"Who is Oprah's Next TV Star"

June 28, 2010 - PRLog -- Oprah has a new network called OWN and she is searching for talented people to be a host. Through a contest, applicants are sending in a video audition where you can vote for the person of your choice.  Suzanne Andrews, an occupational therapy pracitioner is a contestant who deserves your votes.

Her journey to a new body and a new life began with a difficult pregnancy and an emergency cesarean section birth. By the time she gave birth, she was a size 18 and 61 pounds overweight. At 5’2”, she was putting a tremendous strain on her knees and hips. The simple act of walking was an arduous task. Walking places a force of 3 times your body weight on the critical joints of your body. At her height and size, she was burdening her body with 528 pounds of pressure. Every step was excruciating. She developed bursitis in her hips creating an inflammation so severe that she couldn’t walk without flinching. She suffered through two miscarriages and eventual gall bladder surgery. Her condition had gotten so severe that she couldn’t even play with her newborn without becoming winded. Exercise was out of the question. She could barely see her toes—being able to touch them was a fantasy.

Her wake-up call came two years later, at her son’s birthday party. When she saw the videotape of the celebration, she didn’t even recognize herself. It was time to make a change. She was starting to understand why she had no energy. Staring her in the face, right there on the screen was the reason her hips and back ached so terribly. Every day was another dose of  harsh reality. Commuting to work on the bus was a humiliating experience, as she had to endure the cruel snickers when she couldn’t fit into the seat. She had enough. It was time for a change and she did, losing over 60 pounds.

She credits her success to the incorporation of mind, body and spirit fitness that she teaches. The same breathing techniques that she used to control her appetite and regulate stress also helped her to develop strong lungs and give them power. It was those same healthy, powerful lungs that delivered her from the brink of death, when a medical miscalculation caused  her heart to stop on an operating table. As doctors frantically fought to revive her lifeless body with CPR, her body started to shut down, turning her lips, hands and feet a chilling blue. Near death, she was transported by ambulance to the intensive care unit. Her body was on the verge of giving up. Her kidneys shut down and her veins constricted so tightly that doctors could not administer a lifesaving intravenous line. Her body and spirit were determined to live.  She would not die. She would live. She would see her son again.

After that day, she had a renewed sense of purpose.  She had to motivate others and help other people struggling with weight find their purpose. Her weight could have been a death sentence, but  determination was her pardon. Her life has been changed since that day.  She went from being introverted and soft spoken to a confident, capable and dynamic woman ready to embrace life. She's made it her mission to help others on their journey to finding the healthy and slim person within. She will teach you how to take care of your mind, body and spirit so your mind, body and spirit will take care of you.  

What Doctors say about Suzanne Andrews

""Suzanne, as a fellow medical professional, I appreciate the fact that you are an occupational therapy practitioner which implies a certain level of compassion and understanding that sometimes I think run of the mill instructors lack and how much small changes in strength and function can make a big difference in the quality of some people's lives.

I have always felt that in an exercise program what people really want are things that help them to maintain function for as long as possible, to stay independent and to keep doing all the things they need and want to do for as long as possible. And thus, it seems, the biggest bang for the buck are exercises like yours that closely mimic and use muscle groups we need for everyday life." Dr. Paul D'Arezzo, MD


What people say About Suzanne Andrews

"It is remarkable, that I actually look forward to exercise. For over forty years, I would say, "Oh what I would do, to become committed to exercise that I love. I wish I could get a blood transfusion from one of those people that wake up each morning and just can't wait to throw on clothes and go run or work out. That's all I ever wanted. Thanks to you I have it. " Liz Pasquale

"I found today that stretching was able to get rid of a headache that pain pills would not help.  I watch and do as much as I can.  Thanks for the inspiration, you are truly awesome in all ways, keep up the good work.” Floyd D

"I loved how your programme covered a wide range of exercises including warm up, ball excercises, and used items that could be found in your cupboard for strenghtening." Pauline K

“First let me say I love your program.  I am 57 years old and have not exercised in many, many years.  Yours is the first program I feel good about.  Thank you so much!!!”  Linda G

Vote for Suzanne Andrews now.  A vote for her is a vote for your health. Voting ends July 3rd and takes one second.  While you're there, check out her audition video!

# # #

Suzanne Andrews, founder of Functional Fitness, offers real life fitness solutions for your real life challenges. To Vote for Suzanne Andrews, occupational therapy practitioner, and get in the best shape of your life go to
http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_...