Who are you and where do you live?
Toni Scott RN, CYT Founder of; YOGATONES I was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut currently living in Chicago, IL
How did you get into living a healthy active lifestyle?
I was living in the Back Bay of Boston, and decided to begin running along the Charles River. I did not take it seriously though; I’d run, followed by fast food and a cigarette. My weight increased and by the time I arrived in Chicago my weight was at 200lbs and I was smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. Living in the Old Town section of Chicago, I was surrounded by healthy people; bikers, runners, swimmers. I lived less than a mile from the lake and gym. It was then I decided to run a marathon, I ran without awareness or respect for my body or the 26.2 miles; and I smoked at least four cigarettes after each run. After completing the marathon I was sick for one full year; I ignored an injury created during training and against my doctor’s orders I ran the marathon, pure ego driven. When I arrived in Chicago I also began practicing yoga; it was the yoga that helped me heal my body after the marathon. It was after the marathon injury that I turned to biking, I enjoyed working out but I was completely turned off from running at that time. Now I can’t imagine not working out at least four times a week, the biggest challenge for me was changing my diet, many people assume if they work out a lot there is no need to significantly change the diet; I believe that’s the number one reason for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When you do anything without awareness the end result is not going to be great; so I’ve learned how to read label, be mindful of my portions as well as my selection of foods…..In the end it’s all about balance; mental, physical, spiritual balance.
How has a healthy active lifestyle contributed to your career as a nurse?
Nursing is one of the most challenging professions, and to obtain and maintain a healthy lifestyle is difficult; as a staff nurse my weight at one point was up to 200 lbs. I worked the night shift and ate very late into the night, usually on the move and usually poor food selections. Once I decided to change my lifestyle my patients became my inspiration, I worked as a pediatric nurse and found myself educating parents and children about healthy living; and there I stood the perfect picture of unhealthiness. As a nurse I needed to lead by example, and once I began walking the talk I felt like a better nurse to my families. I also noticed they seem to ask more health prevention related questions; I think most people, like myself seek wellness advice from healthy looking providers. My healthy lifestyle lead me to pursue my MSN/Ed.
As a nurse, how important is it to practice and promote preventative health and wellness.
It’s extremely important to me; the quality of my mental, physical and emotional life improved once I changed my lifestyle. That’s how YOGATONES came to life; I literally burned out as a nurse and had nowhere to turn professionally; in my opinion burn out is caused by a slow buildup of grief, tragedy and depression. My yoga practice became my medicine, quieting down my mind, it was then I began to let go of the short quick fixes like; cigarettes, alcohol, fast food. My body craved and responded positively to my long bike rides which clears my head of stress or my runs which put me into a moving meditation. As I became a better nurse and yoga teacher; I provide education to my patients and students beyond text books, I provide them with preventative health and wellness care from my very personal experiences.
If you could teach yoga class anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Somewhere deep in the woods being embraced by the beauty of Mother Nature, the yoga class would follow a long bike ride and each student would be a nurse.
Anything you would like to tell people?
Nurses are exceptional people; we take care of others without a second thought, we give and love others without hesitation, and we get lost when it comes to giving and loving ourselves. That’s the nature of a nurse, we are natural healers to everyone, usually putting our own needs on the back burner. I’d like to say to every nurse take care of yourself; “LOVE YOURSELF FIRST” your health and wellness only improves the health and wellness of others!
Check out Toni’s website.
Who are you and where do you live?
My name is Caroline Crawford and I’m an Oncology RN working in an outpatient Systemic Therapy clinic. I’m currently living and working in downtown Toronto, Ontario.
How did you get into running?
I only started running about 3 years ago, during my first year as an RN. I graduated at a difficult time when nursing jobs were scarce in Toronto so I relocated to Northern Ontario for the rare opportunity to train as a new grad in the OR. Moving to a smaller community where I knew no one was a very odd experience. I sort of felt as though I was living in a Stephen King novel. It was a very different lifestyle there and I found myself with more time on my hands. I made some new friends who were into running and encouraged me to take up the sport. It took awhile for my body to adapt to running and it was very frustrating (and painful!) at first but I kept at it thanks to the support of my friends and colleagues. I have since moved back to Toronto but I could never reflect negatively on the decision I made to move there, as I probably wouldn’t be a runner today. That experience made a significant impact on me, both personally and professionally.
How many miles do you run per week and how do you find time around your work schedule?
I completed my first half marathon a few weeks ago so I’m taking a break before starting training again for my next race. At the peak of my half marathon training, I was averaging about 20+ miles/week. Incorporating running into any work schedule is a challenge. I work in a busy outpatient clinic where I’m on my feet all day so the idea of running any distance after an 8-10hour shift can be daunting. I used to be a morning runner but lately, I’ve found it better to run longer distances after work. It’s amazing how much energy you have bottled up, especially after a tough day.
How has running influenced your career as a nurse?
The stresses and rewards of being a nurse are unique, no matter which area you specialize in and I’ve never met a nurse who hasn’t experienced burnout at one point or another. Our profession can be REALLY good at wiping us out! I’ve noticed that creating measurable running goals for myself outside of my career has fueled a nice balance where I’m not constantly thinking or stressing about work. As a result, I certainly find I have a better focus with my patients and a more positive attitude overall in the workplace.
If you could run anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I love the idea of destination running. My next race is the Disney Princess Half Marathon at the end of February, which I’m very excited to do!
Anything you would like to tell people?
Getting yourself out the door is by far the biggest challenge of working out. You’ll find every way to talk yourself out of being active. Don’t give into the laziness; it’ll be there on the couch when you get back.
Who are you and where do you live?
Katie Duke, RN BSN CEN CCRN live in Queens, NY, graduate nursing student at Columbia University.
How did you get into living a healthy active lifestyle?
I used to be a size 16, I realized I had to make a change about six years ago.
How has running contributed to your career as a nurse?
I have inspired others to start running and it helps manage the stress.
How important is it that nurses lead a healthy active lifestyle to be role models for patients?
We cannot preach what we don’t practice, it’s very important.
What’s your favorite running route in New York?
I love the West Side Highway, Central Park, and running over the Queensboro 59th street bridge.
What’s your post-run meal of choice?
After a long run - definitely a cheeseburger! After a regular run, I’ll usually stick to some grilled chicken and spinach salad or a smoothie.
Anything you would like to tell people?
Find a reason to live a healthier life, make running and fitness a part of your life and you will always have time for it. Join a running club, New York Road Runners, etc. set goals, and surround yourself with people who do the same.
