Ask Sam: AHA Wall Street 5K 2016

Samantha von Sperling

March 29, 2016

Samantha von Sperling

Four years ago, on my birthday, I received 3 stents in my heart.I went for a run one morning and didn’t feel right. 3 doctors and 5 days later, I found myself forever changed and thanks to advances in medicine still alive and stronger than before.

My pulse, blood pressure and EKG were all fine. Everyone told me, “Your young your fit your female, your fine.” Trust your instincts,you know your body better than anyone. I danced professionally for many years and I knew that I was not “fine” nor was the feeling that my heart was beating in my throat. I refused to “come back next week for a heart monitor and demanded an Echo Stress Test during the appointment that I had scheduled. Your life is worth fighting for! I received an echo stress test and an angiogram. I worried, prayed, meditated and counted backwards till I was out.

Hours later when I woke up, Dr. Coppola came in to see me. He said, “Your an angel. In thirty years as a cardiologist, I’ve never seen a heart like yours. So strong. Both of your arteries were blocked. I had to put three stents in your heart immediately. It’s a miracle that you had this for five days and are still here. The only explanation I can give, is that all your years of exercise created other passageways for blood to flow but still, amazing.”

Shock washed over me as I tried to process that I was forever changed. Dr. Coppola said, “The good news, your young, strong and with these latest generation of stents you will only need Plavex for a year.

With the help of few more doctors and the cardio rehab program at NYU Langone, I lost some stress related weight I had been carrying and was able to run the AHA Wall a Street 5K just 9 months after the stents were put in.

Do the things you value as much as possible. Spend time with people and animals that make you happy.

I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore. I run 5k 4 times a week along with some other exercise. I have a gluten free, vegan diet and want to share my story to raise awareness and hopefully help others. I’m grateful for the advances in medicine that gave me a new lease on life. I run, because I still can!

Imagine the impact if we reduce death and disability from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent by 2020! I’m participating in the Heart Walk to promote physical activity to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke for my loved ones and me. Please help me reach this lifesaving goal by donating today. Together, we can make healthier, longer lives possible for everyone. Why? … Life, life is why. Thanks in advance for your support.

http://heartwalk.kintera.org/nyc/20160308113532408

Ask Sam

March 29, 2016

Samantha von Sperling

Samantha von Sperling is a lifestyle guru who has spent her entire career going above and beyond to help her clients achieve their goals. “When asked what I do, I will tell you that I “Spit shine” people and things for a living. My arsenal of expertise helps smooth out the rough spots, whether it’s your look, the space you inhabit, or how you interact with the world around you. Our goal is to help you feel more comfortable in your skin and confident in your ability to handle any social situation with panache! Keen insight and fresh perspective is the first step to attaining your goal. Everything in life at some level is a matter of packaging and a game of seduction, a new job, a step up a ladder, the winning over of clients and friends or the conquest of your desire. Tell me what you want, what you need, even if it seems trivial, personal or impossible. If I can’t help you, I’ll tell you. If I can, it shall be done.” Samantha was raised in a sophisticated family where entertaining international guests was de rigueur; refined manners, elegant dress, proper posture, the art of conversation, and ballroom dancing are second nature to her. Her education is a continuation of a lifelong passion for the arts and a foundation for her business. Armed with a degree from New York University in Educational Theatre with a concentration in Speech Communications – also a classically trained ballroom dancer and actress – von Sperling set out the offer the world a new approach to the old concept of finishing. She uses her diverse talents through innovative group seminars or with one-on-one consultations. By utilizing all her skills and training, von Sperling has fulfilled requests from royal families, diplomats, politicians, celebrities, CEOs, companies big and small, regular joes, and soccer moms. Ms. von Sperling has appeared in print publications such as The New York Times, TIME Magazine, O The Oprah Magazine, Bloomberg Businessweek, and The Wall Street Journal, to name a few. She appears as a guest expert on numerous television programs, and currently contributes as ImageGal for DivaGalsDaily.com and writes her own column, “Ask Sam” for Time Square Chronicles which she counts amongst her great joys in life. Samantha von Sperling from POLISHED Social Image Consultants has been on the forefront of the image consulting industry for a decade, helping to bring out the best in you – from the boardroom to the ballroom.