Nurse Finds Higher Calling Outside the Hospital’s Four Walls

Organizations like the American Cancer Society, the NAACP, the Rotary Club or your local newspapers are so much a part of our lives that no one ever thinks to ask how they got started. However, if you research the beginnings of organizations such as these, it would reveal people saw a need in their community and decided to fill it. While some recognize a need and complain about it, others like Dr. Vera and Kevins Stevens rise to the occasion.

Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Stevens left her doctor’s office with a wake up call to change. Her mind was finally made up, even before she told husband Kevins. When the doctor told her that her behavior was working towards being on a kidney machine for life, it was no longer an option.

“I knew I did not want to go on dialysis. That day I made a life changing decision that changed what I ate and drank from then on. I stopped drinking the sodas, punch and juices. I made water a bigger part of my diet. I began to exercise regularly,” says Dr. Stevens.

Dr. Steven’s husband Kevins began to see the change in his wife, how good she was looking and always seemed to be energetic, so he decided he wanted to have what his wife had. Within a short period of time, he began to eat the way she ate and to exercise with her.

“I started feeling better and more energetic too,” says Kevins.
“I liked what I saw happening to my wife. I knew I too needed to make some changes.
I saw the bigger picture for my future. If I took care of myself while I was young then I would have better health when I got older,” says Kevins.

The threat of dialysis came 25 years ago but Dr. Stevens’ escaped because she made a decision to do the right thing for her body’s health.

The remarkable results of Dr. Stevens changed habits inspired her to go on to nursing school so that she could help others to change the course of their health. She has worked at various hospitals for over 37 years; yet holding a fulltime job, she and husband Kevins still find time to work with a group of health care professionals whose mission is to raise a standard of health awareness and education in the inner city and urban population.

In 2000 they incorporated Abundant Life Health and Fitness Center (a 501C-3 Organization), targeting communities through various health fairs, exercise programs, consultations, stress relief, street outreach, workshops, screening and testing. What started out as a personal health challenge has blossomed into a community service of taking health and fitness to the streets in at risk communities.

Dr. Vera M. Stevens is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Certified Personal Weight Trainer, Certified Aerobics Instructor and Nutritionist. If you would like to invite Dr. Vera and husband Kevins to your organization, church, or business, you can reach them at 1-877-912-5433 or email them at abundantlife2000@bellsouth.net.