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Honoring Treasure Valley women who’ve made heart healthy lifestyle decisions is important to the community and to us.

VOTING IS NOW OVER, THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!

Amanda Davies

Amanda Davies-2In February 2015 I had a health screening done for our insurance. I was designated as “morbidly obese.” At that point I decided I couldn’t keep living my life the way I was. I was headed for disaster. At 270lbs I was tired and worn down. I could barely keep up with my kids and my health was on the brink of something bad.

I got serious, I switched my diet and started exercising regularly. I focused on eating whole clean foods that are nourishing and balanced. Little by little I lost the weight and made huge improvements to my health. I went from being able to run for a min to running a 10k this past summer. This year I’m training for a half marathon!

I have lost 76lbs so far. I’ve dropped my triglycerides from 221 to 55!!!! My overall cholesterol dropped from 165 to 124. I’ve lost overall 52.5 inches of which 15 3/4 inches came off my waist.

I have overcome emotional eating habits and I’ve embraced all of my hardships. I’ve recently been featured on KTVB news channel as a part of their health segment. I run a Facebook page where I share my journey and inspire others who are looking to improve their lifestyles. I feel as though my journey can help others who feel hopeless or lost. Changing my lifestyle has literally saved my life.


Genia Black

Genia Black-2My name is Genia Black, I am an Idaho girl and I love it. Idaho is beautiful and has such a diverse landscape; there is so much to see and do here. I enjoy skiing, running, walking, hiking, camping, biking, swimming, white water rafting, among other things. I am willing to try out most any activity.

In the past my body wasn’t in the best shape to be doing those activities and it made them more challenging. I had my first child in December 2008 and since then I realized I needed to take care of myself and my health in order to be the best mom and wife.

It was after having my kids that I started focusing on regular exercise, the art of nutrition and surrounding myself with supportive friends and family. It can be tough to balance it all, some days are better than others. It’s a journey and I still don’t have it all figured out but I am a long way from where I was in December 2008.

I am happier, healthier and I have more energy when I take time to take care of myself. During my journey I have learned that every minute is a new beginning and every step can be one taken in the direction of my goals.

 


Jean Basom

Jean Basom-2I have been a critical care nurse for over 25 years, taking care of individuals with many health problems including cardiac disease. I was appointed Manager of Critical Care at Saint Alphonsus in 1984 and took the position of Cardiac and Neurological Services Director in 1986. Over the next 10 years I led the development of the cardiac program into the Heart and Vascular Center including implementation of cardiac surgery services, expanding cardiac catheterization, critical care services, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, creation of mobile echocardiography/vascular imaging, sleep disorders lab and an endovascular suite. I have worked at Saint Alphonsus for 34 years. I currently lead Supply Chain Services for the Saint Alphonsus Health System.

I earned my MBA in 1998 from Boise State University graduating outstanding MBA student. I maintain my personal health by balancing running, stair climbing and weights. I have completed many Olympic distance triathlons and fun runs. I have run 10 marathons, qualifying and running Boston on two occasions. My father died of heart disease, so taking care of my own heart as well as creating services to care for others has been a lifelong focus. I am married with three adult children and four grandchildren. I love my family, which also contributes to my heart health.