watercress words by Dr Aletha

Independence Day, July 4, 1776

Today, we celebrate the birth of the United States of America with liberty and justice for all. I thank the Armed Forces for protecting our freedoms and securing our safety, and honor the families of deployed service members. These patriotic photos that I took in New York City capture the spirit of liberty and its historical significance.

updated June 20, 2025

This was the first Independence Day blog post I wrote in 2015, the year I started this blog. Now it’s 10 years later, and next year the country will celebrate 250 years-America 250.

On this day in 1775, 13 British colonies in North America declared independence from England. And as they say, the rest is history

Today we celebrate the birth of the United States of America

“one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.”

The United States flag displayed at Grand Central Station, New York City, NY-
photo by Dr. Aletha

I thank all service members of the United States Armed Forces for protecting our freedoms and securing our safety. I appreciate the families of deployed service members for their sacrifice.

statue of General George Washington, first President of the United States of America - New York City — General George Washington, first President of the United States of America – New York City-photo by Dr. Aletha

The Statue of Liberty — “Liberty Enlightening the World” statue on Liberty Island, New York City photo by Dr. Aletha

Exploring the HEART of Health

I hope you enjoyed these patriotic photos I took during my trip to New York City.

Did you know, the first woman to graduate from a medical school in the United States, established a hospital in New York City? Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell and her sister Dr. Emily Blackwell established the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1857. That facility eventually became the New York-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital .

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I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

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I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Use this box to Explore other posts about New York City, Elizabeth Blackwell, United States history, or other health and wellness topics .

Dr. Aletha

Books for Health and Fitness

I like books and reading. As a child, I visited my local library weekly, and I still do.(Note that several affiliate links are in this post. )

I’ve reviewed these books on this blog.

A Natural Woman, a memoir by singer/songwriter Carole King

Working Stiff, a memoir by medical examiner Dr. Judy Melinek

Will reading about health make you healthier?

The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted And the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, And Long-term Health

by T. Colin Campbell, 2006

Referred to as the “Grand Prix of epidemiology” by The New York Times, this study examines more than 350 variables of health and nutrition with surveys from 6,500 adults in more than 2,500 counties across China and Taiwan, and conclusively demonstrates the link between nutrition and heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

While revealing that proper nutrition can have a dramatic effect on reducing and reversing these ailments as well as curbing obesity, this text calls into question the practices of many of the current dietary programs, such as the Atkins diet, that are widely popular in the West.

Do No Harm

Stories of Life, Death, and Brain Surgery

MRI OF THE BRAIN — an MRI image of the human brain (photo from Pixabay)

by Dr. Henry Marsh, 2015

A leading neurosurgeon offers a revealing look into his life and work, discussing the triumphs, disasters, and regrets of a medical practice that carries grave risks and often requires agonizing decisions.

Sex, Food, Love, and Being Comfortable in your Skin…every Inch of It

by Brittany Gibbons, 2015

A plus-sized blogger shares anecdotes about her life as a weird, overweight girl growing up in rural Ohio, including stories about dating, relationships, dieting, and finally accepting her curves.

Grain of Truth

The Real Case for and Against Wheat and Gluten

by Stephen H. Yafa, 2015

Analyzes the current trend against wheat consumption, tracing its role in history and science to share facts about how wheat has been wrongly demonized and holds an important and nutritious role in dietary health

Exploring the HEART of Health

I’d love for you to follow this blog and follow me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.