Fort Belvoir, Va. –
Editor’s note: This is one of several articles celebrating Black History Month. We asked our employees how they contribute to the health and wellness of themselves, their relationships, their communities, and the planet.
Ms. Susan G. Kelly-Bing was born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana, where she graduated from Peabody Magnet High School. From 1991 to 2000, Susan and her family resided in Savannah, Georgia. She attended South College where she completed her Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies in June 1994. Susan was employed with the United States Army Corps of Engineers from June 1994 to August 2000 as a Legal Technician and a Legal Assistant. In August 2000, she accepted a position as a Paralegal Specialist with the United States Army Legal Services Agency (USALSA) Contract Appeals Division (CAD) in Arlington, Virginia. Susan worked with CAD from October 2000 to November 2004. She began her career with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) as a Technical Information Specialist in November 2004. While working in this position Susan received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Averett University in April 2005. She later received her Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University in December 2009. Susan received numerous awards over the span of her career.
As Susan reflected on this year's Black History Month theme she wrote:
As an African American woman I have heard the many stories and read literature about the different health issues that affect the African American race. Let’s be clear, some of the same health issues African Americans deal with are also experienced by other races; however, the outcome seems to be worst for African Americans. The numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.) are always higher in the Black race. The many doctors I have seen for various appointments over the years say my health and wellness is hereditary (my ancestors). How can this be? I don’t do the things my ancestors did simply because of the stories I have heard, the literature I have read and even some of the health issues I have experienced. Maya Angelou wrote “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” I decree to live a life being healthy and with wellness by practicing healthy eating habits, increasing my water intake, and even exercising on a daily basis, just to name a few helpful tips.
Health and Wellness are two important factors that can be exercised by all. I would like to encourage you to invite others (family members and friends) to join you for a walk through the neighborhood or even on a walking path at least three times a week. Consider starting an exchange of recipes (healthy recipes) with others as a sign of caring and sharing. Being healthy can be a challenge packed with fun. If you can help one and that one helps another watch how things change for those near and far in your life through Health and Wellness.