Since I wasn’t gifted Megan Thee Stallion’s knees for Christmas like I had asked so after Soul Cycle I had to go and relax and rest. After which it was time to get to the Presentation, Winning for Women; A modern approach to Tackling Your Health which was a collaboration with Pacira Biosciences and BlogHer. This was another invite only presentation that I was so glad I attended!
The Class
It started out with The Class with Sophie Kos. I like to describe The Class as partial stretching, partial workout; partial mediation, and partial out of this world experience. Not only had I not taken The Class before I hadn’t even heard of it. To protect everyone’s vulnerability and mine I have zero pictures. This for me wasn’t a take a pic experience. It was one of those be present moments that I hadn’t had in a while.
Unlike a traditional class it was about tapping into yourself and finding out what you wanted out of the room, the space, and the evening. Sophie has a Rockstar personality and I will be taking this class digitally starting next week. I need this week to get through my severe jetlag. Apparently, my Fitbit still hasn’t joined me in the East Coast, and I am grateful for my body’s natural alarm clock or else I would be late for all things.
This is how I came not knowing what to expect for The Class
#onelesspill
One Less Pill with BlogHer
I know that I have for one had way too many surgeries to name. Every surgery even my C-Sections I have asked for alternatives to opioids and never got them outside of Tylenol. I have had quite a few people that I know get addicted to them and it was always my desire to not rely on them. It wasn’t about me being a martyr for pain. I really do not like the way they feel. Too many severe reactions to them in the past and for that alone I have asked and now
I realize that I probably should have asked these questions prior to having surgery. I also should have gotten a new doctor. It’s important to be able to have a relationship with your doctor that is about supporting your choices. #onelesspill was a discussion about the alternatives like nerve blocks, numbing creams, and other methods to help patients recover in the high point of their pain management.
I stay ready so I don’t have to get ready!
Ask the Doctor
Dr. Alicia Warlick was phenomenal in letting us know that yes, we can ask for non-opioid medication that really do work and help in times for instance of a c-section. I had no idea there was a cream or pain blocker that would have given me 4 hours of relief without using an opioid. I think secretly I was sitting there a little mad too. Women sometimes don’t ask because they may not feel supported or feel that there are options. Being told that using an opioid was the only way for maximum pain management. I wish I was given the opportunity to try out another option for myself.
Jennifer Wysong
Also, blessings to Jennifer Wysong who ended up having her life turned around after being addicted to them. She made some bad decisions along the way and I am sure had she known there were other options she too would have taken the advantage of trying. I don’t know if someone needs to hear this: not all people who abuse them are homeless and down and out. We must dismantle this mindset. Its regular people like you and me who have all intentions of using them properly but can get caught up in these highly addictive medications.
Pictured from left to right: Sophie Kos, Dr. Alicia Warlick, Jennifer Wysong, and Reshma Gopaldas
Options Anyone?
So now that we know that there are other options, now what? Do we say that’s nice and continue? No not me. I want to be an advocate if a loved one is going to have surgery be that a tooth extraction or a serious gastrological issue and be there to ask the questions about ALL the options available. Help a friend that in the height of their pain be an advocate where they can’t speak up for themselves. Would you stand in the gap to help your loved one?
Our health is important and especially for women who are that more likely to endure some form of surgery than a man. We need people speaking up to offer an alternative instead of being the loud voice in the room when one of us like Jennifer is messed up on them to offer a dirty look.
BlogHer Advocate for Other Women
Let’s stop someone in their tracks before it takes over their lives. Women we have a unique responsibility to advocate for ourselves and encourage the women around us to do the same. Where I could go into a room and say I want other options and with the right doctor in place get it, there are so many women who don’t even have the information to make an informed decision. SO, if you are going to have any procedure done, ask the following;
How long is the recovery process?
What are my options during recovery?
What if one pain management isn’t working what is the backup plan?
Vet your doctors well ahead of time. In emergency have someone who can be your voice. Have documents ready that express your voice as well.
Thank you Pacira and Blogher for opening my eyes to the options I had NO idea existed but not that I know I will take the knowledge and help others be more informed about their health choices.
Also, as always you can never come to an event held by Blogher without amazing food and drinks.
Nature Made Social Hour with BlogHer
I want to take the time to shout out Nature Made for the Nature Made Social! I loved my flowers. Due to traveling via plane I made a beautiful bouquet and gave them to my cousin. Vibrant colors that I hope made her day. With socializing comes amazing drinks like my favorite, The Elderberry Fizz. It was made with Vodka, fresh elderberry syrup, fresh lemon juice and topped with soda water. Why an Elderberry drink? Easy answer-it’s the name of their Elderberry gummi.
Nature Made Personal History
Nature made was the ONLY prenatal pill I could take with all 3 of my pregnancies so I may sound a bit like a hype girl when I say that I stand behind their products. They are quality tested, and their gummies are amazing. Each participant during the main BlogHer program took home a bottle. I took two. The taste is great. It helps with keeping your immune system healthy.
So, when you see me taking them, mind my business and ask. I will help point you into the right direction on where to get you some. A plug for CVS is with their coupons I never pay full price so that I can always keep Nature Made flowing in my home. You can find them at the store of your choosing like Walmart, Target or even Walgreens.
Thank you BlogHer
We sipped the night away with some of the best food. I need someone to mail me or give me the recipe to the green veggie dip. I think me and some of the other ladies unapologetically made a few stops to the veggie tray just for the dip. Thank you BlogHer for everything. Such an informative session.
