"BE INSPIRED!"
Heavy D the Jamaican rapper/actor died yesterday. It was a shock. He was only 44 years old. When I read the news on my phone, I couldn't believe it. Just yesterday I was reeling from the news that my uncle Aldwyn had died from prostate cancer, and before I could process that, I read that "Smokin' Joe" Frazier had died from liver cancer.
Although most of us are not doctors, we tend to form our own theories when a celebrity dies. I immediately thought that Heavy D must have had a heart attack. You see, we have known him as the "Overweight Lover." At one point he had lost 135lbs. He said at the time it was so he could get acting roles, not for his health. Huh?
Not unlike many people who lose weight, Heavy D, did not stay "Slim" D for long. At the time of his death he was 344lbs. As of today the cause of death has not been released. He was, according to a friend, suffering from pneumonia. Apparently he had walked to the store and was attempting to walk up the stairs.
If you can imagine carrying groceries (If that is the case) and an extra 150 pounds anywhere, much less up a flight of stairs while you are sick...It just makes me want to get all the Black men in America in one room and tell you how much we love and need you. Please, please go to the doctor, follow a healthy lifestyle and intervene when a friend is not taking care of themselves.
Ironically, our subtitle on Twitter is:
State of Emergency: Tackling Black Men's Health is a documentary film designed to INSPIRE African American men to participate in preventive health care.
Heavy D's last tweet: "Be INSPIRED"
Be Well and Be Inspired.
Angela
http://www.globalwellnessproject.org
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