Did you know, about one-third of all people with diabetes don’t know they have it. And we all know just knowing, is the first step to living the best life possible. Colgate Total has joined forces with the incomparable actress Yvette Nicole Brown for their Laugh Out Loud (#OralHealthDiabetes) campaign aimed too bring lol-worthy moments to the diabetes community, whilst growing awareness. Like the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, for a healthier you.
Last week, we sat down with Yvette to talk her lifestyle change since her diagnosis, the importance of laughter in some of life’s toughest moments, and her latest projects.
Can you tell us about how and when you were diagnosed with diabetes?
I was diagnosed in 2013 and it was after being pre-diabetic for ten years, and I hadn’t taken it seriously. I realized once the diagnosis came in that I had to really adjust and really get serious about my health. So yes, it’s been about three years that I’ve been dealing with it.
How have you changed your lifestyle since the diagnosis? What have you done, what steps have you taken?
The first step is always to breathe, that’s the first thing. I also get a lot more rest than I used to get. I drink a lot more water, and also take better care of my teeth. I was a once-a-dayish brusher and flosser before (laughs), and now it’s in the morning and night; and I go to my dentist every six months without fail. Recently, I found out that there’s a correlation between diabetes, managing your diabetes, and oral health. I don’t think a lot of people know that.
I also found out by taking part in this initiative with Colgate and the ADA, you’re twice as likely to have gum disease if you have diabetes. That’s big! Listen, gum disease comes for you when you’re 100% healthy so you add in that you have diabetes and it ups your chances of getting it. Colgate Total is the only FDA approved toothpaste that actually stops and prevents gingivitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease so it’s great that we have a toothpaste that will stop the onslaught.
So what are you doing with Colgate Total and the American Diabetes Association for the Laugh Out Loud initiative?
Laugh Out Loud, yeah. I’m taking part in the Laugh Out Loud initiative and our whole goal is just to spread the word about oral health and how it correlates with diabetes care. And then doing it in a way that’s fun. People that have diabetes can laugh their way through it. You’ve got to find humor in everything. My mom used to say when I was a kid, sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying. I feel that’s what you do when you get any kind of health diagnosis, your first thing is, “Oh no,” and then you find a way around it. We’re trying to find the fun way around it; that’s what the Laugh Out Loud campaign is all about.
Your character in Community is similar to many of your other roles … It’s memorable. No matter what character you’re playing in anything, you alway remember it. How do you do it?
How am I memorable? It’s my black-girl magic!
YAAAASSSSSS!
(Laughs) I think it’s important whatever you get in … I haven’t had a lot of big roles in anything that I’ve done, but I always feel you’re responsible for work in your part of the situation. For my little area I’m going to work the heck out of whatever I’m given. Sometimes it’s just an eyebrow raise, but I will work the mess out of that eyebrow raise. So hopefully people are just vibing on what they’re seeing in the corner of the screen and getting something from it. I hope that’s what makes me memorable.
You also have an amazing music career…
Do I? (laughs)
Do you have anything that’s going to be coming out soon?
No, I used to be a singer … We were just talking about the whole east coast family New Edition connection, because I’m in the New Edition movie playing Michael Bivins’ mom. I have not sung in I don’t know how long, except I sing on shows if my character sings, but I haven’t pursued or thought about pursuing anything really professionally musical in a really long time. That was very nice of you to just say that I have a music career. It is sputtering to a stop. (laughs)
Should we keep watch for other projects you’re doing?
I do a voice in Elena of Avalor, which is the first Latina Disney princess. Which I’m super excited about. I play one of the Jaquins which are jaguars and macaws. So it’s like a cat that flies; a big cat that flies. That’s exciting because it’s important for little Latina girls to have a princess that looks like them.
Then I’m also on DC SuperHero Girls playing Principal Waller. I am Amanda Waller, if she were a principal of the School of Superheros. That’s available too. So those are two of the fun things that I’m doing.