Tony Award-winning actor,singer and dancer Ben Vereen is starring in the most pivotal role of his life: managing his Type 2 diabetes.
Vereen
was in Chicago Saturday on behalf of the American Diabetes Association for the
organization’s expo. It featured cooking demonstrations, health screenings and
leading experts lecturing how to manage and prevent diabetes.
In
2007, the actor was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes –– the adult-onset version
of the diseas –– and is encouraging individuals to Start Taking Action Now For
Diabetes (S.T.A.N.D.).
"It's
important that we get the word out because no one is talking about it
(diabetes). This is not just a campaign. This is not just a convention. This is
a movement," he told the Defender adamantly.
According
to the ADA 25.8 million children and adults in the United States – 8.3 percent
of the population – have diabetes. Type 2 is the most common form of
diabetes in which the body does produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the
insulin. Seven million cases are undiagnosed and 79 million people
are said to be pre-diabetic.
Vereen
is always working, and hasn't let his diagnosis of the disease limit him.
"I
listen to what my caregiver tells me (to do). I check my blood sugar and take
my insulin. I exercise. I changed my eating habits. I feel better...look
better. I feel wonderful. It has not slowed me down," said Vereen, born
Benjamin Augustus Middleton. "Awareness is the key. When I had the
symptoms … dry mouth, lethargic, tired, urinating a lot, I didn't know the
symptoms, but once I became aware, my life is better."
The
actor, who starred as "Chicken" George Moore in Alex Haley's 1977
ground breaking mini-series, Roots, said he is encountering transformative
developments in his own life. In the 1960s, while applying for a passport to
tour with Sammy Davis Jr., he learned he was adopted. In his yet-to-be-titled
autobiography, he discusses the journey of finding his birth mother and
siblings.
"It's
been amazing. Also when I found my family, that's when I found out I had been
diagnosed with diabetes. I said, ‘thank you Alex Haley,’" Vereen said,
laughing.
The
multi-talented entertainment icon has not put away his top hat, fedora or his
tap shoes. He recently released a live CD, Steppin' Out with Ben Vereen, where
he performs songs ("I've Got You Under My Skin", "Getting to
Know You") from his famed Broadway show career ("Aquarius",
"Mr. Bojangles").
"People
have asked me for years to put out a CD. I'm proud to say I have five stars on iTunes. I'm very
excited," he said.
The
Tony Award winner who has starred in Broadway productions
of "Jesus Christ Superstar, "Hair", and
"Pippin" is a passionate advocate in preserving the arts.
"When
you cut the funds to the arts, you're cutting our culture. Arts is the main
thing that drives our culture. Music and rhythms is usually through the song
and dance...movement. When you cut that string off you're cutting off God's
expression of our creative ability," he explained. The
famed dancer wants everyone to support and appreciate theater performances.
"We
gotta change the consciousness (towards theater). It's a matter of a mindset.
We have to stand together as a people. It's not about a certain sector of
people. It's about all people. We must include all people in the arts. We have
to get that mindset...in the producers and the press. It's an inclusive thing.
So the African American community doesn't feel excluded. We don't need
separatism now. We need unity,” Vereen said.
Vereen’s
name has been among the credits on the big screen and the small screen. He has
maintained a presence on television with appearances of shows from back in the
day – New York Undercover and Touched
By An Angel – and ones on air now, including Grey’s Anatomy, Law & Order:
Criminal Intent.
"Do
not strive for perfection when excellence will do," the veteran actor
encouraged.
Copyright
2011 Chicago Defender
