March is Women’s History Month and our series on modern day women’s history makers continues. Each week in the series I will be sharing significant contributions that women of color are making to improve health outcomes. In addition to highlighting the modern day HER-story maker, I’ll also be sharing the grounding work done by the women who paved the way and I’d be remiss if I didn’t leave you with a practical application so you’ll get a health tip too.

HER-Story

Tiffany Simmons is a Master’s prepared Registered Nurse Educator, clinical and community expertise over 18 years in Mental Health, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Community Based Nursing, long term and acute care nursing settings. Ms. Simmons is an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Howard University, where she is the course coordinator for Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and Community Health Nursing. She also serves as co-faculty for Intro to Professional Nursing. Not only is she committed to educating her students, she is also drawing attention to systemic racial inequalities that are impacting health outcomes for African American patients.

Ms. Simmons is not only a mental health expert, she is a mother, ministry leader and mighty woman of prayer. Equipping the next generation of mental health workers is of upmost importance which is why I’m elated to share her work with you. Join me in celebrating Ms. Simmons for her commitment to improving mental health outcomes in our community!

Women’s History Hero

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African American woman to received her M.D. in the United States. Dr. Crumpler began working as a nurse with no formal training. She would often visit the sick with her aunt who cared for sick neighbors. In 1860, she was admitted to the New England Female Medical College whereshe graduated in 1864, In 1883 she published her Book of Medical Discourses which shares much of her career. After the Civil War ended she moved to Virginia and joined other black physicians providing medical care to the formerly enslaved. She subsequently returned to her hometown of Boston (which happens to be my hometown too) to continue providing medical care to women and children.

*While this photo and another are often used when mentioning her, no known photos of her exist. Much of what is known about her comes from her book. Kudos to Dr. Crumpler for paving the way!

Women’s Health Tip

Try a smoothie. Smoothies are a great way to have a complete meal on the go. You can consider replacing one of your daily meals with a smoothie. But all smoothies are not created equal. It’s best to prepare them at home. Smoothies purchased at the grocery store or even at your local smoothie shop tend to have added sugars. When building your smoothie try to include veggies. You should supercharge your smoothies with nutritious add ins like chia seeds, spirulina, hemp seeds, flax seeds, or seamoss gel. Click HERE for my absolute FAVORITE smoothie recipe.

Until next week, be blessed!

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!