By Puakea Olaisha Anderson
Special to the Michigan Citizen
DETROIT — Hip hop icon Rev. Run of the legendary Run DMC spoke with over 300 metro Detroiters April 28 about diabetes. For almost a year, Rev. Run has been a part of the Ask, Screen, Know campaign to educate affected people and communities about diabetes.
“It’s been really good, getting the word out,” Rev. Run told the Michigan Citizen. “This campaign has helped me to lose weight; it has kept me focused and my family focused.”
Rev. Run shared his father’s story of living with diabetes and how important it is to balance your weight.
“I thought about my weight, and this was something I needed to do,” said Rev. Run. “I feel I have been an instrument and a tool of God.”
Henry Ford Hospital nurses were also a part of the day’s event at Greater Grace Temple, providing diabetes screening to the public.
Ella U, a registered nurse (R.N.) for Henry Ford Hospital checked patient Dwaine Robinson, 54, for high blood pressure and tested him for diabetes.
“I am a borderline diabetic; my mother has diabetes,” said Robinson. “I thought it was beneficial to come here, hear some encouragement and get checked out.” Along with Robinson were dozens of Greater Grace members who stayed after to be tested.
Alicia Fikes, 40, of Detroit has a long history of diabetes in her family and is tested every six months.
“My biggest fear is getting diabetes and losing a limb,” shared Fikes. “I stay abreast every six months and get checked. I love to eat, so if I had it, I would definitely want to know.” Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, pastor of Greater Grace, used his church as a platform to educate his church and community about their health.
Bishop Ellis said he felt really good about the event.
“I think anytime we can serve our membership and community with good health tips and information, we ought to do that,” Bishop Ellis said. “We always talk about living in a safe society, but what good is that if you are not healthy and do not have the information that can keep you healthy?”
For more information about Ask, Screen, Know, visit www.AskScreenKnow.com
