Web Warriors: Pageant Style!

More and more women are using the internet to spread their pageant message, whatever it may be!

* Be sure to check out Miss Scioto Valley Megan Wombacker’s blog- she recently visited Capitol Hill to advocate her platform.

* Welcome to the blogosphere, Elizabeth Miller. She’s a competitor at Miss Ohio locals and the older sister of our reigning Outstanding Teen!

* Finally, Miss Ohio Valley Brandi Herceg has developed a weekly newsletter called Web Beat about her platform. Read the first issue below and subscribe by emailing brindle2000@aol.com.

WEB BEAT

Vol. 1 Issue 1

Hello all! Welcome to the very first edition of WEB BEAT, a weekly newsletter that I, Miss Ohio Valley 2007-2008, have created to help get the word out about heart disease! I hope you enjoy what you read and find it helpful and informative. Also, you are my best PR, so please, pass the BEAT on to at least one friend or family member and ask them to do the same! Everyone needs to learn how to take care of his or her heart! So I urge you to help me make a difference in the world, one BEAT at a time!

I figured Valentine's Day would be an appropriate day to start the WEB BEAT, since everyone is surrounded by hearts today, as it is. Did you know that February is American Heart Month? Did you also know that Heart Disease is the Number 1 killer of Americans? Did you know there is something you can do? You don't have to be a heart surgeon when it comes to curing heart disease, just an informed citizen willing to speak your mind about heart disease and the benefits of being heart healthy!

Have you had your Cheerios this morning? The American Heart Association strongly recommends eating a bowl of Cheerios every day! Cheerios is the only cold cereal clinically proven to lower cholesterol. Cheerios is a whole grain cereal. "Why is this important?" you may ask. Well, that answer is simple: whole grains provide carbohydrates, which are the main source of energy for your body. In addition to being a major source of energy for your body, whole grains are a fantastic source of Vitamin B, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Selenium, Fiber, and Vitamin E.

Being heart healthy requires more than just eating a bowl of Cheerios every day, though. No healthy lifestyle is complete without exercise. We all need to try to incorporate some exercise time into our everyday lives. I know what you're thinking, "When do you expect me to find time for that?” Trust me, I know that excuse very well. However, that's just what it is, an excuse. You've got to love your heart before you lose your heart. It is best for everyone to get 30 minutes of exercise each day, even if it is in short 10-minute bursts. Here are some exercise tips for BUSY people:

*Wake up to a few minutes of sit-ups or push-ups before you hit the shower!
*Don't fight for the closest parking spot. Park far away and walk halfway across the parking lot!
*Take the stairs instead of the elevator!
*Use the buddy system! Exercise is easier to get into with a friend.
*Do something you love! Walk, run, bicycle, swim, or my personal favorite, Dance! Just get moving!
*Take a walk! If the weather is bad, don't use that as an excuse; walk around the mall or in a community center!

I can't help but repeat, Heart Disease is the Number 1 killer of Americans. We must speak out and do something. Remember, a small start is still a start. So go grab a bowl of Cheerios and LOVE YOUR HEART!

Until next week,

Brandi Herceg
Miss Ohio Valley 2007-2008