Promoting Wellness with Heart at NC State | Latest News

Understanding Childhood Heart Murmurs

Just like Alexis Steptoe, many infants are born with heart murmurs, which doctors often anticipate will disappear as the child grows. However, peculiar symptoms continued to manifest after her first birthday, alerting her parents that something else might be wrong.

They noted instances when Alexis would bend over and make an unusual sound and display a noticeable blue tint around her lips. Even more concerning were the sudden episodes of fatigue, where Alexis would switch from being an energetic toddler to appearing completely drained.

Upon noticing these symptoms, her parents decided to consult a doctor in their hometown, Bluefield, Virginia. Alexis was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect and a patent ductus arteriosus, which in simple terms means she had a hole in her heart. This condition was causing a valve that should have closed at birth to leak blood into her lungs.

Alexis’s Heart Surgery

Subsequently, Alexis underwent surgery at Duke University Hospital where the surgeon used her existing tissue to recreate the faulty valve. This surgical procedure was not only successful but also provided a learning experience for a team of 22 doctors and future doctors who were able to observe and ask questions during the pediatric open-heart surgery.

Following the operation, Alexis thrived and the early life challenges she faced fueled her passion for health and wellness education. She acquired a Bachelor of Science in health education from Radford University and a master’s degree in public health from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Alexis didn’t stop there; she also became a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach.

Alexis’s Career in Health and Wellness Education

Currently, Alexis serves as the assistant director of Wellness and Recreation at NC State. She has played a pivotal role in the development and leadership of the Wolfpack Wellness initiative, which aims to educate the community about available physical and mental health resources on campus. Additionally, she oversees employee programming and regularly teaches group fitness classes like indoor cycling and strength-based classes using bodyweight training.

Creating a Personalized Approach to Wellness

Alexis faces the exciting challenge of helping people from various backgrounds and abilities become healthier versions of themselves. She advocates for a personalized approach to wellness, acknowledging that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

She strives to create a welcoming environment in Wellness and Recreation facilities for both lifetime fitness enthusiasts and people visiting the gym for the first time. For beginners, she recommends group fitness classes where participants can simply follow along with an instructor. Another option for easing into a fitness routine is visiting the indoor Climbing Center.

Alexis’s teaching philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical health, diet, sleep, emotional management, and stress management. Her primary goal is to inspire and encourage people to take small steps towards healthier lifestyles, thus reducing the risk for future health issues.