The world of public health has lost one of its heroes.
Last week, author, poet and educator Toni Yancey, MD, MPH, died at the age of 55. We at the Center for Total Health Blog are terribly saddened by this news.
A professor at the UCLA School of Public Health, Yancey’s research and work focused on fighting chronic disease and obesity and promoting physical activity in the United States. She also served as co-director of the UCLA Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Equity.
Just one of Yancey’s many accomplishments—and part of her lasting legacy—is her creation of Instant Recess, a research-based program to get adults and kids moving through short bursts of physical activity throughout the day. She traveled the nation sharing Instant Recess at schools, offices and corporations. She even published a book – Instant Recess: Building a Fit Nation 10 Minutes at a Time.
Yancey was a dynamic and inspirational presence. While she will be greatly missed, we know her work will continue. In fact, Kaiser Permanente will be implementing Instant Recess across its organization in 2013.
You can find more information about Toni Yancey at the Kaiser Permanente News Center and at her official website.
