Be Fit! Be Strong!: Awesome news!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Awesome news!

Smoke-free accomplishment in Virginia
I'm very excited! I received this news yesterday! I worked very hard to lobby for this, I'm so glad there has been success!

Dear Maria,Yesterday, the Virginia General Assembly took a historic step by passing a partial ban on smoking in restaurants and bars in Virginia. The Governor has indicated that he will sign this legislation quickly, and it will go into effect on December 1, 2009.As you know, Virginia presents a challenging environment for enacting smoke-free policies. We appreciate the hard work of our friends in the General Assembly and see this bill as a step in the right direction. Our only regret is that the bill did not go far enough in protecting all restaurant and bar workers from the health hazards of secondhand smoke.The American Heart Association is so grateful to our volunteers who have worked so diligently to reach this milestone, and our partners who have remained committed to enacting strong smoke-free legislation. Thank you for all of your hard work!Yesterday's legislation is an important fist step, but our work is not done. The American Heart Association will continue to advocate for legislation that will protect all workers from the proven health hazards of second-hand smoke, and we look forward to your continued support in that endeavor.Sincerely,Elizabeth RodgersDirector, Grassroots AdvocacyCathleen GrzesiekDirector, Government Relations

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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