I, like many who work in the public health field, understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Basic nutrition information is widely available, and I would think it is safe to guess that most people know that an unhealthy diet (and lack of physical activity and using commercial tobacco products) are related to a multitude of chronic diseases. But how could I reinvent the wheel, working with project work plans aimed at reducing obesity and increasing the consumption of healthier foods among the Native American population?

February is a month of reflection and bold actions championing health equity. It is a month where we recognize the legacy of Black Americans who laid the foundation for the activists, health care professionals, social entrepreneurs, and everyday heroes who worked hard to address injustice in our world. It is also American Heart Month, a time when the nation spotlights understanding, preventing, and treating heart disease. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the nation. In 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared February as Environmental Justice Month, which is a grassroots movement that advocates for economic and racial justice and environmental stewardship in decision-making.

It’s officially 2022! As we move into the new year, let’s take a moment to celebrate the successes and highlights of the last 12 months.