History is made NOW.
History is HER-story; the story of women making history right now! March is Women’s History Month so every Monday this month I will be sharing with you the significant contributions that women of color are making to improve health outcomes in the here and now. Yet I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the great work done decades and decades ago by pioneering women that paved the way for today’s history makers so I’ll be highlighting a Woman’s History Hero in each segment.
It’s also National Nutrition Month, so you know I’ve got to equip you with a practical health tip.
HER-Story
Up first is Dr. Cozzette Lyons-Jones
Dr. Cozzette Lyons-Jones is the immediate past Chief of Adult Medicine at Watts Healthcare Corporation. With a heart for public health and utilizing her expertise in executive leadership, Dr. Lyons-Jones has worked tenaciously to eradicate health disparities. Having served as the president of the Association of Black Women Physicians, she is committed to equipping the next generation of women physicians of color.
Dr. Lyons-Jones is the recent recipient of the NAACP’s Community Hero award for her work in healthcare. You can catch Dr. Cozzette on her show Uncontrolled Substance where she educates her listeners on health literacy and self-advocacy. Not only is she a physician, she is a wife, mom, missionary and woman of incredible faith.
Kudos Dr. Cozzette on all the work you do to support the community in walking in radiant health!
Women’s History Hero
Mary Seacole
I was IMMEDIATELY captivated by this woman upon seeing her face because she looks JUST like my Jamaican grandfather. But when I read her story I was even more taken by her. Mary Seacole is known as the Black Florence Nightingale. She was a free Jamaican businesswoman, author & doctress who provided medical care, lodging and food for British soldiers at the battlefront during the Crimean War. She was highly skilled and was able to successfully treat cholera and yellow fever. Having travelled widely, she attempted to offer her medical expertise to the British War Office but was declined on what she felt was the basis of her race. She established her own hotel and there treated soldiers who affectionately called her “Mother Seacole”. Like many women of color, our stories go unheard. But not anymore. We will amplify the voice of women of color. Thank you Mary Seacole for your contributions to healing the sick.
Women’s Health Tip
Eat More Leafy Greens.
They’re packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber but low in calories. Eating a diet rich in leafy greens offers numerous health benefits including, reduced risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and mental decline. And there are plenty to choose from. In addition to collards and kale I suggest you try: dandelion, watercress, arugula, swiss chard, microgreens and bok choy. I encourage you to try my Black Eyed Pea & Collard Stew recipe HERE
Until next week, be blessed!
As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
