Be Fit! Be Strong!: Visiting McGuire's Hospital for Christmas

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Visiting McGuire's Hospital for Christmas

For the third time this year, I visited the Veteran's Hospital in Richmond. I met up with DeShawn, the Virginia International director, several contestants and 2 reigning queens. We had a great time chatting with some patients, learning their stories and then serving them their meals, as well as getting to know some spouses and other volunteers. It's always an honor to help out these individuals who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. I wish them all a very Merry Christmas and that their current situation improve!

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Where is Maria?

December '09-Christmas Party at Veteran's Hospital
December '09-Collecting toys for Salvation Army's Angels
January '10-Animal Planet films Bealls for show!
January '10-Virginia International workshop
January 23 '10-Kick off launch for Les Mills programs
January 29 '10-Deliver meals with Meals on Wheels
February 5-American Heart Association National Wear Red Day
February 14-Virginia International Pageant!
February 16th-Meeting with AHA to coordinate volunteer efforts for the Heart Ball in Richmond, VA
February 21-International fitness travel to Cancun!
February 27th-Day of Dance!
March 20, '10-Pennsylvania International pageant
April 17th, '10-Richmond Heart Ball at Science Museum
May '10-Key West trip
July 1 '10-Heart Walk, Richmond
Sept 12 '10-Heart Walk, Hampton Roads

Heart Smart facts

Getting to know me...

When I was just five years old, my father died of a faulty heart valve. He was only 39. I was raised by a single mom and we struggled financially and emotionally. My life was forever altered, as my mom tried to make a better life for us, and yet, we moved every two years. Then at the age of 20, I found myself 12 sizes overweight and going down a path of being unhealthy and miserable. However, with the direction of my mother-in-law, I took my first aerobic class. Within months, I was teaching fitness and inspiring people to get fit and healthy! I pursued my passion and earned my degree in Exercise Science, graduating in the top five of my class, while raising three sons, two with Attention Deficit Disorder, and working a management job in fitness. After I earned my degree, I then obtained my certification with the American College of Sports Medicine. And I just didn't obtain any ordinary certification, I earned the title of Health Fitness Specialist, a certification that requires you to have a four year degree in health. This is unlike a Personal Training certification that can be earned by anyone. So, what does this mean? This means that I take my client's health very seriously and differentiate myself with knowledge and experience. I have 20 years of experience as a fitness instructor, personal trainer and fitness director.
Now, my mission is to help the next generation. The American Heart Association says that if the plight of the American children continues on it's course of obesity and sedentary lifestyle, we could see this generation not living as long as their parents. This will be something we have not witnessed in decades.
So, what can we do to stop this? Well, we can get moving. Find ways to move your body. Not only will you feel better, but you will help cut down on health care costs and possibly inspire those around you. For too long, we have taken short cuts to make our life easier and yet, it's costing us our lives. For more information, visit The American Heart Association's website at americanheart.org