"Eat To Live"
Yesterday, I proudly spent the afternoon at Portland State University as a part of a panel addressing obesity, disease prevention, and health.
I’m humbled and honored to have been a part of such a beautiful event. The “Eat to Live” Lunch and Learn was a great mix of leaders from the community sharing their knowledge, community members raising questions and sharing their stories.
While our time together seemed brief. I realize the conversation has only just started — we created a buzz yesterday. There will be plenty more open discussions similar to this. It’s time we take control of health. Dr. Amajoyi said it best, “Patients need to play an active role in their health. ”
Thanks to the Steve Baker Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Multnomah County Health Department, and Providence Cancer Center for sponsoring this great event, and The Hope Kitchen Food Cart for the healthy food!
Chrisetta Mosley
I am a product – and now a survivor – of childhood obesity. As a child, my family always told me that my extra weight was merely baby fat and I’d eventually grow out of it. I never did. Instead, my childhood is filled with memories of not being able to ride a bike, flattening its training wheels from being over the recommended weight, and avoiding P.E. classes by any means necessary. For years, I wore my fatness like a wounded soldier wears a Purple Heart - with pride. I owned the look. I dressed it up. I worked the room. There wasn't a skinny girl who intimidated me. I made sure my hair was laid just right. Nails polished. Outfits coordinated to the tee. Accessories to compliment every outfit. But everyone has a breaking point, and mine came in the spring of 2004 when I tipped the scale at nearly 400 pounds 388 to be exact. I was MISERABLE trapped inside of that body. I no longer wore my Purple Heart with pride. Rather, I was ashamed and frightened. Ashamed that I had allowed food to become my everything – frightened I would die because of it. Drastic times called for drastic measures... Today, I’m bound and determined to live a better, healthier, active lifestyle. I realize I’m no longer a passenger in my life, I’m the driver. I’m overcoming my inhibitions and I’m slowly but surely saying farewell to my old childhood nemesis, obesity. For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!