Healthy Kids Education with U-46

In April I started a "Do this Generation Right" series with the kids of U-46. Until the end of the school year, I'll be a guest teacher for select classrooms lacking in completion of important health topics. I hope in the summer to be a Member of the Wellness Committee for the overall "Activate Elgin" drive for our community.

We're halfway through the Nutrition series with the 4th graders at McKinley Elementary - They kids have really gotten into learning about Carbohydrates, their effect on the body and how to use nutrition in tandem with activities and exercise to fuel your body and grown stronger, healthier and happier. Fruits and Vegetables was a huge success, with many of the kids trying new and exciting variations for the first time. I had some 'brave' souls in session that day. May will bring the Dairy and Protein groups, I hope they enjoy Ice Cream and some crazy international flavors for those food groupings... ;-)

I've also had some great assistance for Sherman Hospital to provide our kids with 'freebies' for hygiene and Hand Washing Health... we've covered stopping Bacteria and Viruses in preparation for cold and flu seasons, plus reinforcing proper hand washing and tooth brushing techniques. The coloring books, activities sheets and samples the kids brought home to their parents where a big hit, and so very helpful to be able to provide materials in multiple languages for our diverse households in the 2nd largest school district in Illinois. ;-)

YMCA Healthy Kids Day / Activate Elgin Campaign

This morning the articles appeared in the Kane County Chronicle and Daily Herald promoting the new NEOS system and the YMCA Healthy Kids Day. Our son Jimmy's picture was in the paper, playing against city councilman Mike Powers, and even this Mrs. Illinois was quoted a line or two. I really enjoyed being able to 'test' the system with adults and kids yesterday, and I hope the City of Elgin considers installing one at our beautiful Festival Park. The press coverage really helped turn out and awareness for the event as we greeted 200+ families in 3 hours today.

There were many vendors and experts from around the community talking with families and kids on how to get active, eat right and stay fit for the future of this generation. My cousin Kathy Hofman was also on hand demonstration the fun of Cardio Dance and Kids Dance programs offered at the YMCA. I snagged a picture with her near Event Registration, where I was greeting kids and signing in families to get Free T-Shirts, Vouchers, sports goodies and information inside the Heritage Ballroom.

I also had the honor to pose for the LIVE UNITED campaign for the United Way organization. "Live United! United Way is creating lasting change in our communities. Put your skills to work and gain valuable experience, knowing that your work matters to communities throughout the Greater Elgin Area."

After speaking with community leaders on Saturday, I am set to connect with U-46 (second largest school district in Illinois) in an effort to become a parent leader for their Wellness Committee. Currently they are participating in the ACTIVATE ELGIN program with a very successful pilot program for kids nutrition and fitness at Highland Elementary. I hope to bring the wellness program with proper funding to all 53 schools in our district for 2008-09, and increase Health Education at the Elementary grades and brings awareness into our home of the 'obesity and health' epidemic for Elgin's youth. ;-)

April Showers...

Hard to Believe that April is here already! March went by with a whirlwind, I celebrated my 30th birthday on Good Friday with my Brother Jake who celebrated his 23rd. We went out for Korean BBQ with Tony and the Kids - yummy, Bulgogi always has a special place in my heart. ;-) We then had a fantastic Easter with the kids holding an Egg Hunt with their cousin Zoe, and I had the honor to sing at West Ridge Church to celebrate the holy day as well.

Tony also threw a surprise Birthday Bash on March 29th with our close friends, what a shocker to walk into the house and find all those people hiding in the dark... They all did a wonderful job sneaking in while Tony and I were at Akina's with his Brother Dan and wife MK... decorating and cooking fantastic party dishes and goodies to pass around... (Amazed!) It was just good to be able to spend time with all of our friends in our home.... I truly know I am blessed to have such awesome, caring and supporting people in my life.

In the Pageant Realm of things... I've gotten a few Pageant dresses from eBay for a steal and will be taking official photos this Sunday for the Mrs. United States website and further Sponsorship letters, press release, etc. I also have the great honor of working with the Elgin Parks and Recreation Department and YMCA Healthy Kids Day. I'll be helping to promote the new NEOS Electronic Playground gaming system, and also help the YMCA organizers highlight the multitude of healthy activities kids can get involved in our area.