Welcome to 2009 for this Mrs. Illinois 2008

January was a Busy month. I received the "A-Okay" to kick-off Healthy Kids / Healthy Families 2009 with School District U-46 as part of my initial Pageant Platform. It's very exciting to have the opportunity to continue this program onward in 2009 - 2010, especially since there is SUCH a need in the community for Nutrition, Fitness and Obesity Prevention for our K - 8 kids.

January 28th I presented my "Healthy & Fit, it's the REAL DEAL" program with the aid of English and Spanish take-home materials from the Children's Health Fund. I was honored to have the assistance of Mr. Williams (Physical Education) at McKinley Elementary to futher reinforce those lessons that day. The kids started a 4 week regimen in February to Journal their daily Nutrition and Activity, set goals and monitor their healthy choices.

I'm proud to say.... In only 2 short weeks, many of our 5th graders have already reported increased energy from their healthier choices. Happiest note of all, I had a mother declare her son went from 156 to 151 in 2 weeks alone from his increase in activity - at age 10! Amazing and great, I'm so proud of their enthusiasm and hard work!

In February, I'll meet with Congressman Foster to speak more about the No Child Left Behind Act and the revision bill that will be in the house to increase Fitness and Nutritional funding for K-8 grades in our nations schools. Also, I was honored to be invited to the Inauguration Day activities in Washington, but alas could not attend because of work/family constraints - instead we got to party with the Fox Valley Politico's of Illinois in the same spot where then Senator Obama has stood many times while visiting Elgin! (See me above next to the two-dimensional real thing). tee hee