Stress is an everyday happening at my job even though I am not in patient care. I work in public health at the state level. My focus is population-based so the scope of my “patients” is large. Because I am in the field of maternal and infant health, the populations I deal with are all the pregnant women, their families and their infants in the Commonwealth. I started nursing by working in labor and delivery and thoroughly enjoyed assisting women through the birth experience. I have had a long career which expanded into teaching and working as a nurse practitioner but always working in the field of women’s health.

Over the years I tried many activities to help alleviate stress, reduce high blood pressure and manage weight. About 12 years ago I discovered a love and passion for ice skating. As a child I would roller skate in the basement and pretend I was a figure skater, but growing up in Southwest Virginia did not afford me any opportunity to learn ice skating. So at the ripe age of 48 I took my first “Learn to Skate” class with several other first-time adults. My first teacher, Jennifer, was fantastic and was able to make that first night memorable and enjoyable.

Today, with the direction of a personal coach and several other wonderful coaches during group classes, I skate three to four times a week, participate in the holiday show and compete once or twice a year.

The other adult skaters agree with me that figure skating is a great stress reliever. When you are on the ice, you cannot think about anything else; it is impossible. In order to do any spin, jump or footwork, I have to be completely focused both mentally and physically. It is good exercise and a wonderful mental distraction. I have never considered myself an athletic person, so therefore, if I can do this, so can many others.