As mothers, we often put ourselves last on the “to do” list. Fix lunches, pack the diaper bag, do laundry, pick up prescriptions, drive to basketball (or soccer or swim team) practice. Many of us feel guilty for taking time to do something for ourselves.
I’m inviting you to take out your red pen and write “Go Red for ME” at the top of your list. Go on…write it, now. I’ll wait…
Since the middle of December 2009, I’ve been participating as one of five challengers in the American Heart Association’s Go Red Better U challenge. The effort has consisted of numerous appointments at the St. Vincent Women’s Cardiac Risk Clinic and the St. Vincent Heart Center of Indiana, state of the art skin care at Phases Skin and Laser Center, and hours of personal training and independent workouts at LifeTime Fitness in Castleton.
Make no mistake, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give myself a “heart healthy makeover,” but it has required some sacrifices on the part of my family, as well as me being willing to write myself at the top of that “to do” list to go red for myself. But the sacrifices have been worth it: I’ve lost weight, lowered my blood pressure and found that I actually enjoy exercise. Plus, I’m beginning to see some of my new healthy habits trickle down to my husband and children!
I hope you’ll take the opportunity to go red for yourself at the Go Red for Women luncheon, presented by the St. Vincent Heart Center of Indiana, which will be held at the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott on Friday, February 26.
“Luncheon” is a bit of a misnomer because this event is a half-day event that includes educational breakout sessions, free health screenings, exhibits, a heart-healthy lunch, and a fashion show featuring yours truly and my four co-challengers in outfits coordinated by Macy’s, a national sponsor of Go Red for Women.
Registration gets underway at 9:30am. Spend the morning attending sessions like Tai Chi or Better U expert medical panel and participating in free health screenings. You’ll also have the chance to meet and hear from Vickie Barbee, an Indianapolis woman who is one of nine national Go Red for Women spokeswomen. Lunch will be served at noon, with the fashion show beginning at 12:45pm.
Tickets are $125 (a small investment to get started on the road to a lifetime of better health) and can be purchased by calling the American Heart Association at (317) 873-3640.
If you go, please say hi and let me know you’re a Fit City Mom, too! If you can’t make it, I invite you to join the Go Red for Women effort (and get your free red dress pin!) by clicking here. Finally, if you have a story to tell about why heart health is important to you, tell your story online or go to Macy’s at Castleton Square on February 27 to participate in the American Heart Association’s national Casting Call for Go Red spokeswomen.
Tags: Go Red for Women, Moms are important too, take care of yourself
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Amy, I cannot tell you enough how inspiring your journey and that of the other contestants has been for me. I am one of those people who don’t put “me time” at the top of any list so I am going over to the web site right now to join the movement. Unfortunately, the $125 price tag is a little too rich of an investment right now, even for a half day of good, good stuff. Please know I’ll be cheering for you all day from home – and from the gym!!
I look forward to hearing how you keep the healthy habits going with your kids and husband. Congratulations on a great start to your new year and new Red you!
You have been doing such awesome, inspirational work on YOU, Amy!! Well done! I’m hoping you and the other participants will be blogging the details of the luncheon- that price tag is too high for my family budget, too. But I will be cheering you on from the office!!
Work that runway, girl!