ChambanaMoms.com » Health

Mom to Mom: Scoring Big With Weight Loss

From The Editors — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:01:41 +0000

By Jane Sprandel

This past week I had the great opportunity to go to Indianapolis with my husband to take part in some of the pre-Super Bowl activities. We spent time at the Super Bowl Village, toured Lucas Oil Stadium, took part in the NFL Experience, and visited the Dan Patrick Show and other sports shows that were taping live. We also did a lot of walking and seeing the sites and went to an art exhibit, which was very neat.

As I experience great things in life like this, I can’t help to think how my weight loss has made such experiences so much more enjoyable, and I am so thankful for that!

Jane Sprandel's visit to Indianapolis has shown her a great many things to be thankful for. Credit: Jane Sprandel

Physically, life is so different these days, and when on trips like this I really can appreciate it. We walked all over Indy, especially downtown. I would hate to guess how many miles we walked! The weather was so nice, and because it was just the two of us, it was nice to spend sometime together exploring the city. Physically our bodies were worn out, but I could have never been that active 100 pounds ago. I have energy now, I am physically more fit to do these activities and I am thankful for that!

Another area that I was able to take a moment and pause and be thankful about was how I finally am somewhat a typical American, size-wise. I am able to look at shirts and other clothing items and not have to buy one that would fit a lineman. I own two Steelers jerseys that I wore proudly and got a lot of attention for wearing while in Indy. The one I got last year looks a little too big on me, but I still wear it and feel so accomplished in it. My newer one looks better, and I hope that by next year it looks too big, too!

Before we left I stopped in a local store to see if anything caught my eye, and very little of the clothes in there would fit me because they were too big. Wow, what a great feeling, and I am thankful for that.

Today I am less controlled by my weight. While touring the stadium we got to sit in some of the seats. If you are a larger person you know how most of the time the seats are not built for you. I can say I do not have that problem any longer. I have spent a lot of my life watching games, concerts, movies, etc., in seats that felt too restrictive. Not anymore, and I am thankful for that!

Also, I now rarely exceed that weight to do certain activities. As you may be aware, they had zip lining available to do in Super Bowl Village for the low price of $10 per person. I knew my husband was interested in doing it, and I had not told him but I had made up my mind that I was really considering trying it. NEVER in my life have I been able or willing to consider doing such a thing. I thought since I was 50 pounds plus below the limit I may just do it. (Once we got there I pretty much chickened out. After watching it, I decided it was to high and moved to fast.) The tickets were sold out, so Tony did not even get to go, but this is not to say I won’t in the future. I am thankful that I am able to now have the choice if I want to try something new!

I believe in being thankful for even the small victories. We have to set small goals and be thankful for those moments.

One way I celebrate my victories is to share them. I know it seems odd to some to fit in a stadium seat or be able to buy a shirt off the rack, but to others they know how this has been or hopefully is an attainable moment for them, too! Celebrate your little victories as proudly as the big ones, and be thankful for them!

Jane Sprandel lives in Thomasboro with her husband Tony and their children Seth, McKenna and Raegyn. One day she decided that she was sick of being morbidly obese and was determined to do something about it. Join in on the journey as a mom regains her life for not only herself but also her family — follow her blog at http://www.bandincu.blogspot.com.

Walking Wounded: Coping With a Loved One’s Life-Threatening Illness

From The Editors — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:23:12 +0000

By Heather Schultz

I love my life. I am happy and fulfilled in so many ways. And yet just below the surface, I am profoundly sad.

My brother’s life is in danger. The chemo was successful, the surgery went beautifully, his scans have been clear for a year, and Eric has recovered like a champion. But now Eric’s blood marker that indicates the presence of cancer in his body has quadrupled in a short span of time. Although there are other potential benign explanations for this increase, the most likely reason is that Eric’s cancer has recurred.

Author Heather Schultz, right, and her brother, Eric, preparing to run their first 5k together since Eric's chemo and surgery. Credit: Heather Schultz

Eric was initially diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer in October 2010. After five months of successful chemo, he had radical abdominal and thoracic surgery in April 2011. They removed two-thirds of his esophagus, one-third of his stomach, and several cancerous lymph nodes throughout his body. The pathology from his surgery showed only a 1mm cancerous tumor remaining at the original site which the surgeon removed with wide margins of healthy tissue. All the lymph nodes were free of living cancer; only dead cancer cells remained. But once cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it can go anywhere. We don’t know whether there was undetectable and unseen cancer that had spread to other organs (most likely the lungs or liver, or in the lining of the abdomen). Eric had more chemo after surgery last year to kill off any remaining cancer they may have missed. This is our concern now. After surgery, his survival odds were 50/50, which is far better than the 4 percent he started with at diagnosis.

Today Eric will receive results from his most recent PET scan. Worst case, they tell us his cancer is back. A recurrence will most likely end Eric’s life in a short span of time. Best case, no cancer is detected on the scan. This does not mean that no cancer is living in his body; it simply means it is not far enough advanced for us to measure. So more bloodwork and more scans will follow at more frequent intervals. Thus if all goes well, we are here for the long haul.

Surviving advanced cancer means facing a series of tests over the course of several months and years, and with each test comes the understanding that this might be the day my worst fear is realized: My brother is not going to survive. After five years of clean scans, Eric will be considered cured of his illness.

I will hold out hope for Eric’s survival as long as is reasonable. Yesterday I told my mother, who is struggling mightily with Eric’s situation and who herself is in treatment for cancer, that I believe my brother will live a long life and that he will do something only he can do as a result of enduring this magnitude of suffering. Perhaps he will write a book or give speeches to cancer patients or oncologists. Perhaps he will become a strong voice in advocating for those who fall ill to the same fate.

My brother will do great things as a result of this experience that no one else can do because he is brilliant, and because he is a survivor.

Am I a naive little sister, thinking my big brother can do anything? Yes. Am I an optimist, expecting the best possible outcome until told definitively otherwise? Yes. Am I a skeptic, not willing to embrace the odds because thus far Eric has beat them? Yes. By the numbers, my brother should not even be alive today. Am I a believer in the grace and sovereignty of my God, trusting Him to carry us as far as we are willing to go with Him? Yes.

When Eric was first diagnosed I asked my therapist, “Is it OK for me to have hope?” At the time, the doctors told Eric he would be on chemo for the rest of his life, which would not likely be more than a year. My therapist asked me, “What do you risk in hoping?” Disappointment, I answered. “And will you be disappointed if your brother dies?” Devastated, I said. “Then what do you risk in hoping?” Nothing. Nothing could possibly prepare me for the loss of my beloved brother. And so I choose to hope. And I choose to be happy.

Sometimes I feel guilty enjoying my happy little life. It is not without loss and disappointment, but overall I have a very sweet existence. How can I enjoy a ski weekend with my family while my brother is grappling with the likelihood of his own death and the ramifications to his family? How can I enjoy a favorite meal when I know what a struggle it is for Eric to eat enough to keep up his weight and his strength? It feels callous and uncaring. Yet from the first day of his diagnosis, my brother encouraged me to embrace and enjoy my life. In his selfless concern for his sister, he apologized for heaving such a heavy burden on me on my birthday. This is the kind of brother Eric is. I do not want to live in a world without him. And yet I want to live.

We are the walking wounded. We are the people who go about our day just like everyone else, but with a keen awareness of the tenuous nature of life. This bitter pill has made everything else taste much sweeter. We pick ourselves up and we keep moving forward, because we must. What is the alternative? And after all, there is simply too much to love about today.

Heather Schultz grew up in northern Michigan and has lived in the Champaign-Urbana area for 14 years. Her passions include singing, kickboxing, and volunteering in the community. Heather lives in Savoy with her husband Charles and their 7-year-old daughter Annie.

Bullying: When Others Make Your Weight An Issue

From The Editors — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:29:06 +0000

By Jane Sprandel

There is a lot of information out there about bullying, especially in schools. As a parent, school board president and former bullied child, this is a subject dear to my heart.

I pose the question: Is there bullying in our society toward obese people? I say from experience, yes indeed!

What about bullying during weight loss? You may say, no! I beg to differ. Care to hear my experiences?

I will start out with the easy one: the portion of the population that is obese who feel like they are a victims of bulling. Chubby babies are cute, but once a child becomes school age, it is not as cute. When they hit middle school it can be a “Scarlet Letter.” By the time you hit adulthood it can affect your relationships with the opposite sex.

There are those who will assail your weight-loss journey. Don't let them, says Jane Sprandel. Credit: Flickr, osseous

I feel like I have experienced bulling at every level. I made it through middle school — lots of tears, but I made it. Once I got to high school I did not date; who would be attracted to the “fat girl?” When I got to college, I dated a lot of the wrong guys, but didn’t we all? I found my wonderful husband in my late 20s, a man who sees my real beauty, not just the size of my jeans.

What about in the workplace? I cannot say I feel like I haven’t gotten a job because of my size, but I know others who have not fit into the “image” the company was seeking.

Here is the tougher area of bullying: Are people who are or have lost weight also a target of bullying? I adamantly say yes, in many forms.

I have had many people question how I have lost my weight. I have always been very honest and tell them by having Lap-Band surgery. Sometimes the non-verbal response I get from them is negative. Remember, many feel that weight loss surgery is the easy way to lose weight, and boy are they wrong! It does not matter how I have lost the weight; what matters is that I did it for myself, my family and my future!

Another area that sometimes those who are loosing weight have struggles is with friends. Many times, weight loss or elsewhere, when someone chooses to make a change that will alter the relationship, those “friendships” many times change, too. Sometimes these “friends” will try to sabotage your success or try to set you up for failure because they do not think that they too can succeed.

I do not feel like my weight loss changed any of my friendships — except now I will hopefully be around a lot longer to be friends with them, and I have more energy and a better self esteem due to my weight loss.

I want to share the story of a dear friend of mine named Dan. He decided almost three years ago he was going to run the Chicago Marathon, and he has now done that twice. One day, while running, someone commented on his large chest. As you can imagine once a guy loses 125 pounds plus there is some skin that just does not disappear.

He could have responded in several ways. He took the mature approach and reminded himself he has come so far and the fact that he is out running is such an accomplishment. If the person who was making fun of him truly knew the facts, they would have known he was an awesome dad and husband who decided to do something for himself and his family and what that person thought meant NOTHING to him!

Face it: We live in a nation where there is a high percentage of obesity. I recently read an article that stated that as much as 64 percent of the United States adult population is considered either overweight or obese. We live in a society were the majority are not the norm, but yet we feel like the pressure by our peers to be “Barbie” is still a reality.

Be proud of yourself and your hard work. I am!

Giveaway: Meet Mompreneur Rebecca Seymour, Shaklee Distributor

From The Editors — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:10:25 +0000

Busy working mom Rebecca Seymour knows what it’s like to try and balance a full plate. Rebecca is employed full-time at the University of Illinois (where she completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees) and also works part-time as an independent distributor for Shaklee Corporation. Mom to Jerad, 7, Owen, 3, and infant Claire, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and running in her precious spare time. She lives with her family in Mahomet. Interested in her prducts? You can reach her through her website or her blog.

Q: Why did you decide to work with Shaklee?

Rebecca Seymour is a working mom of three who also distributes Shaklee products in her spare time. Photo provided

I started buying Shaklee products as a favor to a friend and fellow mom who was distributing them around Chicago where I am originally from. I expected it to be a one-time purchase, but the more I learned about and used the products, the more items I kept buying. I never thought I would be a distributor or salesperson for anything, but I really believe in and love the products and wanted to share them with others.

Q: I’m guessing many of our readers haven’t heard of your brand before. What should we know about it?
Shaklee has been around for over 50 years and has thrived through all economic conditions. All of their products are completely natural, nontoxic and environmentally friendly. Shaklee performs years of clinical testing on their products, and they are honestly more effective than the majority of name-brand products I used to buy in the store. They also offer a money-back guarantee if a customer is unhappy for any reason.

Q: How have you incorporated these products into your lifestyle?
Where haven’t I?! Let’s see….my whole family uses the vitamin and nutritional supplements. All of our cleaning products including hand soap, dish, and laundry detergents are from Shaklee. The Cinch shakes and snack bars helped me naturally lose some of my baby weight, and I continue to use them for energy and health on a regular basis. I have also fallen in love with their anti-aging skin care line – one of my best discoveries ever!

Q: What are your favorite items that you are selling?
Definitely the Get Clean Household Kit – These products work wonderfully and I can clean everything in my house safely without worrying whether my baby is crawling or eating on a chemically treated surface. These products have also helped my friends who have kids with severe allergies breath in cleaner air in their homes.

And the Shakleekids Incredivites chewable Multivitamin/Multimineral – the first children’s chewable multivitamin in the U.S. with lactoferrin, which helps kids’ immune systems stay supercharged. Packed with 23 essential nutrients, it’s the world’s best kids’ supplement-with 600 IU of Vitamin D to support strong bones and teeth, and 100% of the Daily Value of all eight B vitamins and vitamin C. It is gluten-free with no artificial colors or sweeteners and unlike a lot of the vitamins on the shelves, these are designed so your child actually absorbs every vitamin and mineral listed on the label.

Q: You work full-time as well – how are you balancing everything?
That is the million dollar question! Some days I feel like I am balancing better than others. As cliché as it sounds, I try to take one day at a time. There are times when cleaning and work can wait, and taking the kids to the park or to a museum or just hanging out is most important. And there are other times when I need to finish something at work and I just try to make the best of my time at home. I sympathize with moms all over – it is the hardest job, and it is difficult to feel like you are doing anything well even though you are doing a quadrillion things at once! Above all I know that my no matter how many directions I am pulled in, my family is my #1 priority.

Q: How have your kids influenced the business?
I am definitely more aware of children’s nutritional needs now and how harmful chemicals, toxins and artificial ingredients can be to their overall health. Before I used to buy whatever was cheapest on the shelf without even thinking….

Q: What have you learned since you started down this entrepreneurial path?
Being successful at anything takes time and effort. And as in any business, knowledge is definitely key – a lot of potential customers don’t already use Shaklee products simply because they are not informed, or because it is something different they have never thought about before. I am living proof!

We’ve made it simple to enter this great giveaway — start the New Year off right with a new vitamin supply. Get a 120-count bottle of Chewable Incredivites – a $34.95 retail value.

Just leave us a comment and tell us: what are you most looking forward to in 2012?

No purchase necessary. Only one entry per person. Contest will be wrapped up by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12. Winner will be picked at random by random.org. Winner must respond to email notification by noon on Monday, Jan. 16 or another winner will be selected. Open to U.S. residents 18 and older. Prize is valued at $34.95.

New Year’s Fitness Freebies in Champaign-Urbana

From The Editors — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:44:55 +0000

It’s like clockwork each New Year – the urge to get fit and recommit to our wellness goals.

If you’re looking for ways to dip your pecs into the fitness frenzy without making a long-term, expensive commitment, there are many ways to do that. Some start next week; others are available anytime. Here’s what we’ve found:

Have you turned your back on fitness? Get back into it with these budget-friendly options. Photo by lululemon athletica, flickr

Urbana Park District Free Fitness Week Jan. 3-6
Where: Phillips Recreation Center, Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center or Brookens Gym, depending on class
What: Try out any exercise class at the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center, Phillips Recreation Center or Brookens Gym absolutely free from Jan. 3-6. (Excludes Tai Chi.)

Champaign Park District: Free Group Classes Jan. 3-8
Where: Springer Cultural Center, Leonhard Recreation Center and Savoy Recreation Center.
What: Choose from any one of the 16 spring classes and try them out for free. Also, buy group fitness passes at a steep discount from Jan. 9-22.

The Fitness Center
Where: Champaign, Monticello and Tuscola locations
What: Get a 7-day trial pass for use anytime.

Charter Fitness
Where: Champaign and Urbana locations (formerly known as Cardinal Fitness)
What: Print out a coupon for a free 5-day trial membership. Must present the coupon to redeem the offer.

Gold’s Gym
Where: Champaign
What: Fill out a form to get a free 7-day membership pass via email.

Curves
Where: Champaign, Urbana, Mahomet, Monticello, Tuscola
What: Fill out a form to start the process to receive a f ree 7-day guest membership pass. Call ahead to the location you want to attend and make sure they participate in this promotion.

Did we miss any? Add them in the comments below.

Healthy You: Skin Care

From The Editors — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:02:03 +0000

Editor’s note: The following article is the first in a partnership between Chambanamoms and Christie Clinic, in an effort to help you create a healthier lifestyle for you and your family.

By Dr. Lester J. Fahrner

Christie Clinic

Healthy skin is a reflection of overall, inner health. It is one of the fundamentals of presenting an attractive persona to the world around us. To develop and maintain healthy skin is possible to almost everyone. It takes a little time every day, and a commitment to healthy habits.

Skin naturally takes care of itself. Meaning, many interventions are a little bit too much. Dead dry skin generally “exfoliates” itself. Most people’s skin maintains the right mix between oily and dry, pH, and so on. So most of us simply need to attend to basic daily tasks to keep our skin healthy.

Cleansing twice daily with a gentle soap or cleanser is fundamental.
Avoid being rough, rinse thoroughly, and then apply a light moisturizer.
For those who wear cosmetics, the mineral make-ups don’t irritate or clog pores.
When washing hair, use a shampoo that matches your scalp. Conditioner helps your brush glide through your hair, avoids pulling and breaking hair.

Your skin in the sun:

Sunscreen is a fundamental need. Most skin aging is caused by ultraviolet light. Reckless, brown spots, broken blood vessels and skin cancers are all caused by sun exposure. To prevent these things, you must protect your skin from the sun.
Tanning beds are bad for your skin – as bad as natural light, or worse!
Maintaining healthy skin requires several steps, including avoiding mid-day sun, from about 11 to 2 pm, when possible; covering with clothes and hats are very helpful; and using sun block. Always chose a product that says “Broad Spectrum”, and has an SPF of 30 or higher.

Healthy skin is easy to achieve and maintain. Credit: Christie Clinic

Your nutritional state also shows on your skin. Fruits and vegetables have vitamins and other micronutrients that are essential. Protein, iron, zinc, and a certain level of essential fatty acids are required to keep skin health optimal.

Certain skin diseases must be tended to rather than “waited out.” Acne is common during the teen years, but can extend into the twenties and beyond. Improper diet, soda and other suspects aren’t the cause of acne. It is triggered by complicated interactions of hormones, genetics, the immune system, and others. Modern acne treatments can speed the time to clearer skin. Preventing permanent scarring is an important goal in acne treatments.

Intact, healthy skin is an important barrier to infections. We worry about spreading influenza and cold viruses, as well as staph, MRSA, and other germs. Frequent hand washing is of course important. It is also important to apply hand cream. Skin that is too dried out actually can grow and spread germs better. So strike the correct balance between washing and restoring skin moisture. The alcohol based hand sanitizers are an excellent choice for intact skin, since they are antibacterial and just move natural skin oils, around instead of rinsing them down the drain. They could sting, though, on cracked dry skin.

By instituting some sensible healthy habits, your skin can reflect the way you want to look!

Visit a Dermatologist at Christie Clinic (lower floor, Christie Clinic on University; 217.366.1248) for evaluation or treatment of problems of the skin:

Moles and skin cancer
Rashes, hives, eczema and psoriasis
Rosacea
Wrinkles, fine lines and pore size
Cosmetic blemishes
Permanent hair reduction
Spider veins
Varicose veins
Scarring

Champaign-Urbana also offers a great listing of spas in the area to help you clean and care for your skin. Chambanamoms recommends the Aveda experience at Spa Envy in Champaign.

Champaign-Urbana Prepares For Flu Season, Clinics Opening

Meet the Wellness Coach — And a Giveaway!

Laura Weisskopf Bleill — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:37:52 +0000

Editor’s Note: 6 Dimensions Wellness Coaching and Personal Training is a sponsor of chambanamoms.com.

You’ve heard of personal training, but have you heard of a wellness coach? That’s Melanie Pridemore’s passion. She has over 10 years of professional experience in the health and wellness field including current certifications in wellness coaching, fitness coaching, and personal training. She owns and operates 6 Dimensions Wellness Coaching & Personal Training in addition to holding positions as a health educator, lifestyle coach, and weight management group facilitator. Melanie grew up in Monticello and holds two degrees from the University of Illinois. She currently lives in Champaign with her wife, Jennifer, and their dog, Libby.

Why did you start your business in this field?

Around the time that I turned 30, I found myself at a professional crossroads where I was attempting to decide what I wanted my next career move to be. One of my mentors challenged me to use the time to figure out what I truly wanted to be doing or as she put it “what do you want to be when you grow up?” For years I have felt like the health and wellness field can sometimes be a confusing place, full of mixed messages and people who are looking to capitalize on the fact that people want to be well. After thinking about my passion for listening to people and helping them pursue health related change, I realized that I had the opportunity to create a business dedicated to the success of each and every client.

What is wellness coaching and how do your clients benefit from it?

Wellness coaching is centered on providing structure, accountability, and inspiration through a supportive partnership between the coach and client. In my experience, one the most powerful things about wellness coaching is that it provides a positive connection to keep your motivation high as you pursue your goals. As a wellness coach, I provide guidance and support to my clients as they create a mind and body that increase their life satisfaction. Ultimately, wellness coaching is a great catalyst to create and sustain lasting change.

How do you help your clients achieve their goals?

Each and every one of my clients has different interests, needs, and goals so I do my best to use individualize my services to whatever is going to make each client successful. I value providing a positive environment where I listen to my clients and take the time to help them explore their best experiences with the past and their future desires. Many people I work with have previously pursued personal change without success so what I do is help them create a support system, prepare for potential road blocks, and identify the strengths they possess that they can draw upon so that they have the tools they need to be successful. My clients goals are my priority so I am always checking in and making sure they are getting what they need out of our professional relationship.

How do you tailor your services for moms?

First of all I have to say that I am a big fan of moms. That may sound funny, but some of my favorite people are mothers and throughout my life I have been inspired by women that serve in what I think must be one of the most challenging and rewarding roles there is. When I created my business, one of the most important things was making sure my services were high quality while also being convenient. My services are tailored for moms by maximizing the valuable time we have together to give them the best experience in an accommodating setting. I work with busy moms at a time and location of their choice so that not a minute of their valuable time is wasted.

How do you motivate your clients?

Motivation is always something that comes up whenever I talk with someone about their wellness related desires and the gap between where they are and where they want to be. For that reason, I always begin my work with any client by asking them “why is this important now?” This question elicits a lot of information about reasons for change and can help my clients discover powerful motivators that will keep them engaged and inspired. Additionally, I always encourage my clients to celebrate accomplishments (big and small) as a way of keeping their motivation high and rewarding themselves for their dedication and hard work.

Do you have any practical tips for how busy moms can fit wellness and
fitness into their routines?

One of the most important principles is the simple reminder that something is better than nothing. Taking a short walk if you can’t get to the gym, replacing one sugary snack with a piece of fruit if you have indulged, getting 15 minutes of complete silence if you have been with your kids all day, these are all examples of small things that can make a big difference. Another tip would be to use your children in your quest to get active. Playing a game of tag or challenging them to race in the backyard are fun ways to interact and play with your kids while also burning some calories! One last and important tip would be to identify and use your support system. Friends, co-workers, spouses, significant others, family members, even social networks (Facebook) are all people you can verbalize your goals to and ask for support and encouragement along the way.

You don’t have to wait to make a New Year’s resolution to get improve your overall wellness. Melanie is offering one lucky reader a complimentary wellness coaching session and two one-hour personal training sessions — a $125 value!

To enter, just leave a comment below with your favorite thing to do when you get a few minutes (or more) to yourself. Me time is important for wellness!

No purchase necessary. Only one entry per person. Contest will be wrapped up by 11 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28. Winner will be picked at random by random.org. Winner must respond to email notification by noon on Thursday, Dec. 1 or another winner will be selected. Open to U.S. residents 18 and older. Prize is valued at $125.

Mom to Mom: Happy ‘Bandiversary’

From The Editors — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:48:59 +0000

By Jane Sprandel

“Happy Bandiversary to me” is the song I sang just a few days ago. On Oct. 19, I celebrated the one-year anniversary since I had my Lap Band surgery, performed by Dr. Sidney Rohrscheib here in Champaign. The past year has brought so many firsts, joys, tears, and opportunities to share my story with others. If this is the first time that you have heard of my story go back to my earlier story and a more detailed journal of my journey can be found at my blog.

Jane Sprandel is celebrating one year since her lap band procedure — and the loss of 105 pounds. Credit: Jane Sprandel

When I started my journey to find a healthier me I started out at 324, and now I currently weigh 219. So, yes, I am down a total of 105 pounds. I am so thankful for everyone of those loss pounds, but I also am a little frustrated because I have pretty much come to a standstill. I just returned from a family vacation over the weekend and I have made a vow to myself that I am ready to “get back on track.” I have not regressed to my old health style but I feel like I have gotten a little off track and I want to get back on the track to a healthy life.

One of the things that was first for me this last year was joining the gym. I am currently a member at the Rantoul Fitness center, and I am headed back there this week. I was doing so well and confident that I wanted to keep this up I started a 5K training regimen and honestly I miss it, so I am going to start working out again this week. Exercise-wise, it is time, “to get back on track.”

I was so rigid about what I allowed myself to eat and rarely allowed myself to “cheat” up till a few months ago. Well, I started to realize that the milkshakes, ice cream and some chocolate were beginning to creep back into my diet, and it is time I kick them out and, “get back on track.”

Another area that allowed me to be so successful with my weight loss was I was learning to listen to my body and also take care of my mind not just my physical body. We as moms, especially, tend to put ourselves last. I find when I work out, try to de-stress, pamper myself like a woman should; weight seems to come off easier. So I am thinking if I mentally “get back on track” my weight loss will continue!

I share this theme with you because everyone of us gets a little off of track once in a while in all areas of our lives not just weight loss. While reading my Weight Watchers magazine this weekend a perfect quote jumped out at me and it was one I NEEDED to see. “A SETBACK IS ONLY A SETUP FOR A COMEBACK.” Wow, if that is not the truth. Well, Champaign-Urbana moms, Jane is on a path to continue a comeback of sorts. I want to comeback to showing myself that I deserve to be the most active and healthy mom and wife I can be to my family.

I encourage you too, to do all you can to make your on personal comeback. The biggest thing that I have learned this year is that the scale is only a guide not a true determiner of how healthy you are. Mentally and physically, I am in the best shape of my life. In the past year I have been taken off all of my medications, my labs are the best that they even have been and my next appointment is in 1 year. 1 year? Yes I had to ask my primary are you sure you did not mean three months? He said “no, welcome to being a normal patient, I will see you in 1 year unless you need me before then.” Wow I am normal? That has to be a first in my life. So ladies don’t dwell on that darn scale! Let it guide you to do something to help your overall health.

Feel free to contact me for more information about my weight loss journey especially if you have questions about Lap Band I love to share my story and encourage others to make great life changes!

Non-Invasive Fibroid Treatment Available at Carle

From The Editors — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:31:55 +0000

Editor’s Note:Carle Hospital is a chambanamoms.com sponsor and provided the following post. For more information on this patient story, check out this video.

By Lyndsey Groth  

Before learning about uterine fibroids, Miranda Bauman just thought she was “getting old and fat.” At 44, she’d watched her hourglass shape fill out for two years, and had other symptoms too – heavy periods, frequent urination, pelvic and abdominal pain, sexual discomfort and heartburn.

She dismissed her “apple” body and other issues as signs of menopause or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the common hormonal condition diagnosed in her teens. Without regular gynecology exams, she didn’t know to delve deeper until a dermatology visit.

“I went in for acne treatment, and was referred to an endocrinologist to evaluate my PCOS,” Ms. Bauman said. “A pelvic ultrasound revealed a good-sized uterine fibroid.”

This noncancerous growth of muscle tissue in the uterus was to blame for her discomfort. Extremely common, fibroids affect half of women by age 50, occurring more often in African-Americans and the obese. Cause is unknown but thought to be tied to estrogen production. Most don’t trigger symptoms, but if they do, treatments can include intrauterine devices (IUDs) to reduce effects, myomectomy to remove fibroids or hysterectomy to remove the uterus.

But Miranda wanted to explore other options. “I wanted a solution that didn’t involve an invasive procedure. Frankly, I was only willing to part with my organs as a last resort.”

Researching online, she learned about uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This non-invasive outpatient procedure offered shorter recovery, low risk of side effects, and better yet, was available at Carle in Urbana. She talked to her gynecologist about UFE, who referred her to Carle interventional radiologist Michael Neuwirth, MD.

“Embolization is highly effective and minimally invasive,” Dr. Neuwirth said. “We guide a tiny instrument through a needle-sized incision to inject material into the uterine arteries. This blocks blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink.”

Studies show more than 90 percent of women see improvement six months after UFE. Recovery is typically one week, compared to six weeks for surgical options. Miranda had the procedure in August 2011; 10 days later, she was back to work. Her symptoms have steadily improved.

“The heartburn is gone, my periods are shorter – and I’m getting my hourglass back!” she said, happy to be rid of the thick waist often caused by fibroids.

“Physicians and patients should discuss all options,” Dr. Neuwirth said. “At Carle, interventional radiologists and gynecologists are working together to educate more patients about UFE. And if it doesn’t produce desired results, hysterectomy or other solutions are still an option.”

Miranda highly recommends the experience at Carle.

“Dr. Neuwirth was thorough, energetic and made me feel comfortable,” she said. “Women need to know they have this option.”

She also stressed women being advocates for their own health.

“If our kids have a runny nose, or even if the dog coughs, we pay attention,” she said. “It’s so important to listen to our own bodies and be well-informed. See your doctor regularly, and don’t be embarrassed to lay it all out there.”

Champaign-Urbana Prepares For Flu Season, Clinics Opening

From The Editors — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:34:21 +0000

Credit: MorgueFlie

Flu season is just around the corner and getting a flu shot is the best way to avoid coming down with the most dreaded bug of the year.

And remember: Those most vulnerable to the flu are the very young, the elderly, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems.

In Champaign-Urbana, you can get a flu shot as early as Sept. 17.

Flu shots are available for anyone six months or older. Anyone can get a flu shot as long as they do not have an allergy to eggs. These vaccines are covered by most insurance companies, but if a patient has questions they should check with their carrier.

We will be adding local flu clinics as they are announced, please check back often to find out when and where you can get vaccinated.

Christie Clinic

All Christie Locations
Saturday, September 17
7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Christie Clinic on Windsor in Champaign and Urbana
Saturday, October 8, Saturday, November 5
7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Christie Clinic on Windsor in Champaign
The following Tuesdays and Thursdays in October: 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
The following Tuesdays and Thursdays in November: 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Carle Clinic

No appointment is necessary at the community flu clinics. Carle patients may choose direct billing and must bring their clinic number and insurance card to do so. Medicare patients must bring their Medicare cards for direct billing. Non-Medicare or non-Carle Physician Group patients should be prepared to pay at the time of service. Seasonal flu shots cost $30, Nasal Vaccine FluMist® $35 and Pneumovax vaccinations (Price to be determined).

Carle will offer the following flu clinics:

Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church, 1500 N. Lincoln, Urbana
October 10–14: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
October 15: 9 a.m. – Noon
Drive-thru or walk-in Flu shot for ages 6 months and older, FluMist for ages 2 to 49 years without underlying health conditions and Pneumovax for ages 18 years and older. Ages 6 months to 4 years vaccinated inside the building.

Carle – Champaign on Curtis, 1701 W. Curtis Road
October 18 – 19: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Walk-in flu shot for ages 6 months and older, FluMist for ages 2 to 49 years without underlying health conditions and Pneumovax for ages 18 years and older.

Carle – Urbana on Windsor, 1818 E. Windsor Road
October 20–December 31: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
October 22: 9 a.m. – Noon
October 29: 9 a.m. – Noon
November 5: 9 a.m. – Noon
Walk-in flu shot for ages 6 months and older, FluMist for ages 2 to 49 without underlying health conditions and Pneumovax for ages 18 years and older.

Carle – Monticello, 4000 Green Apple Lane
October 12: 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Drive-thru or walk-in flu shots for ages 18 years and older
October 20: 5 – 7 p.m.
Walk-in flu shots for ages 6 months and older.

Carle – Rantoul, 1540 E. Grove Street
October 31: 9 a.m. – Noon
Walk-in flu shots for ages 3 years and older.

Carle – Mattoon/Charleston, 200 Lerna Road South
October 14: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
October 27: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
October 22: 9 a.m. – Noon
Walk-in flu shots only for ages 6 months and older.

For more information, call the Carle flu hotline at (217) 326-5000 or visit www.carle.org/flu .