Sister to Sister

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We met Pat when she was screened at a Sister to Sister Executive Women’s breakfast last year. Turns out, her blood pressure levels had skyrocketed. Read on for her story.

Patricia Lee, 50+ but feeling ageless
Miami, Florida
Staff Specialist at the Miami Dade County Public Schools

What motivated you to take heart-health action?
My now-retired administrative director—who was very involved with Sister to Sister—introduced me to the organization. Every year, Sister to Sister holds a heart health breakfast for businesswomen. I went to one two years ago and I remember getting there early. One of the student nurses did my vitals and told me my blood pressure was high. She asked me if I had been stuck in traffic and I remember saying that I had taken my time getting to the event, which was why I was early. She then asked the senior nurse to repeat my blood pressure test. It was still sky-high and this alarmed her. Though I felt fine, she told me to call my doctor when I got back to my office. I went to the doctor that Monday and, sure enough, my doctor got alarmed as well. She had been treating me for blood pressure and had to put me on another medication. Had I not gone to that breakfast, who knows what would have happened?

What tools most guided you along your journey?
I read everything I can find on dealing with high blood pressure and diabetes. I have a sister who is severely diabetic. Last March, one of her legs was amputated. I have a lot of health issues in my family which makes me feel even more fortunate to be part of Sister to Sister. I always come away from their events with lots of good information.

What changes did you have to make to become heart healthy?
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to meet with a nutritionist. It’s been hard to find time because I work two jobs. Now, because of downsizing, I won’t be working on Saturdays anymore. I’ve made a deal with myself to use that newly found time to get my health together and to start exercising.

When you began your journey, were there any risk factors that you targeted?
My blood pressure was my biggest risk factor. Right now, I take medication to control it but I’ve been told that with diet and exercise, eventually I won’t need it. That’s my goal.

What advice would you give to other women to be heart healthy?
Take nothing for granted. This is something I’ve been telling people for years—even before my sister was diagnosed with diabetes. Also, take care of yourself. I encourage women to see their doctors. I’m also a strong advocate for Sister to Sister. In Miami, we offer free screenings on Valentine’s Day and whenever I can I tell people about my experience. If I hadn’t been screened by Sister to Sister, I could have had a stroke. I’d never had an incident; I had no warning signs. That’s why they call heart disease the silent killer. You have to take care of yourself, eat right and exercise.

What’s been the hardest part of becoming healthier?
Developing good eating habits. Since I work two jobs, I’m seldom home before nine at night. I’m a night owl so, when I get home, instead of showering and going to bed, I find a million things to do and I stick stuff in my mouth (like cookies) that I shouldn’t. I’m becoming much more conscious about what I eat.

Do you have a favorite heart-healthy recipe you’d like to share?
I eat a lot of pasta with garlic. At a recent Sister to Sister event, we received some wonderful heart healthy recipes that will be fun to try, too.