A role model is someone others respect and look to as a good example. They try to make good decisions, put others first and often imitated by those around them. They “think before they act….not act before they think.” They are the people we want our children to be around, whether it is a teacher, coach or family member. Your Health Journal wanted to highlight some special individuals who are good role models and allow them to share their stories here. Enjoy!
1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?
My name is Dr. HollyHood and I am 40 years old. I am a hip hop artist.
2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?
When I was young, I was inspired by (believe it or not!) Richard Simmons. According to my mom, I was obsessed with him. Aside from that, my grandma was an inspiration to eat healthy and stay fit.
3. What did they do to inspire you?
My grandparents owned a farm and my grandma would encourage me to go outside and run around the farm to explore and play with my dog. Having a farm meant that there were plenty of fresh vegetables, apples, and items she and my grandpa canned themselves (pickles, tomato sauce, etc) that my grandparents planted and harvested.
4. How did their lesson change your life?
This early introduction to fresh fruits and vegetables helped shape fresh fruits/veggies as a preference for me, as I was exposed to healthy options that did not have any preservatives or other additives.
5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?
I do the best I can to teach my children the importance of fresh and organic food items. I talk to them about the ingredients in the foods we buy, and point out additives that are particularly harmful. I also keep a bunch of organic apples, bananas, and often oranges in the kitchen for them to snack on.
6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?
I would tell children today to be careful of what they put in their bodies. Foods, and particularly snacks, are packaged in such a way as to be attractive to children who don’t realize that food coloring and other additives are harmful to our bodies. I would also want children to know that it’s okay to put their phones down and go outside and explore the world around them. Not only does this encourage physical activity, but also helps children develop their imaginations, as well as their critical thinking and problem solving abilities.
7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?