In order to renew a license as a registered nurse, you are required (at least in the state of Illinois) to complete CEs. This refers to continuing education. While completing this requirement, a topic surfaced I confess, I thought little about–WOMEN & HEART DISEASE.
As most of you know by now, my career has taken a different turn. I started out as most do, working in a hospital. From there, caring for chronic renal failure patients, is where I headed next. In this field, I’ve worked as a staff nurse, charge nurse, educator, and clinical liaison. I have taught and written classes. To students, fellow nurses, and physicians I have explained the ins and outs of dialysis, as well as the possible causes of CKD (chronic kidney disease). All the while reminding those who needed it, that dialysis is not a cure–or substitution for functioning kidneys.
Now my full-time endeavors are geared towards prevention.
Renal nursing taught me two things–very early on. Diabetes & hypertension are the #1 and #2 contributors to CKD. They both wreak havoc on the kidneys; but the latter is particularly heinous–and rampant among women of color.
Women, and particularly those who share my background, are almost non-existent when discussing symptoms, and undergoing clinical trials. If you are discussing heart disease, men are always the standard. Ladies, if your symptoms don’t match up to your male counterparts having a heart attack–you may be SOL.
With that in mind, keep these questions in mind. Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes–a little extra weight–what’s the big deal? I exercise, but the weight (and the scale) just aren’t moving. Now what? Can’t I just pop a pill to fix it? For the answer, stay tuned. But fair warning, it’s going to be a bumpy and startling ride.
CHUNKING IT OUT
I once had a boss who coined this term. She used it often; when our cup was overflowing with work–yet she was about to fill it more. “CHUNK IT OUT,” she would say. Well, that’s what I’m going to do here.
This material wasn’t easy for me to assimilate; or even hear. Yet I believe it relevant enough in which to devote a few posts. I hope you agree.
Depending upon how this goes, I will be addressing other topics like this; but fitness and nutrition remain my focus.
The intention of this blog is not to diagnose, or serve as a substitute for medical advice. My main objective is prevention through lifestyle intervention and modification. As a nurse, personal trainer, and educator, I do believe however, it is my duty to inform. In upcoming posts, I will be doing just that.
All for now. Keep up and keep at it.
Questions? Comments? Contact me at serrenity.c@gmail.com
LIFE TRAINING WITH CRYSTAL 