SHE: Sisters Healthy & Empowered

Did you know?

Eighty percent (80%) of African America women are overweight/obese. Obesity is a precursor for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.

Heart attacks and strokes are the leading causes of premature death for racial minorities. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports heart disease as THE leading cause of death for African American women. Several medical conditions and lifestyle choices also increase risk: diabetes, overweight/obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use.

Sisterhood Agenda is in the process of building its Sisterhood Empowerment Academy (SEA) to house its SHE Sisters Healthy & Empowered program, slated to begin July 2014. We are very excited about launching this important health project!

Of course, Sisterhood Agenda will continue to celebrate National Women’s Health Week, even though funding for this initiative is no longer available. Sisterhood Agenda will provide valuable educational materials such as magnets, healthy recipes and healthy guidelines to the public, discuss health issues, and register SHE participants.

Health is holistic: we need clean water, air, and food to nourish our minds, bodies, and souls. Without good health, quality of life is severely diminished. The good news is that many health diseases are preventable with proper education and support.

Starting with pilot programming in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Sisterhood Agenda will expand its programs nationally within the next five years.

As we all strive for happiness, every day can be a healthy and empowered day!