As Super Bowl LX approaches, millions will tune in, not just for the game and halftime show, but also for the commercials. Among these, Octavia Spencer is set to deliver an important health message.
For nearly 20 years, the Oscar-winning actress has lived with type 2 diabetes. Recently, she learned she has high blood pressure, too. After talking to her doctors, she discovered both conditions can quietly increase the risk of kidney damage and heart issues. This led her to collaborate with organizations like Boehringer Ingelheim and the American Diabetes Association on the Detect the SOS campaign. The goal? Urge people to ask their doctors for a simple urine test to check kidney function.
Spencer emphasizes the importance of awareness. “You might miss the warning signs,” she says. “Your body could be sending out an SOS through your kidneys.” She stresses that a uACR screening, which checks kidney health, should be routine, especially in Black communities where diabetes and high blood pressure are prevalent.
“First and foremost, you need to know your numbers,” Spencer advises. She wants everyone to familiarize themselves with their blood sugar, blood pressure, and kidney levels. Her campaign will reach one of the largest audiences of the year when it airs during the Super Bowl, making the information easy to digest.
Spencer’s career is buzzing as she continues to produce stories that matter. Her company is set to release Lost Women of Alaska, a true crime series focused on the tragic stories of two Alaska Native women. This resonates deeply with her, as she aims to shed light on overlooked cases. “Bringing closure to families feels like a responsibility to honor my own mother,” she reflects.
Another project, FEDS, delves into the FBI’s behind-the-scenes work. Spencer stays committed to meaningful narratives, carefully choosing projects that offer cultural impact. “I look at the project as a whole,” she explains. “It’s about who’s telling the story.”
Spencer’s versatility is key to her long-lasting presence in Hollywood. She can pivot from a comedic role to serious documentaries or gripping crime series. For her, the upcoming Super Bowl campaign represents more than just visibility. “If a few viewers schedule a test after seeing this, then we’ve succeeded,” she says. In a career focused on advocacy, that’s the spotlight she welcomes.
According to recent data, nearly 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has prediabetes, highlighting the urgent need for awareness. Pioneering health campaigns like Spencer’s can make a significant difference, encouraging proactive healthcare decisions.
In essence, Spencer is not just an actress—she is a voice for health awareness. Her mission is simple but powerful: knowledge can lead to healthier lives.
