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

Dr. Yolandra Hancock, more affectionately known as Dr. Yola is a physician and public health champion. Whether testifying before Congress or equipping parents with tools to navigate childhood obesity, Dr. Yola’s passion for improving health outcomes is clear. Having studied at some of the most hallowed learning institutions in the world coupled with having worked in one of the nation’s top children’s hospital, Dr. Yola’s experience makes her a highly sought out expert. She’s been seen on CNN and during the height of the pandemic became a trusted source of information with her weekly Facebook live broadcasts.

With her commitment to education, Dr. Yola has served as an Associate Assistant Professor. She believes in not only treating patients but in educating them as well which she does through her private practice, digital products and supplement offerings. And with a heart to serve, she sits on several boards and serves in her local church. Dr. Yola in not only a physician, she is a mother, educator and woman of Faith. And most recently she completed writing a parenting book and course that she looks forward to releasing later this year. Join me in celebrating Dr. Yola for her commitment to improving health outcomes for women and children in our community using a holistic approach! And be sure to check out her Tedx Talk HERE .

Women’s History Hero

Dr. Ionia Rollin Whipper (1872-1953), was a highly skilled obstetrician. Not only was she one of the only African American obstetricians of her time, she was a fierce advocate for public health. In a well documented diary held by the Smithsonian Institute, Dr. Whipper documented her work as an assistant medical officer for the Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Labor. During her career, she not only attended to pregnant mothers but also taught midwives about record keeping practices and on sterilization of equipment. She worked as an obstetrician at Freedman’s Hospital’s Maternity Ward in Washington, D.C. She also mentored teenage girls and in 1931 opened the Ionia R. Whipper Home for Unwed Mothers in Northeast Washington, D.C. It would remain the only maternity home for African American women in the Washington area for several decades. 

Women’s Health Tip

Breakfast is the act of breaking your overnight fast, hence break-FAST. And how you break your fast matters. Breaking your fast with fruit and healthy fats is a great way to POWER your body and your mind for the day ahead. With the easy digestion and assimilation, fruit is an excellent way to start your day. Here’s an easy, quick breakfast bowl you can recreate. Be sure to tag me in your posts on social media when you make it. You can find me here on IG & Facebook.

Until next week, be blessed!

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