Elevator Blog

30 secs to tell my blog-ry (my blog, my story—my blog-ry) Born and raised in Houston, Texas; married the man of my dreams; lived in Maui for two years and now living in the Emerald City telling people about our journey including all the ups and downs—his new jobs; my job searching; my certification as Nutrition and Wellness Consultant; work as a mentor for the NPF; and our second year of marriage in a brand new city. 1 min to tell my blog-ry My inspiration comes from my family, friends, work, husband and the life we are living together. Whatever we are going through as a first-time married couple—with no kids and no mortgage— I want to be able to help those couples going through the same thing. We have been grateful to live in some great places (Houston, Maui, Seattle) and we want people to know that it's not just about where you are but who you are with as well. I want to debunk that "one year and three year marriage itch" myth. In a marriage you have to fully committed to actually wanting to spend your life with this person, make them happy and live the best life you can together. We want to tell the same couples—or those who feel like they may be struggling—what has worked and what hasn't and offer up as much advice as we can. I like to touch on how being a supportive wife is a really essential component to happy marriage. I also like to bring in my experience as a psoriasis mentor and a certified health instructor. 2 mins to tell my blog-ry You might think living in three places in the last three years might be stressful. All while planning your dream wedding. Well, at first it was. What kept us sane was definitely the support of our family and friends. But for me it was also having an outlet to write down and document everything I was—and continue—to go through. At first Chris thought it was kind of silly. But while writing I thought it was a good idea to bring in a male's prospective too, and it seem to worked well. This is just life, thoughts and stories of a married couple living their life together. I like to talk about the amazing adventures we are so grateful to go through, our trials and tribulations, accomplishments and promotions and so much more. I also like to take time and write about my role as a wife and supporting my husband while trying to get a full-time job. I like to talk about stress—who doesn't have it—how I over come it; living with psoriasis and being a part of a reputable organization(NPF) and my health certification. As I continue to start my health website— offering educated guidance to clients seeking nutritional advice, weight management tips and enhancing health and fitness performance—I will be researching what I can do to help me along the way. I think society needs to look at choosing food in a completely different way. All it takes is a little knowledge and a different way of thinking and we all could be making healthy food choices—that's where I would come in. If we can help any first-time married couples by lending our advice and funny stories then that's a good day. If I can help make a difference in someones life dealing with stress and psoriasis, then I hope more people will find out. This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Me? A Teacher? Why Thank you!

We all think we are good at something. Good enough to teach a class? Maybe some of us are a little more confident than others. But if I had the opportunity to be able to teach a class, I would love to be able to teach it about healthy eating and finding the right balance between a healthy diet and life-long healthy decisions.

It would be based on my website: Healthy Food Healthy You which is a nutritional consulting company. Everyone has different nutritional needs and weight management goals and at Healthy Food Healthy You, we will work together to create a life style plan for you based on your nutritional needs and goals. There is always time to start your healthy lifestyle ­­— why not now?

Tutorial to include:
- Educated guidance to clients seeking nutritional advice, weight management tips and enhancing health and fitness performance
-Food supplement and nutritional advice such as vitamins and minerals
- Knowledge and resources to formulate and design your own personalized meal plan based on the new 2010 government healthy regulations
- Initial consultation to determine short and long-term goals
- Grocery Store Tour
- Reading(and Understanding) those Pesky and Oh-So-Long Nutritional Labels
- Exercise Tips and Suggestions
- At Home Cooking Experience for the working professional, on a budget (because who doesn't want to save money?)

Why do I feel like I'm great at this and the right person to teach a class on this?
Being a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant I have extensive and functional knowledge of nutrition, weight management, daily exercise and how to combine all of these important skills to meet a clients lifestyle goals. I also can offer a sound nutritional plan for optimizing health; advise and present a balanced and nutritional strategy and provide nutrition counseling and education.

I have also been a long-time sufferer of psoriasis which is an auto-immune, non contagious disease that appears as dry, red scales on the skin. Learn more about psoriasis here. After undergoing medication trials, experimenting with topicals and injections, I am currently 90 percent clear and have all the confidence in the world. Having psoriasis has given me the drive to educate myself on eating right and making life-long healthy decisions as well as the want to get my nutrition and wellness certification. I want to give my clients the knowledge and confidence I have—and believes it starts with healthy food which makes for a healthy you.

I like to draw inspiration and stay on top of nutritional news by visiting The Doctors and Doctor Oz.

I also like to suggest following Women's Health(@WomensHealthMag) and Men's Health(@MensHealthMag) on Twitter. For easy health tips, recipes and so much more to incorporate into your busy life.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

3 Truths and 1 Lie

The Health Activist Writer’s Month Challenge

Tell us 3 things that are true about you, your condition, your Health Activism, or your life. Now tell us 1 lie. Do you think we will be able to tell the difference?

For those reading this blog who know me, will most likely be able to tell which one is the lie. But here goes.

I am in the process of starting a health and nutrition website with my AFPA Health and Nutrition Consultant certification.

Chris and I have backpacked through Europe and our favorite place was Tuscany.

I have had psoriasis for over 10 years and am now a National Psoriasis Foundation mentor.

I have family from Buenos Aires, Argentina and Spanish was the first language I spoke.

Can you guess which one is a lie?



Keep guessing?



Think you have it?



Well, by now you should know I do have psoriasis and have had it for a long time and I am also in the process of starting a health website. So if you guessed those, you're wrong!

Next, Spanish WAS actually the first language I spoke growing up. My mother is from Argentina and we would go almost every Summer. We had the best time.

So Chris and I have never backpacked through Europe. That is actually one of our long-term goals. He has only been out of the country once, and that was recently when we went to Vancouver. He has also been dying to go to Argentina since meeting me and hearing all these wonderful stories from my family. So our next, long, long-term goal is to take about a month off and go to Europe... before we have kids :)

Hope you enjoyed learning a little more about me and my life!

Think your close friends could guess the lie? Try it today!

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Case of the Mondays

The Health Activist Writer’s Month Challenge

Write about something that gets you down, burns you out, or makes you sad. Purge it in a blog post.
Turn it around at the end. Tell Tuesday why you’re ready for it.

Let's see. Things that get me down: The fact that I don't have a full-time job right now. My husband has a great good job and he loves it. I do freelance PR and I had a really great project recently doing all the PR for a new restaurant that just opened up. I loved it! I felt so energized getting up everyday and working on this new project.

Now, I'm back to square one. When I think about the fact that I can't help contribute to our marriage, financially, and at a steady rate, it gets to me. I know things could always be worse. But it's like Chris and I keep getting things thrown at us and we're really not ready for it. Doctors bills that should've been covered by the insurance but weren't; expensive rent; bills; pet bills; car insurance, etc. Yes, bills that everyone has, but probably on two incomes. So we're trying to cut back where we can and hopefully get our savings back up to where it was before we moved here.

That's the major thing that gets me down. Smaller things: not seeing my family and friends as often as I would like; not working out when I should; not reading as much as I would like; driving around a new city not knowing the back streets; traffic; construction; our loud neighbors; my psoriasis.

Now, on to Tuesday. Bring it. I have pretty much been stressed to my max, so I'm ready to take you on like no other. I am actively looking for and applying for jobs which will eventually lead to me getting a job and making a steady income—fingers crossed. Cmon awesome company that wants to hire me! Chris and I are also setting a weekly budget for ourselves to make sure we stay afloat and on top of all financial things.

I always take things one day at a time and try not to stress out while doing it. I am always thankful for the wonderful husband I have who I am able to come home to (well, he is able to come home to me) and thankful for the life we have together. That's all you can do, is to be thankful. So bring it Tuesday, I am thankful for everything.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

5 Things That Changed My Life

The Health Activist Writer’s Month Challenge

5 things that changed my life. For better? For worse? List 5 things that changed your life as a patient, caregiver, or Health Activist and how.

There has definitely been more than 5 things that have changed my life not just as a patient or Health Activist, but as a daughter, sister, friend and wife.

1. Being diagnosed with psoriasis. It was definitely a change for the worse when it first happened. I was in high school, and these red, scaly patches started to appear on my skin. All we knew was that my mom had it, it was obviously genetic and there is no cure. Lovely. After undergoing numerous medications, trials, tar baths and disgusting shampoo's, it's now under control. But back then I was so ashamed and embarrassed. I barely spoke to my family about it. I just didn't know a lot about it, so how was I supposed explain I felt?
Fast forward to present: I still have it on my elbows and scalp. Elbows are manageable with weekly medication, and scalp... well let's just not go there (haven't found anything that works). But I am now a National Psoriasis Foundation mentor and love it. I no longer shy away from it. I want to talk about it and help anyone I can. So, now I can say it has changed me for the better.

2. Being there for my parents while they have battled through their health scares with cancer and a triple by-pass. They both and my mother-in-law were the strongest people I know while going through their own problems. They never once had a pity party (well who doesn't?) but always made sure everyone else around them were taken care. It's because of how they have responded to what life as thrown at them, that gives me the strength to take on life now. Definitely changed me for the good.

3. This next thing changed me and my husband... well it just changed us. I include it because my husbands best friend was a caregiver himself, a Registered Nurse. And we actually lost him very unexpectedly—and it hasn't been easy. No matter what he did, he absolutely loved his job helping others as a nurse and he made a lasting impression where ever he went. He could make friends with anyone and was loved by everyone. If I can make that type of impression on—not only the people in my life—but complete strangers than I owe that to him. We miss you a lot Kenny. It's definitely been a change.

4. Another change would be becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant. After being there for my parents, I want to be able to equip anyone I can with the simple knowledge it takes to lead a healthy life. No one can ever predict cancer or an sudden illness, but you can do everything in your power to live the best life you can—which I think my parents are doing a great job at.

5. Living with psoriasis has also given me the power to research and want to learn more about other less known about diseases. Something I probably would have never done if I didn't have psoriasis. Thinking, "Oh, if I don't have that, it doesn't affect me." I have a completely different view on things like that. I now want to educate myself and others. Psoriasis(or anything bothering you at the moment) can be a very stressful thing if you let it. Or it can completely change your life—for the better.

Take a look around. If you have always wanted to research something, get to know your new co-worker or read that book you never got around to—take the time now. You never know what you do, who you meet or what you'll see next that might change your life—in more ways than one.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Psoriasis Doesn't Define How I Live My Life

One of the challenges for National Psoriasis Awareness month which ended yesterday, was to come up with a way to express/raise awareness about psoriasis. We could write a song, poem etc. This is what I came up with. I hope it raises awareness about some of the major aspects of psoriasis and gives those of us living with it, a sense of confidence.

Psoriasis Doesn't Define How I Live My Life....

I define how I live my life.
Sure, psoriasis can be irritating, itchy, annoying and embarrassing
But why wouldn't we want to find a way to live our life without having to worry about what we have to wear next.

Psoriasis wont define how I live my life, I define how I live my life.

Life and daily activities can cause stress; Stress can cause a flare up; psoriasis can cause stress
Lets find a way to end this never-ending circle.

Psoriasis doesn't define how I live my life, I define how I live my life.

We need support and funding from local leaders, representatives and mayors.
Let's show them and the world that "psoriasis is a serious health issue—one that demands more national attention, research dollars and public understanding."

Psoriasis wont define how I live my life, I define how I live my life

Life is about loving the gifts we're given, the obstacles we over come, the milestones we reach, being confident about who we are and the impact we have on this world.
Psoriasis is only a little speed bump in the game of life.

Psoriasis doesn't define how I live my life, I define how I live my life

August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month

I am so glad to learn that August (my birthday month) is National Psoriasis Month. For those who don't know here is a little breakdown as to what Psoriasis is from www.psoraisis.org (to learn more!)

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious.

There are five types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale. Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body and is associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.

According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis.

I have lived with Psoriasis since 2000 and it hasn't been easy. I use to have it on about 90% of my body including: scalp, arms, stomach and legs. I was miserable for a long time. We didn't know what to do. Then we heard about the Photo Light Therapy treatment. My insurance covered it completely (thank God!) and this was a blessing! Within a couple of weeks I was almost 100 % clear.

Still to this day, I have it on my elbows and scalp. Bad thing about the scalp: it's super itchy and kind of flaky. Good thing: it's not visible. Bad thing about elbows: it's visible; makes me self-conscience; super itchy and flaky; irritating. Good thing: NOTHING. I have tried everything under the sun: topicals, steriods, creams. Nothing works at all. I actually tried the Humira injections and they worked great. With in one week, I was cleared! The day I woke up and didn't see anything on my elbows, I literally started crying. It was such a relief. But anyone who has Psoriasis knows that it's a chronic disease and there is no cure for it. I got off Humira because I thought my Psoriasis would stay away - but it didn't. Then I switched insurance and here I am - present day - still living with visible Psoriasis. Possible side effects of Humira is a lower immune system and contracting TB.

I am going to the Dermatologist on Thursday and hopefully will get some relief for what I have now, maybe get back on Humira. Seeing as how my wedding is in 52 days (ahhhh!!) I would like to be clear of my Psoriasis, even if it just means for the wedding day. So I will write later to let you know what my derm says.

I am writing about this to bring awareness and light to this chronic disease that 7.5 million people live with. I get asked "What's wrong with your elbows?" "What happened?" Even when I tell them I have Psoraisis, they have no idea what it is. I wantto get to a point where people KNOW about it and can even explain it to other people. Psoriasis isn't contagious, Awareness is.

Ever since I got diagnosed (it's also genetic, and my mom had it for a really long time), I am trying to do my best to educate myself and bring awareness and light to this disease. Next time, you see someone with what might look like Eczema or dry skin (even me!) ASK! And don't be scared. The more people who know about it the better. No one knows the causes or the best treatments, so the more people who know, the better.

The National Psoriasis Foundation has a challenge every day for the month of August to bring awareness. My goal is do as many as I can. I have done eight out of the 10 I can do. I will hopefully do more! Keep track here on my blog and click here to learn more!

Psoraisis isn't going to define how I live my life - I define how I live my life.