Author: Li

There has been a lot of conversation lately about the word “healthy,” and I must admit it made me take a minute and ask myself, “So what do people think is healthy?”  In working with clients over the years, I’ve learned the interpretation of healthy can mean a myriad of things. These differences in opinion on “healthy” can be a challenge to staying on point in the well-being lifestyle, so I hope today’s post will help clear things up.

I found several definitions, but the one most suitable is the definition from the Collins Concise English Dictionary — ”Healthy is the state of being bodily and mentally vigorous and free from disease.”  The definition penned by the World Health Organization (WHO) is “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”   Next, when going to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for guidance, you may really be in a pickle. They currently allow the use of the term “healthy” on product packaging only when products meet specific nutritional guidelines, which now focus on limited levels of fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Even with today’s more conscientious culture of natural health and improved nutrition, several very important food items are left out of the current FDA guide.

Almonds, avocados, and salmon miss the mark, according to the FDA. Here is an overview of what these foods bring to the health table:

Almonds are a powerhouse of nutrients. Of all the tree nuts, ounce for ounce, almonds are the most nutrient-dense. They contain protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin, and niacin.

A one-ounce serving has 13 grams of “good” unsaturated fats and only 1 gram of saturated fat. They are cholesterol- and gluten-free. Almonds are also rich in magnesium, which aids in heart health and lowering blood pressure. Additionally, several research studies have shown that these nuts can be effective in reducing bad cholesterol and preserving healthy cholesterol.

 

Avocados (which are fruits) contain almost 20 vitamins and minerals in each serving. Nutrient content of this produce item includes potassium, which can aid in controlling blood pressure, and folate, which is a key in cell repair and helpful during pregnancy.  Avocados are high in fat and calories, so it is important to adhere to the recommended serving size (1/5 or 1 ounce of a medium avocado). Two to three thin slices or 2 tablespoons of mashed avocado will give the correct amount. Avocados are also high in antioxidants, which contribute to cell health.

 

Salmon is a higher-fat fish, and it’s the fat that contains Omega-3 fatty acids, making this seafood a good choice. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, or good fats, include a lower risk of arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. These fats have positive effects on memory, performance, and behavior.  Research has also shown promising results from omega-3 fatty acids in studies of depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  The American Heart Association recommends eating 3.5-ounce portions of fish, such as salmon, at least twice a week.

These foods may not have a seat at today’s FDA table of healthy foods. However, after taking a look at their nutrient makeup and the perspective on health and wellness in the 21^st century, it looks like the regulatory agency may be persuaded to revisit the topic of what’s healthy. As for me, I’ll leave each of those delicious foods on my list of good and healthy things to eat.

 

Takeaway: To ensure you are making wise and varied meal choices, it is crucial to learn all the facts about the nutritional content of the food items you bring to your table.

“As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.” 

— Bill Gates 

There are a few sterling qualities that most successful leaders have in common:

1. They possess self-awareness and prioritize personal development.
2. They focus on developing others.
3. They encourage strategic thinking, innovation, and action.
4. They are ethical and civic-minded.
5. They practice effective cross-cultural communication.

It does not matter your age, gender, or the color of your skin – “leaders lead” and inspire others to be the best they can be.

Marcia Harrison is the type of leader for the next century contemplated by Bill Gates.

Marcia Harrison resides in Parkland with her husband, Tony, and two sons, Chad and Matthew.

For the past 25 years, Marcia has served in various roles within the banking industry, both in the United States and abroad. Marcia has worked extensively with diverse groups of financial professionals and clientele. In 2015, Marcia began her career at Bank of America as a Consumer Market Manager. She has held other leadership roles within the company such as Operations Market Manager and Consumer Banking Market Leader. She is currently a Senior Vice President, Operations Manager.

Throughout her banking career, Marcia has always taken great pride in mentoring and supporting her associates’ professional development. She believes that every employee has something of value to offer so it’s vital to invest in employee relationships, build trust by providing feedback, and seek your colleagues’ advice when you are the one who needs feedback. Marcia knows that good leaders play to employees’ strengths and work with the differences that make us unique and valuable.

Marcia’s ability to encourage, inspire, and foster a culture of inclusion in the workplace has placed her in a unique position to leverage her skills to support Bank of America’s values, particularly around diversity and inclusion. At a pivotal time in our country’s history when the work for advancing racial equality is so important, Bank of America had the ideal candidate – Marcia Harrison – as Chair of The Black Professional Group (BPG) Employee Network, South Florida Chapter. She has held this position for over a year.

The mission of the BPG is to enhance professional development, create visibility to the pipeline of black talent at Bank of America, be socially responsible, and support Bank of America’s values and business goals. Employee networks are formal, bank-supported groups comprised of employees who share a passion for diversity and inclusion. The group meets to network, mentor, encourage each other’s development, and participate in activities to uplift our communities. Network members are very involved in their communities, building strong ties through volunteerism, leadership, and financial education.

In addition to being Chair of the BPG, Marcia is also a Mentor for the Empowering Young Black Professional Program (EYBP), a program designed to foster the growth and development of young African Americans at Bank of America. The EYBP focuses on new associates with 1 -2 years of work experience, providing mentorship, information, and resources to prepare participants for professional skill growth and future opportunities.

Through her involvement with the Employee Network Groups at Bank of America, Marcia is able to organize events to support the community as well as to promote courageous conversations that highlight the importance of personal accountability and advocacy in advancing racial equality. Creating forums for Senior Leaders, associates, and community members to share their real-life experiences and learning from their insights, strengthen social connections, and helps improve health and mental wellness. These courageous conversations deepen our understanding of others and promote a culture of inclusion.

Marcia is not only impacting the lives of her co-workers at Bank of America; she is helping lay the groundwork for future leaders throughout the country who are currently under-represented and without a support group to lean on. Marcia’s work empowers others to strive for diversity and inclusion. Ideally, other large companies will take notice and create similar groups within their ranks. Strengthening social connections and leveraging different viewpoints and experiences to solve community problems benefits everyone.

Marcia is the type of leader you want on your team – one that empowers others in her community to succeed.

Thank you, Marcia, for choosing to raise your family in Parkland. You are an inspiration to us all.