Melody
Melody suffered a major heart attack and stroke at age 53. Read her story of survival on page 3.
Monica
Patrice
Patti
Tammy D.
Tammy H.
Yolonda
Monica began With a family Three years her journey to history of ago Patti better health heart disease, joined a a year ago to Patrice chose weight-loss get in better to eat better program and shape for a and exercise dropped 50 vacation. She more. She pounds. She has since stuck with a strict diet changed her diet to include maintains her trimmer figure by and workout regimen, losing 35 more water and less sodium eating high-protein foods and pounds to date. and trans fats. Since June, she walking up to 5 miles a day. has lost 40 pounds.
Tammy has After years lost 170 of gaining pounds in the weight, last year by Tammy exercising and decided to eating better. undergo Her story has bariatric inspired her family and many weight loss surgery. Since others, and she’s thinking about the surgery, she has adopted becoming a health coach. healthy eating habits and works out twice a day, five days a week.
Yolonda is exercising more and eating better. She uses healthy recipes, better snacks and food substitutions. Yolonda already has dropped several sizes and is approaching her goal weight. —American Heart Association