Comedian, actor and co-host of The Tom Joyner Morning Show, J. Anthony Brown seems to be able to find something funny in just about everything. From his live comedy shows to "murdering the hits" on the nationally syndicated TJMS, Brown is an all around funny guy, until he speaks about diabetes.
Diabetes has a history in J. Anthony Brown's family, losing both parents to the disease, but he didn't take it seriously until he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 15 years ago.
Once Brown was diagnosed, he began to make lifestyle changes by eating healthier, getting rest and better managing his diabetes. BlackDoctor.org recently spoke with Brown, a National Spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association, to hear his story:
BlackDoctor: What did you do when you found out you were diagnosed with diabetes?
J. Anthony Brown: People aren't really aware of how serious it is. A person may find out they have it and you go back to work. But you learn how serious it is. Once I learned about it, I started to change my diet and manage it.
BlackDoctor.org: How do you manage YOUR diabetes?
J. Anthony Brown: Well, now I don't do any red meat, no bread, no pasta. So far, I've lost about 15 pounds just by eliminating those items. And I feel great! Diabetes can be a depressing disease too. You can do everything and still your numbers are wrong. It's those times that you have to dust yourself off and keep doing the best.
BlackDoctor.org: How did you end up connecting with the American Diabetes Association?
J. Anthony Brown:I went to a ADA meeting with my daughter. It was there I learned more about what they were trying to do and how more men need to know how to control and manage diabetes. I have a friend who lost his sight to diabetes. He ended up turning his life around by creating a radio show for the blind, but it's still a life-changing disease. I just want others to get involved so it helps change their lives before it's too late.
Back in the day, the way they tested to see if you had diabetes in the south was when they tasted your urine. If it was sweet, then they determined you had diabetes. That's why many old school folks say that they have "the sugars".
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J. Anthony Brown hasn't let diabetes slow him down in the least. Currently, you can catch J. Anthony on the road with the #TJMSTour and the longtime entrepreneur continues to expand his brand with new business ventures. If you love his famous catch phrase, 'WatchOutDehNow!,' no doubt you'll love his new line of gourmet hot sauces by the same name. He also has his 'Hotter Than A Mofo' apparel line.
For all things J. Anthony Brown, check out the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/j.anthony.brown.7
