Sandy Riley’s Story
The Speaking of Women’s Health event itself was awesome and I would highly recommend it. I’ve already told many women about it and they are asking how they can get information about the next one. Events like these are not only enjoyable but educational as well--very worthwhile. The MC, was so entertaining, I laughed more than I have in a long time. Dr. Thacker’s book that you gave to each of us was fabulous — I learned more from it than other books I’ve read on that subject. (Women are also asking me where they can get copies of your book.) There was a woman from the Healthy Hearts screening who had called me about a month after the SWH event. She was so helpful and caring and, most of all, may have saved my life! In fact, the woman who discussed my results with me at the end of the conference was awesome as well. Both of these women wanted to make sure I followed up with my doctor. Please tell them, as they suggested, I am following-up with my great doctors and nurses from Cleveland Clinic.
Evidently with my family history, I should have been following up on screenings and watching those vital signs more closely. My mother is currently on kidney dialysis. She was told that her condition is largely due to her previous severe hypertension and uncontrolled diabetes. She has to be on a very strict diet for her kidneys now and my father has become the cook in the family. The unfortunate part is that if she had known that by controlling her diet (high sodium and sugar intake) earlier, it may have delayed her need for dialysis.
My sister died of an undetected inherited heart condition at the age of 20. Her daughter, who was raised by my parents, gave a wonderful valedictorian speech about how she wanted to help others who had genetic medical disorders. She became a genetic counselor a few years ago and is now in medical school! Although I already have a very low sugar/salt diet, my niece lets me know some healthier ways to cook and exercise.
Thanks to all of you who are taking the time to let others know what they can do to stay healthy so they can enjoy life now and in their retirement years.