In my early thirties I was diagnosed with aggressive early-onset osteoarthritis, characterized by degenerative lumbar and cervical disk disease and severe knee joint degeneration. In my determination not to become disabled, and in my search to find an alternative to chiropractic visits, pain medication, and inevitable knee replacement surgery, I discovered Pilates and its low impact effectiveness in strengthening the body. I've utilized my personal experience with arthritis into an opportunity to help others who are also afflicted with this often debilitating disease. Over the past 7 years, through my own company, Proper Pilates, and my license as a chiropractic therapy assistant, I use Pilates-based physical therapy to rehabilitate patients and clients. Many of my patients have different forms of arthritis and arthritis related diseases, such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, and injury related arthritis. It is rewarding to work one on one with patients, not only to see their physical progress but to also know that I've made a significant difference in the quality of their lives. In addition, I've conducted Pilates training workshops for physical therapists and hospitals in the Southeastern United States, and I teach several Pilates classes per week and a class called Gentle Stretch, which I designed for all people, many who have physical limitations due to arthritis.


My personal experience with arthritis, and my compassion for others who are afflicted with arthritic conditions, has led me to become an Ambassador for the National Arthritis Foundation and to promote its mission: "To improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases." With the Arthritis Foundation, I am pro-active in education, advocacy, and life improvement programs to promote arthritis based programs for Americans to help prevent further disability.



Sunday, June 26, 2011

Go Red Night at Lexington Legends Game

On July 25, 2011 I had the honor of helping out at the Go Red booth at the Lexington Legends baseball game, and singing "God Bless America" out on the field for 5,000 people. 
Lexington is a beautiful city with wonderful friendly people. 


My most profound Mrs. Kentucky moment occurred this day through the eyes of countless little girls. 
As I signed autographs, and they had their photo taken with me, and they said I was pretty...
It was then that I realized that these little girls wanted to be like me! Though glamour is fleeting and the makeup is washed away, and though charity work is important in serving needs bigger than ourselves... all this is secondary to the calling of being a role model for impressionable young girls. 
How often do we see public figures who we place on pedestals, but they only let us down? 
Or those who set unbecoming behavior examples for young girls? 
This day I realized I have a bigger responsibility...and it makes me want to be a better person.

Dr. Sylvia Cerel Suhl - AHA Central Kentucky Board President

Mike Turner - AHA Special Events Director

Lexington Legends baseball fan

Nurses and volunteers from St. Joseph's Heart Institute 
and the American Heart Association Go Red for Women.

Mr. Alan Stein, President, owner, and COO of the Lexington Legends

My husband Randy getting his blood pressure checked at the Go Red booth


Lisa singing "God Bless America"
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