February is Heart Month, sponsored by the American Heart Association. This month, focus on reducing your stress, which can improve your heart health and lower your risk of heart disease. Did you know that the heart and brain have a significant connection and impact on each other in your body.

January 20, 2012

My Paula Dean Moment

Six years ago I sat in my fertility doctor’s office waiting to hear the next plan of action.

I was finally pregnant and this time it looked like a viable pregnancy. I had been diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) in 2001 and part of my fertility treatment was taking Metformin, a drug used for diabetics. I hated taking drugs and wanted to be off, but after 3 miscarriages I would do anything I needed to play it safe.

When I asked my doctor if I could stop taking the Metformin he looked at me calmly and said “well you could stop now but you might as well stay on it because you will most likely develop diabetes.”

I can’t imagine what my face must have looked like when he said that…I was only 35 and he was telling me that I am going to get diabetes…was he serious?   This the same doctor who told me to drink a “Wendy’s Frosty” if I had morning sickness because they had a good protein/carb balance. I was in shock. He further explained the connection between PCOS (which is related to insulin resistance) and diabetes. He made it sound inevitable.

I knew in that moment there was no way I was going to stay on those drugs and there was no way I was getting diabetes if I could help it. I was so mad at my doctor and yet eternally grateful to him at the same time. After all, he was the one who set up my fertility treatment plan and I was finally pregnant.

I decided I would do everything I could to be healthier during this pregnancy and beyond. I would treat my body with more respect. I would nurture my body and my growing baby. The only thing was I had no idea what eating healthy meant. I had spent the past two decades either dieting or bingeing. My idea of healthy eating was “Lean Cuisines”, low fat yogurt  (oops…when they take the fat out they add sugar) and “skinny” decaf mochas. I had a lot to learn.

I became fiercely dedicated to overcoming my sugar addiction.

It was not just about me. I needed to do it for my kids. I did not want to be a 40 year old diabetic mom. I knew I had the power to make a change. That’s what I call my “Mama Power”. It is always easier to do things when we think of the impact it has on our children.

I am so grateful for that moment in my doctor’s office. It was a huge turning point in my life. It steered me down the path of reclaiming my health.

I started getting my period regularly when I was 37. I know this might not sound exciting to most women, but since I never had a regular period in life this was big to me. My doctor confirmed that my hormone levels are normal. I am more fertile at 41 than I was at 30.

I am no longer at risk of getting diabetes.

We all have a choice. Just like Paula. We can take the pill which might seem “easy” at the time or we can claim our power and create better health. With all the support available, I am hopeful that Paula will change her mind. What an amazing role model she could be if she chose health instead of looking for a pill to “cure” her.

Many of us will have a Paula moment. A chance to stand up for ourselves or give away our strength. Which would you choose?

Is getting more active your New Year’s resolution or are you trying to shed those pesky holiday pounds? Winter is ripe with outdoor activities that offer a good workout. Plus, you can burn more calories exercising in winter because your body has to work hard to keep itself warm.

Flex your muscles. Snow creates plenty of opportunity for burning calories. When the fluffy stuff falls, ditch the snow blower, and shovel your driveway and sidewalk by hand. Offer to help a neighbor or family member to maximize the workout.

Go out and play. There are many fun activities to do outside in the winter.

• Ice skating
• Snowboarding
• Downhill or cross-country skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Playing in the snow with family or friends

Walk or run. Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you can’t continue your walking or running routine. Dressed and warmed up properly, this workout can be even more effective in the cold. And

if you’re looking for a different challenge, try snow hiking. Wearing boots and snow gear, walking through heavy or deep snow is a great workout, particularly on hilly terrain.

There were many developments with the health care reform law in 2011, including:

• The W-2 reporting requirement was delayed for small employers (filing fewer than 250 Forms W-2). Larger employers must follow the rule starting with 2012 Forms W-2.

• The 1099 reporting requirement was repealed by Congress.

• Additional women’s preventive care guidelines were issued, effective Aug. 1, 2012.

• Proposed guidance was announced about the summary of benefits and coverage requirement. Plans need not comply with this provision until final regulations are issued.

• New guidance was issued about the required claims and appeals process, including updated model notices.

• The Early Retirement Reinsurance Program is no longer accepting new applications for the program.

• New guidance was issued on the annual limit waiver program. New applications are no longer accepted, but waivers already granted will apply until the first plan year after Jan. 1, 2014 (reapplication not required).

• HHS issued a final regulation aimed at controlling large health insurance premium increases.

• HHS issued final regulations about the medical loss ratio rule. The regulations are effective Jan. 1, 2012.

• Proposed regulations were released for state health insurance exchanges.

• The free choice voucher provision was repealed by Congress.

• The CLASS Program was suspended.

• Reform law was challenged in various federal courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would review the law’s constitutionality in 2012.