Parents and guardians: Please share this article with your kids!
February is Black History Month. Let’s celebrate some famous Black heroes in the world of healthcare and medicine. Be inspired to take care of your health!
Dr. James McCune Smith and Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler were the first Black man and woman in the U.S. to earn a medical degree (the degree you need to become a doctor). They did this over 160 years ago! Both doctors were also talented authors who wrote about health and medicine.
Take Action: You can write about health too! Take a pencil and paper and plan steps you’ll take to make your health better.
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams III was one of the first doctors to do an open-heart surgery. This was all the way back in 1893! Dr. Williams was a leader and expert who did many other great things too.
Take Action: Keep your heart healthy and happy! Stay active and get plenty of exercise. Play sports you love, go hiking or pick any other fun thing that gets you up and moving! Eat more veggies, and less salt and sugar.
Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders was the first Black surgeon general of the United States. The “surgeon general” is our country’s highest doctor! Before this, she was an endocrinologist for children. This type of doctor helps treat things like diabetes.
Take Action: If you’re worried about getting diabetes when you’re older, you can take some steps right now! Eat more fruits and veggies. Don’t have too much candy, sweets or sugary soda. And always get a lot of exercise!
Dr. Patricia Era Bath was a doctor, scientist, inventor and leader. Her passion was eye health and making sure that everyone had care and treatment for strong, healthy eyes.
Take Action: Keep your eyes strong! Spend less time looking at TV, tablet and phone screens. Eat a lot of fruits and veggies. Get plenty of sleep. Wear goggles during sports and sunglasses outside. And visit your eye doctor!
Otis Boykin invented the pacemaker – a lifesaving device that helps the heart beat. It’s used in people who have serious heart problems. He also invented dozens of other things, using his intelligence to help millions of people!
Take Action: If you could invent one thing that could make people healthier or save lives, what would it be? Write down your idea or draw your invention!
Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller was the first Black psychiatrist in the U.S. Psychiatrists are doctors who are experts on the mind, brain and emotions. Dr. Fuller helped many people become healthy and well.
Take Action: Being a kid can be stressful! Take care of your mind by getting enough sleep; taking breaks to relax during the day; asking for help when you feel stressed; talking to friends or loved ones when you feel sad, scared or lonely; and staying happy and hopeful by thinking about things you enjoy.
These are just a few of the famous Black heroes in the world of healthcare and medicine. Ask your teacher to help you discover even more!
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