Sport & Fitness Spotlight: Sigrid Squicciarini

Spotlight: Sigrid Squicciarini

Nurses have always been some of our most underappreciated heroes. The last few years have highlighted how important this noble profession is to society. Doctors would not be able to keep hospitals going if it wasn’t for these mighty men and women who assist with everything from administering medicine to listening to a patient with a warm empathetic heart. Like a good doctor or a good trainer or a good psychotherapist—a good nurse needs to be both a master of their craft, as well as a master as a human being!

One of my dear friends, though I truly consider her to be a sister to me, is just that—a wonderful medical professional that’s also an undeniably awesome human being…

I had met Sigrid (Sig) while on a much-needed vacation in Miami; she was finishing up nursing school, and was so excited to get into the hospitals and start saving lives. Sig’s pure aura and authenticity for her field and for helping others is one of my favorite traits about her; I knew that we were destined to become lifelong bff’s because both of us have the same love for what we do and the same desire to utilize our skills to help people live much better and longer. Fast-forward a few years to now and Sig is one of the great nurses at NYU Langone Orthopedic hospital. I asked my dear friend to share some of her incredibly helpful wisdom with us…

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1.) What made you want to get into the medical/nursing field?

Before becoming a nurse, I was a children’s care manager for a non-profit organization. My job was to find resources such as school and food supplies for my kids (clients), and their families. I loved it, however, when Covid hit, I realized I wanted to do something more. I developed a love and respect for the medical professionals that cared for our sick family members and friends during Covid times. They inspired me to be courageous, perseverant, and fueled my fire to pursue a career in the medical field. I wanted to be directly involved in the medical field rehabilitating patients, providing for them, and giving them adequate nursing care. Nursing, to me, is about educating patients and their families, teaching them about post-hospital care, and improving their qualities of life. This is a passion of mine, and to imagine that it all started back in what we would consider such a difficult and transitional time.

My grandmother was also a nurse. Although she served a different population, pediatrics, she was extremely knowledgeable and gave great nursing advice. Although she is no longer with us, I always think back to all of the things she taught me about taking care of myself: the right foods to eat, medications to take, and how to make the best choices to protect my body and future health. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Adult Gerontologic Primary Care, and whenever I am feeling down or discouraged, I think back to her and how much everyone looked up to her. She is everything I hope to emulate and be; and I hope that I will one day be able to provide the same experience for new nurses or aspiring nurses around me.

2.) What is some advice that you can give aspiring nursing students who wish to enter the field of medicine?

 If there is any piece of advice I can give to aspiring nurses, it’s to never give up on your dreams. I changed careers from care manager to nurse at the ripe age of 29. It wasn’t ideal at the time, but I changed the whole trajectory of my life to a more positive path. Please pursue your dreams, and do not ever let anyone get in the way of that by saying that it’s not for you because of your age, or any other circumstances. Only you can determine your capabilities and what you are able to handle.

For those of you with disabilities (such as myself), there are resources out there that will help you succeed. I have been hearing impaired since I was a little girl, and nothing has ever stopped me. Sure, professors/teachers, and other people have tried; however, the right school and employer will provide that support and space for you to grow and succeed and be the best version of you that you can be.

 3.) As someone who is all about health and wellness, what are some tips that you can share with our readers to stay safe and energized for the upcoming darker months?

The darker, colder months are often difficult to navigate. My best suggestion is to protect your mental health and pick up a hobby, join a fitness class, or focus on recreational activities. It can be any class, as long as it keeps you engaged and interested. I love working out because it helps you maintain your health, and you have the option to interact with others in your gym. But, for those who hate working out, find something you love and commit to it.

My other piece of advice would be to go to all your doctor appointments. This is key in detecting vitamin deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances caused by lack of sun, and off-season vegetables and fruits. Have you noticed how we have less fresh fruit options during the wintertime? Even if you cannot find your favorite out-of-season produce, it’s still beneficial to eat frozen and canned vegetables! Try to avoid over processed foods and do know that there are numerous better/healthier options available in many stores’ freezer sections. With the days being shorter and colder, home is always a delightful comfort, so, the off-season might be a good time to practice your cooking skills.

While on the topic of vitamins, it is important to know that lack of sun during darker seasons can cause severe vitamin D deficiencies. Fun fact: our skin uses ultraviolet rays from the sun, during warmer sunnier months, to help our bodies make Vitamin D and support our organs and bones. According to Harvard Health (2008) Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, and without it, our body is at a higher risk for fractures and osteoporosis. It also helps ward off diseases. Harvard Health (2008) says that Vitamin D controls an “enormous number of genes, including some associated with cancers, autoimmune disease, and infection”.

If you’re interested in reading the website I mentioned above, I will link it below. This website also provides a nice little list of foods high in Vitamin D.

Source:

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https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/time-for-more-vitamin-d#:~:text=The%20sun‘s%20rays%20provide%20ultraviolet,if%20it%20did%20nothing%20else.

Citation:

Time for more vitamin D. Harvard Health. (2008b, September 1).  https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/time-for-more-vitamin-d#:~:text=The%20sun’s%20rays%20provide%20ultraviolet,if%20it%20did%20nothing%20else .

4.) Are there any foods that you recommend for one’s overall vitality?

As a rule of thumb, I like foods that are easy to make and high in nutritional value. I work less days during the week, but longer hours, and need all the nourishment that I can get. When I’m in the supermarket, I will reach for anything that is fresh, leafy, and green. Some of the most nutrient dense vegetables you can find are carrots, broccoli, garlic, brussels sprouts, green peas, swiss chard, beets, asparagus, kale, red cabbage, sweet potatoes, collard greens, and cauliflower. Believe it or not, by eating just one serving of vegetables per day, you are doing wonders for your body.

My favorite food, emphasis on the word favorite, is spinach. Spinach can be used as a topping, in a smoothie, or on its own as a salad. Just one cup of spinach, alone, is incredibly healthy for you, high in antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin K. The best part of all, though, is that it’s easy to find and make.

Source:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/14-healthiest-vegetables-on-earth#spinach

5.) Please share with us a favorite motivational quote of yours…

“It’s where we go, and what we do when we get there, that tells us who we really are.” -Joyce Carol Oates

What a great interview! Thank you, Sig. I wish everyone reading these words health and happiness.

Your friendly neighborhood trainer,

Andre Zemnovitsch

Banner Image:  Sigrid Squicciarini. Image Credit – Sigrid Squicciarini

Andre Zemnovitsch

I have been a Certified Personal Trainer for almost 20 years. Training for some of the top boutique gyms in NYC and the Catskills, I have been honored to assist well over a thousand clients evolve not only their bodies but their minds to higher levels. I have dedicated my life to finding the most effective fitness techniques, herbs/plant medicines, exercise regimens, Martial Disciplines, scientific approaches and ancient wisdoms from the four corners of this wonderful World—to help myself and my fellow man live longer and better. I am the founder of High∞Chi Fitness—a soon-to-open revolutionary gym—where a medley of fitness Masters from around the globe will come together to work in harmony, collaboratively taking clients to their apex fitness levels. High∞Chi Fitness isn’t just a gym; it’s a way of life to assist the client to ride the trajectory of perpetual fitness evolution! Throughout my fitness journey: I have been blessed to learn from elite Martial Artists, esteemed Acupuncturists, Yoga Masters, Pilates pioneers, Zen Masters, and even real-deal Amazonian Shaman and Mystics. I have designed and instructed original and revolutionary fitness classes for some of the most illustrious centers and institutions on the East Coast—from the peaks of the Poconos to the Hamlets of the Hamptons. My successful classes place emphasis on Qigong breathing with Zen Visualization Exercises, alongside "Dynamic Meditations" juxtaposed with static techniques. I hybridize Ancient Eastern Techniques with the most up-to-date contemporary Westernized approaches: for total health and well-being and mind-body-connection. I have been fusing into my training regiments: the latest scientifically-backed advancements in fitness with a thousand years' worth of Martial Disciplines. I believe in a "best-of-all-worlds" approach to health and exercise, a best of East-meets-West, if you will. Via my training: I incorporate dexterity (hand-eye-coordination) alongside footwork, strength and conditioning, postural alignment strategies and physical therapy, breath∞work, mind-calming/elucidation strategies, visualization-manifestation methods, a variety of Martial Arts techniques, and a cornucopia of other important facets of mind-body enhancement. With all the aforementioned, I have found that this is the preferred way to follow THE WAY to optimized health and clarity of mind. My life is devoted to making your life better in every way! If you are interested in training, please send me a message via my email [email protected] or call me at 347.777.2584.