Hip hop legend Doug E. Fresh has partnered with Bayer to encourage Americans to take charge of their heart health and get the necessary tests to identify health risk factors. Fresh uses his foundation Hip Hop Public Health to promote his message through music and educate people about preventative health measures.
Legendary hip hop artist and Original Human Beatbox Doug E. Fresh uses his voice, talents, and extensive network of entertainers to inspire the masses to take charge of their health.
“So many people don’t pay attention to their heart health until it’s too late,” said Doug E., a long-time advocate of the importance of educating the public about preventative health measures, especially for those of Black or African descent. “You think about developing your muscles, your arms, your legs, your back, because you’re looking at all those muscles, but it’s important to spread the message that it’s important to think about cardio, keeping yourself moving, and keeping your heart strong.”
One way he promotes his heart health message is through his foundation Hip Hop Public Health. Along with co-founder Dr. Olajide Williams, neurologist, health behavior change expert, and vice dean of Columbia University’s medical school, the organization developed a new approach to health education using music to teach about taking care of your health. It offers more than 200 free educational materials and programming to teachers, schools, and higher education institutions internationally.
“Hip hop is so powerful. When hip hop says something, in a way that’s fun or engaging, people respond. If we said something about how to eat, how to be healthy, what to ask your doctor or what health tests to get, it’s interactive and exciting, not preachy, and can be life changing.”
– Doug E. Fresh, Legendary hip hop artist and Original Human Beatbox
Many influential artists have offered their talents to Hip Hop Public Health’s mission, including Arianna Grande, Jordan Sparks, Ashanti, and Chuck D. Cheryl “Salt” James, from the duo Salt-N-Pepa, even contributed the track “Let’s Talk About Salt” to the cause.
“It’s all about using that energy, using the platform to help,” Doug E. said. “And I know we’ve definitely helped a lot of people. I’ve seen the difference we’re making, even among my fellow hip hop artists – they’re changing their diets, exercising, doing things that might give them a better quality of life. And that’s the goal.”
A powerful partnership
Doug E. recently partnered with Bayer to advance his message of getting people to take charge of their heart health, especially Americans of Black or African descent, among whom heart disease is more prominent. Together, they are encouraging Americans to get the tests needed to identify health risk factors, such as the Aspirin Heart Health Assessment tool that is available free via www.checkyourheartrisks.com. The assessment allows you to learn about your personal heart health risk factors that can better inform conversations you have with your healthcare provider.
“When we got together with Team Bayer, there was a real natural kind of chemistry,” Doug E. said. “I know that together, we can help communities and give them valuable health information that can change lives.”
