Food and Exercise

Many Black physicians, nurses, and health advocates work with the Commission regularly. All of them tell us the same thing, "Black people are killing ourselves faster and more efficiently than any outside force ever could." We are making four key mistakes that lead to our high rates of illness and early death:

  • Eating the wrong food
  • Eating improperly prepared food
  • Eating too much food
  • Not exercising our bodies

Love yourself and your body by eating the right foods and exercising. Eating good food and working out is not a "chore" or a "pain."  It's an opportunity to celebrate life and vitality -- by extending both. Here are resources to help:

 

Health and Fitness

Good Eating Insights

Snap!

Dr. Maxine Hayes, State Health Officer

Walking the walk as she talks the talk!

Dr. Maxine Hayes urges people to eat right and exercise. And she not only talks the talk, she walks the walk! Just ask anyone who tries to keep up with her during a lunchtime power-walk meeting!

 

Dr. Hayes is the Washington State Health Officer. She sees her role as a sort of surgeon general for the state, an advocate and leader who complements Secretary of Health Mary Selecky in promoting behavior that helps individuals and communities stay healthy. 

 

“It’s a privilege to be a public health worker,” says Dr. Hayes. “I love the diversity of challenges in this post. Whether it’s as complex as childhood immunization policy, as basic as safe and reliable drinking water, or as simple as reminding people of the importance of hand washing, it’s very rewarding to help people stay healthy.”

 

A pediatrician by trade, Dr. Hayes was called to public health to establish the First Steps prenatal care program for low-income pregnant women in 1989. “I was minding my own business, and really enjoyed seeing young patients one-by-one,” says Dr. Hayes. “Now, I am able to use this office to help all people of the state. Making Washington a healthy place to live, work and play is an important calling.”

 

From left, Dr. Maxine Hayes and State Dept. of Health Human Resources Director Katherine C. Deuel

 

 

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