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National African American History Month
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America. February is recognized as Black History Month and has been celebrated since 1926. It first began as Negro History Week during the second week of February when Dr. Carter G. Woodson wanted to bring to light the omission of accomplishments by blacks in history books. He chose that week because it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

And although black people have continued to make strides and shape the United States, health rates on average for chronic diseases, infections and death have taken a toll on the population. Some health problems are caused by your genes, but most of the top "killers" are behavior related. The everyday decisions that are made about food consumption and physical activity affect your health. And health affects productivity.

The time for New Year's resolutions may have come and gone, but February can be the month to renew the commitment to be a better you, to get the info you need to make smart health decisions that will help you live longer, healthier and happier. Getting plugged into health events in your community -most of which come at a relatively low cost or are free to participants - will give you the opportunity to make black history instead of being black history.