Rev Run and wife Justine Simmons have six reasons to pursue healthy living: Diggy, Miley, Angela, Russell II, Vanessa, and Joseph Jr. The power couple tells Examiner.com that their kids inspire them to make lifestyle changes and encourage others to do the same.
“I realized some of the risks were like right up my alley: over 45 I am; African American makes you double that risk; overweight, I’ve got to lose some pounds,” says Rev Run. “I went back to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where I was inducted and conducted a little seminar there and started telling people how I was afraid and what it took to get me to the doctor, which was being concerned about my loved ones — my wife, my children. I’m going to affect them, so when it came to the point that I realized that I can neglect my health and it will hurt their life, I really got scared.”
Justine also explains her reasoning behind getting active. “Our youngest is seven, so I said you know what, we have six kids and a granddaughter that we have to really look at to say are we going to be that selfish to eat what we want and do what we want and not think about the kids that we brought into this world?”
Russell and Justine travel the country in support of Novo Nordisk’s Ask.Screen.Know. The education program spreads awareness about diabetes and the risks associated with neglecting the disease once diagnosed. Learn more about the program at its website.
