Although his acrobatic slam-dunking days are over, Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins uses his fame to educate the black community about high blood pressure.
“My own mother suffered two strokes as a result of high blood pressure,” Wilkins said. “After that it began to play a big importance in my life.”
Wilkins, who grew up in Baltimore, spent Tuesday mingling with fans at the ESPN Zone to promote the Shooting for Healthy BP campaign.
Dr. Wallace Johnson Jr., assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, helped test patients.
“I believe that genetics in African-Americans may be a contributor to high blood pressure,” Johnson said. “However, I believe that the environment which African-Americans are in makes the bigger difference.”
High blood pressure is a silent but deadly disease that affects nearly one in three U.S. adults, according to the Black Athlete Sports Network. Most people don?t know they have the disease because there are typically no symptoms. Anyone can have high blood pressure, but more cases are seen in blacks than in whites. Statistics show that 30 percent of all deaths in black men and 20 percent of all deaths in black women are the result of having high blood pressure.
Many inspired Wilkins fans came downtown to see if their health was in good shape.
“I thought it would be good to get it checked out because you never know when something new will come up,” said Desi Coates, 40, of Glen Burnie. “It was also an honor to meet Dominique Wilkins and see him doing something so beneficial for others.”
Wilkins, also known as the “Human Highlight Reel,” is considered one of NBA?s greatest players. During his career, he was selected to the 1983 NBA All-Rookie Team, was named to seven All-NBA teams, made nine-consecutive All-Star appearances and won the scoring title in 1986.
Wilkins urged everyone to get their hearts checked. “For some people it?s a big wake-up call. But it?s a great feeling, knowing that I can make a difference in someone?s life.”
