Hi everyone! My name is Avani, I am a chiropractor and personal trainer AND a myeloma warrior! I am excited to share my personal experience along with my professional expertise about so many things related to what we go through with regards to movement and diet. It's Myeloma Awareness month and I see Health Tree has a movement challenge this month and I am going to help out as much as possible with tips. Please ask me your questions, and I will be sharing my own tips and experiences with you all to let you know we are all here for each other. I just downloaded the HealthTree Moves app, too, so I hope to share on there frequently. Tip for the day/week/month: HealthTree is encouraging us to move for 20 mins per day! Having trouble getting your body moving, out of bed, off the couch because your body says "NO" even when your mind says "GO"? I know 20 mins sounds like a lot, but did you know you don't have to do it all at once? Science shows moving in 10 minute increments is very beneficial! Find a friend, neighbor, dog, family member to join you for a walk for just 10 minutes, and try that twice per day to get your 20 minutes in. Someone told me she will schedule a "walk and talk" by phone with her sister because they live in different states. Another great way to have a walking buddy to get you moving! Maybe you can only do 5 minutes to start, that's okay! Take 4 walks for 5 minutes each and you'll get your 20 minutes for the day. Can't walk? Then swim, use a stationary bicycle, or sit in a chair and march your legs and wave your arms around. Too cold or rainy outside to walk? Walk/march in place to music or while watching tv/movies, or turn on music and dance around if you can. Science also shows exercise benefits are CUMULATIVE, which means you can spread out your movement for the day, or week, and still get the same benefits from doing it all at once. I hope to keep up with this community well beyond awareness month. I am one year and 2 months past my stem cell transplant and have made huge progress in the last 4-5 months, but I still have days where I need motivation from others and I KNOW this community is just what I need! Have a great day, everyone!