Annu Singleton’s Health Messenger Profile

I am an athlete leader from Baltimore City, the sports I play in SOMD are Track and Field, Speed Skating, Skiing, Bowling, Bocce, Swimming, Basketball, Equestrian, Kayaking, Sailing, Soccer, Long Distance Running, Snowshoeing, Dance, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Flag Football and Golf. The reason I wanted to be a Health Messenger is because I wanted set a good example to my fellow athletes by exercising and eat right and to take better care of myself.

Annu’s Health Story

I had a rough childhood, being seperated from my mom and sister and living with foster parents and in a homeless shelter all before I was 20. We don’t get to choose our childhood. But my childhood isn’t the story of my life. The story of my life is what I have done every day since my childhood.

That includes taking care of physical health as well as my mental health.

Exercise and movement really help me. It helps calm me and helps reduce stress. During the Covid 19 pandemic, it was really tough not doing any sports or exercising like I normally would. It was hard. I felt like a prisoner in my own home. It made me angry that I couldn’t do the sports I wanted or workout the way I wanted to, but I knew safety was the most important. I had to start exercising without leaving the safety of my own apartment. In order to best help my mental health, I started calling a friend, taking mental health walks, joining Special Olympic zoom sessions, and moved my in-person therapy sessions to phone sessions.

My therapist makes me feel safe and I know I can trust them. They allow me the space to talk about my problems and they actively listen without interrupting. Since moving from in person to phone sessions, this has made it a lot easier since transportation was a struggle. It was difficult to get to the in-person appointments. I appreciate when my therapist provides subtle nods or words of acknowledgement throughout the appointments. This helps me know that they are listening.

I recently visited the cardiologist to see why I was having heart palpitations. This was my first time ever going to a cardiologist. They doctor did a great job a making me feel comfortable throughout the appointment and made sure that I understood everything that was happening throughout the appointment. I like when doctors ask how I am doing and share what will be happening at the appointment to help me feel the most comfortable throughout the appointment.

Since the pandemic, I have become a Special Olympics Maryland Health Messenger and have made sure to continue working out, taking care of myself, eating a balanced diet, and have been trying to get enough sleep each night. Being a Health Messenger means making good decisions and helping share the importance of taking care of yourself.

– Annu Singleton

Strong Minds