In this issue
Goodbye to the Past
"The PAST is just that, the past--LEARN from it and LET IT GO ! Your FUTURE is limitless; don't allow the past to shackle YOU !" Sharon Allison-Ottey, MD
Quick Health Tip!
What is the leading risk factor of HIV/AIDS for women worldwide? Do you REALLY know? See the answer below (written backwards).
(EGAIRRAM)
P.S. Make sure that YOU get tested for HIV/AIDS, make it part of your routine physical.
Want More Sex?
About 1/3rd of the questions that I receive by email, at women's or marriage conferences or when I meet you out and about are on sexuality. What you can and can't do, what you want, what your significant other can and can't do, what they wants, what the Bible says, what your body says, and on and on and on.... Well, I love sharing info and insight about sex /sexuality because for too long we've been afraid to talk about it. It's almost 2008--- let's just get over it!
Let's address the issue of one partner wanting MORE Sex. Let me give you a big SECRET: GET MORE SLEEP; you can't hang from the chandelier if you're tired. Men-- if you want your wife to jump on you then why don't you jump on those dishes or make dinner? Hmmmmmm sounds like the female Viagra to me; I'm just saying!
In the next newsletter (and on the website SOON) I'll give you information that is practical and REAL on sex/sexuality. I'm not going to "sugarcoat" this topic and I will get straight to the point with suggestions/advice that for some of you may be a bit controversial Who CARES? I want us to be FREE, INFORMED and SATISFIED!
Personal Trainer: Jennifer Boozer
"No procrastination when it comes to your health! Dedication is the key to success. " Jennifer Boozer (Fitness Guru and Personal Trainer)
Jennifer is an absolute TYRANT in the gym and worth every red cent of her fees. I strongly recommend that people who are serious about their weight and fitness, consider sessions with a personal trainer. I know what you're thinking--- what about the cost? Well, let me ask you --how much is a perm/hair cut/weave, eyebrow arch, manicure/pedicure or that tight skirt? GOTCHA, you know that I'm gonna keep it REAL! We pay for what we feel is important, but it really isn't as expensive as you might think. There are several options like group sessions, a free initial session and you can just ask for two or three sessions to get started. If you're in the Maryland/DC area, you can reach Jennifer at: (202) 285-3548 or (301) 779-2065
Let me share one of her TORTURE routines that she gave me recently. It really does work! ( take it at your own pace; increase your speed and incline as your endurance improves):
Treadmill Cardio Program to drop the POUNDS:
Walk with the incline of 7.0 for 5 mins at 3.8 mph
Walk for 2 minutes, no incline at 2.8 mph
Run for 2 minutes, no incline at 5.5 mph
Slow down for 3 minutes, no incline at 2.8 mph
Take incline back up to 7.0 for 10 minutes at 3.6 mph
Cool down for 5 minutes and you're DONE!
(Do NOT go eat something NAUGHTY as a reward for completing this program; that defeats the purpose!)
Get to STEPPIN' !
Did you know that one of the best exercises is also the simplest? Walking doesn’t require any expensive equipment and is EASY. Begin slowly and build up to at least 20 minutes of additional walking each day. Physical activity not only burns calories but also lessens anxiety and improves your mood. So get to steppin' !
Request a Press Pack or Appearance from Dr. Sharon
Visit the website, specifically the download section for flyers, bio and other information. Dr. Sharon speaks for corporations, churches, colleges & universities, community groups, conferences and other organizations.
Her topics range from motivational/inspirational, health, relationships and much more based on your needs. Her unique style grabs the audience, keeps them thinking and often laughing but certainly refreshed and encouraged. Dr. Sharon loves to visit bookclubs as her schedule allows and certainly when she's in the area. If you would like to invite Dr. Sharon to your event, visit the website and submit request. All requests will be promptly answered.
Is Dr. Sharon coming to your town? Check out the scheduled appearances section of the website which is updated daily.
Wisdom Nugget
Every day is a gift. Treat it kindly. Share it with joy. Anonymous
Acknowledgements
I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me and the people that He supernaturally places in my path.
Special appreciation and thanks to the phenonmenally gifted Rachelle Gould-Harris of Designs By Rachelle
www.designsbyrachelle.com. She is simply the BEST and is responsible for the newsletter and website layout/design.
All of my photographs, both in newsletter and the website, are by the talented Jacqueline Hicks of Fond Memories, www.jhicks2-fondmemories.com
Pass it on
If you know someone who may be interested in receiving this newsletter,
you can easily forward up to five copies
at once.
|
December 18, 2007
Welcome
I'm so EXCITED to share this newsletter with YOU!. You've received this because you joined my egroup either at www.sharondeniseallisonottey.com, www.allieverdidwasloveaman.com or someone passed this on to you. The purpose of this newsletter is to encourage, motivate, give you valuable information and to keep in touch. If you're like me---you get tons of emails every day and it's hard to keep up. If you wish not to receive this newsletter, simply click UNSUBSCRIBE.
I invite you to frequently visit my website. I'm dedicated to constantly providing you with new writings, information and keeping the site updated. If the information in this newsletter is useful to you, please pass it on ! There is a link at the bottom of the page that allows you to send to five persons all at once.
In closing, as we celebrate the Holiday Season and look forward to the New Year, I want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! I've been so very blessed from your emails, letters, and from meeting thousands of you at programs or events. I don't take ANYTHING or ANYONE for granted. As my way of thanking you for all of your encouragement, love and support; I have a special gift for you on my website. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and much Love! Dr. Sharon
The Holiday Weight Gain, What Can I Do?
Dear Dr. Sharon,
I'm a 56 year old Black woman. I read your column in Gospel Today every month and its helped me refocus on my health. I have been doing well with following my doctor’s instructions for my high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol for the last 5 months. I've begun to walk at least three times a week and feel good about my progress. Although I have a long way to go, I've lost 14 pounds since making the healthy lifestyle changes. My children are 17 and 15 and they've also lost a few needed pounds.
My concerns are for the upcoming weeks, how do I keep my healthy changes through the holidays? My family comes in from out of town to my house; we do Thanksgiving and Christmas BIG. I'm usually the one who does most of the cooking and therefore a lot of the eating/tasting. I know that I've done well but I'm afraid of “falling off the wagon” during the holidays. HELP! I don’t want to go backwards. Monique Raleigh, North Carolina
Dear Monique, Well now; WEIGHT GAIN is something that I KNOW about... (go to "Ask Dr. Sharon" on my website for my response).
Shout Out to My Line Sisters!
Years ago as a much younger, wide-eyed college student; I pledged my sorority (Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. at NCCU). In 2007, my line sisters and I hit a major milestone in our years as AKAs and many of us came together for a reunion weekend. It was wonderful to see my phenomenally talented, beautiful and loving sorors all together and to still feell the strong bonds of sisterhood. Although schedules didn't allow for all 27 of us to attend the reunion; the majority of us made our way back to NCCU. This was one of the BEST weekends of my life and I was so refreshed to know that true, real friendship and sisterhood transcends time and geography. In this first edition of my newsletter, I MUST give a loud "Shout Out" to my line sisters and my dear friends whom I love.
SKEE WEE My Sorors! (see enlarged picture in my website's photo gallery)
Purpose in the Valley & on the Mountaintop
I do believe that the measure of a man or woman is most seen in how they survive the valley experiences versus the peaks of the mountaintop. In life, there are challenges and obstacles which are often unforeseen and thrown into your path. It’s easy to lose hope, focus and to shrink into a corner—suck your thumb and give up. Despair is the easy route and no one could really blame you—indeed often people are more comfortable with you depressed and in despair than happy and content. However, you choose the route that you will take—not your circumstances.
The question that demands your answer is that of purpose. Why are you on earth? What do you hope to or aspire to impact? I’m not talking about your newest Mercedes, your new St. John suit or “bauble” from Tiffany’s. These are “things” that have no real value and will easily breakdown, go out of style and can be stolen or lost. I’m talking about the footprint that you'll leave on earth; the permanent monuments that speak to your purpose and your impact. Even if you take a hit, albeit a hard hit, do you go into the corner and assume the fetal position? Or do you get up and pursue with more strength and focus than ever? These are the moments that you will leave footprints for others to measure your life--- it’s your choice; how will you move forward? Your destiny hangs in the balance.
I’m ever so reminded that my purpose has nothing to do with my circumstances. My purpose is not dictated by the evil hearts and minds of men and women. My purpose is from the Creator and is divine. Only He can approve my backing up from that purpose. As difficult as life can be, as malicious and vile as people can often be, as torrid the waters of life that I must navigate—my purpose must be the guiding force, the map of which I follow, the light that shines through utter darkness. My purpose dictates my steps and even when I fall off course; it corrects me and puts me back on the path by divine magnet.
I’m challenged and I challenge you to keep moving in your purpose. Yes, it’s hard, unfair, lies and evil abound but remember your circumstances have absolutely nothing to do with your purpose or the footprints which you are destined to make in this journey of life. The journey will indeed take you through the valley and the mountaintops but you will not stay at either indefinitely—they balance each other. Purpose, Plan and Pursue in whatever circumstance you are found. Read more like this at "From My Heart to Yours" on the website.
Hot Topics: Do you REALLY Want to Sleep There?
How Clean is that Warm and Comfy Hotel Room?
Hotel Tips from Dr. Sharon
I’ve been blessed to travel both nationally and internationally and have literally spent hundreds of days/nights in hotel rooms. Fortunately, most hotel stays have been uneventful and in many cases pleasant. However, I do have some REAL stories of hotel nightmares. I’ve used my personal experiences, those of other experts and friends to come up with “Dr. Sharon’s Travel Tips”. My travel tips focus on hotel cleanliness, health concerns and to a lesser degree hotel security. I’m committed to updating and revising these tips and will be specifically identifying hotels that are the worst offenders as well as acknowledging those hotels that go the extra mile.
A few examples of my personal hotel nightmares:
>I checked into an upscale hotel that’s part of a national chain which caters to “young, hip, techies” located in Manhattan, New York. Within five minutes of entering my room, I requested a manager and demanded to be moved. The reason? There was a white/cream colored thick stain in the middle of the comforter. I’m convinced, as was the manager of housekeeping, that this was a sperm stain.
>As I climbed into bed at an upscale resort hotel in Destin, Florida, I was horrified to see a blood stain about the size of a small donut on the top sheet. I’ve found several hotel sheets with fecal matter and urine stains on them over the years at different locations.
>The roaches roam free at a leading resort in Hilton Head, South Carolina. I was sitting in the bar area meeting with a colleague when a large roach crawled across our table.
>A large hotel in Dallas, Texas had a major issue with bathroom cleanliness. There was mold growing in the corners and up the walls of the bathroom as well as a nasty odor that was not hidden at all by the air freshener. While I was repulsed by the mold, I was even more shocked to see a used condom next to the toilet in this “newly cleaned” room. Read the full article and get the "Dr. Sharon Hotel Tips" which are a MUST for healthier/safer travel ! www.sharondeniseallisonottey.com
"8 for 2008" JOIN Me!
As we begin the New Year, many of us will make resolutions that we know will be a memory by January 5th. This year, I want us to throw out that foolishness and just commit to "8 for 2008".
1. I WILL take 15 minutes in the morning just for me. I will take some deep breaths and clear my head without husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, child, parent, or anyone else hanging around.
2. I WILL schedule an appointment with my doctor for a full physical exam and I will be prepared to ask questions.
3. I WILL not let anyone speak negativity into my life. I will stay strong and positive and get rid of anyone that is not supportive of ME!
4. I WILL purpose to do something unexpected and good for someone else at least once month. I will not brag or broadcast my good deeds.
5. I WILL commit to trying my BEST to exercise at least three times a week, with the goal of making this part of my daily life.
6. I WILL commit to trying my BEST to kick my junk food, fried food, sodas, fatty/yummy desserts habit. I will limit myself to two small guilt free splurges a week ONLY if I keep my exercise goals.
7. I WILL spend time each day in prayer and meditation. I will thank God each day for allowing me to still breathe, be in my right mind and for the measure of health that He's given me. I will pray for others and for this world. I will seek Him first as I seek and work for better health and wholeness.
8. No matter what my weight, my physical appearance, my education, my income, my family background, my present state in life; I WILL tell myself each and every day that God loves ME, I love ME and I am wonderfully and phenonmenally made! I KNOW that I am a Queen/King and I will walk, talk and be treated like the royalty that I am.
If you will join me in committing to "8 in 2008", email me!
World AIDS Day 2007: What About the Day AFTER?
Millions of persons around the world observed World AIDS Day 2007 in various ways. I participated in an event in Maryland as well as interviews and speeches in the days leading up to and on December 1st. My commitment to HIV/AIDS education, research and advocacy is ever present and growing. Since I first learned of HIV/AIDS as a young medical student many years ago, I’ve been fascinated by this disease. Little did I know that this exposure to patients in the early days of HIV/AIDS would spark an interest and compassion that would manifest itself throughout my life. How could I have known that the lessons that I learned from my first AIDS patients actually would teach me about the science of the virus and disease but more importantly about the “heart” and the human face of those infected and affected.
I so remember my first AIDS patients from medical school in the 90s, their prognosis was bleak. The majority of the patients were Caucasian homosexual males and intravenous drug (IV) users who had the “misfortune” of living in the eastern part of North Carolina. The residents of this part of the state were often not open “different” people; whether the difference was found in race, religion or sexual orientation. This is certainly does not discount the efforts of the many healthcare professionals and others that worked tirelessly for these patients. However, there was a huge stigma that did exist in the early days with HIV/AIDS worldwide . This stigma was even more pathologic in some areas/regions of the United States and other countries. Many of the AIDS patients’ families, friends and indeed lovers had abandoned them and they were simply left to die. As a
wide eyed medical student, I remember vividly a male patient who had herpetic lesions literally all over his body. There wasn’t more than an inch of skin spared by the herpes sores. The herpes virus was in an uproar because of the presence of AIDS and his severely weakened immune system. I couldn’t hide my initial horror and my empathy for his suffering as we examined him. I knew what one cold sore felt like on my lip; I couldn’t imagine hundreds or thousands of them all over my body. I quickly tried to wipe away my tears, it was not professional to cry; even when my heart was breaking for this patient. The patient ended up comforting me; “I’m okay; I’m a tough bird, a speckled one-- but tough.” He said with a slight smile as he extended his painful, sore ridden hand and patted me on my back.
I remember the first African American female that I ever met with AIDS and boy was she was a character! The patient was an IV drug user who was still in the throws of her addiction; she was a master con artist and was in and out of the hospital. This patient would sneak out of the hospital with her IV line in place, this provided easy access for her boyfriend to shoot her up in the parking lot. The couple would have sex in the car after she got her fix. Afterwards, the patient would come back into her nice clean private hospital room with 24 hour service and nurses at her beck and call. This was like a hotel for her, it was also comforting because she knew the staff and had a level of notoriety; she was the “queen” on the floor. Further, the hospital provided much better than living conditions than her home which was always changing. I believed then, as I do now, that you
can learn something from absolutely everyone that you meet and that you can’t discount those lessons whether from a college professor or a junkie. I’d talk with her and learned about her life through these chats. She was a masterful con artist so I was constantly sorting fact from fiction and dodging her manipulations. Almost daily, she would ask for $2.00 or less, (never more) so that she could buy candy or a card for her mother, at least that is what she told me and the other medical students, residents, nurses, cleaning crew and anyone who would listen. I imagine that she amassed a hundred or more dollars over the course of a week as we all slowly learned that we were all “buying her candy.” Ironically, we never saw her eat any candy or have a stash in her room. This patient was a “hospital celebrity” partially because of her antics but
moreso because of her disease. She had a rare disease because of AIDS called “Wolfman’s Syndrome” which resulted in excessive hair all over her body. Well, what happened next CHANGED MY LIFE! Read From My Heart to Yours at www.sharondeniseallisonottey.com
|
