Unfortunately, I’m not a stranger to health issues. In fact, that is what ultimately led to my career in wellness in 2008. I know firsthand the importance of being healthy in body, mind, and spirit. Anytime I find an area of wellness (i.e. social, environmental, creative) where I am lacking, then I try to find ways I can improve in that area. It’s important to be balanced. It does take work and I’m far from perfect, but I won’t give up as I know being mentally and physically well are worth it.
Since my diagnosis of dermatomyositis last April, I have dealt with a whole new set of challenges. The symptoms of this condition are as mysterious as how it originated. While I am still practicing self-care and wellness in my life, the task can be arduous at times. I think one of the most difficult challenges I’ve endured is how my exercise routine has been curtailed. Having been athletic my entire life, my activity level has always been more on the extreme side. It’s what I thrive on. This has all changed since dermatomyositis crept into my life.
I try not to allow this illness to consume me, but some days are more difficult than others. I grow increasingly frustrated as time goes on, however, I’m not one to sit by and accept that this is my new normal. I am a former patient of the Mayo Clinic so I will never hesitate to go the extra mile, literally and figuratively, to receive the best care. I recently requested a referral to Vanderbilt and was told it would be mid-July before I could see a specialist. (This was one of the shorter wait times compared to other places I contacted.) Naturally, I was feeling very discouraged by this news. I thought there is no way I can wait this long to seek further care for this condition.
Fortunately, I have a very good friend who has a connection at Vanderbilt. To make a long story short, I will see a specialist on December 20. And, not only that, I get to see someone who specializes in myositis and is even part of a research team for this condition. Merry Christmas to me! Hope is the best gift I could ask for. I will make the trek down to Nashville next week and share my story with an expert. This is definitely the start of something positive and has given me hope as I close out what has been a taxing year. (Dr. Erin Wilfong is the doctor who will be seeing me: https://medicine.vumc.org/department-directory/Erin-M-Wilfong). So far my experience with Vanderbilt has been nothing but promising.
Praying I find answers and the proper treatment to help ease my symptoms which are innumerable. If you think about it, please send positive thoughts along next Wednesday morning. I will post another blog sometime after my visit to Vanderbilt. Happy Holidays!
I developed a passion for wellness after I experienced many years of health issues. Taking care of myself through exercise, healthy eating, and reducing stress, is what led me to a career in wellness. I decided I wanted to help others learn the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
I have been the Wellness Director at Ivy Tech since 2013. I previously worked as a Health Advocate and Personal Trainer at St. Vincent Healthy Lives and prior to that was a Fitness Tech for Ivy Tech and personal trainer and group exercise instructor at the Dunigan YMCA. I also taught classes in senior living centers and conducted private personal training sessions for people of all ages.
I have two Bachelor’s degrees from USI in Communications and German. I am a certified Health & Wellness Coach through Wellcoaches and received my personal training certification through the American College of Sports Medicine. I am also Reiki Level II certified and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine® and the International Association for Worksite Health Promotion. I also have a background in mental health and certified in Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid and completed ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and I'm a QPR Suicide Prevention Instructor. In December 2024, I graduated with a Master of Education in Student Learning and Wellbeing at the University of Missouri.
When I'm not exercising, I'm busy volunteering for several organizations including St. Vincent’s No One Dies Alone program. In 2011, I ran in the Marathon for the Cure in Washington, D.C. and raised over $6,200 towards breast cancer research. My mother, who passed away from breast cancer, was my inspiration for doing this. I also competed in several triathlons and love to travel and spend time with my 16-year old daughter, my friends, and my dog and three cats. I love animals and started a pet therapy program at Ivy Tech called Paws ’N Relax to help students manage stress and anxiety during final exams.
At Ivy Tech, we are more than just a Fitness Center. We believe in treating the body as a whole and working on body, mind, and spirit. We have programs that focus on the nine area of wellness: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, financial, creative, environmental, and occupational. We offer a Relaxation Lounge and emWavePro Biofeedback program to help manage anxiety. Stress is a contributor to many health issues and we want to make sure you have tools to manage it better. We want to help you live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Update: In the Spring of 2023, I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis which is a rare auto-immune disorder that causes rashes and attacks the muscles. I have developed severe muscle atrophy, pain, and weakness. I am still exercising, eating healthy, and managing stress now more than ever. There is no known cause for this condition but it is treated with medication and a healthy lifestyle. I am just taking it one day at a time and continuing to help others learn how to live a healthy lifestyle.
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