MY WISLOVZEN HEALTH BLOG!
Welcome to my new health blog and being a part of my journey towards improved fitness and well-being.
Picture on right: Enjoying life while on a cruise in June 2023 at 46.
Let's walk with new beginnings!
August 15, 2024Written By: Serene Grace
Blessings Everyone! Welcome to my very first post on MY WISLOVZEN HEALTH BLOG! I’m thrilled to start documenting my journey toward achieving my best body as I approach the big 5-0. I’m currently 47 and embracing life to the fullest. After undergoing brain surgery 17 years ago, my body went into an early premenopausal phase that never reversed.
Over the years, I’ve learned to manage the symptoms gracefully as I transitioned through my thirties and early forties. Now, at 47, I’m navigating perimenopause and preparing for the eventual transition to menopause. What an incredible journey it is to be a woman!
The changes my body has undergone since brain surgery have been significant, with weight fluctuations causing me to go up and down like a yo-yo. I’ve gone from a size 4 to a size 14 and have learned to embrace my curves and celebrate who I am. But as I approach 50, I have certain goals in mind—particularly the desire to look and feel good about my body. So, I’m challenging myself to redefine my mind, body, and spirit. I’m striving to achieve a fit and toned body that will bring balance to my physical, emotional, mental, energetic, and spiritual well-being.
For those curious about my story, I underwent brain surgery to address a congenital condition called Arnold Chiari Malformation, which I unknowingly lived with my entire life until it was discovered during a routine MRI. This diagnosis provided clarity on the learning challenges I faced during childhood and explained my unique cognitive processes.
As I write this publication, I’m jamming to Tina Turner’s Greatest Hits. Her music and energy are timeless, and she looked fabulous at every stage of her life. What an inspiring woman! I aspire to carry that same vitality and inspiration into my fifties, with plenty of sparkle.
Recently, I discovered a rowing machine at my apartment complex gym, and it has become my new go-to for exercise and relaxation. It’s a great way to unwind with music and escape reality. However, since my brain surgery, I’ve developed joint issues that make it essential for me to be mindful of my physical activities. This adds an extra layer of challenge to finding the right fitness routine that won’t overextend my muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
I’m hopeful that I’ll find the right balance and achieve my goal of a strong, healthy body. I’m optimistic about making it work with the right resources and a solid strategy. I trust that God will guide me and bring the right people into my life to support this journey.
Who knows, maybe I’ll return to modeling in my late forties or fifties! I modeled in high school and into my twenties, and it’s never too late to get back into it. We’ll see where this journey takes me.
For now, I’m focused on building up my endurance for the rest of the summer. Here are some simple healthy tips that I find encouraging—starting with walking:
Walking is a gentle, low-impact cardio exercise that can ease you into a higher level of fitness and health. It’s safe, simple, and offers many of the same benefits as more vigorous exercises like jogging. Just 21 minutes of walking a day can reduce your risk of heart attack by 30%! Walking not only burns calories and trims your waistline but also supports your lymphatic and immune systems.
Walking for Fitness Can Help You:• Control your blood pressure• Lose or maintain weight• Improve balance and coordination• Increase core strength• Manage stress and improve mood by releasing endorphins• Manage diabetes• Reduce the risk of heart attack• Reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes• Stay strong and active
Walking Also Has Been Shown to:• Improve sleep• Slow mental decline• Lower the risk of dementia• Reduce the risk of certain cancers• Help you lead a longer life• Maintain independent living into older age
Some estimates suggest that walking could save Americans over $100 billion per year in healthcare costs. On a community level, more people walking has been shown to lower crime rates and boost the local economy.
Tips for Starting a Walking Routine:
Start Slowly: If you’ve been inactive, begin with 5 to 10 minutes at a steady pace and gradually increase your time and distance over weeks or months.
Set Goals: Set realistic goals, like 20 to 40 minutes of walking five days a week.
Adjust Your Plan: If you’re traveling or working overtime, find ways to incorporate short walks to stay on track.
Don’t Let the Weather Get You Down: If the weather isn’t great, consider walking indoors at local malls, gyms, or community centers.
Plan Different Routes: Keep things interesting by planning several routes to add variety to your walks.
I’ll keep everyone updated on my progress. I’m looking forward to this transformation and taking that first step toward better health, living life to the fullest. Now let's get walking!
From teens to Twenties!
Proudly, I was a model and into pageantry from my teens until my mid twenties.
Left Picture: With my 4th grade bestie, and more like sisters today, we used to do different kinds of modeling back in our time. In this picture, we were doing freeze modeling, which we looked like mannequines in a store. Happy memories and good times!
Right Picture: I was in a local Miss America Pageant while in college. As you can see, I was really fit in this swim suit competition. Never take for granted, good looking legs...lol.