Kenan Thompson is shining a light on a health issue that he kept quiet about for a long time. He recently opened up about his struggles with a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which affected him more than he realized.
At 46, the “Saturday Night Live” star faced symptoms that felt like intense heartburn. He shared, “I noticed that I would get hoarse a lot easier when I’m doing the show,” which made his job even more stressful. Nights were tough too. “I was up burping up acid,” he confessed, which made it hard for him to get a good night’s sleep.
Kenan thought he could push through it. “I was like whatever, I’ll get over it,” he said. But symptoms kept piling up, making him feel worse. Finally, he decided to seek help, and that’s when he learned he had GERD.
Fortunately, medication provided quick relief. Now, he feels like a new person and is taking steps to live healthier. He’s also joining the “GERD IS NO JOKE” campaign to spread awareness about this condition.
GERD is not just a personal struggle for Kenan; it’s a common issue. In fact, studies show that about 20% of Americans experience symptoms of GERD regularly. It’s important to recognize the signs and seek treatment early. Many people suffer in silence, just like Kenan did.
In addition to sharing his experience, Kenan’s story encourages others to look after their health. Simple lifestyle changes, like what you eat and when you eat, can make a big difference.
It’s brave of Kenan to speak out, and it’s a reminder to all of us: when something feels wrong, it’s worth getting checked out. Whether it’s heartburn or something else, being proactive about our health is essential.
For more information on GERD and its symptoms, you can visit the American College of Gastroenterology.
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