Creve Coeur resident Paula MacMann takes action for her health and inspires others to do the same. As a fitness-minded 50-something mother and grandmother of 10, Paula is an avid cyclist, hiker and runner. Now that she is retired from her career, she keeps a full schedule that includes regularly cycling the 100 miles from St. Louis to Jefferson City. She also inspires and encourages others who may be hesitant about starting to cycle to join her. She'll ride at their pace and will even teach them the basics with bike maintenance and how to change a bike tire.

Paula recently started designing jewelry from bicycle chains as a way to celebrate and inspire fitness. With her jewelry, she has found a new use for used bicycle chains that would otherwise go into landfills. Paula also wanted to find a way to give back, so a portion of the proceeds from the sale of her jewelry benefit organizations that promote healthy living and make fitness activities more accessible to those who may not be able to afford to participate. She also offers her jewelry as a fundraising opportunity to other organizations. Her company is called Chainspirations (chainspirations.com).

"Paula can out-bike and out-run women half her age," said one of the women who nominated her. Another nomination added, "Paula is always willing to help others with their fitness goals and often will give her own time and energy to help them become successful."

Paula exemplifies the Spirit of Women and St. Luke's is proud to honor her with the Healthy Woman Award for 2010. Shirley Washington of Fox 2 News and St. Luke's Vice President Jan Hess presented Paula with the award at Spirit Girls' Night Out on Oct. 21, 2010 at Forest Hills Country Club.