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Ann Nzeruem, Mara Home and Health Inc. "Having a supportive community can be a transformative factor in one’s life"

Writer's picture: Knew HouseKnew House


MEMBER SPOTLIGHT


Hello, my name is Ann Nzeruem and I was born in Nigeria. I immigrated to Canada in 2008 to further my education. I completed my undergraduate nursing degree at the University of Manitoba and successfully completed my graduate studies at Athabasca University in the family nurse practitioner stream. I am a nurse practitioner and an entrepreneur. I founded my Home Healthcare company  Mara Home and Health  Inc. in 2020.

 

My 10 years of clinical experience have been in primary care, emergency medicine, and Indigenous Health. I was also given an opportunity to take on a leadership role as a nurse manager prior to establishing my company - Mara Home and Health Services Inc.

 

After gaining valuable experience working in the healthcare industry, I identified gaps in the system that inspired a bold vision for change. I took the plug into entrepreneurship by founding Mara Home and Health Inc., a healthcare innovation company dedicated to revolutionizing patient care and streamlining healthcare processes. The focus remains on creating solutions that not only address current challenges but also anticipate the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape. 

 

Outside my professional endeavors, I value my work-life balance and enjoy spending time outdoors or traveling with my husband and two children. 




Ann, you founded Mara Home and Health, a one-stop shop for home and healthcare and services, what led you to start your own business? 

 

Mara Home and Health Services was founded after witnessing a close family member nearly lose their life due to poorly managed health. I aim to create a comprehensive healthcare solution that addresses all your needs. My goal is to advocate for a holistic approach to healthcare, ensuring that your physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being are all prioritized.

 

Our medical team can prescribe medication after a thorough health assessment and have our pharmacy deliver medication and medical supplies right to your doorstep. Our team of experienced nurses and health care aides provide services that include wound dressing, postoperative care, medication administration, and reminders.

 

Our home support workers and caregivers, in turn, enhance the quality of life by assisting with the activities of daily living, i.e., bathing, grooming, meal preparation, transportation, groceries, and companionship. Our goal is to provide happiness, home comforts, and a satisfying life in the community.

 

We provide wrap-around care, which means you never have to leave your home to go to the doctor’s office. We guarantee a prompt response to our client's needs and ensure they are central to the design and delivery of our services.


As executives and entrepreneurs, we know the common traits that come with being in leadership positions; burnout, stress, and anxiety. How have you seen this affect a person’s health? What preventative strategies would you recommend? 

 

Leadership positions often come with significant responsibilities, high expectations, and constant pressure, which can contribute to burnout, stress, and anxiety. The impact on a person's health can be profound, affecting both mental and physical well-being.

 

Here are some ways these challenges can manifest and some preventative strategies:

 

Physical Health Impact:

  • Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances: Stress and anxiety can lead to sleep problems, affecting the overall quality of rest.

  • Cardiovascular Issues: Prolonged stress may contribute to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease.

  • Weakened Immune System: Chronic stress can compromise the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses.

Mental Health Impact:

  • Burnout: Overwhelming workloads and constant pressure can lead to burnout, characterized by exhaustion, detachment, and reduced performance.

  • Anxiety and Depression: The constant stress of leadership roles can contribute to anxiety disorders and depression.

 

Preventative Strategies...

 

Self-Care: Encourage leaders to prioritize self-care, including regular breaks, sufficient sleep, and activities that bring joy and relaxation.

 

Time Management: Teach effective time management skills to help leaders prioritize tasks and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

 

Delegate Responsibly: Encourage leaders to delegate tasks and responsibilities, fostering teamwork and preventing burnout.

 

Set Realistic Goals: Help leaders set achievable goals to reduce the pressure and prevent feelings of failure.

 

Develop a Support System: Encourage leaders to build a strong support network, including mentors, colleagues, and friends who can provide guidance and understanding.

 

Promote Work-Life Balance: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life to prevent excessive stress.

 

Access to Counseling: Ensure that leaders have access to counselling services to address any mental health concerns.

 

Leadership Training: Offer leadership training programs that include stress management and coping strategies.


How do you prioritize health and self-care in your own life? 


I place a strong emphasis on self-care by attentively tuning in to my body's needs and purposefully setting aside time for activities that bring me joy. I design uncomplicated workout routines that I can consistently incorporate into my weekly schedule. I pay attention to my diet ensuring a well-balanced intake of nutrients and a consistent sleep schedule as quality sleep is crucial for cognitive functions and overall mood.

 

Additionally, I make it a point to indulge in a monthly spa day, dedicating one day entirely to myself, free from work obligations, which allows me to engage in relaxing and rejuvenating pursuits.

 

I employ various stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These practices help me stay centred and cope with daily challenges.

 

As an entrepreneur or an executive, prioritize setting healthy boundaries in both personal and professional aspects of my life. Nonetheless, maintaining strong social connections with friends and family. Spending quality time with loved ones contributes to my emotional well-being.

 

Lastly, I am proactive about my health by scheduling regular check-ups, screenings, and follow-ups.


Having a sense of community in an individual’s life can be a game-changer, how does community impact your work? 

 

Having a supportive community can be a transformative factor in one’s life. In my work, the impact of community is profound. It fosters a sense of belonging and connection among our clients, creating a supportive network that goes beyond traditional healthcare services. This community engagement contributes significantly to the overall well-being of individuals by providing emotional support, reducing isolation, and promoting a collaborative approach to health. We believe that a strong community enhances the effectiveness of our work, promoting a holistic and inclusive environment for better health outcomes.


What led you to seek your own community and join Knew House?  

 

Discovering Knew House felt like finding my rightful place at this moment. I resonated with the shared mindset of connecting with women on a similar level and engaging in discussions about careers, family, and personal stories.

 

Being in the company of inspiring women not only motivates me to strive for improvement, but it also instills a sense of security, knowing that I have a solid support system and foundation.


An all too common resolution for the New Year is to begin prioritizing health, and yet a high percentage of resolutions fail or are forgotten about within the first 1-3 months, what would you recommend as a manageable goal for people wanting to focus on their health in the new year? 


Setting realistic and achievable health goals is crucial for success in the long run. Instead of making drastic changes, consider incorporating small, sustainable adjustments into your lifestyle...

 

  •  Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. This could be as simple as taking a brisk walk, biking, or doing home workouts.

  • Instead of extreme dieting, focus on making healthier food choices. Cut down on sugary drinks and snacks.

  • Establish a consistent sleep routine. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Quality sleep is crucial for mental and physical well-being.

  • Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Managing stress is essential for overall health.

  • Schedule routine health check-ups to monitor your overall well-being. Prevention is key to long-term health.

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