Osteopenia, Osteoporosis diagnosis, Bone Health Coach - Irma Jennings

My nutritional awareness came in with a B-A-N-G.

In the middle of yet another sleepless night the pressure in my brain was explosive. I took myself to the emergency room, leaving behind my husband and 4-year old son.

Diagnosis: Migraines, Adrenal Fatigue, Osteopenia

MY LIFE WAS IN OVERDRIVE!

In my belly churned the bone depleting and nauseating acids; a bi-product of my fast paced life which lacked self-care. This all seemed to be normal behavior in the fast lane, until my health crisis awakened a deep calling that wouldn’t shut-up.

Little did I know that this moment would be the beginning of a long and painful transition, whose “slap-in-the-face” awakening would shine a light and challenge my life-long fundamental beliefs.

I was living a lie.

I was not feeding my soul but my materialistic accumulations and my 401K.

My high-profiled Wall Street life; with phones ringing all around, the din of excitement as voices screamed reporting transactions, slowly destroyed my nervous system as I devoured my “processed food” lunch. OK, my green leafy veggie was iceberg lettuce and OK, my sandwich bread was whole wheat, chasing down this excuse for nourishment with my high-test Starbucks Grande Latte and never thinking twice about lighting a cigarette at my desk. The chronic tension in my shoulders and neck became as familiar as my life; high stress with little to no self-care.

I had to get out!

But how? My institutional clients trusted me with their “buckets of bucks”.

Life took a sharp left when I joined my son’s 5th grade class, for their week-long class trip to an organic/biodymanic farm.

The whisper and peaceful early morning rustling of the farm animals and activities naturally PULLED me out of a deep slumber at 4:30am. The comforts of my warm and cozy bed couldn’t hold me back as I bundled up to meet this “calling”.

At the barn entrance I was frozen with the sight of the farmers as they quietly and rhythmically milked the cows. Outside the chickens were scratching the earth for their breakfast. The hush in the air felt so familiar. Peace and harmony shared this space in this revealing moment, a far cry from my over-scheduled life in NYC. In the whisper of the early morning activities, my “ah-ha” moment was clear as I stood in the cycle of the farm life, leading me to a profound understanding of:

FOOD IS MEDICINE

My Good-byes

Saying good-bye to my career brought me to the Institute of Integrated Nutrition in 2003 for it’s two year program ending with an immersion trip to India. My continued curiosity about Rudolf Steiner’s approach to biodymanic agriculture was satisfied in the 6-month course at the Pfeiffer Center for Biodynamic Agriculture. Having the hands-on experience with my hands in the earth, noting the difference in the vitality of the vegetables produced through Steiner’s organic and biodynamic approach vs. the lifeless conventional fruits and vegetables or the “agri-business” products which are crippling our nation with all levels of illness.

Diagnosed with osteopenia helped me to dive further into the “why’s”, “how’s” and “what if”s” of using food as my medicine. This “gift” from my wall street career was the defining moment of my niche.

I hired myself as my own Holistic Bone Coach and went deeper into the marrow of my own bones, turning all my focus in that direction.

The New Chapter – Another Good-Bye

The next chapter unfolded in March 2011. The fast competitive pace of NYC had run its course. My 40 years in the Big Apple shaped me and I needed a new shape. Philadelphia is my new home. This urban rhythm has it’s own slower beat. It brings me closer to the farmers and the food with my CSA (community supported agriculture) while living in a city whose restaurants supports local farmers and green sustainable living. A city where smiles come easily from my neighbors and strangers as I live my “green” life; riding my bicycle everywhere and exploring new neighborhoods.

My Deep Healing

With grace and ease, I’ve let go of “drama and trauma”. I embrace my life to it’s fullest living more in balance and harmony, loving each and every day. My food choices have changed; my osteopenia has been shifted to “normal” according to my latest Dexa test as I incorporate my own tools; cooking mineral-rich foods, consuming herbal tea infusions that build and maintain strong bones, weight bearing exercise, mediation, eliminating reﬁned sugars and gaining sky rocket energy. And I grew 1 1/2 inches. Go figure.

“Buckets of Bucks” to “Bucket of Bones”

Now instead of my clients trusting me with their “Buckets of Bucks” they trust me with their “Bucket of Bones” as I bring in my years of study to a natural way of healing their bones and their life.

My bones so appreciate my shift!

Thanks for stopping by.

From my bones to yours!

Irma

Certifications – Continued Education

2010 – Certification – Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Tradtiions, BALI, Indonesia – 100 hours
2009-1999 – Natural Gourmet Institute for Food & Health, cooking classes, lectures, NYC
2008 – Certification – Heartwood Institute Whole Foods and Tradition Chinese Medicine, CA – 140 hours
2007 – Certification – Usui Shiki Ryoho Second Degree Reiki Practitioner, NYC
2006 – Certification – Usui Shiki Ryoho First Degree Reiki Practitioner, NYC
2006 – 5-month Training in the Psychology of Eating with Marc David, M.A.
2005 – Immersion 3-week program studied Ayurvedic Health, Puna, INDIA
2005 – Certification – Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) Immersion Program, NYC
2004 – Certification – Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) Professional Training Program, NYC
2004 – Certification – American Association of Drugless Practitioners
2001 – Certification – 6 month Training in Biodynamic Agricultural Approach – A scientific and spiritual approach – Rudolf Steiner, NY