Ashley Pavletich: Mrs. California International 2010: Go Red For Women: February 9, 2010

CHARACTER COUNTS!!!

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you know about my platform and why I am so supportive of Character Counts.
Character Counts began in 1992 by Michael Josephson in honor of his parents. It is a common language of core ethical values that works with your programs pre-existing curriculum. It teaches values known as the 6 pillars of character which are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. It helps kids make better choices in everyday life. Character Counts will change the lives of 7 million kids nationwide this year... How Amazing!
Being a sixth grade teacher, I have seen the changes these 6 pillars can have on a child and have witnessed the difference they have made in their lives. My hope is to reach as many people as possible and get them involved with their local Character Counts program and help change the lives of every child they meet.
"The good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates and the great teacher inspires". We should all be great teachers and inspire all kids to show the 6 pillars of character in their life.

For more information on Character Counts please go to http://www.charactercounts.org/.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Go Red For Women: February 9, 2010

On February 9th I had the pleasure of attending the 5th annual Bakersfield Go Red for Women luncheon and health expo. The day was dedicated to educating women about Heart Disease; which is the number one killer of women in America. There were two great speakers at the event Cheryl Garone M.S., RD, who spoke about living a heart healthy lifestyle, and Kathleen Passanisi who is the author of "It's your life -Choose well". I was also their when they unveiled the 2010 Survivor Gallery. This is a traveling photo exhibition of local female survivors of Heart Disease. I was able to speak with two of the women about their experience and what they went through. This was truly an eye opening experience for me. Ami Booth: a women who at 30 discovered she had seven holes in her heart and now at age 35 after surgery and a life style change is trying to make a difference in women's lives. Roberts Holzman who had to have open heart surgery in her 30's and is now trying to educated women about how they can reduce their risk of Heart Disease. I was able to have my blood pressure, blood sugar, body fat and cholesterol taken at the event and learn how all these things work together to make a healthy heart. I learned so much today about the importance of begin good to your heart. Did you know that 57% of men and 64% of women who died suddenly from cardiovascular disease had no previous symptoms of the disease!!! This was an amazing day for me and I am so blessed to have represented the California International pageant family. To all you women out their reading this; just 30 minutes of walking can reduce your risk of Heart Disease...so get moving!!! and know the ABC's of Heart Health: Avoid tobacco, Become active and Choose good nutrition. For more information about heart health go to www.GoRedforWomen.org.
Love, Mrs. California Intl. 2010: Ashley Pavletich