Hello!

Most of my former students know me as Nizzy, though some may remember me as Cynthia NeJame. I retired in 2015 after 40 incredibly fulfilling years teaching art, gifted education, and theater in the Danbury Public Schools.

Fast forward a few years—though my heart still felt 17, I was approaching 70, and I knew it was time to take charge of my health. My parents had both passed in their 70s, despite living what seemed like healthy lifestyles. They faced serious cardiovascular and cancer-related challenges, and ultimately, cancer claimed them both.

I had no idea how serious my own heart health was until I received a coronary calcium score of 677—off the charts!

Opening that patient portal felt like aging 15 years in an instant. I was frightened.

A Turning Point Toward Lifestyle Medicine

For my 70th birthday, my husband gave me a gift I had long dreamed of: a safari to Africa—with one condition. He asked me to see a highly regarded concierge doctor who specialized in a whole food, plant-based lifestyle. It was a turning point.

I devoured every book and video I could find by leading experts like Drs. Michael Greger, Caldwell Esselstyn, Dean Ornish, T. Colin Campbell, Joel Fuhrman, and Neal Barnard. Every morning on my stationary bike, I’d ride and listen, soaking up everything I could about nutrition, disease prevention, and lifestyle medicine.

My concierge doctor was brilliant, supportive, and well-connected, which gave my family peace of mind. But as I learned more, I grew more empowered—and less fearful. Eventually, I realized I wanted more from my health journey than what concierge medicine could offer. And if I’m being honest, my frugal side would rather spend that fee on another safari!

Then, I discovered Connecticut Lifestyle Medicine—a true diamond in the rough. The team there has not only guided me but challenged and inspired me to be my best self. (You can find more of my story in my Google review. 👀 )

How a Whole Food, Plant-Based Lifestyle Transformed My Health

I still have a few areas I’m working on—like better sleep and a more consistent meditation practice—but my life is rich with family, friends, physical activity, and endless learning. Wordle is fun, but I need more mental stimulation, so I read everything I can about whole food, plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine. I always have a creative project in the works.

While there are plenty of gyms around, I love the simplicity of my home setup—jumping on the bike or treadmill while streaming the latest talks by WFPB experts or cooking demos by plant-based chefs. I’m a huge fan of Catherine’s strength-building workout and do it 3–4 times a week, mixing in yoga on other days. Once a week, I even Zoom into a powerful yoga class led by an amazing instructor in Kyiv, Ukraine.

A 677 Coronary Calcium Score improved my Cooking Creativity

I’ve become passionate about transforming recipes—removing oil and sugar, boosting sulforaphane (without anyone noticing!), and making meals that even my “Where’s the meat?” husband enjoys. Whether it’s creating budget-friendly menus for busy friends or making the most of a farmer’s market haul, I’m all in. I even started a small garden this year with Junior Earth Boxes to keep my leafy greens as fresh and nutritious as possible. (I take Dr. Esselstyn’s advice about slippery endothelial walls very seriously!)

Recipes only become exciting for me once I start changing them. Creativity and resourcefulness make everything more fun. I used to tell my students stories of my grandmother, who owned the first self-service supermarket in Danbury. She would sauté green peppers with bad spots and serve them on pita bread—what we now lovingly call “depression meals.” She could turn nothing into something, and that spirit stuck with me.

Despite my healthy appetite (I could out-eat almost anyone I know), I’ve lost 6.7% of my body weight following the program recommended by Dr. Patel and his team. I’m not perfect—I still use a spritz of olive oil here and a pinch of salt there—but I stick to the plan 90–95% of the time. And here’s the funny part: the only way I gain weight is by going off the diet!

Why Lifestyle Medicine Made the Difference

I’m incredibly grateful to Connecticut Lifestyle Medicine. What they offer is priceless. Their staff is compassionate, communicative, and deeply knowledgeable in areas where most medical professionals—especially in cardiology—fall short.

The educator in me hasn’t retired. I still love coaching, teaching, and cheering others on. If you’re considering a lifestyle change, especially around nutrition, make an appointment with Dr Patel, Catherine and the team.

Feel free to reach out—it would be a pleasure to connect with you.