We’ve seen Angela Bassett embody numerous roles in What’s Love Got To Do With It, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Waiting To Exhale and recently, “American Horror Story.” As the face of the new For Your Sweetheart campaign, an initiative to spread awareness about the link between Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, Bassett took on this role effortlessly because it’s something that’s personal to her.
In 2014, Betty Jones, the actress’ mother, who had Type 2 Diabetes, died of heart disease at 78. Here, Bassett talks with BlackDoctor.org about why awareness is key and how she stays healthy.
BDO: Could you tell me about the For Your Sweetheart initiative is about and why you wanted to get involved?
Angela: For Your Sweetheart is a nationwide movement to raise awareness about the link between Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It’s a critical movement because heart disease is the leading cause of death associated with Type 2 diabetes. My mother had Type 2 diabetes and she passed away three years ago from heart disease so it’s very close to my heart. Her brother also had Type 2 diabetes so cardiovascular health is of major importance to him. It’s a matter that’s very close to our family. Being involved with this campaign is a way to raise awareness for others who have it, but also my way to honor my mom’s life and legacy.
Until she passed, my family and I was not aware of this connection. We knew that she had the condition but not aware that there was this very strong connection that people with Type 2 diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke or death. Awareness is key. It’s an opportunity for me to partner with patient advocacy groups and professional organizations, doctors and cardiologists so that this word can get out and people can become aware. Go to the website, foryoursweetheart.com, and take a simple quiz, sign up and get information. For each person who signs up, a dollar will be donated to patient advocacy groups who will provide resources to their communities. It’s a great cause and one that I’m very proud and honored to be a part of.
BDO: What precautions do you take to stay healthy to prevent heart disease and diabetes?
Angela: I make sure that I see my doctor annually and I ask myself “Where am I? What have I been going through?” If I sense anything, of course I go to my doctor, but I make it a point to go annually just to get an idea of where I am physically. I have young kids, I have a family and they’re worth it. They’re worth being around. They are worth me taking care of myself for them. I want to enjoy them and vice versa so I make sure I do that and that’s very important when we talk about this awareness and this condition—that people are in communication with their doctor.
The more you know about it, the more you can do to reduce those risks. I do that because my mother has it, my uncle has it so it’s something that’s close. I’ve been told that I could be pre-disposed to it, but because I see my doctor, I watch what I eat, I stay active and I do those things that my doctor suggests personally for me, than I can stay ahead of it and I can reduce the risks that I might have.
BDO: What advice would you give to families to talk about their health more?
Angela: You know people can be private and personal or uncomfortable talking about health and what’s going on with them, but it’s really about relationship. You can be direct as you can as far as statistics or the facts or some people are touched by the heart. You [have to] let your loved ones know that you care about them and you want them around for a long time. Talk about your fears, your worries and encourage them to talk to their doctor and find out what they can do. Or you go to the website, download information and maybe leave it on the kitchen counter, but it really is from a place of love and care and wanting your loved one to know they’re worth it to you. You want them to be around for a long time. Sometimes it takes being the one to open up and get past the difficult conversation. I found that a lot of times when you start the conversation, it’s not as difficult as you imagined in your mind.
BDO: Why is it important for Black women to know the link between diabetes and heart disease?
Angela: Because if you’re two to four times more like to develop heart disease because you have diabetes, then your chances are increased. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for those with Type 2 diabetes, so it’s imperative to know those risks. Spend time with your doctor and do those practical things to reduce those risks. You’re the mother of your family. I wish I had my mother around for one more day, one more year because of the strength, the love and the wisdom that she provided. You can’t underestimate it. You don’t know how much you’ll miss it until you no longer have it. Women are the nurturers and they’re everything.
BDO: What’s your favorite memory of your mother?
Angela: Her laughter. She would laugh and she could laugh until she cried. She would have to wipe tears away. I would love to see her get tickled and just laugh. She loved young people and all people. She loved being around young people and she would just get to me into music and entertainers and I would just be surprised, “Oh mom, you’re hip.” (laughs)
We don’t realize how hip and aware our mothers are because they’re our mothers. But, sometimes they’re our best source for wisdom, knowledge and information and it’s a beautiful dynamic. There’s nothing like a mother and a heart of a mother. In honor of mine, I’m committed and involved with For Your Sweetheart movement, and I would love to encourage BlackDoctor.org readers to take the heart quiz and sign up for more information. It’s all about being around whether you’re a mother or a sister or an aunt. To someone with Type 2 diabetes, reduce those risks, be proactive, talk to your doctor and have that awareness and share that awareness.
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