MADE Stronger – Start your challenge!!

On Monday February 17th is the official start of the MADE Stronger Challenge. If you have been reading my blog for the last couple of weeks you will know what this is all about.  For those of you who are experiencing my blog for the first time, let me tell you what this is all about!

M.A.D.E. in Madison (M.A.D.E.) is excited to be hosting the 6th annual Madison health and wellness challenge, MADE Stronger. This six-week healthy living challenge runs from February 17 – March 30, 2014. Throughout the event, MADE Stronger participants will be challenged to set and attain goals that improve their mind, body, heart, soul and village.  For more information check out the website http://www.madestronger.org and register to participate in the challenge.

I will be doing a weekly blog about the Challenge.  For those of you who know me, I am never shy about talking or speaking my mind.  Every now and then this blog will give Too Much Information which may be embarrassing to me, my family or some the readers, so I apologize in advance.

Even though the challenge does not officially start until Monday and I will not earn points, here is the first of TMI - I am having a colonoscopy on Friday.  You may be wondering why would anyone spend Valentine’s day having a colonoscopy? – Good Question (at least my husband, Joe, thought it was)!  Actually the test is fine, it is the prep that is a killer – but details would really be TMI, even for me!  So I still anticipate a wonderful, romantic Valentine’s dinner.  Are you reading this Joe? 

It is an understatement to say that these tests are necessary evils with people of a certain age or medical history.  Back to the basic question, why a colonoscopy?  About 35 years ago, my father was diagnosed with colon cancer.  At the time we were not sure if it had spread to the liver and probable death.  It hadn’t spread but it really impacted my view on personal health care.  Dad is 85 and cancer free but since there is a history of colon cancer in my family I started my colonoscopies about 15 years ago. 

So one of my challenges to you for next week is for the body side – make that appointment for the annual physical.  Don’t put off the regular tests.  Have that back pain checked out.  Improve your understanding of your body!  At this point in my life I have a pretty good understanding of mine, but I also ignore things that I know can make me feel better.  So one of my goals for the body is to exercise more.  I will let you know next week how that goes.

If you are having trouble with your goals, check out the MADE Stronger Calendar with events that will help you attain wellness. Next week there are several yoga classes for all ages!  Just follow this link to the calendar http://www.madestronger.org/calendar.php

Every day I see what volunteerism does for Madison. So each week I will be bringing you community events that will support our wonderful town.   The first is the Winter Wonder Ball at the Woodwinds in Branford which will benefit the Scranton Library.  It will be held on March 1, 2014.  Tickets are $125.00 per person.  There will be Open Bar, a live Band, Silent and Live auction.  I know this may be a bit much for some people – but think of it as an extension of your Valentine’s celebration – at least that is what I told my husband.  If you want to attend just go to the website and get a ticket.  http://winterwonderball.celebrations.com/libraryball2014

And finally, here is something you can do at home, with your family and still show community spirit!  Watch Madison native Mac Bohonnon on February 17th when he makes his Olympic debut in the Freestyle Areal.

Okay so take up the challenge and see how you can be MADE Stronger!