Ep 103 Good Health can Equal Happiness

What’s the link between happiness and health? If you’re happy, you may be giving great benefits to your health, scientific evidence says. It seems being happy helps boost the immune system, reduce pain, protect against heart disease, and help fight stress. Being happy promotes a healthy lifestyle. And...guess what,  being happy may even increase your life expectancy.

Join Dr. Geneva and her extraordinary guest, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and national leader, Florine Mark, as they talk about the link between happiness and health and give awesome advice and practical tips on living your best life. This is one of the best conversations to listen to especially during Women's History Month.

Florine Mark, Detroit native, President, and CEO of The WW (formerly Weight Watchers) Group Inc. in Farmington Hills, MI, grew up in a poor and large but loving family. They taught her courage, perseverance, and faith, which gave her the confidence to build a business that is recognized as the largest franchisee of Weight Watchers International.

Following are a few key highlights of Florine Mark’s many appointments and accomplishments:
The Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, Chairman of the Board
Jewish Federation and United Jewish Foundation of Metropolitan Detroit, Board of Directors
Committee of 200
Served on the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Detroit Branch, Chair
Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government Women’s Leadership Board, Board Member
Vice-Chair, Henry Ford Health System West Bloomfield
Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health & Sports, Governor Appointee
Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors, Advisor
University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, National Advisory Board Member
Wayne State University School of Business Administration, Board of Visitors
Wayne State University School of Medicine, Board of Visitors
Detroit Regional Chamber, Board of Directors, Executive Committee
Economic Club of Detroit, Board Member & Executive Committee

Florine’s career has been filled with numerous accolades. She was the first woman to be inducted into the National Management Association Hall of Fame. She was honored with the Entrepreneurial Visionary Award from the Women's Business Center in Washington, D.C. She was also the first woman to receive the Neil Shine Award. In 2004, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by publishing her first book, Talk to the Mirror.

Recently, she was awarded the William Davidson Lifetime Achievement Award. Also, Crain’s Detroit Business Magazine named her one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Detroit. She received the Euro-American Woman’s Council Artemis Award in Greece and the C200 Luminary Award.

At the Women's Leadership Board at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy's School of Government, Florine works to advance women in leadership and public policy globally. She was awarded the Endowed chair of Entrepreneurship at WSU and was named a Michiganian of The Year by The Detroit News. The coveted title is bestowed upon people who, through their good community deeds and the examples they set, make life in the state a richer experience.

Florine’s honorary degrees include:

Eastern Michigan University, Bachelor of Arts
Central Michigan University, Doctor of Commercial Science
Oakland University, Doctor of Humanities
Walsh College, Doctor of Laws degree
Wayne State University, Doctor of Laws degree

Florine is the heart and soul of The WW Group, but she also devotes much time and energy to policy-making boards that set the bar for health and wellness issues in her home state of Michigan. She is committed to improving Michigan residents’ health and regularly encourages state and business leaders to join the effort. Florine is passionate about her work and involvement in numerous organizations, always seeking to advance the community in any way she can. Being the mother of seven children and 23 grandchildren, she has instilled in them the importance of giving back and making a difference in the community.