Category Archives: wellness

Circle of Strength: Embracing Sisterhood to Overcome Autoimmune Challenges

autoimmunity recovery, black women's health, holistic, personal wellness coaching, sisterhood, support, wellness, , , , , ,
Dr. Karla and Dr. Carolyn

This past weekend was very special for me as I celebrated the beauty and value of good sisterhood relationships. I was invited to participate with one of my close sister friends on a panel in which we discussed what makes our bond so precious.

My panel partner is my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Carolyn Lightford. We developed a friendship that quickly evolved into a sister bond many years ago during our 3rd year of medical school. Our relationship deepened during our time together in the same Family Medicine Residency program.

Carolyn and I have shared so much during these past few decades. Together we have laughed, cried, studied, celebrated, complained, prayed, and encouraged one another. We have also served as each other’s physician! God allowed our paths to cross many years ago and we agree our bond is for life.

The same day of the sisterhood panel, I acknowledged a milestone with another group of special ladies. My sorority line sisters, Vivian, Karen, Cathy, Monya, (my sands) and I celebrated becoming members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 44 years ago.

Take Five – MuRho-Delta Sigma Theta

These ladies became my family during a time when I needed support, community, friendship, and positive influences. We became that for each other during our quest to become members of the sorority. Forty-four years later we are still connected. We live in different towns; however, the love remains.

During the panel discussion we shared some of the “Golden Rules” of friendship which include:

  1. Listening well
  2. Honesty
  3. Extending a shoulder to cry on
  4. Genuine interest in one another
  5. Loyalty
  6. Acceptance
  7. Love

When I became ill a few years ago with auto-immune disorders, these sisters were among those who prayed for me, checked on me, loved on me, and encouraged me on my journey to healing and recovery of health. My sisterfriends are important in my holistic wellness.

I grew up in a home with brothers; however, I have been blessed with precious “sisterfriend” relationships throughout my life. I don’t take them for granted and I am forever grateful. If you are blessed with special sisterfriends, reach out to them and let them know how much they mean to you. They can be “lifesavers”.

If you are struggling because of autoimmune disorders and ready to invest in yourself for a high-level of dedicated, personalized, 1 to 1 support in taking control of your health to thrive, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery sales call to see if and how I can help you.

Click HERE to schedule your appointment today!

Blessings,

Dr. Karla

From Illness to Wellness: A Journey of Healing

autoimmunity recovery, black women's health, health, healthy lifestyle, lifestyle transformation, personal wellness coaching, wellness, , , , ,

Sometimes, it’s good to take a look back and reflect on where you have been to appreciate how far you’ve come.

I was recently looking through my photos and came across two that share a glimpse into my journey with autoimmune disorders.

The picture on top was taken in 2019, shortly after I became ill and this was how I dressed for bed. I was looking a “hot mess” with compression socks, Elastic bandage on my ankle, knee brace, and I had a heating pad on the floor next to the bed.🤣🤦🏽‍♀️

My body hurt from my neck down to the bottoms of my feet. My joints and muscles were inflamed and I had trouble moving around. It was NOT FUN. 😩

I prayed for instant healing but, it didn’t happen that way. However, as I implemented my step-by-step process for health recovery, my mind, body, and spirit were rejuvenated.

The picture on the bottom was taken 2 years later in early 2021. Praise God!🙌🏾. After my most recent visit with my doctor’s office last month, I was informed that everything continues to be stable! I can keep doing what I’m doing!

In my private coaching programs, I help my clients take control of their health using the same process I use for myself.

Recently, I launched my “Reclaim Your Health and Thrive” 12-Month Private Coaching Program, which allows my clients to experience a full year of a high-level of personalized 1-1 wellness coaching.

If you are ready to invest in yourself for this type of support to take control of your health, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free “Reclaim Your Health” Discovery Sales call to see if and how I can help you.

Please CLICK HERE to schedule your call today. I look forward to speaking with you!

Blessings,

Dr. Karla

Reclaim Your Health and Thrive!

wellness

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!

Introducing my “Reclaim Your Health and Thrive” 12-Month Private Coaching Program!

Eighty percent of individuals with autoimmune diseases are women. Are you one of these women suffering from chronic fatigue, pain, and decreased quality of life due to one or more autoimmune disorders? Perhaps you are overwhelmed and depressed because you have been told “There is no cure for your condition” and you feel like giving up. 

You may be wondering why you are so exhausted and debilitated now, when you used to be so vibrant, energetic, and “in charge” of things.

If so, I have great news for you.  It is possible for you to take control of your health so you can have the energy, strength, and excitement to do the things you love to do. Envision yourself traveling again, enjoying time with your family, reaching your weight goal, pain free, dancing, and fulfilling the purpose God has for your life!

My name is Karla Montague-Brown, M.D. and I am the C.E.O of CROWN TO SOLE Wellness, LLC.  I am included in that 80% statistic I shared previously.  Several years ago, I was enjoying life with my family & friends, active in my church, teaching, medical consulting, speaking, coaching and then…BOOM!  Within a matter of days to a couple of weeks, I felt like I was “knocking on death’s door” as the saying goes. Eventually, I was diagnosed with two auto-immune disorders.

However, by God’s grace, and the implementation of my proven process for holistic health recovery, my conditions reversed in less than a year’s timeframe. It feels so good when I visit my rheumatologist for my check-ups and she says, “Keep doing what you are doing!”  I am enjoying life again and actively fulfilling God’s current purpose for my life in helping women heal holistically.

I have years of experience, from professional and personal perspectives, helping women with lifestyle transformations for wellness. Previously, women have been successful with my 90-Day Private Coaching program and now I am inspired to offer a longer term private coaching experience.

I’m excited to announce my NEW “RECLAIM YOUR HEALTH AND THRIVE” 12-MONTH Private Coaching Program with Dr. Karla. 

This program is a private 1-1 coaching experience in which you will receive a HIGH-LEVEL of personalized support over a 12-month period to help you take control of your health. I will partner with you to create and help you implement a lifestyle transformational plan for reversal of chronic illness to achieve optimal wellness.

If you are looking for someone who understands what you may be going through, listens to your needs and desires, is caring, compassionate, and honest, will provide accountability, support with valuable resources, and who has the knowledge, expertise, and proven success in helping women take control of their health, I would love to explore the possibility of becoming your coach-mentor.

If this opportunity resonates with you and you are ready, willing, and able to invest in yourself for long-term private coaching, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free “Reclaim Your Health” Discovery Sales call to see if and how I can help you.

Please CLICK HERE to schedule your appointment today!

Blessings, Dr. Karla

3 Keys to Honoring your Fitness Commitment

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Have you decided that 2024 is the year you will take control of your health and develop a fitness routine? That is a goal that many people set when entering a new year. It is a worthy goal at any time in your life.

Although we have good intentions, sometimes life’s circumstances get in the way and get us off track. For example, I like to walk outside as part of my fitness routine. However, it is more difficult for me during the winter months because I don’t like walking in the COLD!

Recently, we had several inches of snow on the ground. I didn’t get outside to walk every day while the snow was on the ground but, I did manage to keep my commitment to myself a few of those days and walk outside.

So, what can you do to help you keep your commitment to yourself? These are the 3 Keys that I used to help me get out to walk in the snow.

  1. PLAN – Decide what activity you want to do (hopefully, one you will enjoy). I like walking.
  2. PREPARE -Determine what is needed to help you accomplish the activity. Because of the cold weather and the snow, I layered up to keep myself warm with the appropriate protective gear.
  3. PROCEED – Now that you have a plan and prepared yourself, as the NIKE slogan says, “Just Do It” and move forward. After I had all those clothes on, I was ready to get outside and do what I set out to do!

What is your fitness commitment to yourself? Leave a comment below and let me know. YOU CAN DO IT!

Blessings!

Dr. Karla

Beyond the Dream: Nurturing Wellness through Purpose and Compassion

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As we celebrate the birth, life, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on this MLK Holiday, it is difficult for me not to think of his death as a starting point for my reflections.

My first recollection of hearing the name, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was the day he was killed in my childhood hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. I was 6 years old, soon to turn 7 years. We were watching the television reports about this man who had been shot after coming to town to lead a sanitation worker’s strike.

I didn’t know who Dr. King was at the time. What struck me and made me remember this event was how my mother was crying, the same way she and my aunt did when my grandfather, their dad, died. Then our neighbor lady who lived next door to us, Mrs. Leona, came over and she was crying with the same intensity as my mom. I knew we were not related to the next door neighbor but they were both sobbing as if a family member had died. It was then that my 6 year old mind recognized Dr. King must have been somebody important and meant a lot to many people.

Over the years, initially through the influence of my activist parents and later through my own studies, I learned more about Dr. King and his life of service to uplift humanity with compassion. While fulfilling his life’s purpose led to his untimely and tragic death, I am inspired to use my God-given gifts, talents, and skills to fulfill the purpose that God has for my life to help people heal.

I am learning that being of service to others in the manner designed for me, is helping me tremendously in my personal journey to holistic wellness. While I may not know exactly how this journey will unfold, I have a sense of peace that I am being led to give with purpose and compassion as I receive the blessings of God.

Through my coaching and consulting business, CROWN TO SOLE Wellness, LLC, I encourage, empower, and equip individuals to take control of their health so they can fulfill their God-given purpose.

Today, I am offering a FREE GIFT to those who may not be ready, willing, and/or able to invest in my coaching and consulting services but still want help in moving forward on their wellness journey. Click HERE to receive your free CROWN TO SOLE Wellness Action Guide. This powerful resources is packed with valuable “goodies” to help you reclaim your health and you can have it for free! (featured image: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr./Photo: Flip Schulke/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

Blessings to you!

Dr. Karla

Your Mindset Matters. Renew Your Mind!

healthy lifestyle, joy, lifestyle transformation, self control, wellness

“A MERRY HEART DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE BUT A BROKEN SPIRIT DRIES THE BONES” Proverbs 17:22

Have you ever personally experienced a broken spirit— perhaps due to sadness, grief, hurt, guilt, anxiety, or depression?

I will admit that I have…honestly, we probably all have at some point in our lives.

In Chapter 18 of the Book, Ministry of Healing, Ellen White writes, “The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate.  When one is affected the other sympathizes.  The condition of the mind affects health to a far greater degree than many realize.  Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression.  Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death.”

Scientific literature tells us that unmanaged negative emotions can negatively affect the immune system- leading to more illness, whereas balanced positive emotions can help support the immune system and lead to wellness.

In that same Chapter in Ministry of Healing from which I quoted earlier Mrs. White writes, “Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life.  A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul.”

SO NOW WHAT DO WE DO?

Romans 12:2 tells us “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,…”

PRACTICAL TIPS TO RENEW THE MIND – (*Please seek professional help as needed)

  1. Prayer  – Be specific
  2. Saturate your mind with scriptures of Who God is and who you are to Him
  3. Sing /listen to spiritual, inspirational songs
  4. Guard the avenues to your mind (What you see, hear, read)
  5. Rehearse your gratitude regularly– Write it down
  6. Practice taking captive your thoughts and understand that this is an ongoing process.

Thoughts become words, Words become actions, Actions become habits, Habits become your character, Character determines your Destiny

REMEMBER, YOUR MINDSET MATTERS!

In my Overcome Autoimmunity private coaching program, my clients are empowered to renew their mindset to help them take control of their health.

If you are struggling with chronic illness such as autoimmune disorders and ready to invest in yourself for a high level of personalized support to reclaim your health, I invite you to schedule an appointment with me for a free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you. Click HERE to schedule your call today!

How to manage your chronic illness during family crises

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Living well with a chronic illness such as an autoimmune disorder involves intention, attention, and self-care. But what happens to your routine when unexpected, potentially catastrophic, life events occur in your family?

Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned and things can change in a moment. How do you keep your health from declining during these times?

Recently, my family experienced a sudden huge change in our home when my son suffered a major medical event. He was subsequently hospitalized for almost 3 weeks, including ICU and inpatient rehab.

Because my husband and I did not want to leave our son alone in the hospital in this vulnerable state, our temporary home became whatever hospital room our son was in for the duration of his hospitalization. (And I would do it the same way all over again!)

My major concern was to make sure my son was well taken care of; however, due to my autoimmune disorders, I also needed to continue to take care of myself to avoid a flare up.

I want to share a few tips that have helped me as our family adjusted to this medical crisis.

  1. Pray – From the moment I realized my son was having trouble I began praying a lot more. In addition to praying for him to be okay, I had to pray that I would not have panic attacks! I also asked for a lot of other people to pray for us! It has helped me to stay calm. (for the most part)
  2. Breathe – I have been practicing a lot of deep breathing exercises to help keep myself centered and not become overwhelmed. This helps to clear the mind and bring a sense of peace.
  3. Eat nutritious food – Because I was in a different environment from my home, I had to be intentional about the food I was eating to make sure I continued to eat in a way to support my health to stay well. So, I continued to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and drank a lot of water.
  4. Rest – My husband and I spent the nights in the hospital with our son but we would take turns during the day to go home for a few hours to freshen up and just allow ourselves to try to relax. Honestly, it was hard to relax at home because I felt I needed to be at the hospital.
  5. LET PEOPLE HELP YOU!!! Whew! I can’t emphasize this enough. Not everyone will be able to help you in the same way, and some people may not be able to do much at all for you. HOWEVER, there were people who were willing and able to do what they could to make the load a little easier for us. I am forever grateful for the different ways people showed their love for us. Support of your community is so valuable.

If you are a woman struggling with chronic illness such as autoimmune disorders and ready to invest in yourself for a high level of personalized support to reclaim your health, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you!

Click HERE to schedule your call today! I look forward to speaking with you!

3 Reasons To Get Help With Your Chronic Illness

wellness

A few days ago I saw a fire truck pass my window and stop in front of a house across the street from my home. Shortly thereafter, an ambulance arrived to the same home.

I’m not sure of the exact nature of my neighbor’s emergency but it reminded me of how important it is to get timely, appropriate assistance when needed.

There are several reasons why we should invest in appropriate help when we are living with a chronic illness. Today I want to share 3 of those reasons.

  • Sometimes we don’t know what to do to help ourselves and someone with proven experience in how to take control of one’s health can make it easier for you to do so.
  • Appropriate assistance can help alleviate some of your fears surrounding your illness such as wondering if you can get better and live an abundant life.
  • Enlisting help can keep you accountable and boost your confidence in staying the course so you don’t give up on yourself.

These are just a few good reasons to reach out and get help in taking control of your health so you can fulfill your God-given purpose.

If you are a woman, struggling with chronic illness such as autoimmune disorders, and ready to invest in yourself for a high level of personalized support to bounce back, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a free “Overcome Autoimmunity” Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you.

Click HERE to schedule your call. I look forward to speaking with you!

4 Great Benefits of “Green” Eating; especially if you’re sick!

healthy lifestyle, holistic, nutrition, personal wellness coaching, wellness, , , , ,

One of the recommendations that people often hear when they are trying to adopt a more healthful nutrition plan is “eat green leafy vegetables”.  There are several benefits to eating a lot of “greens”.

Chlorophyll is a substance found in green plants.

  1. It acts as a blood detoxifier.
  2. This in turn helps increase circulation to your body’s organs.
  3. It is also thought to help reduce offensive body odors.

Super green foods include the young cereal grasses like wheat, barley, alfalfa, rye, oats, kelp, and chlorella. 

4. These super greens have many nutrients to help support your body’s functions including supporting your immune system.

If you are not already doing so, try adding different leafy greens and super greens to your diet to help you regain and/or maintain your health for good.

Adopting a practical, doable, and enjoyable nutrition plan for health is one of the areas in which I give support to my private clients. 

If you are a woman struggling with chronic illness such as autoimmune disorders and ready to invest in yourself for a high level of personalized support to take control of your health, I invite you to make an appointment with me for a Free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you.

Click HERE to schedule your appointment. I look forward to speaking with you!

How To Practice Gratitude and Help Your Body Heal!

wellness

This morning during my private devotional time I set an intention to be grateful today. Any day can bring its set of challenges which can lead our mindset to a downward negative spiral if we allow it.

It’s important to remember that challenges and victories or blessings can co-exist. We can experience situations that cause us distress and discomfort during the same time frame in which we encounter occasions that bring us joy.

I’m so glad I decided to focus on being grateful this morning because I had to drive into the city today for a meeting for my consulting contract . For the past almost 3 years I have been doing a lot less driving due to mostly working from home since April of 2020.

When I initially left the house I had to come back inside because I realized I didn’t have my car key because I had taken my keys out of my purse when I went out of town over a week ago. I couldn’t remember right away where I had put them so my husband gave me his car key. I’m GRATEFUL he had his key handy so I didn’t have to waste time looking for my keys.

The city is becoming more crowded and there is a lot more traffic now than previously. The slow down in the traffic as I neared my destination started to cause me some distress and I felt like complaining. However, I REMEMBERED MY INTENTION! Instead of complaining I chose to be GRATEFUL that I have a consulting contract that allows me to make an income that contributes to my family’s financial well-being. I also chose to be grateful that I NO LONGER HAVE TO DRIVE INTO THE CITY on a regular basis. THANK YOU LORD!

As I rehearsed my gratitude, I could feel myself calm down and was able to walk into my meeting on time and with a cheerful spirit. When I arrived back home, the sun was shining brightly and the temperature was comfortable. I expressed by gratitude for the sunshine and took a walk with my Terrence (my husband). I have so much for which to be grateful.

It has been shown the negative emotions tend to depress the immune system and positive emotions help to boost or support good immune function. A properly functioning immune system is important for good health, therefore it is a good thing to do what you can to help your body work properly. Practicing gratitude is one way to help you experience positive emotions and support your immune system for good health.

Set the intention to practice gratitude, especially when you are facing difficult challenges. The more you practice, the easier it will be to find something for which to be grateful! It is a good idea to write your gratitude and look back over what you have written when you need to encourage yourself.

I’m grateful I have the opportunity to help women with chronic illnesses, such as autoimmune disorders, take control of their health through my Overcome Autoimmunity 90-Day Private Coaching program. If you are struggling with chronic illness and ready to invest in yourself for a high level of personalized support to reclaim your health, I encourage you to make an appointment with me for a free Overcome Autoimmunity Discovery Call to see if and how I can help you.

Click HERE to schedule your call today! I look forward to speaking with you.