Health Hero VIP Tracy Davidson on the Importance of Sleep

You can vote for Health Hero VIP Tracy Davidson through November 15.

We’re still at it! While we have now closed voting on our Be Well Philly Health Hero, we’re still accepting votes on our Health Hero VIP! We’ll be announcing our top three Health Hero finalists very soon. But in the meantime, you can vote on one of three Health Hero VIPs (Very Influential Philadelphians) to help us determine who will go home with $2,500 to the charity of their choice.

Our 2018 Health Hero VIP contenders are Christian Crosby, Tracy Davidson, and Wendell Holland. This week, we’re working to help better acquaint you with each of them and the causes that matter to them.

Read on to get to know Health Hero VIP Tracy Davidson, then head here to vote — you can vote once a day, every day, through November 15!

Meet Health Hero VIP Tracy Davidson

What I do: I’m blessed to do something for a living that I love — serve others. I’m a TV journalist, morning anchor on NBC10. I ask questions, seek out answers and provide information in order to inform and inspire.

My chosen charity: The Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA. At a time when the communities seem more divided and people more isolated than ever, the YMCA works as a hub to unite. The goal of the Y is to improve the lives of the people they serve through the power of connection. Connecting people to their health, well-being, and to each other.

What motivates you to try and make Philadelphia a healthier place?
I learned a long time ago that people have the desire to improve their lives, whether it be physically, emotionally, or financially — they’re all intertwined. But in many cases, they just don’t have the information. That’s my lane, that’s what I do. So when I had breast cancer, though I never believe the story should be about me, I knew I had to share. I wanted encourage people to make their health a top priority. I urge people, “Don’t wait.” If you are due for a screening or an exam, or whether you *feel* something isn’t right, “Don’t wait.” I didn’t wait, which is why I had such a positive outcome from my breast cancer diagnosis.

Describe a health or fitness-related turning point in your life.
I have always strived for overall wellness: mind, body, spirit. I worked out and focused on healthy eating. But after my breast cancer diagnosis, as I prepared for surgery and weeks of radiation, I knew I had to up my game in all areas of my life, especially with nutrition and sleep.

What “policy” would you institute to make Greater Philadelphia a healthier region?
Mindfulness education in schools. We are *allowing* technology to run our lives instead of the other way around, robbing us of the ability to focus on our health, our loved ones, and our community as a whole.

What’s the most important part of your wellness regimen?
Sleep, hands down. When we are sleep deprived our immune system is compromised, our mood and diet are affected and our productivity, creativity, and decision making abilities are all reduced. So, despite my challenging 1:15 a.m. alarm clock, it is a priority for me to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night.

What is your number one piece of health-related advice?
Baby steps. (“When eating an elephant, take one bite at a time.” — Creighton Abrams). Whatever you want to change, set incremental goals that are attainable and sustainable.

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