Hip-hop is all grown up and in being grown up, some hip-hop artists are talking less about money, cars and jewelry and more about investing, political action and maintaining good health.
Although one of hip-hops pioneers, Rev Run of Run DMC, still raps about his Adidas, now he is also talking about his blood-sugar level. Run (Joseph Simmons) has teamed up with Novo Nordisk for the “Am I at Risk?” campaign. The campaign urges Americans to learn about their risks of diabetes.
According to statistics, more than one in three American adults are at risk of diabetes and many don’t even know it. The risks factors are greatest in the African-American and Native-American communities. While Run himself does not suffer from the disease that kills more annually than breast cancer and AIDS combined, he does have factors that place him at risk. In educating people about the risks of diabetes, Rev Run said he’s on a mission.
“I tell people all the time that health is the first wealth,” said Run during a sit-down inside the offices of Insight News. “I believe God sent me here for this mission (to discuss diabetes risks) and this is what I should be talking about.”
The hip-hop community was hit hard earlier this year when Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest died from complications from his type 2 diabetes. Run said there is a lesson to be learned in Phife’s passing.
“When you looked at Phife, he wasn’t an overweight guy and he looked like a normal guy,” said Run. “There’s no specific look (for the disease).”
He said because diabetes doesn’t have a “look” it’s even more important to have a diabetes screening.
“Many people go to the doctor and never get a screening for diabetes,” said the hip-hop and reality television icon. “People say they go to the doctor and they get ‘the works,’ but they don’t know that often doesn’t include a screening for diabetes.”
Diabetes educator Jeannette Jordan, who joined Rev Run on his outreach tour said when talking about diabetes, lifestyle choices can increase or decrease one’s risks.
“Seventy percent of risks factors are lifestyle related,” said Jordan. “Something as simple as switching what you drink can reduce your risks. Reducing your portion sizes can lower your risks. Our body was not designed to process that much sugar and that many carbohydrates at one time. It’s not necessarily what you eat, but how much you consume.”
The hip-hop reverend said in addition to screenings, he encourages healthy eating and daily exercise to combat diabetes. He also said with the evolution of hip-hop he would not be shocked if others begin to use their platform to bring positive messages to the people.
“I believe if Tupac had kept going he would have been Rev. Tupac,” said Rev Run. “Each person has their time. I wouldn’t have been good for this campaign 20 years ago.”
Ruv Run said even his date of birth lets him know he is supposed to be spreading the message of diabetes screening and care. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist’s birthday is Nov. 14, which is also World Diabetes Day.
Some symptoms of diabetes include increased hunger and thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision and extreme fatigue. Risks factors include family history, poor diet, poor exercise, being overweight and elevated blood-sugar levels.
As part of his work with Novo Nordisk, Rev Run is promoting a nationwide traveling exhibit outlining diabetes risk factors. The exhibit came to the Mall of America this past week.
