Tha Hip Hop Doctor

Life Expectancy in African-American Men: Improving, But Just Not Good Enough!

2008-08-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

What is this mysterious killer with our black men in its sights? Disease that – for the most part – is preventable and treatable with great survivability. The recent untimely deaths of actor/comedian Bernard Jeffery McCullough, also know as Bernie Mac, and musician/singer Isaac Hayes, has re-focused attention to raising awareness and prevention of the premature deaths of African-American men.

Reports claim the life expectancy gap between men and women has decreased, but there are still significant disparities in health care among African American’s and ultimately our survival rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control the estimate of life expectancy at birth for the total United States population is 77.6 years. Men have a life expectancy of 74.8 years compared to 80.1 years for women. There has been an overall improvement in life expectancy for men, however, African-American men live approximately 6.2 years less than white men (69.2 years versus 75.4 years).

Why such a huge disparity?

African Americans make up approximately 13% of the U.S. population, but only about 2.5% of physicians and medical students. We are twice as likely as other ethnic groups to have a stroke; almost twice as likely as other Americans to have diabetes; we have the highest prevalence of high blood pressure in the world; and sadly, represent almost 50% of the new HIV/AIDS cases each year. Afircan-American men have one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the United States, however a recent study published in the September 2008 issue of Cancer reports that we are less likely to be screened for the disease.

The American Medical Association’s (AMA) recent apology to African-American physicians for years of inequality plays a role in health disparities. Forty eight million people in this country are uninsured or under-insured. Even when health insurance and income differences are accounted for and the playing field is fair, AA men still receive fewer preventive services than white men such as flu shots and less aggressive procedures, like colonoscopy screening.

The AMA, however, is not completely to blame. As an African-American physician, I regularly see a general neglect for our health. Lack of exercise, poor eating habits, and the under-utilization of health care services are major pitfalls in our community.

“I have to go to work, Doc,” is a frequent excuse not to see the doctor, not realizing that once you have a heart attack or stroke, the disability associated with these medical problems could keep you from working forever.

In general, men tend to pay less attention to their health, smoke and drink more than women, and do not seek medical help as often as women. AA men frequently ignore symptoms and signs of disease, like chest pain (warning sign of heart disease), headaches (a stroke warning sign or brain tumor), and frequent urination (diabetes or enlarged prostate), and don’t seek care until there is a crisis. The end result is a late diagnosis of serious medical problems, which does not allow for aggressive treatment and potentially a poor overall outcome. Building a relationship with your physician and having family discussions regarding health are essential to better health.

Even in there early demise, Mac and Hayes have still found ways to inspire us. They will be missed, however, they have helped us to realize that we are not invincible and that regular checkups with our doctor, knowing our family history, eating healthy, and exercising are simple, but important ways to maintain good health.

(c)2008. Rani Whitfield, M.D.

AJ Johnson: Self Worth and Wellness Coaching

2008-07-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

I read about celebrity fitness experts all the time. On a regular basis, some muscle-bound man or woman trainer poses with a muscle bound man or woman celebrity promising us the same results if you just buy his/her book, protein drink, or some pill or potion.

Potentially dangerous exercises are taught via videotapes and on websites without reliable medical research. Routinely I see patients who get hurt performing exercises the wrong way or who experience side effects from supplements that are not FDA approved.

Then enters the gorgeous, talented and “shredded” AJ Johnson. A vision of perfect health from her skin tone to her physique - and it’s all the result of her hard work, dedication and spiritual beliefs.

When I contacted AJ, she was doing what she does on a regular basis - educating and teaching others about healthy living. Let’s meet AJ Johnson and find out how she has been successful not only in her acting career, but as a life coach to many celebrities and non-celebrities.

AllHipHop.com: AJ, where are you?

AJ Johnson: I’m in my in car in Chicago and I pulled over in front of the John Hancock Center to talk to you for as long as you want. [laughs]

AllHipHop.com: What’s happening in Chi-town?

AJ Johnson: I am here for a number of things, but primarily I’m doing a seminar and fitness demonstration at the Lake Shore Athletic Club and an “Explore the Flavor of Health” event with Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) who I’ve done a lot with over the past year or two.

AllHipHop.com: I’ve never heard of that AJ. Tell me a little more about GSK and this event.

AJ Johnson: “Explore the Flavor of Health” is a health fair sponsored by GSK, which will be held at the YMCA on 63rd and Stoney here in Chicago. I am on GSK’s Multicultural Council and I have been very active with them. Last year I did some promotions for their newly released weight loss medication Alli. I have been combining their mission with my mission, coming together for ultimately a bigger mission, which is to promote healthier living, to teach people about their bodies, and to be an advocate for the health and wellness of others by just being me!

AllHipHop.com: You mentioned the over the counter drug Alli® which can help us with weight loss. Do you think over the counter medicines like this are a cop-out for weight loss?

AJ Johnson: Ultimately, you have to modify your lifestyle. Nothing beats good nutrition, exercise, and proper rest. Using Alli® is an aid, but not a substitute for modifying your behavior. What are your thoughts on Alli® Doc?

AllHipHop.com: In combination with exercise and diet, it’s a great drug. Alli® is safe and if the patient understands how it works, the benefits of weight loss and maintaining that weight loss can be significant. So, how did you get in to this health thing AJ? I mean, many of us are familiar with your wonderful roles in movies like The Inkwell, Baby Boy and House Party but, I have to admit, I had no idea you were so involved in health, wellness and personal training.

AJ Johnson: Doc, a lot of people did not know. I encourage you and the AllHipHop family to become a participant in my wellness movement. Check me out on the web at www.theAJzone.com and learn more about what I do. I also want to correct you on one thing, however. What I do is not training individuals, but it is advocating healthy living! Most people think its just fitness because of my physique and that’s a compliment, but it is really healthy living.

You cannot do this without a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Consistency, having a great nutritional program, loving life, being disciplined and not procrastinating are what I am all about. These traits carry over into every facet of my life, and as much as Hollywood has given me a platform, my Hollywood friends started coming to me for help asking me how they could be as happy and as energetic as they saw me.

AllHipHop.com: Wow! That’s what’s up. But, for those old and new fans of yours who don’t know, let me list for them a few of your clients: Terrell Owens, Stevie Wonder, Damon Dash, Gabrielle Union, Boris Kudjoe and his wife Nicole Ari Parker, and John Singleton to name a few. You have some heavy hitters on this list. Some people would think that you would only “train” females. And by the way, how do you train a Terrell Owens?

AJ Johnson: Doc, there you go again!

AllHipHop.com: What?

AJ Johnson: Using that word “training.” The people at my company don’t even say or use the word training. I mean look at the list! How do you train Gabrielle Union to do anything? How do you train Stevie Wonder to be more dedicated? How do you train T.O. to run faster? These are individuals at the top of their games looking for something more than just better performance.

What I do for them is coach them; I’m a life Coach! I just let them know that there is a”better” for all of us. And as great as they are in their careers, there is a “better” that everyone can be and we need to strive for that “better” and live life to the fullest.

AllHipHop.com: Did anyone thing or person motivate you to be so lively and energetic?

AJ Johnson: I lost my mother to cancer and literally witnessed my father on his deathbed. I don’t like losing things that I love. My dad would write a saying to me in every birthday card. Before his salutation of “Love, Daddy,” he would write, “Dance until the lights turn off.” I honestly thought the first time I saw it in my birthday card, that he meant for me to close the club down. [laughs] But what I realized was that there was a much bigger message in that statement!

AllHipHop.com: What do you mean?

AJ Johnson: The much bigger message, which is tattooed on my ankle in French is to simply “Live life to the fullest!” Basically, I’m going to close it down everyday and I don’t mean the club either!

AllHipHop.com: Cool! Your energy is making me want to exercise now! So what’s an average day in the life of AJ?

AJ Johnson: Doc, I have to send you back to the website, www.theajzone.com. Everything I do is there. The website is written in first person, and I have a team that helps me tremendously to continue to build and grow the site as well as keeping the information current. The site provides my clients and visitors with tools that will make them happy, healthy and energetic!

AllHipHop.com: And you update your portion of the site how often?

AJ Johnson: Weekly, daily:- it just depends what’s going on and there is a lot going on! There are so many sections on the site that can help us. I discuss what motivates me, provide daily words, wellness plans, and success stories. You name it, and if it has something to do with maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle, The AJ Zone is addressing these very things.

AllHipHop.com: What about stress? Actress, life coach, marriage… How do you do it all?

AJ Johnson: First of all, you know I’m not married. [laughs]

AllHipHop.com: Hmmm… Then I still have a chance AJ? Need to tone up a little… (doing pushups between words)

AJ Johnson: Doc, you are a mess! [laughs] I try to avoid stress. Stress… that’s the killer. As African-Americans, we’ve got high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, just to name a few, and we are dying earlier than other ethnic groups. One of the things you said to me was you were sick and tired of young people dying from preventable and treatable diseases. Well, so am I! I don’t want to go anywhere, and I don’t want people I love to die as a result of unhealthy living.

No, my parents are no longer living, but I learned a lot from them while they were alive. All I’m doing is accepting my life purpose and the mission God has given me to help other people with what I’ve learned. This is not a job to me, this is a lifestyle. The reason you have not seen me in movies lately is because I have been traveling, spreading the message about healthy living. It’s very obvious that our country is about to experience great changes and I want to be a part of that change, especially when it comes to health. I also want to do it stress free!

AllHipHop.com: How do we make changes in our lives? How do we get started?

AJ Johnson: Start small. I started with some minor lifestyle changes and over time they became not just routine, but essential for living. I am excitedly living naturally now.

AllHipHop.com: All natural? Come on AJ! Not an occasional burger from a fast food restaurant?

AJ Johnson: Yes Doc, all natural! All the health care products, hair care and skin care products are all natural- not chemical, completely natural.

AllHipHop.com: That is great and studies support that living natural is better for our bodies. What advice would you give to young people who have a sense of invincibility and think that they are exempt from health problems?

AJ Johnson: First of all, none of us are invincible or exempt from health problems. We can, however, reduce our risk of some medical problems and live better lives. The most general and important message I can give them is to truly believe that there is a “better” and that the “better” comes from the choices one makes.

AllHipHop.com: You have given us all some great information today. Is there anything else you would like to add before we bounce and I head to the gym?

AJ Johnson: My final words to AllHipHop and to you Doc would be to love yourself. None of what I’m saying will do any good if you don’t have self worth.

(c) 2008 Rani Whitfield. Published July 19, 2008 at www.allhiphop.com

Winning AHA's Meritorious Achievement Award

2008-06-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

Meritorious Achievement award goes to local doctor
The American Heart Association has awarded Baton Rouge family physician Rani Whitfield, M.D., the 2008 Award of Meritorious Achievement for his contribution to the association’s level of awareness and commitment to minority programs. His outstanding service in addressing healthcare disparities and service to minority and underserved communities has helped the AHA in achieve our goals and enhance relationships between the association and underserved communities.

Known as “Tha’ Hip Hop Doc,” Whitfield serves on various community organizations, is a heart volunteer, was a keynote speaker for power to end stroke kick off in Memphis, and organized Baton Rouge’s first ever “Hoopin’ for Health” health fair in partnership with the AHA, educating the community on stroke and its warning signs. Whitfield is also a board certified sports medicine physician.

The award is conferred annually to four or five individuals who have rendered an important service to AHA in the development of its affiliate programs, not for local accomplishments. Recipients of this award are selected primarily for a specific significant accomplishment or project and have demonstrated leadership in an enterprise or activity of the association.

The Troubled Genius of Jimi Hendrix, Bushwick Bill, DJ Screw, Mary J. Blige, Rick James, Ray Charles and more

2008-06-20T15:00:00.001-07:00

African-American musicians have made significant contributions to the rich culture of our country and the world. June is Black Music Month, and is dedicated to the recognition of African-American artists who have enhanced our lives through creating some of the world's most treasured music.

Our musical roots span a diverse means of expression that hark back to the drums and dances of Africa used in rituals and ceremonies.

When the slave trade began in the 18^th century, spirituals sung by the slaves were more than songs of praise and worship, as they often communicated secret messages about escape routes for runaway slaves and other hidden messages.

This music and its altered forms still resonate today from the same place that they began within the artist – a soul tortured by the pain and suffering of mental and physical anguish.

Despite successful chart ratings, many of our most celebrated musicians have struggled to maintain peace in their personal lives. Uninitiated admirers of the dazzling lyrics and choreography of Dorothy Dandridge, Tina Turner and Frankie Lymon have been made privy to their personal pains in big screen movies that reveal both the artistry of these performers, as well as their dark spirals of being misunderstood.

They were simultaneously lonely, rejected and revered by their country, and reviled by their ethnic brothers for committing that unwritten sin: “making it.” And sometimes they were just plain beaten down by the elusive Cupid, who would aim errant arrows at their bruised hearts. Today we are taking a look at a few of our most beloved artists and their troubled times.

Jazz

Charlie “Yardbird” Parker (1920-1955)

Charlie “Yardbird” Parker is considered the one of the greatest musical innovators of the 20^th century, and a main contributor to the development of Bebop (modern jazz) in the 1940’s. His style of saxophone playing was unmatched and he worked with some of the greatest musicians in the world such as Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonius Monk, Max Roach, and Miles Davis.

His career was significantly impacted by the lack of attention to his music by the main stream record labels. Parker’s battle with drugs and alcohol served to further harm him both physically and economically as he was both banned from the legendary 52^nd Street club in New York named after him, Birdland, and also forced him to spend time in rehab for his drug use. In 1954, he attempted suicide after the death of his daughter and died in 1955 from complications of pneumonia at age thirty-four.

Billie Holiday (1915-1959)

Billie Holiday is considered one of the best jazz vocalists of all time. She was born Eleanora Fagan, but later changed her first name to Billie after film star Billie Dove. Billie was discovered in Harlem, and is most well known for her songs that plaintively cry for the pains and suffering of her Black brothers and sisters as they tried to eke out a living.

Songs such as “God Bless the Child” and “Strange Fruit” both recorded in 1939, dealt with disenfranchisement from the American Dream after Black blood had been spilled on the battlefields of WWI, and swinging from trees in the inhumane practice of lynching that was not censured but tacitly accepted.

Holiday’s successful music career was marred by several arrests for narcotics use and she battled alcohol abuse as well. She spent a year in drug rehab but was unable to shake the evil lure of her addiction. Before her drug and alcohol abuse related death on July 17, 1959 in a New York City hospital, she continued to tour and wrote a biography entitled Lady Sings the Blues (1956), which was later made into the film starring Diana Ross.

Teenage Pop Star

Frank J. “Frankie” Lymon (1942-1968)

Frankie Lymon, portrayed in the movie Why Do Fools Fall In Love by Larenz Tate, was considered one of the first African-American teenage pop stars. At the age of 13, Frankie formed the group Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers and served as the lead singer. The group’s debut single “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” was a top 40 hit! He is given credit for paving the way for and influencing the sound of The Jackson 5, Diana Ross, and Smokey Robinson.

Lymon lead a troubled life, however. He left the group after just one year for an unsuccessful solo career, and began abusing alcohol and drugs. At the young age of 26, Frankie Lymon died of a heroin overdose.

Hip-Hop

Richard Shaw, a.k.a. Bushwick Bill (1966- )

Bushwick Bill, born Richard Shaw in Kingston, Jamaica, is no stranger to traumatic life events. This well-known rapper joined the Geto Boys in 1988 making a name for himself, not because of his dwarfism, but because of his unique voice. As a member of the Geto Boys and as a solo artist, he wrote and performed on three gold and platinum albums.

In May of 1991, Bushwick forced his then 17-year-old girlfriend to help him commit suicide by having her shoot him. The attempt was unsuccessful in that he didn’t lose his life, but lost his right eye. Bill is now a Christian rapper, and recently commented on R&B singer Houston Summers after his failed suicide attempt.

Houston attempted suicide by jumping from a 13^thfloor hotel room while overseas in London. After being restrained by security personnel and locked in his room, Houston gouged his eye out. It was reported later that Summers had been under psychiatric supervision for bipolar disorder, and has an addiction to the drug PCP. Said Bushwick, “I wouldn’t wish that on anyone else, to force the hand of death.”   Robert Earl Davis, Jr., a.k.a. DJ Screw (1971-2000)

Rapper, DJ, and producer Robert Earl Davis, Jr. was born in Bastrop, Texas. As a child he spent time in Smithville, Texas and Los Angeles, California, and began collecting records at the age of five. Davis dropped out of high school to focus on a music career, and in 1989 began his career as a disc jockey. It is rumored that he would spend hours upon hours mastering his trade, working on tapes and developing a handful of artists as he prepared them to perform in local clubs.

In 1993 DJ Screw became a household name among rap fans nationwide with his album All Screwed Up! His unique style involved slowing the tempo of songs to half their normal speed or less and mixing it with other music. He would often “screw” music together creating head bobbing beats. DJ Screw opened the Screwed Up Record and Tapes Store in Houston, Texas and a record label.

With screw music’s hallucinogenic Hip-Hop style, however, came drug use. Many who listened to the music drank codeine containing cough syrup mixed with soda to “enhance” the effect of the music and their overall experience. DJ Screw was known to “sip syrup,” and on November 16, 2000 he was found dead in the restroom of his Houston recording studio from a codeine overdose.

Rock & Roll

Chuck Berry (1926-)

A musician, singer and composer, Charles Edward Anderson Berry is considered one of rock’s most influential and enigmatic figures. Born in a middle class neighborhood in St. Louis, he is given credit for influencing The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. The high point of his career between the ‘50s and ‘60s included over 30 songs that are considered rock & roll classics.

In the words of the late John Lennon, “If you tried to give rock & roll another name, you might call it Chuck Berry.” With his guitar, he turned country into rock, and forged the way for other greater rock guitar players. Many call him the Father of Rock & Roll.

His life, however, was not without chaos. At age 17, Berry and two friends went on a robbery spree, stole a car, and upon capture he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He served three years in a reformatory for young men, and while incarcerated he learned boxing, started a band and singing quartet, and boasted about being intimate with the superintendent’s wife.

Berry later served two other prison terms - one for tax evasion, and had a run-in with the law in July of 1990 as he was accused of drug trafficking and possession. His estate was raided by the DEA and resulted in the confiscation of marijuana and pornographic videotapes. Charges were later dropped.

Berry, now 76, still plays once a month in his hometown of St. Louis at his music club Blueberry Hill in the Duck Room, which is named after his famous “duck walk” that he often performed on stage.

Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970)

Growing up playing guitar in his hometown of Seattle, Washington, it seemed as if Jimi Hendrix was destined for fame. He imitated blues greats like Muddy Waters and early rock & roller Chuck Berry. In 1959 he joined the army and became a paratrooper. He received an honorable discharge in 1961 after an injury and came home to start a life-long career in music. Hendrix played backup to musicians such as Little Richard, B.B. King, Ike and Tina Turner and Sam Cooke.

In 1964, Hendrix moved to New York to further his career, and was “discovered” by British bass player Bryan Chandler of the Animals. In 1966, Chandler arranged to manage Hendrix, and flew him to London where the Jimi Hendrix Experience was created. The band’s first single, “Hey Joe” hit number six on the British pop charts, and the group became an over night sensation.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience made its first U.S appearance in 1967 at the Monterey Pop Festival. Jimi amazed the crowd that evening with his bizarre guitar distortion, feedback, and volume. In that same concert, Hendrix played the guitar with his teeth and set his guitar on fire, leaving the crowd star struck. The group later disbanded, and his performances at Woodstock in 1969 along with his blazing rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” are two of his most memorable moments.

Sadly, Hendrix’ career was plagued with drugs and alcohol. He used LSD, cocaine, and was rumored to use heroin. In September of 1970, Jimi Hendrix died following barbiturate intoxication and inhalation of his own vomit.

Rhythm and Blues

Mary J Blige (1971-)

From high school dropout to Hip-Hop and R&B diva, Mary J Blige is the ultimate example of success. Born in the Bronx in 1971, she eventually ended up in Yonkers, New York living with her mother and sister. Blige grew up in what she describes as a drug-infested, crime and poverty-stricken area, where she was molested at the age of five.

Before dropping out of high school, Mary J recorded a karaoke version of Anita Baker’s “Caught Up in the Rapture” which made it into the hands of Andre Harrell at Uptown Records. Four years later, Mary J was dubbed the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” and released her debut album What’s the 411?, produced by Sean Combs. The album went triple platinum.

In 1999 Mary J went on a tour sponsored by the beverage company Seagram’s. She recalls always having a cup in her hand, drinking large amounts of gin and grapefruit juice. The drinking led to smoking weed and cigarettes, and eventually to cocaine use that could easily have ended her career; all this to mask the pain of abusive relationships and growing up hard without a father figure.

Thankfully, Blige’s strong spiritual background, the death of Aaliyah and an ultimatum from then boyfriend and now husband Kendu Isaacs, saved her. Among her list of accolades are winning three Grammy’s in 2005, several successful albums and a recent tour with Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z.

Rick James (1948-2004)

James Ambrose Johnson, Jr., also known as Rick James, was born in Buffalo, New York. James was the third of eight children and was raised in a strict Catholic household by a single mother. His uncle, Melvin Franklin, was a vocalist with The Temptations, and may have had some influence on his pursuit of music as a career. At age 15 he joined the Naval Reserve, but when it interfered with his music career, James went AWOL and fled to Canada to continue playing music.

When he returned to the States, he eventually served time. After a short run with his band called The Mynah Birds in Buffalo, he traveled to Los Angeles playing bass for several short-lived bands. In 1977, he started a solo career and debuted his album Come and Get It which included the hit songs “You and I” and “Mary Jane.”

James became known as the King of Punk Funk, and released two albums in 1979, and the Grammy-nominated 1981 project Street Songs, which included the hit Teena Marie duet “Fire and Desire.” Street Songs went triple platinum and brought James instant fame. Throughout his career, the singer battled with drugs and alcohol abuse. In the early 1990’s his cocaine use was out of control, and he spent two years in prison after being convicted of assaulting two women.

After his release from jail and an attempt at a comeback, Rick James suffered a stroke, which ended his musical career. Thanks to comedian Dave Chappelle, James had a few more moments in the limelight, but his health was poor and he died in his sleep on August 6, 2004.

The family initially attributed the 56-year-old artist’s death by heart attack to “natural causes,” but the Los Angeles County coroner concluded that a combination of nine drugs likely contributed to James' death. The substances discovered in the post mortem autopsy included cocaine, methamphetamine, the painkiller Vicodin, the anti-anxiety drug Xanax and the anti-depressant Wellbutrin.

Marvin Gaye (1939-1984)

Born Marvin Gay, Jr. (the “e” was added later) in Washington, DC, the young and talented singer was exposed to music and mayhem early in his life. His father, Marvin Gay, Sr. was a traveling minister and cross-dresser who often had fits of rage. Somehow young Marvin continued to sing and learned to play drums in his father’s church.

Gaye joined the Air Force after high school, only to be discharged after disobeying orders. He returned to DC to continue his singing career with the Marquees and Bo Didley, and later with the Moonglows. It was his introduction to Berry Gordy that catapulted his career. He initially played drums for Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, but his vocal talents did not go unnoticed, and he eventually signed his own record deal with Motown.

After several R&B hits with Motown, Gaye partnered with the talented vocalist Tami Terrell. The duo was amazing, and recorded hits such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “You’re All I Need to Get By.” Despite their happy times, Terrell’s health began to decline and it was discovered that she had a brain tumor. After her death in 1970, Gaye became severely depressed and resorted to drugs and alcohol to mask his pain. Despite heavy drug use, he was still able to record one of his most popular albums, What’s Going On, in 1971.

Issues with Motown forced Gaye to leave the label and sign with Columbia Records. In 1982 he recorded and released the multi-platinum song “Sexual Healing.” Gaye’s financial and health problems, combined with a protracted battle against drug addiction and alcohol, resulted in him living with his parents. On April 1, 1984 Gaye was shot and killed by his father during an argument. It was later discovered that his father had a brain tumor.

Blues/Country Western

Ray Charles Robinson, a.k.a. Ray Charles (1930-2004)

Ray Charles is undoubtedly one of the most talented and versatile musicians ever to walk the face of this earth! Born during the Great Depression and raised on blues, country, gospel, jazz and big band music, Ray Charles showed an interest in music at the early age of three. After completely losing his vision by age seven, he was admitted to a state-supported school for the deaf and blind in Florida. There, he learned to read and write music in Braille.

After his mother’s death when he was only 15, Charles left the school and traveled with the chitlin’ circuit, playing with dance bands. He began using heroin at age 15 - around the same time he met the young and talented Quincy Jones, who Charles taught to write and arrange music. Ray Charles went from playing in a small trio called the McSon Trio to signing a record deal with Atlantic Records.

In 1954 Charles recorded “I Got A Woman,” which reached number one on the R&B chart in 1955. Ray’s successful career had no bearing on his difficulties with substance abuse, depression and marital problems. Charles has a list of awards and honors longer than my arm, however, his greatest contributions to music come from his innovative style and meshing of gospel and secular music. The movie Ray starring Jamie Foxx is a must-see, as it depicts the extraordinary life of Ray Charles Robinson.

Funk

George Clinton (1940-)

Very few people know that funk music legend George Clinton started his career in the 1950’s performing doo-wop music. The former North Carolina-born barber was inspired after hearing pop star Frankie Lymon, and started a doo-wop quintet called the Parliaments in 1955 while living in New Jersey and straightening hair (not cutting hair – “It was more lucrative,” says Clinton). Clinton left Jersey for Detroit after an unsuccessful career with the Parliaments. He continued to hustle, making records, publishing, and producing. He also began experimenting with LSD.

The Parliaments became Parliament, with influences from Jimi Hendrix and Sly and the Family Stone helping to mold the band into its funky and unorthodox form known today. Clinton would actually perform naked on stage, often under the influence of drugs. Clinton, the front man for both Parliament and later Funkadelic began using crack cocaine in the 1980’s. He was still able to maintain a somewhat successful career – his most well known hit being “Atomic Dog.”

Considering multiple legal battles and deals gone bad, George Clinton is still in demand, and is often seen or called upon to perform at special events - including a party by former president Bill Clinton.

Despite celebrity and fame, many great Black musicians have struggled with illegal drugs, alcohol and mental health issues. Racism, human frailties, and untreated or unrecognized mental disorders are often culprits in these tendencies. Racism effectively limited opportunities for financial advancement and social acceptance, thus impacting these artists’ abilities to make a living.

Conceivably, depression and anger related to those difficulties directed some of these sensitive, creative musicians to the addictive qualities of drugs and alcohol as an escape. The temporary euphoria possibly enabled them to continue their artistic pursuits, dulled the pain of racism, masked mood disorders like anxiety and depression, and briefly suspended the harsh realities of being Black in the music world.

Check me out in the June issue of Ebony discussing my take on the state of Hip-Hop! Special thanks to my big brother Eric Whitfield, jazz saxophonist for his help with this piece. He is a walking textbook when it comes to music.

Comic lovers anticipate ‘The Legion of Health’

2008-06-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

Young adults, teens, and pre-teens in Baton Rouge eagerly anticipate next week’s release of The Legion of Health comic book series volume one: Fed Up!. Created and edited by local family physician Dr. Rani Whitfield, the debut comic rivals Marvel comics in quality and message.

Fed Up!, which is scheduled for a Baton Rouge release on Tuesday, June 24, brings Tha’ Hip Hop Doc, a doctor, warrior, teacher and hero, and his team of muscle-bound, super-intelligent health advocates with super human powers to protect the human race from members of the Dungeon of Disease.

Representing Western medicine, fitness, nutrition, spiritual health, alternative medicine, research, and mental health these heroes battle SSPs (Symbiotic Supernatural Parasites) with colorful allusions in this comic world.

Tha’ Hip Hop Doc’s nemesis, Bad Heart, a sickly but shrewd and manipulative villain, will stop at nothing to destroy his foes, The Legion of Health. The comic series delivers critical messages on obesity, poor eating habits, physical inactivity, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and STDs packed with imagery and action.

Whitfield, who is also a board-certified sports medicine physician, said he designed the three-book comic series to reinforce positive health values using an ingenious, artistic package that is most popular among youth and young adults.

“The obstacle in the past with health comic books is that they were not of industry standard, and physicians were not actively delivering the messages to the youth,” said Whitfield. With that, Whitfield and comic artist Greg Nichols, took Whitfield’s Hip Hop Healthy speeches and created The Legion of Health. The series has been thoroughly researched and is a recommended teaching tool.

Tha’ Hip Hop Doctor and The Legion of Health series is currently available online for purchase at http://www.legionofhealth.com/.

Baton Rouge physician, Grammy winner BeBe Winans add voice to the Power to End Stroke campaign

2008-06-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

More than 100,000 African Americans have a stroke every year and are almost twice as likely to have a stroke compared to Caucasians.

But stroke is avoidable. For this reason, the American Stroke Association initiated the Power to End Stroke campaign including me and Gospel artist BeBe Winans.

As you know, I returned to my hometown of Baton Rouge after graduating from medical school and began championing health awareness by frequently taking health-conscious messages to local schools, organizations, conferences, and prisons. Dubbed “Tha' Hip Hop Doc,” I've taken the cue from many of you and decided to made good use of this newfound "fame" in joining the ASA Power to End Stroke campaign.

Last month, I joined BeBe Winans, the impassioned tenor who has won four Grammy Awards, to add voice to the campaign.

Both BeBe and I are concerned about the alarming number of lives ended as a result of a stroke. And, what's most troubling is the fact that a stroke doesn’t have to be debilitating or deadly.

If more people know their risks, control risk factors—such as high blood pressure and diabetes—and work with their doctor to eliminate or manage your risks, they may prevent stroke.

If you know the warning signs and get prompt medical attention, rehabilitation and survival are possible—even probable. But many people don’t know what to look for or what the risks are.

BeBe and I took the camera to urge you and other Americans to call the American Stroke Association at (888) 4-STROKE or visit Stroke Association.org/power to learn signs and risks of stroke. The Power to End Stroke campaign is supported nationally by the Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership.

Diabetes: Lil Boosie Speaks Out and Gives Back

2008-06-08T14:06:00.001-07:00

It was funny how I met Torrence Hatch, a.k.a Lil Boosie. I was participating in a parade in Baton Rouge, LA and I saw one of my father’s former employees, a friend of the family, and someone that I love like a mother.

“Doc, it’s T-Pam! Throw me some beads.” Ms. Pam Sterling (T-Pam) is one of the most beautiful people in the world with a heart of gold. She is also one of the few people in this world who was not/is not intimidated by my father. “I need to talk to you. I want to bring my nephew in for an appointment. He has diabetes!”

“No problem T. You know I got you,” I replied.

Within two weeks, Lil Boosie showed up my office with his mother Connie Hatch and T-Pam, and the friendship began.

As popular as he is in the Baton Rouge and all over the country now, Lil Boosie is no different than the 3.2 million African-Americans age 20 and older in this country who are living with this diabetes.

Diabetes! I hate that word, especially as it relates to African-Americans. Here are some other shocking numbers that may explain my disgust with the disease which can cause blindness, kidney failure, amputations, heart disease and stroke, and irreversible nerve damage:

African Americans are two times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites

25% of African Americans ages 65 to 74 have diabetes

One in four African-American women over age 55 have this disease

Time to learn more about the disease that is take the limbs, life and love out of our country like a serial killer.

It took a while to pin Lil Boosie down for this interview. He is constantly on the grind and hardly ever sits still. My video man, photographer and good friend, Sean Griffin and I pulled up at Lil Boosie’s home around 6:30pm three days before Easter. There were two U-Haul trucks in the driveway and bicycles all over the front yard.

T-Pam met us at the door. When we walked in, large bags met us and were being filled with clothes. Boosie was speaking to a film crew and waiting on Foxx and Big Head, two of Trill Entertainments finest, to arrive so they could finish shooting the last scene in his movie Ghetto Times at his home.

“Doc, come meet Mike,” he shouted out. I walked into the kitchen looking out at his newly built swimming pool and there, sitting at the kitchen table was one of my favorite comedians, Mike Epps.

“This is my doctor Mike,” he said. I couldn’t help but laugh and think about all the crazy roles Epps has played. Epps wanted to stay for the interview, but was getting ready for his tour, so he left shortly after we met. I kissed Lil Boosie’s mom and all his beautiful aunts on the cheek, shook hands with all the boys, kicked it with Heavy D (his favorite Uncle) for a minute, and played with his beautiful daughter.

Finally, Sean and I headed upstairs past the beautiful playroom and through the home theater (off the chain!) to his home studio to discuss our serious topic.

Whitfield: Man, I really appreciate this. First of all, I come to the crib, pull in the drive way, and you have about 1500 bicycles out there and clothes all over the house… What’s going on with that?

Lil Boosie: We have an Easter Egg Hunt and give away. I’ve been doing this every year in honor of my boy Ivy who was killed. He used to do this community event and I’m going to keep it going in his honor. We give away like $20,000 dollars worth of bikes, $15,000 dollars worth of clothes, $15,000 dollars worth of food like BBQ and crawfish; the finders of the silver, gold, and platinum egg get $250, $500, and $1000.

We just giving back to the community. [Last I heard, he spent well over $55,000] The kids have to bring their grades out on Sunday morning. If they are good, they get a bike. If they are not so good, they probably still get a bike. If they are terrible, they get a toy. T-Pam and momma ain’t that nice. [laughs] Really, I’m just doing this for blessings and to make other people smile. I’m blessed and I’m happy. I got the money to do this and it needs to be done.

Whitfield: The word is that they will have children with disabilities at the event and some kids that never had a bike. Man, that’s a beautiful thing. Now you said “it needs to be done”. What needs to be done? You mean uplift the community?

Lil Boosie: Yeah, I’m really doing this for the community showing my supporters I have a heart and love for all those who support me.

Whitfield: Real talk! When I talk to the young students and the older folks in the community, many of them don’t know “the real” Lil Boosie; they don’t know about all of the good things you do; too much emphasis on the negative.

Lil Boosie: Yep! I’m going to do me though Doc. Can’t worry about the haters.

Whitfield: So let us get to what we really came to talk about - diabetes! It’s killing African-Americans! Not only is it killing us, but also it is a major cause of disability. You have been diabetic for how long?

Lil Boosie: I been diagnosed with type one diabetes four and a half years now; I got diagnosed when I was 20, and you know it’s been a struggle for me. As the years go on though, I learn more about the disease and I get better with it, you know.

Whitfield: You take pills and you are “on the needle?”

Lil Boosie: Yeah, I’m taking a pill called Actos and I’m on that 70/30 also.

Whitfield: So you are talking about insulin when you say 70/30?

Lil Boosie: Yeah, the needle Doc. Have to give myself shots at least twice a day and check my sugar as well.

Whitfield: You have to check your sugar and give yourself shots every day? So how do you deal with needles on a daily basis?

Lil Boosie: It gets old, but I know the importance of taking care of myself. You know really I just keep fresh alcohol pads and I have to alternate spots on my body where I give myself insulin injections. I use to get knots under my skin that were painful, so now I go to my arm one day, stomach the next…

Whitfield: What’s the difference in type one diabetes and type two diabetes?

Lil Boosie: Well basically I have type one, which happens, in general in younger patients. [Type one diabetics] don’t make insulin, which helps bring down your blood sugar. Older people in general get type two diabetes; they make insulin but the body can’t use it properly. That’s the way I understand it. If I’m wrong, then blame yourself ‘cause you told me. [laughs]

Whitfield: I’m a damn good teacher. [laughs] So, do you ever have days where you say, I’m tired of this, I’m not dealing with this, I’m not going to eat right or exercise?

Lil Boosie: [smiles] Yeah man, I have days when it’s like all falling down on me. If I like go two to three weeks of taking care of myself, that one day I slip, I might get sick. You know I have to really be on it and the lifestyle I have - this lifestyle I’m surrounded by, you know, I feel like I need more people around to help me with this. It’s hard Doc. You know those couple of nights I had to call you when I’m on the road feeling bad; sh*t man, I was down. But it’s all good when I take care of myself.

Whitfield: How does it feel to be young, Black, living with diabetes and being able to speak out about it to young people?

Lil Boosie: At first it was like, how am I going to accept it? But now I talk about the disease and motivate other diabetics to take care of themselves and prolong their lives. It’s like a blessing; at first it felt like a curse, but now, to me it’s like a blessing. It’s millions of people with this disease and I’m a big influence to a lot of people. So, if I can help people to live longer by talking about it, then I’m going to keep doing it.

Whitfield: Do you think it is important that artist speak out about health issues?

Lil Boosie: I think it’s very important! Especially when it comes to Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop influences children and adults. I feel like if you have the position or the power to make people listen to you, you should do it in a positive way with your music and your voice.

Whitfield: What’s next for Lil Boosie?

Lil Boosie: I got my album coming out called Return of Boosie Badd Azz; I got my movie coming out Ghetto Stories; I’m shopping clothing line deals, I just ain’t got the check yet [smiles and laughs]; waiting on somebody to cut the check; and I’m just working harder than every body.

I got my own in-house studio, putting out mix tapes. I’m doing my own publishing and producing my own music. Right now I’m just ahead of the game ‘cause I’m on demand for shows. I get a lot of show money.

Whitfield: That’s what’s up! Who is your favorite artist in the game?

Lil Boosie: Ice Cube! See how I’m doing movies? Look what Cube did. Yeah, he was doing gangsta rap, but he was also using his mind. He didn’t just rap his way through it he used his mind.

Whitfield: Yeah, Cube did and is still doing his thing. He has a new album coming out. I’m still tripping on Mike Epps in your kitchen, that’s a funny dude. [laughs] Well homie, anything else you want to say to those with diabetes and to those who are trying to come up in this music game?

Lil Boosie: I know this, diabetes is not HIV; it’s not AIDS. Take care of yourself, keep your sugar under control, and you can live better and longer. Keep your head up and take pride in your self. Don’t feel like you are alone with diabetes. God has blessed you, so take pride in your self.

As far as music, you got to be dedicated. You got to want it more than anybody. You have to be talented and use your talent; learn how to put music together, learn how to carry yourself around people, and learn and live like you are a superstar. Believe that sh*t! Plus there is stuff you can’t do when you get to this level. Listen to those around you who have been in the game.

Check our Dr. Whitfield with Lil' Boosie at www.h2doc.com/main/inside/php?section=multimedia&page.video.

Diabetes: Lil Boosie Speaks Out and Gives Back

2008-06-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

Sleep Apnea: The Silent Killer

2008-06-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

Sleep is a basic human need and is important for our mind and bodies to function normally.

Sleepiness due to a lack of adequate sleep is a big problem in the United States and affects children as well as adults. In general, children and adolescents need at least 9 hours of sleep each night to do their best, while adults need approximately 8 hours of sleep each night. There are many reasons for inadequate sleep such as anxiety disorders, use and abuse of certain stimulants such as caffeine, medicines for weight loss or attention deficit disorder, and alcohol abuse to name a few. However, there is one problem that, if not addressed, can be a cause of many health related issues. A disorder that often goes unrecognized because it’s happening while the victim thinks he is resting.

This silent killer is called sleep apnea.It is estimated that there are 18 million people in the United States who are living with diagnosed cases of sleep apnea, but many more are undiagnosed.

We all are familiar with National Football League legend and hall of fame honoree Reggie White, actor John Candy, comedian Rosie O’Donnel, and best-selling author Anne Rice. Each suffered from this often missed and under-treated disease.Maybe if more people understood the relationship between sleep apnea, being overweight, and how they all relate to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and strokes, they would live longer and healthier lives.

Sleep apnea, in its simplest definition, means that a person’s breathing is interrupted while he is attempting to get some Zs. Some individuals will not breathe for 20 - 30 seconds before “coming up” for air. The family and significant others describe the sleep of these individuals with terms like, “loud snoring, restlessness, gasping for air, and sounds of choking”. Most patients complain of daytime fatigue and falling to sleep or dozing off while at work or driving.The short term problems are obvious and range from being kicked out of bed by your spouse, losing your job or killing yourself or another driver. The questions I’m often asked are, “How does sleep apnea happen” and “is it treatable?”

There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form and is caused by a blockage of the airways. This usually occurs when the tissues of the neck and throat collapse during sleep. In CSA, there is no airway blockage, but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe during sleep.There can also be a mixed picture where both central and obstructive sleep apnea exist together.

Risk factors for sleep apnea include: being male, being overweight, being over the age of 40, having enlarged tonsilshaving a large neck size (greater than 17” in men and 16” in women), or having a family history of sleep apnea.

When a person with sleep apnea stops breathing, the body has a reflex that will wake them up. The patient does this all through the night and rises the next morning feeling tired and sleepy. During these periods of apnea (which means not breathing) the body is deprived of oxygen to the brain and tissues.The response is an increase in red blood cells, that carry oxygen, and over time the blood gets thick and sluggish. If blood flow to the brain or heart is not adequate, a heart attack or stroke can result.To diagnosis sleep apnea, my patients are referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist and sent for a sleep study or polysonogram (PSG). The ENT specialist will evaluate the patients for correctable causes of sleep apnea. If the soft tissue in the throat is too thick, the septum in the nose is deviated, or other facial abnormalities exist, these can be surgically corrected.The sleep study is designed to detect other causes of sleep disorders, like restless legs syndrome, and to guide sleep specialist in treatment regimens for the disease. A PSG involves going to a lab and sleeping. Sounds easy, but with electrodes over your body and someone analyzing your sleep, it may be a little uncomfortable.

Once the diagnosis is made, conservative treatment options include aggressive weight loss, avoiding sedatives like codeine, alcohol, and sleeping pills, smoking cessation (smoke increases airway swelling), and avoiding sleeping on your back. If attempts at weight loss are unsuccessful, surgical procedures are often considered. A consultation with a board certified surgeon who specializes in bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) is the only way to go. One of the most common non-surgical forms of treatment includes wearing a mask at night that will keep the airways open. This treatment is called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).

The mask covers the nose and mouth while you sleep, and is connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air, maintaining an open airway. Special dental devices can be designed to keep the airway open as well as the surgical procedures mentioned earlier.There is even a medication called Provigil that some physicians use to treat the daytime fatigue and tiredness, but this is usually in combination with CPAP and good sleep hygiene. Many people are resistant to using their CPAP machine, and although cumbersome, it could very well save your life.

If you have any of the signs and symptoms above, see your physician right away, improve your sleep, and get back in bed with the one you love.

For more information on sleep apnea visit http://www.sleepapnea.org. (c) 2008 Rani Whitfield. Published May 2008 in New View magazine.

Big Pun, Pimp C and You - Real Talk About Sleep Apnea

2008-05-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

“Damn, homie! Get up! Roll over or do something! I can’t sleep with you making all that noise. Sounds like you about to suffocate or die or something.” These were actually my words, (minus a few explicative comments) to my roommate and the leading scorer on our basketball team during my freshman year in junior college.

Dude snored so bad that my coach finally put him in his own room, after moving him twice, so my other teammates could get some rest.

Everybody thought it was funny, unless you had to share a room with him.

It was great once he got his own dorm room; we could sleep and he could sleep in peace - or could he?

None of us knew that we were witnessing a potentially life threatening problem. A problem that often goes unrecognized because it’s happening while the victim thinks he is resting. This silent killer is called sleep apnea.

It is estimated that there are 18 million people in the United States (US) who are living with diagnosed cases of sleep apnea with many more undiagnosed. We all are familiar with National Football League legend and hall of fame honoree Reggie White, Chad “Pimp C” Butler, and Christopher “Big Pun” Rios. Each suffered from this often missed and under-treated disease. All of them died way too young.

Maybe if Pimp C knew more about the deadly combination of mixing his breath-slowing cough syrup with this disorder, he would still be alive. Maybe if Big Pun understood the relationship between sleep apnea, being overweight, and how they all relate to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and strokes he would be alive. And maybe, just maybe, if the NFL did not require linemen to average over 300 pounds or be financially penalized, traded or fired for being “underweight,” Reggie White would still be around…

Sleep apnea, in its simplest definition, means that a person’s breathing is interrupted while he is attempting to get some z’s. Some individuals will not breathe for 20 to 30 seconds before “coming up” for air. The family and significant others describe the sleep of these individuals with terms like, “loud snoring, restlessness, gasping for air, and sounds of choking”. Most patients complain of daytime fatigue and falling to sleep or dozing off while at work or driving.

The short term problems are obvious, and range from being kicked out of bed by your lady, losing your job or killing yourself or another driver. The questions I’m often asked are, “How does sleep apnea happen” and “Is it treatable?”

There are two types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common form, and is caused by a blockage of the airways. This usually occurs when the tissues of the neck and throat collapse during sleep. In CSA, there is no airway blockage, but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe during sleep.

There can also be a mixed picture where both Central and Obstructive Sleep Apnea exist together. Risk factors for sleep apnea include:
male gender
being overweight
being over the age of 40
having enlarged tonsils
having a large neck size (greater than 17” in men and 16” in women)
having a family history of sleep apnea

When a person with sleep apnea stops breathing, the body has a reflex that will wake them up. The patient does this all through the night and rises the next morning feeling tired and sleepy. During these periods of apnea (which means not breathing) the body is deprived of oxygen to the brain and tissues.

The response is an increase in red blood cells, that carry oxygen, and over time the blood gets thick and sluggish. If blood flow to the brain or heart is not adequate, a heart attack or stroke can result.

To diagnosis sleep apnea, my patients are referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist and sent for a sleep study or polysonogram (PSG). The ENT specialist will evaluate the patients for correctable causes of sleep apnea. If the soft tissue in the throat is too thick, the septum in the nose is deviated, or other facial abnormalities exist, these can be surgically corrected.

The sleep study is designed to detect other causes of sleep disorders, like restless legs syndrome, and to guide sleep specialist in treatment regimens for the disease. A PSG involves going to a lab and sleeping. Sounds easy, but with electrodes over your body and someone analyzing your sleep, it may be a little uncomfortable.

Once the diagnosis is made, conservative treatment options include weight loss, avoiding sedatives like codeine, alcohol, and sleeping pills, smoking cessation (smoke increases airway swelling), and avoiding sleeping on your back.

One of the most common forms of treatment includes wearing a mask at night that will keep the airways open. This treatment is called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). The mask covers the nose and mouth while you sleep, and is connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air, maintaining an open airway. Special dental devices can be designed to keep the airway open as well as the surgical procedures mentioned earlier.

There is even a medication called Provigil that some physicians use to treat the daytime fatigue and tiredness, but this is usually in combination with CPAP and good sleep hygiene. Many people are resistant to using their CPAP machine, and although cumbersome, it could very well save your life.

If you have any of the signs and symptoms above, see your physician right away, improve your sleep, and get back in bed with the one you love.

And by the way, my former roommate wears his CPAP and is doing well…

For more information on sleep apnea visit http://www.sleepapnea.org/or read about Pimp C at www.pimpcmusic.com (c) 2008 Rani Whitfield. Published April 29, 2008 at www.allhiphop.com

Straight Sippin: Killing Us Softly

2008-04-30T00:42:00.000-07:00

“It taste great doc! I don’t even drink on that Henn anymore. You should try it; taste better than any margarita I’ve ever had. Just give me a cream soda or some fruit punch, mix it with that purple, and it’s on!”

This was only part of a conversation I had with a patient who tried in every way possible to get me to write him a prescription for a pint of “lean,” “purple” or what we call in the medical community, Promethazine with codeine (PC).
The street value for a pint of undiluted PC is $500, but more often this pint is “cut” with Karo syrup by the local street pharmacists to “stretch it out.” A gallon of PC “stretched out” can generate well over $3600 dollars on the streets.

In addition to being lucrative for the street pharmacists, the presence of “dat syrup,” “sizzurp” or “lean” was made popular by DJ Screw and the Houston Hip-Hop culture, and it became a common social drink among young African-Americans all across the nation.
References to PC are common in songs like Three 6 Mafia’s “Sippin’ on Some Sizzurp” and Lil Wayne’s freestyle rap “Live From 504.” As popularity increases for PC, the question arises, Why are people obsessed with PC? Answer: It’s the codeine!

Codeine, a commonly prescribed and effective drug used to treat pain, diarrhea and to suppress cough, is the most widely used and naturally occurring opiod or narcotic (medicines that produce pleasure and calmness) in the world. It comes from the opium poppy, and is related to morphine and heroin.

Codeine is also the base material for the production of two other narcotics, hydrocodone and dihydrocodeine. Compared to morphine, codeine produces less pain relief, and is usually taken by mouth in liquid or tablet form. It is often combined with aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to enhance its affects on the body. Promethazine, which does not contain codeine, is the generic name for a sedating, anti-nausea chemical this is often combined with codeine in cough syrups.

The combination of promethazine with codeine to control cough and cold symptoms is very effective when used properly, but can become addictive and dangerous when misused because of the codeine. Most Americans take their medications responsibly, however in 2003, approximately 15 million people in the United States reported using a prescription drug for non-medical reasons at least once during the year.

Prescription drug abuse has become a problem for several reasons. Use of prescription drugs is viewed as safe because a doctor prescribed it; it is readily accessible in home medicine cabinets; and medicines that normally need a prescription can now be purchased online without seeing a doctor, thus lessening the chance that one could get caught by the authorities for purchasing and using an illegal substance.

The three types of drugs commonly misused or abused in this country include:
opioids - which are prescribed for pain relief central nervous system depressants - often referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers (i.e. barbiturates and benzodiazepines) which are prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems
stimulants - which are prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the sleep disorder narcolepsy, or obesity

Symptoms of overdose on opiods like codeine include constipation, slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, small or constricted pupils, loss of consciousness, coma and possibly death!

To experience the effects of codeine, the human body must convert the drug to morphine. The effects of codeine start 10 to 30 minutes after ingestion, peak within one to two hours, and may last four to six hours, depending on how much is taken. Within two to three weeks of repetitive use, a physical and psychological addiction may develop. Misuse will lead to an apathetic, dulling-type effect, a lack of co-ordination and dulled responses.

The effects of the misuse of prescription drugs are not limited to just those that are of middle or lower income, there are popular artists that have also suffered the repercussions of misusing these drugs.

The cause of death for Robert Earl Davis, Jr., also known as DJ Screw, at age 30 was attributed to the result of combining PC with marijuana and alcohol.

Unfounded rumors have circulated about Pimp C’s death being related to an overdose of PC, however the autopsy results show that the PC only contributed to his death. Pimp C had a condition called sleep apnea (which we will talk about in my next article) that did not mix well with the cough syrup. Together, they caused his death.

The bottom line is that, recreational use of PC is dangerous, addictive, potentially life threatening, and illegal to use without a prescription. Be careful what you sip…it could be your last. (c) 2008 Rani Whitfield. This article was published April 2008 at http://allhiphop.com.

Who are the Uninsured in America?

2008-03-28T00:45:00.000-07:00

The uninsured are tossed around like pawns on a chess board, but most do not have an idea of who the uninsured are and how they became part of this faceless roll that houses these people. In order to understand why it is imperative that legislation be put in place that assist them, let’s take time to pull back the curtain of mystique on globally grouping the uninsured as the “have” and “have nots” and hear the story of my patient Ms. G. Ms. G is a 59-year-old African-American woman who works as a cook at a local day care here in Baton Rouge, LA.

Contrary to public opinion, Ms. G has been employed all of her life as a cook and has held her current job for thirteen years. She was referred to me after being evaluated in the emergency room for an elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and headaches. The emergency room doctor insisted that she seek the services of a primary care physician and get her blood pressure and blood sugar under control, or suffer the repercussions of these health conditions- a heart attack or stroke. Physically, Ms. G is in poor health but with some changes her health outlook could improve. She is a slightly over weight smoker with a strong family history of heart disease and diabetes. Her mother and father died from complications of heart disease, and her younger sister recently died from a massive heart attack.

Her options for treatment were limited to the local charity hospital, which has eliminated the outpatient family practice clinic due to budget cuts. Before the clinic discontinued its services there was a typical wait of four to six months for a routine appointment. This wait was so prohibitive she has never followed up with a physician for “scheduled visits” after her initial emergency room visits. In addition to simply accessing healthcare, the price tag for maintenance of ones health is unreasonable. The average cost for an appointment with a primary care doctor for cash-paying patients that includes blood work and other tests ranges from $200-400 dollars, but I have seen her in my office free of charge.

Prior to her visit at my office, the emergency room had become her primary care doctor and she was very appreciative of seeing a “regular” doctor. Because Ms. G lives just above the poverty level and, as she puts it, “robs Peter to pay Paul”, she has never been able to afford health care insurance and has placed eating, paying the bills, and helping to raise her grandchildren as a priority over her own health. “I gotta live Doc. Maybe I will get some insurance later; but right now, I gotta live.” Later may just be “too late” for Ms. G. Without medical intervention and a consistent health care program maintained by a physician, her risk for heart disease and stroke are high.

Although Ms. G’s story is sad, unfortunately, her story is a very common and frustrating problem for both physicians and patients. There are more than forty million uninsured people that live in the United States, which is twenty- percent of the U. S. population. In 2005, one in five Americans under the age of sixty-five did not have health insurance. This number has continued to increase which was reinforced by findings released on December 3, 2007 by the CDC entitled Health United States 2007, which showed that one-fifth of Americans could not afford one or more of the following services: medical care, mental health services, prescription medicines, eyeglasses, or dental care.

Since the release of Michael Moore’s controversial and thought provoking documentary Sicko which addresses the state of health care in the United States, this topic has spawned much debate: how many people are uninsured in America, forty-seven million or thirty-seven million; does that include the illegal immigrants; is universal health care really cost effective; who’s healthier, Michael Moore or Sanjay Gupta? Who cares! One uninsured or under-insured American is one too many!

The face of the uninsured may not be what you think. Those without health insurance do live significantly below the poverty level, however nearly seventy- percent live in homes with at least one full-time worker. Health insurance is either not offered by the employer or the percentage that the worker is asked to pay towards insurance premiums is too expensive. Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program have reduced the number of uninsured children under the age of nineteen; nevertheless, more than eight million children, three-quarters of whom qualify for these programs, still are not insured. Young adults between the ages of nineteen and twenty-nine with low income and unstable jobs are the fastest growing population of uninsured in America.

In a poll by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, voters rated health care second only to the war in Iraq as the issue they most wanted the presidential candidates to address. Seventy-four percent of voters supported a reform plan that provided health insurance for everyone. The time has come for universal and affordable health care. I don’t have all the answers, but this crisis needs to be addressed and should be of the highest priority for the presidential candidates as these nameless people are their constituents and an integral part of the fabric of this country. (c) 2008 Rani Whitfield. This article was published March 2008 at http://www.eurweb.com.

Hey Ladies!

2008-02-14T00:49:00.000-08:00

I need to speak to the women for a minute. I love and admire African-American sisters to death, as I am the product of one of the strongest and most beautiful African-American woman in this world. Without my mother, there would be no Hip Hop Doc. She is the living example of what I think women should mature to be and thank goodness she is healthy at the young age of 73. Black History Month is a perfect time to recognize and support the ladies as they continue to carry the torch and make positive strides in all facets of life. But sisters, there is a serious problem! To be quite honest, this is a state of emergency for all women. Something is lurking in the bellows waiting to steal you away from the husbands, children, employers, friends, and families that love, need and cherish you and his name…Heart Disease! Heart disease is not only the number one killer of all Americans no matter what race, creed, or nationality, but also the number one killer of women. African-American women are disproportionately affected by heart disease, which is more prevalent among them in the US than other ethnic or racial groups. The face of heart disease has changed from men to that of men and women and something must be done to stop this dreaded disease.

Heart disease is number of abnormal conditions affecting the heart. This article will focus on coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease (CAD), which are the most common type of heart disease and the number one cause of heart attacks. Individuals with CAD have hardened and narrow arteries, which are the pipes that supply blood to the muscles of the heart. In order for the heart to beat efficiently, it must receive nutrients and oxygen via blood. The average adult heart beats 100,000 times a day. If the blood vessels are blocked or narrowed, the heart must work harder to get blood to itself. Overtime, this increased strain on the heart can lead to a heart attack, where some of the muscles of the heart actually die, or heart failure, where the heart beats less efficiently and blood is not pumped to other areas of the body. Both a massive heart attack and heart failure can severely debilitate and/or kill a woman, however, the key is knowing what causes these disorders and how to prevent them.

Risk factors for heart disease that we cannot change include age, gender, race, family history, and previous history of heart attack or other forms of heart disease. As we get older, the risk of heart disease increases. This is not to say that younger people don’t have heart attacks, but the chance does increase with increasing age. Men have a greater risk of heart attack than women and they have heart attacks earlier in life. But as stated earlier, the face of heart disease is changing and CAD is the leading cause of death in American women. African American’s are disproportionately represented when it comes to heart disease and therefore must take active measures to protect themselves. One way to do this is by knowing their family history. If your first-degree relatives (mother, father, sister, or brother) have heart disease, this increases your chances of having the same problems. The discussion at the dinner table and family reunion when we are healthy and happy should include “the talk” about the state of the family’s health. African American’s as a result of mistrust in the medical community, being under-insured or un-insured, or lack access to care are often diagnosed later in the stage of disease and hence have poorer outcomes. Finally, if you have had a heart attack in the past, your risk is significantly increased. Taking medications as prescribed, eating properly, exercising, and seeing your doctor on a regular basis can reduce your chance of having a second heart attack.

By stopping smoking, the single most preventable cause of death in the United States, controlling you cholesterol, taking your blood pressure and diabetes medications, exercising, and losing and maintaining a healthy weight African-American women can live happy, healthier, and long lives. The American Heart Association and the Go Red For Women campaign is raising our awareness about this disease and provides tools to protect us from heart disease. Log on to www.goredforwomen.org to learn more about heart disease, do your own heart disease risk assessment, get great recipes, and come with an action plan to protect you and your loved ones.

Sisters, we love you. Don’t let heart disease take you away from us.

(c) 2008 Rani Whitfield. This article was published February 2008 at http://www.eurweb.com.

Interview with Prodigy on Sickle Cell

2008-02-03T00:57:00.000-08:00

Each year 2000 babies are born in the United States with a life long condition called sickle cell disease. This disease of the blood affects between 50-75,000 people in the US and millions throughout the world. Approximately 2 million Americans carry the sickle cell trait, which increases the chance that the disorder is passed on to their children. Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States affecting those of African descent and Hispanics of Caribbean ancestry, but the trait has also been found in those with Middle Eastern, Indian, Latin American, Native American, and Mediterranean heritage. One in every 500 African-American births is affected with sickle cell disease.

The two most common forms of sickle cell disease are sickle cell trait and sickle cell anemia. They are characterized by defective hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body. This defective hemoglobin interferes with the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen. Those who inherited the sickle cell trait have one defective gene and no symptoms to moderate symptoms of the disease in most cases. If a person has sickle cell anemia, the most common and most severe form of the disease, they are at risk for many problems: anemia (very low blood counts), pain crisis or sickle cell crisis which causes almost every joint in your body to hurt usually requiring hospitalization, strong pain medicines, and IV fluids, acute chest syndrome which is similar to pneumonia, but much more painful, strokes, and a decreased life expectancy. If children are screened at birth and/or parents who are unsure of their status are screened, sickle cell disease can be significantly reduced by education alone.

A full description of all things sickle cell is way beyond the scope of this article, however I wanted my friends who read my column for All Hip Hop to really understand this preventable disease, so I called on Prodigy of Mobb Deep to help me out.

H2D (at the office in Baton Rouge, LA): P, what’s good? How are you feeling?

Prodigy (driving through Manhattan): I’m good; what’s good with you, Doc?
H2D: The same thing; trying to bring more awareness to the hip-hop community on health issues. Man I would like for you to enlighten us about something you’ve dealt with all your life. Tell me about sickle cell disease and how it has affected you?

Prodigy: I mean basically, I was diagnosed with sickle cell when I was 3 months old. I have the worse type of sickle cell… the “SS” type. If I don’t take care of myself and do the right things, I will experience a severely painful sickle cell crisis; all my joints hurt; it’s a bad scene. Before I really knew how to take care of myself I was in and out of the hospital…they had me on morphine for pain; IV’s in my arm; couldn’t get comfortable for days at a time…it was really hard on my body.

H2D: Are you taking any medicines right now?

Prodigy: Nahhhh! I don’t take none of these medicines that they try to say is good to take for sickle cell. All I do is try to have a healthy diet as much as possible; I drink water like a fish, eat healthy, and I notice that since I’ve been doing that for the past seven to eight years, I don’t get sick as much as I use too. If I do get sick, it’s really because of something I’m doing wrong. I really know my body and how to control it, know what I mean?
H2D: Yeah, that’s what’s up. Now, in 2000, you wrote the song “You Can Never Feel My Pain” on your first solo album, HNIC. This song really dealt with the harsh realities of sickle cell and how it affected you. Almost like sickle cell 101. What motivated you to write that piece?

Prodigy: Basically because at every Mobb Deep show, I would see somebody in the crowd, and they would yell to me like “Yo P, I got sickle cell too.” And they would ask how I was able to perform and do all that I do.” I always encourage my fans that they should reach for their goals and reach high when doing it; and to further this point I decided to drop something on my album to tell people about the pain that I and others with sickle cell suffer with, which is a handicap no different than living in poverty, but that its something you can escape.

H2D: I’m sure you know T-Boz has sickle cell. She was a national spokes person for the disease back in the day.

Prodigy: Yeah, I wanted T-Boz to get on that song with me. So I actually reached out to her, went down to Atlanta and played the song for her. She came to the studio, liked the song, but we both decided that it was best for me to roll with that approach. We had a long conversation about sickle cell and this drug called hydroxyurea. We talked about this drug and some the side effects. She had decided at the time to not take the medicine. I kinda felt like we were being used as guinea pigs when they try to come up with these new drugs. That’s why I really don’t take or promote some of the medicines.

H2D: I can respect that. Well, other than “You Can Never Feel My Pain”, do you have any new songs dedicated to creating awareness about sickle cell?

Prodigy: I already did the song and I don’t want to keep doing the same old thing. I’m gonna start being more vocal about it, like with this piece. When I get out (of prison) and get home, I want to hook up with you and do the community thing you got going on; talk to some kids and tell them what it’s like to live with sickle cell and how they can still be successful. You can just set something up and I’ll roll with you. That’s good shit what you doing Doc.

H2D: Yeah, that’s real talk. It has been a challenge, but one I welcome. You know lately, there’s been a lot of things going on in regards to health and hip-hop: Kayne West and his mothers death; Foxy Brown and her battle with hearing loss; Pimp C leaving us way too early; Nate Dogg having a stroke…do you think the hip-hop culture is taking health issues seriously?

Prodigy: A lot of young peoples attitude is they feel invincible. It’s like someone who has sickle cell and someone who doesn’t? The person who doesn’t have sickle cell thinks they can drink, smoke, eat anything and everything, just go hard and say, “Hey, I’m okay.” If I do that, it affects me immediately. They may not feel the effects until 30, 40, 50 years later when they got heart problems, lung problems, and they are dying from things they could have prevented. To me sickle cell is like an alarm system because it lets me know when I’m doing something wrong, you know what I’m saying?

H2D: Definitely! What advice would you give to the young people growing up and living with sickle cell?

Prodigy: The number rule for people with sickle cell, as far as I’m concerned, is their diet has to be strict. You damn near have to be a vegetarian to avoid getting sick and having a painful sickle cell crisis. You have got to take care of your health. Eat a healthy diet, drink lots of water, and eat lots a vegetables. I guarantee that if you do that and get all the impurities out of your system, you will see a hundred percent turnaround.

H2D: What kind of stuff do you eat?

Prodigy: Like today, I might have baked salmon, brown rice, and green vegetables. I try to stay away from the poisonous food additives. I don’t drink sodas or eat a lot of junk. This is the plan you have to follow to keep the impurities out of your body. You gotta really eat healthy; break it down to a science and start learning how to read labels and know what ingredients are good and bad for you. And I know I keep saying this, but you gotta drink mad water. It helps wash away all impurities and poison in the body.

H2D: P, thanks for your time. Anything else you would like to say to All Hip Hop?

Prodigy: Just support the real shit that we putting out there, man cause there’s a lot of people who are not being real. They are chasing some outrageous dream. I’m staying grounded, know what I mean? I’m focusing on real shit. So, just support real artist like Mobb Deep and myself. Check out my website at HNIC2.com. A lot of good information and I will have my address up so that they can write me letters while I’m locked up.

H2D: Cool. Peace, P.

Prodigy: One.

African-American physicians who paved the way

2008-02-01T00:52:00.000-08:00

I like to give credit where credit is do and there is no better time to do this than Black History Month (we even got an extra day this year). Hip-hop would not exist if it were not for the pioneers of the culture: DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambatta, The Rock Steady Crew, Grand Wizard Theodore, and Coke La Rock just to name a few. That being said, there would be no blood banks or open-heart surgery if not for the contributions of African American physicians and scientist. Here’s a small list of the brothers and sisters who made it possible for me and many others to go to medical school, cure disease, and bring good health information to the community of AHH and the world.

Name: Imhotep- The Father of Medicine
Life: 2635-2595 BC (differs depending on source)
Medical School: Did not have a medical school during his time, so he created his own.

Contribution: A man of multiple talents (architect, scribe), his best-known writings was medical text. He is believed to be the author of the Edwin Smith Papyrus in which more than 90 anatomical terms and 48 injuries are described. He founded a medical school in Memphis long before Hippocrates was born. All who understand its origins crowns Imhotep the father of medicine.

Compared to: DJ Kool Herc who inspired the Merry-Go-Round- using two turntables at one time and creator of the break beat. Herc is considered the Father of Hip-Hop.

Name: Dr. James Durham, born into slavery
Life: 1762- time of death unknown.

Medical School: None; he was owned and taught by a number of white physicians to read, write, mix medicines, and treat patients. He bought his freedom and began his own medical practice in New Orleans, however the city restricted his practice, as he had no formal medical training.

Contribution: He treated more patients successfully for yellow fever than any other physician in the country. He was so impressive that his publication on diphtheria was read before the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

Compared to: Afrika Bambaattaa, Master of Records- had over 20,000 pieces of vinyl. Organized the very first international hip-hop tour.

Name: Dr. James McCune Smith
Life: 1813-1865
Medical School: University of Glasgow in Scotland

Contribution: First African American to earn a medical degree.

Compared to: The Twins, Keith and Kevin Smith. Inspired the B-Boy Style or break dancing, which included matching outfits with trench coats and hats. They would jump on the floor and create dance moves to DJ Kool Herc’s beats.

Name: Dr. Daniel Hale Williams
Life: 1858-1931
Medical School: Chicago Medical College

Contribution: Performed the first successful operation on a human heart. The patient, a victim of a stab wound to the chest, lived 20 years after his open-heart surgery. Williams also established the Provident Hospital and Training School for Nurses, which was the first African-American owned and first interracial hospital in the United States.

Compared to: Grand Wizard Theodore- creator of the needle drop and the scratch, two of the most fundamental techniques any DJ using vinyl should posses.

Name: Dr. Charles Drew
Life: 1904-1950
Medical School: Howard University

Contribution: Dr. Drew researched blood plasma and blood transfusions for several years while in New York. He discovered that blood could be stored and used at a later date. He developed the system for storing blood, called a blood bank. He also established the American Red Cross blood bank. As a result, he has saved and continues to save the lives of many who need blood transfusions.

Compared to: Melle Mel, Godfather of the Rhyme. Grandmaster Melle Mel has been given the title as the greatest lyricist ever. As a member of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, he was the principle scribe for The Message and White Lines. The group’s songs dominated the airways between 1979 and 1984.

Name: Vivien Thomas
Life: 1910-1985

Medical School: Vanderbilt University Medical School. He was also a surgical research technician at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) School of Medicine, research associate and supervisor of surgical research laboratories. He was appointed to the medical school faculty at JHU in 1977; he never attended medical school.

Contribution: Thomas was a scientific genius with superb surgical skills. Thirty years before Johns Hopkins admitted its first Back surgical resident, Thomas served as a black research technician without a degree and was teaching operative techniques to white staff surgeons at the university's hospital.

Compared to: Mos Def… who else? Mos Def portrayed Mr. Viven Thomas on the HBO special Something the Lord Made. Mos Def is multitalented and can be seen in movies, hosting Def Comedy Jam, and recently appeared on Bill Maher’s talk show Real Time with Cornell West.

Name: Dr. Mae C. Jemison
Life: 1956-
Medical School: Cornell University Medical School

Contribution: First African-American woman astronaut and the first African-American woman to enter space (September 1992)

Compared to: MC Sha Rock, the first female MC. Sha Rock was not afraid to battle with anyone and is often referred to as the Mother of Hip-Hop.

Name: Dr. LaSalle D. Lefall
Life: 1930-
Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine

Contribution: Dr. Lefall, a surgical oncologist, is the first African American president of the American Cancer Society.

Compared to: Coke La Rock is considered the first true MC ever in the history of hip-hop. He would lay down rhymes over the music of DJ Kool Herc at the legendary Cedar Park in New York.

Name: Dr. Jocelyn Elders
Life: 1933-
Medical School: University of Arkansas Medical School

Contribution: Dr. Elders is the first African-American to be appointed as U.S. Surgeon General

Compared to: MC Lyte who is the first rapper to ever to perform at Carnegie Hall and the first female rapper to ever receive a gold single.

Name: Dr. Benjamin Carson
Life: 1951-
Medical School: University of Michigan

Contribution: In 1987, this pediatric neurosurgeon made medical history with an operation that separated Siamese twins from the back of their heads. He had to orchestrate a 70-man team that worked for 22 hours to successfully separate the twins who survived the surgery and did well. Check out his two books Think Big and Gifted Hands.

Compared to: Grandmaster Flash is surgical on the 1’s and 2’s creating the vocabulary for the turntables that DJ’s continue to use today. He is the innovator of back spinning, phasing, and cutting- terms only a DJ would understand. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

(c) 2008 Rani Whitfield. This article was published February 2008 at http://allhiphop.com.

Under the Influence

2008-01-18T01:01:00.000-08:00

Yeah, it’s true! At one point in history cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, LSD, opium and heroin were perfectly legal and in some cases given away- free. Now these drugs are considered illegal, harmful, and addicting. “It was better than sex; it was better than the best thing I ever tried; crack, marijuana, cocaine- put me in a state of mind where I did not care about anything or anyone I just wanted to get high.” These are all statements made to me by individual in jail or in drug rehab about how they felt being “Under the Influence” of drugs of abuse. How could chemicals that soothe pain, inspire intense euphoria, and temporarily allow us to escape from the problems of the day be harmful? Lets explore two of the popular drugs of the hip-hop culture and see how they affect the body.

Ecstasy (MDMA)
The “love drug” was first synthesized in a laboratory in Germany in 1912. Believed to have no medical use, it sat on the shelf for years; that was until 1977 when ya boi Alexander Shulgin, a chemist living in California, re-synthesized the compound and introduced it to local psychotherapist. It was not illegal and was given to patients by doctors to help couples communicate, to treat posttraumatic stress disorder, and treat anxiety and depression. The drug was called “empathy” until it hit the party scene where the name ecstasy was coined. Ecstasy was so wide spread in cities like Dallas, TX that you could buy it over the counter at bars- LEGALLY, doctors gave it to patients for group sessions and everything was all good, right? The sense of emotional well being, confidence and love produced by the drug comes from its effects on the brain. Ecstasy stimulates the release of serotonin, which affects our mood, energy and emotions. Normally in the brain, a little bit of serotonin gets released at time; when using ecstasy, all of the serotonin stored in the brain cells is released at once and the nerves goes “bananas” producing intense euphoria, strong emotions, and feelings of love, happiness, intimacy, openness, and empathy. This dramatic release of serotonin is also what makes the drug potentially dangerous, as the nerves may not ever function the same after repeated use of the drug. The agony begins when the ecstasy wears off and is often called “suicide Tuesday’s”. The user feels tired, fatigued, depressed, and is unable to sleep. Some ecstasy user’s have literally danced themselves to death or have seizures, go into to a coma, and die due to increased body temperature (up to 107 degrees) and water intoxication. An average 100-milligram dose last 6 to 10 hours and cost between $25 and $45 per pill depending on where you live. There is still a push to make this drug legal and to be used by psychotherapist.

Opium
Opium is a naturally occurring substance that is extracted from the seedpod of the opium poppy. Heroin, morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, and dihydrocodeine are all derivatives of opium. They are highly addictive substances that are commonly used by physicians for medical purposes: to treat diarrhea, nausea, and more commonly pain. Vicodin, Lortab, and Oxycotin (hillbilly heroin) are all examples of the prescribed derivatives of opium. They have legitimate uses in medicine, however the abuse potential is great. Prescription drug abuse has become a huge problem in our society and both the patient and the doctors are to blame. Have you heard of “dat Lean”, syrup, or sizzurp? Once just a “cough medicine”, this codeine based drink has become a cocktail of the hip-hop culture. Just mix your cream soda or fruit punch with some promethazine with codeine, and voila… you have the cheap, sweet drink made popular by the Houston hip-hop scene and DJ Screw who died from a mixture of codeine, alcohol, and marijuana. Codeine, a commonly prescribed and effective drug used to treat pain, diarrhea, and to suppress cough, is the most widely used and naturally occurring opiod or narcotic (medicines that produce pleasure and calmness) in the world. Promethazine, which does not contain codeine, is the generic name for a sedating, anti-nausea chemical that is often combined with codeine in cough syrups. Symptoms of codeine abuse include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, small or constricted pupils, loss of consciousness, coma and possibly death! To experience the effects of codeine, the human body must convert the drug to morphine. The effects of codeine start 10-30 minutes after ingestion, peak within 1 to 2 hours and may last 4-6 hours, depending on how much taken. Within two to three weeks of repetitive use a physical and psychological addiction may develop. Misuse will lead to an apathetic, dulling-type effect, a lack of co-ordination and dulled responses.

Every illegal drug to date has started out perfectly legal, freely used and widely accepted. They are considered medical miracles until the side effects develop. One major problem with these illegal substances is that there is no long-term studies to tell us what will happen to the body after long-term use. What I can tell you is that destruction of lives, time spent in jail, and the risk of being infected with HIV or other STD’s, motor vehicle accidents, violence, and rape have all occurred “under the influence”. The fix is temporary and the cost is high. Lets seek out the natural highs in life: love, children, music, a good job, a loyal woman, great mix tapes, seeing bootleggers arrested for jacking music, and real hip-hop! Holla!

(c) 2008 Rani Whitfield. This article was published January 2008 by Ozone Magazine.

The Young and Invincible.

2007-11-10T00:15:00.000-08:00

The Young and Invincible. Sounds like the title to a soap opera, but actually it’s the attitude that many young adults have about getting sick or injured. Young people think they are invincible and as a result neglect the most important thing that they possess: there health! Listed below are ten medical issues in young adults that I see in my Family Practice that I want to discus with you.

HIV/AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has become one of the most devastating sexually transmitted diseases ever known to man. Once infected with HIV, the body’s immune system can become weakened and the infected individual will develop the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). According to statistics reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): an estimated 38,500 young people (age 13-24) in the United States received a diagnosis of AIDS; African American youth were the largest group of young people affected by HIV, accounting for 56% of all infections; young women, especially of African American and Hispanic decent are at increasing risk. Risk factors for infection with HIV include unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, use of IV drugs, the presence of an undiagnosed sexually transmitted disease, lack of awareness, and poverty. The key is to get tested if you don’t know your status, and if you decide to have sex, Rap It Up!

Obesity
In the past 20 years, there has been a significant increase in over weight and obese individuals in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that almost two-thirds (64%) of all Americans are overweight; almost one third are obese. Childhood obesity is on the rise and we are now seeing shocking increases in diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension in this previously active and healthy population. Today, approximately 17 percent of young people are seriously overweight. One main problem that I see is the decrease in mandatory physical education classes for school aged children. Lack of exercise, poor diets high in fat and calories, and the fast food epidemic are the main reasons for this epidemic. Young people are stuck on computers and hove video games and don’t bike and or play outside as much studies have shown. So get moving! Exercise at least 20-30 minutes most days of the week and eat foods low in calories and fat.

Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer, a disease of the female reproductive system, is more common in young women. It accounts for 6% of all cancers in women and is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) in 90-95% of the cases. The virus is passed from person to person usually by unprotected sex and in most cases the woman has no symptoms. Risk factors for HPV include multiple sex partners, cigarette smoking, and unprotected sex. The key point is that all women who are sexually active need to have a pap smear at least once a year whether you wear condoms or not. Even if you are not sexually active, annual pap smears are still recommended by the age of 18. Cervical cancer can be detected and treated if diagnosed early by pap smears. Talk to your doctor about the vaccine currently in use that may reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

Anabolic Steroids
Barry Bonds is not the first person accused of using steroids and won’t be the last. His situation, however, has brought much needed attention to the topic of steroids. The desire to be competitive and to gain an edge on one’s competitor is natural, however the facts still remain: steroids are illegal and are associated with short and long term effects which can be very damaging to the body. Don’t get it twisted; they do help to build muscle mass, however, with side effects like elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, balding in men, breast development in men, facial hair in women, and mood swings just to name a few, there is no way I would recommend to anyone using them. The National Institutes of Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported an increase in steroid use among 8th and 10th grade boys in 2000. The primary reasons for using steroids among these young men where to enhance athletic performance and physical appearance. If you want to be the best, work hard and don’t use a substance that is illegal and might permanently damage your body. Also remember, never take or rub a substance on your body if you don’t know what’s in the solution.

Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Twenty three percent of high school students and 8% of middle school students in this country are regular smokers. There are more deaths each year from tobacco use than by HIV, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders all together. The active ingredient in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco is the very addictive substance called nicotine. Cigarette smoking is associated with cancers of the lung, bladder, and cervix; heart disease; low birth weight babies; sudden infant death syndrome, and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Smoke free facilities are becoming the norm as society is becoming more aware of the harmful side effects of second hand smoke. If you plan on living longer, then you need to stop smoking.

Mental Disorders
Mental health is just as important as physical health and everyone should be comfortable discussing these topics with their doctor. The most common mental health issues seen in my practice are anxiety and depression. Approximately 25% of young adults experience depression by the time they are 24 years old, but very few seek help. This is alarming and depression, if left untreated, can lead to suicide. Anxiety, the most common form of mental disturbance in the U.S., affects approximately 28 million Americans each year. Both anxiety and depression are major problems for society as they can interfere with work, school and family life. They contribute to high rates of substance abuse and alcohol abuse. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with anxiety or depression, it is important to take your medicines as prescribed and see your doctor and/or therapist on a regular basis.

Suicide
Suicide is the end result of severe depression that is untreated or under-treated. Suicide is common in young adults and the elderly. In general women attempt more suicide than men; men are more “successful” in suicide attempts. Signs of depression include disturbances in sleep, loss of interest in things the person normally does, guilty feelings about a situation or situations, decreased energy, decreased concentration, decreased or increased appetite, abnormal and unintentional weight loss or weight gain, decrease sex drive, and suicidal or homicidal thoughts. These symptoms have to be present for more than two weeks for the diagnosis to be made. The challenge is to recognize these signs and symptoms and to get help for the affected person before a suicide attempt (s) occurs. Suicide is the permanent answer to a temporary problem. If you are someone you love is talking about suicide, get him or her help immediately!

Substance Abuse
Despite what some might try to convince you, drugs of abuse are mind altering and can put you at risk for STD’s, accidents, and time in jail. The trends of abuse have shifted in young adults somewhat from the gateway drugs marijuana and cocaine, to designer drugs such as ecstasy and the date rape drug, GHB. There are more potent forms of marijuana, which make them more addictive, and crystal meth is slowly becoming a drug of choice for many young Americans. The results of substance abuse are quite evident: mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, incarceration, STD’s including HIV, destruction of families, and untimely deaths due to accidental overdose, suicide, or crimes as a result of the drug’s influence. While under the influence of these mind-altering substances, an individual often makes poor decisions and will participate in behaviors that he or she would normally avoid. Education and awareness about the different drugs available and how they affect the body is one of the major ways to decrease abuse.

“Staph” Infections
Community acquired methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections are on the rise! What the hell is that you ask? Well if you have ever had a boil that was hard to treat and it came back to visit you on several occasions requiring multiple doctor visits, drainage by a physician, and sometimes hospitalization and antibiotics through an IV, chances are you had a staph (staff) infection. MRSA was at one time primarily seen in hospital patients with wounds and in individuals with weak immune systems. As a result of antibiotic overuse by physicians to treat simple skin infections and patient noncompliance with medications (not taking them like they are suppose to), these very intelligent bacteria have become resistant to the very basic and inexpensive antibiotics that we have available in our local pharmacies. Staph infections can be very dangerous and are now being associated with pneumonias in healthy individuals. MRSA can kill! If you develop a painful to the touch, red and swollen area on your body that produces pus (drainage), you could have a staph infection. See your doctor right away so that this can be treated quickly and effectively.

Sexual Transmitted Diseases/Sexually Transmitted Infections (STDs/STIs)
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV, syphilis, and HIV are on the rise again. One out of every 2 Americans will have an STD/STI by the there 25th birthday. The reasons are many and include lack of education and awareness, having unprotected sex, and substance abuse. If a person is infected with one STD/STI, then he or she is at risk of getting another. The concept that oral sex is safe sex or not sex at all is garbage. Herpes, HPV, and gonorrhea can be spread via oral sex. The likely hood of being infected with HIV is very low in someone receiving oral sex compared to the “giver”. However, there is still some risk. Abstinence is still the best way to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, however, this method is not always practiced. If you choose to have sex protect yourself. Know your HIV status, practice monogamy, wear condoms, and if you perform oral sex learn how to use dental dams. They come in tasty flavors and colors.

This by no means is a comprehensive list of all the potential problems young people encounter, but it’s a great start. Hopefully this will give you a good foundation and help guide your own research regarding the medical issues that I commonly see in my practice.

Women and Steroids

2007-10-30T00:22:00.000-07:00

No matter where you go, we are hearing more and more about the use and abuse of steroids in men’s sports. But when multi gold medallist and track super star Marion Jones recently announced that she used steroids after vehemently denying the allegations for years, it sent a shock wave across the country and mixed messages to her friends, family, and fans. This coming on the heels of Barry Bonds record breaking home run season tainted with accusations of steroid use and the recent rumors of talented boxers Sugar Shane Mosley and Jameel McCline’s use of steroids to prepare for there matches. The question most people are asking is why? Why are athletes, especially women athletes, using these illegal and potential harmful substances?

Before I get into the reasons why, let me first explain this class of drugs more correctly called anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). AAS are the synthetic derivatives of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone. The ability for steroids to build muscle and strength is the anabolic effect of the drug, while the development of MALE secondary sexual characteristics, like the pitch of someone’s voice and the pattern of body hair describe the androgenic effect of the drugs. AAS have been around since the 1930s to treat a condition in men called hypogonadism in which the testes do not produce a sufficient amount of testosterone for normal male development and sexual function. Other approved medical uses for testosterone include the treatment of impotency, the “wasting” or weight loss seen in persons infected with HIV or cancers, and delayed puberty.

Performance enhancing drugs like AAS are not new to the arena of sports. They date back to the early Olympic Game’s, which started in Greece and has now evolved into a multimillion-dollar industry due to marketing and advertising. As early as 1969, journalist Bill Gilbert was quoted in Sports Illustrated as saying, “The pill, capsule, vial, and needle have become fixtures of the locker room as athletes increasingly turn to drugs in the hope of improving performance.” The desire to win and to gain the edge over one’s opponent is innate, however in the “steroid” culture, there is a phrase used by some professional athletes: “If you are not using steroids, then you are not trying hard enough!” This quest for supremacy at the expense of one’s health has taken over and the all-mighty dollar is more important than health, longevity and loved ones. Steroids have been used and proven to build strength and endurance in competitive athletes for decades; however, AAS are illegal and potentially harmful and considered cheating! These are not the messages we want to deliver to young African American athletes.

The reason women use these illegal and potential harmful substances are very similar to the reasons men use them: to improve athletic performance, to become more muscular, to gain weight, to lose weight, to recover faster from fatigue and injury, and/or to increase speed and endurance. Women who are victims of rape or who have been physically abused also use AAS to improve strength and confidence so that they can protect themselves from future attacks. Muscle dysmorphia, also called bigorexia or reverse anorexia nervosa, is a disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with the idea that he or she is not muscular enough, hence uses AAS to “bulk up”.

AAS have become much more complex as proven by the “designer” steroids used by Marion Jones, some of which are undetectable with the latest technology in urine, blood, or hair samples. Steroids are administered in many ways including pills, needles, patches, or creams. Once in the blood stream they are soaked up my muscle cells and promote the production of protein, which stimulates muscle growth. Athletes will mix different types of AAS to achieve various effects, as there is no accepted medical dosing standard for the use of these drugs for performance enhancement. Side effects of AAS use/abuse include high blood pressure, strokes, elevated cholesterol, nausea, sleep disturbances, acne, increased aggressiveness, and mood disorders including anxiety and depression. Women can experience reduced breast size, increased body and facial hair, a deeper voice, and menstrual problems. In men, reduced sperm count, impotence, breast growth, and decreased testicular size have all been documented. Some of these side effects are irreversible and require surgical treatment.

This is a very unfortunate situation and I am truly saddened as Marion Jones was one of my favorite athletes. I hope that she will turn the negative into a positive and begin to educate young athletes on the only way to become successful in competitive sports while at the same time improving their health: hard work and proper nutrition.

For more information on steroids visit www.nida.nih.gov or visit my website at www.h2doc.com, view the Steroid Man, see a comprehensive list of individuals who have been associated with steroids and shoot me a question or comment at DrRani@h2doc.com. It’s Tha Hip Hop Doc, they call me H2D, come on now lets get Hip Hop Healthy. Peace, I’m out! (c) 2007 Rani Whitfield.

Steroids

2007-10-24T00:40:00.000-07:00

I love wearing my throwback jersey’s, especially those from the Negro baseball leagues. These jerseys symbolize so many things: pain, suffering, success, fun. But most importantly they represent hard work that the individuals who wore them endured so that other African American players could achieve the American Dream: baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Escalade’s!? I wonder how my now 2-year-old daughter will feel about wearing the throwback jersey of the greatest player to ever play the game of baseball, Barry Bonds. Despite his success in this sport, his name and his records have been tainted with the accusations and stench of steroid use and his athletic prowess has come in to question. The “clear and the cream”, substances given to Bonds by his personal trainer who failed to inform him of what they contained, where actually illegal substances used to enhance performance. But why is this steroid thing such a big deal? Why is the home run record that Bonds now holds in question?

Simply stated, steroids are illegal, potentially harmful, banned in most professional sports and college, and is considered cheating. Among athletes on the elite level, some feel that if you are not using steroids, then you are not trying hard enough. Steroids can build muscle and increase an athlete’s speed and strength. That has been proven. The problem is that penalties are placed on athletes found to be using them and if used for long periods of time the side effects can be embarrassing and potentially life threatening. In women, the side effects of steroids include facial and body hair growth, male pattern baldness, deepening of the voice, reduced breast size and menstrual problems. In men, reduced sperm count, impotence, breast growth, and decreased testicle size have all been documented. All individuals who use steroids are at risk for high blood pressure, strokes, high cholesterol, nausea, sleep disturbances, acne, increased aggressiveness, and mood disorders including anxiety and depression. Some of these side effects like the breast development in men and voice changes in women are irreversible. It amazes me that I get continue to get request from athletes in my private practice for steroids.

Hip-hop has had its bout with accusations of steroid use. LL Cool J was rumored to have used steroids to transforms his body into that of a Greek god. He has denied using steroids as well as plastic surgery to improve his physique in his book LL Cool J’s Platinum Workout.

Whether it is to win at any and all cost or to look good and ripped in a shirts, success and vanity out weigh life and longevity in the psyche of steroid users; that is until something bad happens like being banned from your sport, having a heart attack, or not able to “get it up” when the time is right.

The road to success in sports is hard and education on proper nutrition, exercise, and rest is of the utmost importance. Commitment to the sport on all levels is the only way to be successful. Is Barry Bonds guilty; unfortunately some believe he is, despite being the greatest player to ever play the game of baseball. My advice to him and any young athlete is to never take or rub something on your body without knowing exactly what it is that you are taking or rubbing on you. (c) 2007 Rani Whitfield. This article was published October 2007 at http://allhiphop.com/.

Depression and Hip Hop: Are they related?

2007-10-23T00:38:00.000-07:00

Images of strength have dominated hip-hop since its inception in the early 1970’s. MC’s often professed superiority over other MC’s with lyrical wizardry and dominance on the microphone. Weakness was not an option, especially outward signs of weakness. However, when it comes to saving your life or the life of someone you love, we have to admit that hip hop artist and those who love hip hop are at risk for one of the most common medical problems seen in the doctors office: Depression. Not that hip-hop itself has any direct relationship to this disease, but you must realize that no one is exempt and we must all be aware of the signs and symptoms of this treatable disease.

The untimely death of hip-hop DJ David “Disco D” Shayman is only a testament to this issue. I never met Disco D and I don’t know all the circumstances surrounding his death, but one thing I can tell you is that depression, left untreated, can lead to loss days of work, destruction of families, and in its worse form, SUICIDE! The old saying that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem is very true. Once a person commits suicide, the opportunity to resolve issues and make amends is gone. Disco D will be missed, and I’m sure he would want those who loved his music to learn more about this problem. So, lets define depression, its signs and symptoms, and options for treatment.

Depression or a depressive disorder is a disease that affects the entire body. It is by no means a sign of weakness and does not have to be prompted by the death of a loved one, divorce, or losing your job, although these situations can be a factor. Depression is an extreme form of sadness that a person cannot pull himself out of or resolve easily with out help. There are several types of depression including major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. We will focus on major depression. Symptoms of major depression include problems sleeping (insomnia or oversleeping), loss of interest in things one normally does, feelings of guilt, decreased energy, decreased concentration, changes in appetite (not eating at all or overeating), decreased sex drive, and thoughts of suicide. If you have a family history of depression, this also increases your risk of getting the disease. These symptoms usually have to be present consistently for more than two weeks.

In general, women experience depression about twice as often as men, however, men with depression are 4 times more likely to commit suicide than women. There are also studies that show there may be an increased risk of heart disease in both men and women who are depressed.

Once the diagnosis is made, treatment must begin immediately! There are medical problems that can cause depression, such as thyroid disorders and viral infections, but once they are ruled out, the usual course of treatment includes consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist, medications, and group or one-on-one therapy. Do not let depression take you out of the game. If you or someone you love is exhibiting any of the above signs or symptoms, seek help right away! It could very well save your life. (c) 2007 Rani Whitfield. This article was published October 2007 at http://allhiphop.com.

HIV/AIDS: An Epidemic in the African-American Community

2007-10-22T00:34:00.000-07:00

When the media announced that Eric “Easy E” Wright had full blown AIDS in 1995, I grab my Straight Outta Compton CD and head nodded for a few. Four years prior to his announcement, Magic Johnson shocked the world with a similar message… “I have the HIV virus…” It hit me like a rock as my best images of Magic and Eazy E came from the times when they where young and hungry for success. I believed that only gay men got the disease, not realizing that a second cousin moved to California after being diagnosed with an unknown illness and died a lonely death. HIV/AIDS was once thought to be a problem for gay white men only and was defined as the Gay Related Immunodefeciency Disease or GRID. However, ten days after being admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, a common complication of AIDS, Eazy E was dead. The HIV/AIDS epidemic was real and one of gangsta raps pioneers fell prey.

Today, African Americans are facing its greatest health challenge and the numbers reported by the Centers for Disease Control are staggering: African Americans make up only 13% of the United States population, yet we represent 50% of the cases of HIV/AIDS in this country; African American women are the fastest growing population of HIV positive people in the United States; and of the 1.2 million people in the US believed to be infected with HIV, 200-300,000 are unaware they are infected. In the month of October I personally diagnosed eight African American women of child bearing age with HIV- all but one, 25 years old or younger, was incarcerated. This unfortunately comes as no surprise when individuals like Elidor Kersaint (club promoter in Miami), Nikko Briteramos (former college basketball player), and Nushawn Williams (former drug dealer from Brooklyn) have knowingly spread the disease to women.

What was considered a gay white man’s disease has now become one of black and brown brothers and sisters. Debates continue on the origins of the HIV and the emphasis focuses on treatment, not prevention, immunization, or a cure. The bottom line is that the HIV, which is spread by blood and body fluids, is here!

Abstinence, wearing condoms, getting tested, dispelling the myths and educating ourselves about HIV are the only cure. Intravenous drug use (IVDA), promiscuity, men having sex with men (MSM), is the primary modes of infection among African Americans. The southern states have been hit the hardest and my hometown of Baton Rouge ranked number 6 in the country in AIDS cases followed by New Orleans. In 2005, Miami had the highest rates of new AIDS diagnoses in this country. Hip-hop has made several attempts to raise and help eradicate this illness from our communities. When hip-hop was “founded” in the early 1970’s, it was the result of crime and violence that brought about the movement to positively change things. “Coochie Bang” by Queen Latifah and “Go See the Doctor” by Kool Moo Dee, although not specifically addressing HIV, did address condom usage and sexually transmitted diseases. But as you know, the culture has evolved, the game has changed, and the call to do things not necessarily hip-hop is upon us. Rappers, MC’s, and DJ’s have been summoned to speak on politics, injustice, and health. "Hip-hop as a culture is getting a lot of backlash right now for its lyrics, for its public image, and the people are crying out for more responsibility," said KRS-One at the 2007 BET Hip Hop Awards. I applaud Common and Ludacris in their recent efforts to bring more awareness to the issue of HIV/AIDS. We need more of a collaborative effort, however, and I support KRS One for pulling MC’s together to “stop the violence”, but we need some love on the medical battlefield. The messages must be consistent and reinforced on and off the stage. The use of hip-hop as a tool for empowerment has been proven. Lets us use it to educate about health issues as well.

For more information on HIV visit http://www.blackaids.org/. (c) 2007 Rani Whitfield. This article was published October 2007 at http://allhiphop.com.

Sexual Enhancement

2007-10-22T00:30:00.000-07:00

In the pursuit of sexual success and fertility, the moon, and everything under it, has been touted as an aphrodisiac by some person or culture. Love potion peddlers stop at nothing to sell their sexual wares. "I'll make you the same promise that my wife made to me," says Theodore Maximillian in the provocative brochure for his "Maxim" product. "I'm going to cure your impotence immediately!" Maxim "acts as a potent aphrodisiac," according to the advertisement.
An aphrodisiac is a food, drink, drug, scent, or device that, promoters claim, can arouse or increase sexual desire, or libido. A broader definition includes products that improve sexual performance. Named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty, the list of supposed sexual stimulants includes anchovies and adrenaline, licorice and lard, scallops and Spanish fly, and hundreds of other items.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the reputed sexual effects of so-called aphrodisiacs are based in folklore, not fact. In 1989, the agency declared that there is no scientific proof that any over-the-counter aphrodisiacs work to treat sexual dysfunction.
Countering Cultural Views

FDA's findings clash with a 5,000-year tradition of pursuing sexual betterment through use of plants, drugs and magic. Despite FDA's determination that OTC aphrodisiacs are ineffective--and sometimes even dangerous--people continue the optimistic quest for drug-induced sexual success.

Several principles help demystify some cultural views about aphrodisiacs. Sometimes the reason for an item's legendary reputation is obvious. It's easy to imagine how the sex organs of animals such as goats and rabbits, known for their procreativeness, have achieved their esteemed status as love aids in some cultures.

Chilies, curries, and other spicy foods have been viewed as aphrodisiacs because their physiological effects--a raised heart rate and sometimes sweating--are similar to the physical reactions experienced during sex. And some foods were glorified as aphrodisiacs based on their rarity and mystery. While chocolate was once considered the ultimate aphrodisiac, the reputation wore off as it became commonly available.

Many ancient peoples believed in the so-called "law of similarity," reasoning that an object resembling genitalia may possess sexual powers. Ginseng, rhinoceros horn, and oysters are three classical examples.

The word ginseng means "man root," and the plant's reputation as an aphrodisiac probably arises from its marked similarity to the human body. Ginseng has been looked on as an invigorating and rejuvenating agent for centuries in China, Tibet, Korea, Indochina, and India. The root may have a mild stimulant action, like coffee. There have been some experiments reporting a sexual response in animals treated with ginseng, but there is no evidence that ginseng has an effect on human sexuality.

The similarity of the shape of the rhinoceros horn to the penis is credited for its worldwide reputation as a libido enhancer. The horn contains significant amounts of calcium and phosphorus. The addition of the food to a deficient diet could improve general physical vigor and possibly lead to an increased sexual interest. But in most Americans' diets, which are usually not lacking calcium or phosphorus, the small quantities usually consumed would not affect physical performance.

Because Aphrodite was said to be born from the sea, many types of seafood have reputations as aphrodisiacs. Oysters are particularly esteemed as sex aids, possibly gaining their reputation at a time when their contribution of zinc to the nutritionally deficient diets of the day could improve overall health and so lead to an increased sex drive.

Shortage of Studies
There is no proof that ginseng, rhinoceros horn, or oysters have an effect on human sexual reaction. But might some foods and OTC drugs eventually be proven to affect sexual appetite? Some big obstacles exist to answering this question. The placebo effect is one scientific stumbling block.

"The mind is the most potent aphrodisiac there is," says John Renner, founder of the Consumer Health Information Research Institute (CHIRI). "It's very difficult to evaluate something someone is taking because if you tell them it's an aphrodisiac, the hope of a certain response might actually lead to an additional sexual reaction."

Because the psychological complications are absent in animals, some studies have been done on the effect of certain drugs on animals' sexual activity. One substance that was tested extensively in animals is yohimbine. Obtained from the bark of an African tree, yohimbine has been used for centuries in Africa and West India for its supposed aphrodisiac properties. It supposedly works by stimulating the nerve centers in the spine that control erection. FDA called the res ults of preliminary animal studies "encouraging," but animal studies cannot be relied on to show the effectiveness of the drug in humans.

In people, the only available evidence is anecdotal and subjective. To scientifically measure sexual stimulation, a valid human study would have to be performed in the laboratory, comparing a placebo (an inert pill with no active ingredients) to the test aphrodisiac. Preferably, neither the researchers nor the patients would know who was getting the test substance. Because of cultural taboos, few such studies have been undertaken.

A second obstacle to obtaining proof of aphrodisiac effects is that some drugs may not actually have specific sexual effects, but may change a person's mood and therefore seem to be an aphrodisiac. For example, alcohol has been called a "social lubricant." People drink for many reasons, including to relax, reduce anxiety, gain self-confidence, and overcome depression. Because sexual problems can be caused or worsened by psychological stress, moderate drinking might seem like a sexual enhancer. In fact, it merely lessens inhibitions.

Alcohol is actually a depressant, and so, as the porter in Shakespeare's Macbeth observed, it "provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance." And drinking too much actually decreases desire.

No Quick Fix
Despite the lack of scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness, the fraudulent OTC love potion industry thrives to this day. Marketers use a "blatant snake-oil approach," according to CHIRI's Renner. He estimates that the aphrodisiac sellers, who do much of their business by mail-order, take in revenues in the hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

The FDA sends warning letters to companies that make aphrodisiac claims, stating that the agency may take further regulatory action if the violations continue. "In the health fraud area, when they get a warning letter, most people take their profits and run," says Joel Aronson, director of FDA's division of nontraditional drugs. "They don't want to get into a legal battle with the agency becau se it could involve protracted, expensive litigation."

Aphrodisiac experimentation isn't just a rip-off--it can be deadly. Spanish fly, or cantharides, is probably the most legendary aphrodisiac--and the most dangerous. Made from dried beetle remains, the reported sexual excitement from Spanish fly comes from the irritation to the urogenital tract and a resultant rush of blood to the sex organs. But Spanish fly is a poison that burns the mouth and throat and can lead to genitourinary infections, scarring of the urethra, and even death.

To avoid being taken for their money or their lives, individuals with sexual problems should seek a physician's advice. A lack of sexual energy or ability in men or women could be caused by something as simple as stress or a medication one is taking, or as serious as an underlying condition like diabetes or high blood pressure.

A doctor can diagnose a sexual problem and recommend treatment. If necessary, a doctor can prescribe a drug to treat sexual dysfunction. Testosterone replacement therapy is one prescription option for men whose natural testosterone level is not within the normal range, but its serious potential side effects cal l for a physician's supervision. For those with an impotence problem that isn't caused by low testosterone levels, the new "Caverject" injection may be the answer.

"People will continue to have false hopes of finding easy ways of resolving their problems," says Aronson. And so the hunt for the elusive love drug persists. A universal aphrodisiac may never be found, but experts agree that what's good for your overall health is probably good for your sex life too.

A good diet and a regular exercise program are a more dependable path to better sex than are goats' eyes, deer sperm, and frogs' legs. A good mental state is equally important.
Maybe the wishful search for a cure-all drug should be abandoned in favor of an easier, more reliable mechanism: the erotic stimulation of one's own imagination. To quote renowned sex expert "Dr. Ruth" Westheimer, Ed.D.: "The most important sex organ lies between the ears."
Tamar Nordenberg is a lawyer with the Office of the Director in FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

First Impotence Drug
For the 10 million to 20 million American men who suffer from impotence, the Food and Drug Administration's July 6, 1995, approval of Upjohn Company's prescription drug Caverject (alprostadil) may prove to be life-altering. Caverject is the first prescription drug approved for impotence, and is expected to successfully treat 70 to 80 percent of patients.
The drug provides an alternative to devices previously approved by FDA. A vacuum device involves placing a cylinder-like device and attached pump over the penis. By using the pump, blood is drawn into the penis, creating an erection. A constriction band is then placed at the base of the penis to maintain erection. A second treatment option, the penile implant, involves the surgical placement of cylinders in the penis and is available in a variety of designs. (See "Inflatable Penile Implants Under Scrutiny" in the January-February 1994 FDA Consumer.)
FDA approved Caverject to treat impotence caused by neurological, vascular or psychological dysfunction. While psychological factors such as anxiety and depression can lead to sexual dysfunction, more than 85 percent of impotence cases have a physical cause, according to the Impotence Institute of America. A complete physical examination is important so that any underlying condition can be diagnosed and treated. Some common causes of impotence are diabetes, arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and high blood pressure. Also, impotence has reportedly been caused by 16 of the 200 most commonly prescribed drugs, including drugs for high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression.

Caverject is self-injected into the penis shortly before sexual intercourse. The drug creates an erection by relaxing the smooth muscle tissue and dilating the major artery in the penis, which enhances the blood flow to the penis.

The drug's most common side effect is penile pain. Other side effects include bleeding at the injection site and an unhealthy, prolonged erection of four to six hours. (c) 2007 Rani Whitfield. This article was published October 2007 at http://allhiphop.com/

Steroids: Just Don’t Do It!

2007-10-22T00:28:00.000-07:00

At 38 years of age I continue to exercise regularly despite a very busy schedule. While traveling for business, and rarely on vacation, the search for hotels with gyms and nearby training facilities is at the top of my list. I have a very competitive spirit and love to win especially when it comes to sports. What a great accomplishment it would be if I where victorious at the 2008 USA Track and Field Masters 400 meter run I am currently training for? I would do anything to win that race…well just about anything.

Modern sports and the media’s obsession with fame, fortune and the “win at any cost” attitude have created an environment for the abuse of the controlled substances called steroids. Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are the correct name for this class of drugs and many athletes are using them in professional sports today. These substances, once only used by the elite, have spilled over in to mainstream America as we now see weekend warriors and non-athletes using steroids for cosmetic purposes, i.e. weight loss and increased muscle mass. The questions I’m often asked are why people use these illegal and banned substances, what are the benefits of use, and what are the side effects?

AAS are synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone. The ability for steroids to build muscle and strength is the anabolic effect of the drug, while the development of MALE secondary sexual characteristics, like the pitch of someone’s voice and the pattern of body hair describe the androgenic effect of the drugs. The reported benefits of AAS include: improving athletic performance, increased muscle mass, weight gain, weight loss, faster recovery time from fatigue and injury, and increased speed and endurance. Pills, creams, and needles have been substituted for hard work, nutrition, and adequate rest as ways to gain the edge over the opponent.

In 1997, Sports Illustrated interviewed a group of elite Olympic athletes and one of the questions was: "If you were given a performance enhancing substance and you would not be caught and win, would you take it?” 98% of the athletes responded "Yes". The more chilling question was: "If you were given a performance enhancing substance and you would not be caught, win all competitions for 5 years, then die, would you take it?” More than 70% said, "Yes". Are these the messages we want for our youth?

The side effects of steroid use/abuse described in the medical literature include liver damage, kidney and liver tumors, high blood pressure, strokes, elevated cholesterol, mood disorders, acne, increased aggressiveness, nausea, sleep disturbance, increased body and facial hair, male pattern baldness, breast development in men, reduced sperm count, and decreased testicle size. The user who typically will take ten times or more the recommended medical dose and/or combine them with other substances, like human growth hormone, to enhance the effects of AAS, increases the potential for these health related problems. Furthermore, the integrity of these substances comes in to question as they are often purchased via the Internet, black market, or unregulated pharmacies.

The use of AAS is not only harmful, but it is illegal and considering cheating! We must teach young brothers to place more emphasis on participation and competition not merely winning. Hard work, proper nutrition, combined with hydration and rest are the keys to competitive success. I may not win my event in 2008, but I can promise you I will not use steroids to achieve success. My life and my family are much more important to me.

(c) 2007 Rani Whitfield.

Crack Cocaine

2007-10-17T00:26:00.000-07:00

Being affectionately known as “Tha Hip Hop Doc” by the younger generation is an honor and I wear that title with pride. However, “Thug Doc” or “Gangsta Doc” is two other names I am frequently called by the inmates at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Believe it or not, these are terms of endearment and respect as I work at the prison everyday and see many of the inmates, mostly African American, at the two substance abuse clinics where I work as well. The majority of these individuals are African American men who live well below the poverty level and have long histories of substance abuse. The drug of choice for most of them is crack cocaine.

Cocaine is not new to the world as it has been around for hundreds of years. The leaves of the cocoa plant, from which cocaine is derived, where chewed like tobacco by tribes in South America to ease pain, stimulate or suppress appetite, and combat altitude sickness. It was noted by the tribesman that not only could they work longer but they also felt “happy” and euphoric. In the 1880s pure cocaine was used as a local anesthetic for nose, eye, and throat surgeries due to its abilities not only to provide anesthesia, but also to constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding. And it is true that cocaine was one of several ingredients in the original Coca-Cola only to be removed in 1929 when the harmful side effects of the drug where noted. Some actually thought that cocaine would be the “miracle” drug of the future.

What was thought to be the wonder drug used in elixirs and tonics later became a drug of the rich and famous in the late 1970s. Snorting cocaine was considered to be in vogue and in some social circles were acceptable and fashionable. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1980s that crack cocaine emerged on to the scene. This cheap and relatively easy to make variant of powder cocaine got its name from the crackling sound it makes when it is heated and its vapors smoked. There was nothing in vogue about crack’s introduction to the United States and the initial impact was felt in poor African American communities.

The 2005 National Survey on Drug use and Health (NSDUH) stated that approximately 7.9 million Americans aged 12 or older reported trying crack cocaine at least once during their lifetimes. Adult’s ages 18 to 25 years old have a higher rate of cocaine use than those of other age groups and men have a higher rate of current crack cocaine use than do women. Crack cocaine has a strong correlation with HIV/AIDS, crime, incarceration, and homelessness. The question that I often ask the inmates and individuals in drug rehab is why? Why is this drug becoming an epidemic in our society?

If you only remember one concept from this article, remember that crack cocaine is highly addictive. There are two main forms of cocaine: the hydrochloride salt or powdered form which dissolves in water and can be injected into veins (intravenous use) or snorted (intranasal use); and the freebase form or crack which is when the compound has not been neutralized by an acid to make the hydrochloride salt. Because it is smoked, the user experiences a high in less than 10 seconds that causes an intense and immediate feeling of euphoria, which according to addicts, is indescribable. Crack is inexpensive to both produce and to buy making it the drug of choice for the poor. Even more alarming are the potential medical complications of crack cocaine abuse: high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, headaches, hallucinations, addiction, and even sudden death. Substance abuse, in general is linked to illness liked HIV because when one is under the influence of a drug they make poor decisions like having unprotected sex or using IV drugs.

Inpatient and outpatient substance abuse rehab are a must for individuals who have used crack cocaine. As a result of its highly addictive potential, long-term treatment that includes counseling and group therapy are paramount. We must also look at the laws and how individuals are prosecuted once convicted of cocaine use and ingestion. Crack cocaine, despite what some think, continues to be a big problem in our country. Effective drug policies need to be in place and support for the communities under attack by the drug lord are the only remedies for this problem. And in the words of the late Rick James: “Cocaine is a hell of a drug!”

(c) 2007 Rani Whitfield. This article was published October 2007 at http://www.eurweb.com/

P.H.A.T or Fat?

2007-09-27T00:04:00.000-07:00

“Doc, I just don’t understand”, said Patient X, one of my long-time patients. “My blood pressure is okay, I’m taking my medicine as prescribed and my blood work is normal. Look at my weight. It’s almost the same as last visit. Did you check my thyroid? I think my hormones are all out of order. I need that weight loss pill. Those television potions that I spent hundreds of dollars on aren’t working to rid me of my cellulite and baby fat. My knees are aching, I get short of breath walking up and down the stairs. I snore all the time, and I’m always tired. I’m going to start exercising this week, I promise. Doc, can you help a sister out with some of those weight loss pills? I need to lose 30 pounds this month for my daughters wedding, class reunion, cruise… These guy where looking at me and said I was P.H.A.T.” Or did they mean fat?

“Patient X” has the same story each visit and despite being a regular and loyal client, taking charge of her life has taken a back burner to quick fixes for weight loss. She’s probably one of the nicest people I have ever met; however she seems to be in denial when it comes to her health and the hard cold facts. Her blood pressure was elevated at 130/85 (normal is 120/80 or less), her cholesterol and fasting blood sugar was also mildly elevated, and wrapped around her waist was an excess of fat that had increased by several inches over the last year creating a cute, but deadly “jiggle” as she walked. My patient, Patient X, has what we call the metabolic syndrome, which is a group of risk factors found in one person. The risk factors for the metabolic syndrome include an increased waist circumference, elevated cholesterol (specifically the triglycerides), a low HDL (the good cholesterol), elevated blood pressure (130/85 or greater), and an elevated fasting blood sugar (greater than 100 mg/dl). It is estimated that over 50 million Americans have the metabolic syndrome and one of the dominant underlying factors is abdominal obesity (excess fat around the stomach).

The disease obesity, which can be simply defined as excess in body fat, is not the same as being overweight. “A person who is overweight is running a definite health risk, but an obese person is loudly and insistently asking for trouble”, says Stacy Mitchell, M.D. co-author of Livin’ Large: African American Sisters Confront Obesity. Overweight and obesity are labels for ranges of weight that are greater that what is considered healthy for a given height. When discussing adults, the Body Mass Index or BMI determines overweight/obesity. In my practice, I consider the BMI a vital sign as it helps me to assess my patient’s risk for obesity and the diseases that come along with it. So by simply taking one’s height, weight, and waist circumference, not only can your doctor determine your BMI and risk for obesity, he/she can also gain some insight on your risk for heart disease, the number one killer of all Americans.

In the past 20 years there has been a significant increase in obesity in the United States and African American’s are under attack. Obesity does not discriminate as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that almost two-thirds of (64%) of all Americans are overweight; almost one-third are obese. Conservative estimates by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that 65% of African American women and 33% of African American men are overweight. Childhood obesity is on the rise and we are now seeing shocking increases in diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension in this previously active and healthy population. Overweight/obese individuals are at risk for developing many conditions including diabetes, heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, arthritis, hypothyroidism, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, gall bladder problems, gout, cancer of the kidney, endometrium (lining of the uterus), breast, colon and rectum, esophagus, prostate and gall bladder; depression, anxiety, etc… Obesity is now considered the second most preventable cause of death in the United States, preceded only by smoking. Four hundred thousand deaths a year are estimated to be associated with obesity.

There are treatment options for this disease; however, we must first accept that there is a problem, especially in the African-American community. While some medications have been approved for treatment (orlistat and sirbutamine) and there are surgical options, which are reserved for extreme cases, proper diet and nutrition coupled with regular and consistent exercise and modification of behaviors associated with overeating is the mainstay of treatment.

She’s P.H.A.T (pretty, hot, and tempting), “big boned”, full figured, pleasing plump, or thick! That can be a compliment to some ladies, but it could also mean she’s fat, obese, or overweight depending on the messenger. Remember, being overweight/obese is not an issue of aesthetics. “You can be overweight and still stop traffic”, says Teri Mitchell who also co-authored Livin’ Large. The reality is it’s still unhealthy. For more information on obesity visit http://www.cdc.gov/, pick up the book Livin’ Large by Teri and Stacy Mitchell.

Alcohol: Is it Good or Bad For You?

2007-09-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Despite what most people thing alcohol is the second most commonly abused legal drug in the United States after tobacco. There has been some debate over whether alcohol is good or bad for those who do drink. The difference between what’s “good versus bad” is in the amount and frequency that one drinks. To date, there has been no universally accepted standard drinking definition. Alcohol abuse is a major cause of preventable death in the United States. Heavy drinking can damage the liver and heart, cross the placenta and harm and unborn child, increase the chance of developing certain cancers, plays a role in depression and violence, and is a major cause of problems with relationships. The assumed benefits, if one drinks in moderation, include improving cholesterol, reducing one’s risk of heart disease, potentially protecting against type 2 diabetes and preventing gallstones.

But before we get all excited about the rum and cola you had last night, lets take a look at the numbers: 14 million Americans meet the criteria for alcohol abuse or alcoholism; alcohol plays a role in 1 in 4 cases of violent crime; more than 16,000 people die each year in automobile accidents in which alcohol was involved; alcohol abuse costs more than $180 billion dollars a year. Alcoholism cuts across gender, race, and nationality in the United States. 17.6 million people, about 1 in 12 adults, abuse alcohol or are alcohol dependent. In general, more men than women abuse alcohol and problems are highest among young adults age 18-29 and lowest among adults ages 65 and older. There is research that shows that the risk for developing alcoholism runs in families; however, lifestyle plays a major role as well.

Ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages can affect the body in many ways. It is classified as a sedative significantly impairs judgment the more you consume. Long-term users of ethanol are often defined as problem drinkers or alcoholics. Alcoholics are both physically and psychologically dependent on the drug, while problem drinkers are only psychologically dependent. Heavy and binge drinking overtime can cause inflammation of the liver called hepatitis and eventually lead to scarring of the liver called cirrhosis. Cardiomyopathy, an enlarged and poorly functioning heart, is also a major long-term side effect. Cancers that have been linked to alcohol abuse include those of the mouth, throat, esophagus, colon, and breast. Certain individuals should never drink and they include pregnant mothers, recovering alcoholics, those with diseases of the liver, and individuals taking medicines that interact with alcohol. As mentioned earlier, ethanol can cross the placenta and put an unborn child at risk for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. These children are born with facial deformities, abnormal behavior, and mental retardation, just to name a few.

In most cases, alcoholics deny that they have a drinking problem. Signs and symptoms of alcoholism include binge drinking; drinking alone; nausea, sweating, shaking, and seizures if some one is coming off a binge drinking session; depressed mood, irritability, and legal problems. Unfortunately, there is no cure for alcoholism, but the good news is that it is treatable. Treatment programs use a combination of both counseling and medications to help people stop drinking. The bottom line is that if you don’t already drink, there is no reason to start. You can get similar if not better benefits for your heart by exercising and eating a healthy low fat diet. If you already drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Men should drink no more than two drinks a day and women no more than one. Women have less total body water than men, so therefore it takes less alcohol to have an effect on women. The principles of good health for the most part have not changed. A good diet, regular exercise, and seeing your doctor on a regular basis is the key to longevity. If you don’t already drink, don’t start. If you do, do so in moderation and remember to never drink and drive.

For more information on alcohol visit www.niaa.nih.gov. (c) 2007 Rani Whitfield. This article was published September 2007 at www.eurweb.com

Drugs of Abuse Steroids:Fact or Fiction

2007-09-17T23:58:00.000-07:00

By the time you read this article, Barry Bonds may have already broken the home run record. On July 20, 1976 Hank Aaron hit the last and final homerun of his very successful, yet tumultuous career in the Major Leagues. Much like his predecessors, Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, and many others African American players during that era, he played the game under extreme racism, scrutiny, and ridicule because he was African American and because he seized the home run record of America’s white hero, Babe Ruth. So we should be applauding the efforts of the African American Barry Bonds, right? He has great hand-eye coordination, he is the winner of eight Gold Glove Awards, he was the Most Outstanding Player in Baseball in 1993, and he holds the record for the most home runs in a single season- 73! Something, however, “just ain’t right”, and the accusations of his use of anabolic androgenic steroid (steroids or AAS) to help achieve these goals have not only tarnished his image, but the image of successful African American athletes.

Performance enhancing drugs like steroids are not new to the arena of sports. They date back to the early Olympic Game’s, which started in Greece and has now evolved into a multimillion-dollar industry due to marketing and advertising. As early as 1969, journalist Bill Gilbert was quoted in Sports Illustrated as saying, “The pill, capsule, vial, and needle have become fixtures of the locker room as athletes increasingly turn to drugs in the hope of improving performance.” The desire to win and to gain the edge over one’s opponent is innate. Who could argue with a young man or woman whose business contract becomes more lucrative if he/she can out run or out bench press more than his/her competition? The facts, however, still remain: steroids are illegal and are associated with short and long term side effects, some of which are very damaging to the body. The question I am often asked is why do athletes use steroids.

Anabolic (tissue or muscle building) androgenic (the development of masculine characteristics) steroids or AAS are the man made or synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone, a hormone found in men and in women in much smaller amounts, is responsible for the development of males during puberty. The original purpose for the use of steroids by physicians included: replacement of the hormone in men born with low levels; treating individuals who suffered injuries during war; treating those who are malnourished, such as HIV and cancer patients. There are also veterinarian uses for these drugs to treat certain medical problems in cows and horses. When used properly, these medicines can be very successful in treating illnesses and definitely have a place in the medical arena.

Unfortunately, there is a phrase used by some professional athletes: “If you are not using steroids, then you are not trying hard enough!” The quest for supremacy at the expense of one’s health has taken over and the all-mighty dollar is more important than longevity and loved ones. Steroids have been used and proven to build strength and endurance in competitive athletes for decades. Weight gain, weight loss, increased speed, increased strength, and physical appearances are all reasons for the use of these illegal concoctions. Steroids have become much more complex as proven by the “designer” steroids, some of which are undetectable with the latest technology in urine, blood, or hair samples. Steroids are administered in many ways including pills, needles, patches, or creams. Once in the system they are soaked up my muscle cells from the blood stream. Once inside the muscle cells they promote the production of protein, which stimulates muscle growth. Athletes often take doses two to three times the normal amount of steroids required on weekly basis. They mix or stack different types of steroids to achieve various effects: more muscle mass, decreased weight, leaner appearance, etc…. None of these “protocols” used by the athlete have been tested on humans and at best are experimental.

Side effects of steroid use/abuse include high blood pressure, strokes, elevated cholesterol, nausea, sleep disturbances, acne, increased aggressiveness, and mood disorders including anxiety and depression. Women can experience reduced breast size, increased body and facial hair, a deeper voice, and menstrual problems. In men, reduced sperm count; impotence, breast growth, and decreased testicular size have all been documented. Some of these are irreversible and require surgical treatment.

It still amazes me, however, that I get request frequently for these drugs to improve performance. To win at any and all cost is the main reason. A poll taken in 1995 of 198 sprinters, swimmers, power lifters, and other Olympians and aspiring Olympians asked if the athletes would take a performance-enhancing substance if they knew it would help them win there event and they would not be caught- 195 out of 198 said yes. The poll went further to ask if under the same conditions they would take the substance knowing that in five years they may die- 80% still said yes!

Educating our youth on proper nutrition, exercise, and the consequences of steroid use/abuse is the key. Commitment to the sport on all levels is the only way to be successful. Steroids are illegal, potentially harmful, and are viewed as cheating. Is Barry Bonds guilty; unfortunately many believe that he is, despite being one of the most talented individuals to ever play the game of baseball and one of my personal favorites. My advice to him is to never take or rub something on his body without doing a little research. I surely will celebrate the day he breaks the record, but for some, his success will always be in question.

For more information on steroids visit (www.nida.nih.gov) or visit my website (www.h2doc.com), view the Steroid Man, and shoot me a question at DrRani@h2doc.com. (c) 2007 Rani Whitfield. This article was published September 2007 at http://www.eurweb.com/

Breast Cancer and Robin Roberts

2007-08-26T23:54:00.000-07:00

When “Good Morning America” anchor Robin Roberts announced she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, I had mixed emotions. On one hand, I hated the fact that she had to deal with this dreaded disease; but on the other hand, who better than Robin Roberts to speak out about and educate our community on the most common cancer found in women today? In October of 1985 the first National Breast Cancer Awareness Month program (NBCAM) took place. This week-long event, sponsored by the two founding members, the American Academy of Family Physicians and Cancer Care Inc., used media and brochures before a U.S. Congressional committee to spread the word about the need for access to mammography and the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer. A valiant effort this was, but the personal testimonies and survivors of the disease is what gives us hope and I applaud Ms. Roberts for her courage.

So what is breast cancer? In the breast there are living cells. Everyday these cells divide, grow and die. Sometimes these cells grow out of control and can form a lump or a mass in the breast called tumors. Breast tumors, in general, are classified as benign or malignant/cancerous. Benign tumors pose little health risk once removed and they are not cancer causing. Malignant tumors are abnormal cells that if undetected can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. Approximately 212,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States during 2007. Approximately 1700 men, yes that’s right MEN, will be diagnosed and roughly 460 will die from breast cancer in 2007. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in African American women and the second leading cause of death among African American women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Unfortunately, African American women have higher breast cancer death rates than women of any other racial or ethnic population.

Those at risk for breast cancer include: females, women of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage (ancestors from Central or Eastern Europe), African American Women, those who are getting older, individuals with a family history of breast cancer, having a previous personal history of breast cancer, first period before age 12, late menopause (after age 55), a woman that has never had children or has her first child after age 30, women who are obese, those who don’t exercise, those of high socioeconomic status, drinking alcohol and those who do no breast-feed.

The symptoms of breast cancer can be vague, but include a lump or hard painless knot in the breast; swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast; change in breast size or shape; dimpling or puckering of the skin of the breast; itchy, scaly, sore or rash on the nipple; bloody nipple discharge; a nipple that retracts. If you have any of these signs or symptoms you should see your doctor right away. Remember, if detected early breast cancer can be treated.

There are two different stages of testing for breast cancer: screening and diagnostic. Screening test, like the mammograms look for signs of disease in women without symptoms. Mammograms should be done at least once between the ages of 35-40 in women without risk factors and annually after age 40. For women with increased risk factors or a previous history of breast cancer, mammography is done more frequently. Diagnostic test, such as MRI’s, bone scans, ultrasounds, biopsies and blood test are done once breast cancer is suspected or diagnosed. In depth treatment options are beyond the scope of this article, but do include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and or surgery. Treatment options are determined by the type and stage of breast cancer.

So join Robin Roberts and others in the fight against breast cancer. For more information on breast cancer visit these sites: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (http://www.komen.org/) 800 I’m AWARE; National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/) 800 4 CANCER; American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/) 800 ACS 2345. You can also visit my web site (www.h2doc.com) and shoot me a question at drrani@h2doc.com.

Oh, and by the way, here are a few people you may have heard of that have been affected by breast cancer:

Richard Roundtree (Actor-Shaft, yeah I’m talking bout Shaft, shut yo’ mouth)
Anastacia (Singer)
Diahann Carroll (Actress)
Ruby Dee (Actress)
Nikki Giovanni (Professor and poet)
Cecilia De La Hoya (Mother of boxer Oscar De La Hoya)
Shirley Graham Dubois (Author, playwright, composer, activist and wife of W.E.B. Dubois)
Robin Roberts (Anchor Woman for Good Morning America)

(c) 2007 Rani Whitfield. This article was published August 26 2007 at http://www.eurweb.com/

Glaucoma

2007-07-18T23:53:00.000-07:00

It really wasn’t the “in thing” at the time. I was having trouble seeing and hated sitting at the front of the classroom, but that was the only way I could see the chalkboard. My teacher spoke with my parents and before you knew it, the once cool 7th grade class president was converted in to “a nerd”- I had to start wearing glasses. I was not a happy camper, but I have to admit that seeing clearer was very rewarding. My sister helped me to pick out some cool specs and before you know it I was “cute” again. My jump shot improved and I could sit further back in the classroom and I of course regained my “cool” status. Our vision is a blessing and the gift of sight should never be taken lightly. That’s why routine eye examinations are a must for African Americans so that we can detect diseases like glaucoma.

Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in African Americans, is a major cause of loss vision. It is often referred to as a silent epidemic because in the earlier stages, there are really no signs or symptoms. As the disease progresses, peripheral vision begins to decline and those affected will report squinting or turning the head to focus; but there is no pain present in most cases. So let us jump right in and learn more about the diseases of the eye we call glaucoma and what can be done to treat and or prevent them.

Glaucoma is actually a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is the bundle of nerve fibers that carries information from the eye to the brain helping us to see. This nerve can be damaged by increased pressure in the eye, which occurs in glaucoma. There are two main types of glaucoma: open angle glaucoma, which is the most common form (about 95%), and closed angle glaucoma. It is estimated that about 66 million people suffer from glaucoma worldwide; of those approximately, 7 million are suffering from blindness. In the United States, it is estimated that by the year 2020, 3 million Americans will have the disease. Currently in the U.S., glaucoma affects 2.2 million people age 40 and older, with one hundred and twenty thousand being blind. African Americans are affected 3 to 4 times more than Caucasians and experience blindness four times more frequently. African Americans between the ages of 45 and 64 are fifteen times more likely to become blind when compared to Caucasians. The reasons for this disparity is unknown, however knowing the risk factors for the disease and having routine eye examinations can significantly reduce the number of cases of blindness and give those affected an opportunity to receive adequate treatment.

The major risk factors for glaucoma include: being African American, age between 35 and 40, and having a family history of the disease. There are some other risk factors for glaucoma including diabetes, severe nearsightedness, previous eye injuries/trauma, and prolonged steroid use. The key is increasing our awareness of this devastating disease and stressing the importance of being tested. We should all know about famous R&B singer Ray Charles who at age 7 went blind as a result of glaucoma. Some of you may also be familiar with Kirby Puckett, former Minnesota Twins and National Baseball Hall of Famer who woke up at age 36 with no vision in his right eye. These eyes could have potentially been saved with early detection and treatment.

Is HIV/AIDS a terminal illness?

2007-07-18T23:50:00.000-07:00

This is a very good question and would have been a lot easier to answer in the late 1980s and early 90s. Before I answer, let me first define “terminal illness”. There are many definitions for a terminal illness, but the most accepted definition is an illness that is incurable and will result in death in a certain time period. This definition is commonly used by hospice agencies and helps to determine the patient’s eligibility for services. In the case of an HIV infected person in the 80s and 90s, treatment options where limited and many died from complications of AIDS. Since the introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), which is the use of multiple medications to treat HIV/AIDS, this disease has evolved from a terminal illness to a chronic illness and individuals are living longer lives.

With that being said, HIV/AIDS is a terminal illness if one does not have access to care and/or is non compliant with his or her medical therapy. HIV/AIDS patients who do receive adequate treatment and have access to care can live a normal lifespan. (c) 2007 Rani Whitfield. This article was published July 2007 at http://aolblackvoices.com

Prostate Cancer

2007-07-01T23:48:00.000-07:00

Real Men Get It Checked!

Spring of 2004 was a busy time for me as I was preparing for the United States Medical Licensing Exam, Part I and completing my 2nd year of medical school. The phone call came from my mother and was of no surprise. She often called to check on me to see if I needed anything; I always needed something. But this phone call was unique and I could hear in her voice concern, worry, and a touch of fear: “Your dad has been diagnosed with cancer!” Huh? Say what? The man, who helped her to raise four kids, joined the military, graduated with honors from both undergraduate school and graduate school earning a doctorate in education, and turned down an opportunity to play pro football to teach; this could not be. But it was a reality, however, and at the age of 59, my father took on the battle of the most common non-skin cancer in America: Prostate Cancer!

In 2007 it is estimated that more than 218,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 27,000 will actually die from the disease. There are approximately 2 million American men living with prostate cancer, unfortunately African American men are affected disproportionately. African American men are 56% more likely to develop prostate cancer compared to Caucasian men, and are 2.5 times as likely to die from the disease. The reasons for this disparity is unknown, but one thing we do know is that prostate cancer is the “male disease” and there is no reason why a man with risk factors or a family history of prostate cancer should not get his prostate checked. Real Men Get It Checked!

Fear of needles is a common problem encountered in physician offices, but when the idea of a digital rectal exam (DRE) is suggested to some men they break out running! The DRE combined with a simple blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test are what we doctors use to detect prostate cancer. If the PSA is elevated and/or the prostate exam is abnormal, a biopsy of the prostate is usually performed to determine if cancer is actually present. Once the diagnosis is made, the different treatment options are then discussed.

The question is who should be tested? The American Cancer Society recommends that men begin testing (DRE and PSA) annually at age 45 for high risk populations which include African American men and men with strong family history of prostate cancer. Men at even higher risk, which would include those with more than one first-degree relative affected at an early age, could begin testing at age 40.

Primary risk factors for prostate cancer include being African American, family history of the disease, and older age. As men get older, the prostate, which is a reproductive organ increases in size and may cause symptoms of an enlarged prostate called benign prostatic-hypertrophy (BPH). Signs of BPH include waking up frequently at night to urinate; sudden or strong urge to urinate; straining to urinate; a weak urinary stream; dribbling after finishing urinating; feeling like the bladder has not completely emptied; pain or burning while urinating. These can also be symptoms of prostate cancer, but in most cases, there are no symptoms at all and that’s why early detection and screening is so important.

Some studies have shown that diets higher in fat intake are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Thirty to 40 percent of the calories in American diets are made up of fat compared to Japanese diets that consist of only 15% fat. The incidence of prostate cancer and the death rates are significantly lower in Japan than those in the United States. Diets high in vegetables may lower the risk of this disease and there is also evidence that lycopene (an antioxidant found in tomatoes and tomato-based products), selenium (a trace element), and vitamin E may also reduce the risk.

Once the diagnosis if confirmed by, which is a grading scale used to determine how aggressive the cancer might be, is assigned, the different treatment options are discussed with the patient and the urologist (one who specializes in diseases of the urinary system and prostate). An in-depth discussion on treatment options is beyond the scope of this article, but there are multiple options including surgical, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and even observation (active surveillance). An intimate discussion between the patient and the surgeon must take place to decide what option would be best.

My father has done well and not only survived his bout with prostate cancer, but has remained cancer free since undergoing surgery almost 11 years ago. Since that time he has two brothers who have been diagnosed with the disease; and yes I got it checked. My daughter depends on her father and I have to do whatever necessary to prevent illness to watch her grow old. So I say to all those brothers who are too busy to see the doctor, feel as if it can not happen to them, or who are afraid of the digital rectal exam: your life and that of your family depends upon you and your decisions…REAL MEN GET IT CHECKED!

For more information on prostate cancer visit www.cancer.org

Stroke

2007-05-08T23:42:00.000-07:00

The month of May is American Stroke Month, which is the 3rd leading cause of death in America that can lead to disability and even death among its victims. African Americans are twice as likely to die from strokes than Caucasian Americans and the rate of first strokes among African Americans is almost double that of Caucasians. Although the condition is more common among men, strokes actually kill more women each year. So what’s up? What is a stroke, what are the risk factors, signs and symptoms? Why are African Americans so disproportionately affected? What are the myths about stroke and how do we combat this disease? Ready? Let’s roll!

What is a Stroke: Strokes are also known as “brain attacks,” occur when blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted. They are medically classified under the umbrella of heart disease, which is the number one killer of all Americans regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity. There are two major causes of stroke: ischemic (is-keem-ik) and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are the most common types of stroke and are caused by blockages in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. These blockages result from cholesterol deposits that narrow the arteries; a blood clot forming in an artery (thrombus); and from clots originating somewhere else and lodging in an artery (embolus). Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain weakens and burst, allowing blood to spill out into the very restricted space between the brain and the skull. In both types of stroke, the blood flow is decreased and some part of the brain is damaged. The ability to walk, talk, speak, swallow, and even breathe normally can be affected.

Risk Factors: Some stroke risk factors are preventable and others are not. The risks factors that we have control over include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or hypertension, diabetes, physical inactivity, and obesity. The risk factors that we cannot control include age, a family history of stroke, race, and gender. Being active has tremendous benefits, and if coupled with health eating and proper rest one can: control his/her weight, improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure, prevent bone loss, boost energy levels, improve stress levels and improve overall self image. The risk for stroke increases as we get older. African American men develop heart disease and develop it earlier, but women close that gap after age 55. Also remember that if a family member, especially your parents, brothers, or sisters have heart disease, you are at increased risk as well. So know your family history. Even though you cannot control that, it will help you and your doctor to make better choices about the way you live.

Warning Signs: The warning signs for a stroke include: a sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause. It is recommended that anyone experiencing these signs should see their doctor immediately.

The African American Factor: Medicine and research have not clearly delineated why African Americans are more at risk than other ethnic groups, but we do know that high blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke. One in three African Americans has high blood pressure/hypertension. Diabetes also runs rampant in the African American community and is another major risk factor for this disease. African Americans with sickle cell anemia also run a high risk for strokes. Anybody with risk factors should see a doctor on a regular basis, eat healthy, exercise, and of course take medicines as prescribed.

Dispelling Myths: There are many myths about stroke that need to be cleared up. Some believe that strokes are unpreventable. That is absolutely not true. Taking charge of your health and establishing a relationship with your doctor is one important step in stroke prevention. Also life style changes like exercising, losing weight, smoking cessation, and controlling your blood pressure and diabetes. Another popular myths about strokes is that they cannot be treated and only happen to the elderly. Wrong again! Strokes can happen to persons young and old, but if the warning signs are recognized, a stroke can be treated. There are also those that believe that once a stroke has occurred, there are only a few months of recovery. This is also not true. Stroke recovery continues throughout life and it is possible to regain bodily function when working in conjunction with your primary care doctor, specialist (such as neurologist and physiatrist) and a treatment team that include speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and social workers.

We can take control of our health! We must learn the risk factors for stroke, see our doctors on a regular basis, learn our family history, exercise, eat healthy, stop smoking, and take our medicines as prescribed to control diabetes and high blood pressure. We have the power! You have the power! Together we have the power to end stroke!

For more information on strokes visit http://www.americanheart.org/, http://www.strokeassociation.org/. (c) 2006 Rani Whitfield. This article was published May 2007 at http://www.eurweb.com/

HIV/AIDS

2007-04-22T23:39:00.000-07:00

African Americans are well represented in many areas these days. We are leaders in business and education, have ownership in both the private and public sector, dominate sports (now with head coaches and franchise owners), have lead roles in cinema, and only comprise 13% of the United States population. Even in small numbers we have found a way to make our presence known and have a positive impact on society. So how is it that we make up only 13% of the US population, yet we account for approximately half of the more than one million people estimated to be living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)? Since the “discovery” of HIV/AIDS in the early 1980’s, 40% of all deaths among people with HIV/AIDS in the US have been among African Americans. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), an intricate, sometimes difficult, but effective treatment regimen is expensive, but has expanded the lifespan of people infected with the virus. This has also created the environment for HIV transmission as some individuals still continue to participate in unsafe practices despite known infection.

Let us look at the numbers collected by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) over the last 4 years (2001-2005). This data is based on information from 33 states with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting. African American women are the fastest growing population of HIV-positive people in the US, however, African American men continue to bear the greatest burden of HIV infection. In 2005, the rate of HIV diagnosis among African American men was seven times higher than that of Caucasian men, and more than twice that of African American women. Infection rates among African American women were more than 20 times that of white women. In our young African American brothers and sister, defined by the CDC as ages 13-24, we accounted for 61% of the HIV/AIDS diagnoses. Another shocking statistic is that there are 200-300,000 people in this country who are HIV positive and have not been tested. They are unaware of their infection, and for one reason or another have yet to be tested. Barriers to testing include poverty, lack of education and awareness, denial, and the social stigma placed on individuals that are diagnosed. Once considered a gay-white man’s disease, HIV/AIDS has become the greatest crisis facing African American men, women and young people today!

Transmission of HIV has been clearly identified and the major modes of infection are by unprotected sex, sharing needles with someone who is infected, blood transfusions (very rare now), and babies born to HIV infected mom’s during birth or through breast feeding after birth. I include substance abuse as a major risk factor because when someone is under the influence, the chance for him or her to indulge in risky behaviors increases. Health care workers and sometimes the patients are at risk of transmission and thus universal precautions and safety are a must in the hospitals and physician offices. HIV cannot be spread by casual contact (i.e. hugging, casual kissing, shaking hands). Dispelling these myths will decrease some of the negative attitudes and stigmata placed on individuals who are HIV positive.

There is some good news however. Even in the storm of rising HIV disease, there is no indication that the overall rate of infections in African Americans is increasing. Mother to child transmission has been significantly reduced, and there also has been increase use of condoms among young people and a decrease in risky sexual behavior.

In my opinion, there is nothing “positive” about being HIV positive. Once this diagnosis is handed to someone, his or her entire life changes. Negative attitudes, beliefs, and actions are directed at those living with HIV/AIDS despite the mode of transmission. Consider the 1980’s when blood transfusions where a major route of transmission. Now we have the unsuspecting mother/girlfriend/lover whose partner brings the virus into what was believed to be a monogamous relationship; or the unborn child who is infected by an HIV positive mom. Men having sex with men (MSM- the undercover brother or the down low brother) is getting more attention than the other common means of infection among African American men which are IV drug abuse and having unprotected sex with a woman who is HIV positive. For women, the most common ways of getting infected include having unprotected sex with an infected male and IV drug abuse. If you are unaware of your partner’s risk factors, have a sexual transmitted disease (STD), live below the poverty level, or have been incarcerated, your risk of HIV is higher.

Max Robinson, Eric “Easy E” Wright, and Arthur Ashe are not here anymore to be celebrity leaders, advocates, and spokes persons’ against this disease. All died from the complications of AIDS, but did live long enough to speak out against HIV. Magic Johnson is carrying the torch by himself in this celebrity role, but there are other organizations and individuals stepping up and speaking out. On December 1st of 2006, World AIDS Day, author/editor Gil Robertson, IV released his book Not In My Family: AIDS in the African American Community. This collection of powerful polemics, essays, and personal stories speaks to the lack of discussion and the denial in our community when it comes to addressing HIV/AIDS. You can read the words of Rev. Calvin Butts, Hill Harper, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Patti LaBelle, Mo’Nique, Sheryl Lee Randolph, and Dr. Jocelyn Elders, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Omar Tyree just to name a few. The CDC has several programs that are addressing HIV/AIDS across the nation including programs specifically targeting incarcerated men, gay and bisexual men, emergency rooms, and labor and delivery departments. The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) spoke before congress in March of this year to address the lack of prescription coverage for the uninsured and underinsured. Individuals have died because they could not get/afford their medication. Whitney Breaux, sophomore at Louisiana State University and Miss Teen Louisiana has made over 100 hundred appearances educating teens and young adults on the ills of HIV. Phil Wilson, Executive Director of the Black AIDS Institute has an educational website that is constantly updated and addresses all realms of the disease. Phil is also a contributor to Not In My Family. I have personally seen the effects of HIV/AIDS on the south as southern states have been hit the hardest. Baton Rouge, my birth place and home suffers from the sixth highest AIDS case rate in the nation. Many HIV/AIDS residents, primarily African American, displaced by hurricane Katrina, have attempted to return to New Orleans or surrounding areas to find the necessities of housing, employment, and healthcare stable and fragmented. It was a “no brainier” when asked by Gil to contribute to his book.

More must be done to effectively address the impact of HIV/AIDS among African Americans men, women, and young people. Although prevention efforts have grown substantially over time and important progress has been made, major unmet needs remain. If this disease is killing “US”, then “US” needs to fight. ADAP, the CDC, Not In My Family, The Black AIDS Institute, and Whitney Breaux cannot fight this battle alone. It will take a nation wide effort.

© 2007 Rani Whitfield.

Strokes

2007-04-14T23:13:00.000-07:00

We are under attack!

Well, our brains are for sure, and if African Americans don’t wake up we will ultimately perish from the disease that directly attacks the brain—STROKES! The month of May is Stroke Awareness Month and with the “stroke” of my keyboard I will give you the Power to End Stroke! Strokes are the third leading cause of death among Americans and a leading cause of disability and lost days of work among adults. They are more common among men, but kill more women each year. Strokes come under the umbrella of heart disease, which is the number one killer of all Americans no matter what race, gender, or ethnicity. Heart disease, which encompasses diseases of the heart and blood vessels, claims the lives of over 96,000 African Americans each year and account for 33% of all deaths among blacks in the United States. African Americans are twice as likely to die from strokes than Caucasian Americans and the rate of first strokes in African Americans is almost double that of Caucasians. So what’s up? What is a stroke, what are the risk factors, and what are the signs and symptoms? Why are African Americans so disproportionately affected? What are the myths about stroke and how do we combat this disease? Ready? Let’s roll!

Strokes, also called “brain attacks”, occur when blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted. In other words, no flow-no go. There are two major causes of stroke: ischemic (is-keem-ik) and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are the most common types of stroke and are caused by blockages in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. These blockages result from cholesterol deposits that narrow the arteries; a blood clot forming in an artery (thrombus); and from clots originating somewhere else and lodging in an artery (embolus). Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain weakens and burst, allowing blood to spill out into the very restricted space between the brain and the skull. In both types of stroke, the blood flow is decreased and some part of the brain is damaged. The ability to walk, talk, speak, swallow, and even breathe normally can be affected.

Risk factors, which are the things that increase your chances of having a stroke, include things that we can and things we cannot control. The risks factors that we have control over are smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or hypertension, diabetes, physical inactivity, and obesity. The risk factors that we cannot control include age, a family history of heart disease/stroke, race, and gender. Being active has tremendous benefits, and if coupled with health eating and proper rest one can: control his/her weight, improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure, prevent bone loss, boost energy levels, improve stress levels and improve overall self image. The risk for stroke increases as we get older. African American men develop heart disease and develop it earlier, but women close that gap after age 55. Also remember that if a family member, especially your parents, brothers, or sisters have heart disease, you are at increased risk as well. So know your family history. Even though you cannot control that, it will help you and your physician make better choices about the way you should live.

Everyone, including family and friends, should know the warning signs of stroke. By knowing them you can significantly reduced the long-term effects of a stroke and possibly save someone’s life. The warning signs include: a sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Medicine and research have not clearly delineated why African Americans are more at risk than other ethnic groups, but we do know that high blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke. One in three African Americans has high blood pressure/hypertension. Diabetes also runs rampant in the African American community and is also a major risk factor for strokes. There is also a special population of African Americans, those with sickle cell anemia, who run a high risk of stroke. All patients with risk factors should see a doctor on a regular basis, eat healthy, exercise, and of course take there medicines as prescribed.

The myths about stroke need to be stated and cleared up now. Some believe that strokes are unpreventable. That is absolutely not true. Taking charge of your health and establishing a relationship with your doctor is one important step in stroke prevention, along with life style modifications like exercising, losing weight, smoking cessation, and controlling your blood pressure and diabetes. Some also feel that strokes cannot be treated and that they only happen to the elderly. Wrong again! Strokes can happen to the young and old, and if the warning signs are recognized, a stroke can be treated with very little disability. There are also those that believe that once a stroke has occurred, there are only a few months of recovery. This is also not true. Stroke recovery continues throughout life and it is possible to regain bodily function when working in conjunction with your primary care doctor, specialist (such as neurologist and physiatrist) and the treatment team that include speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and social workers.

We can take control of our health! We must learn the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, see our doctors on a regular basis, learn our family history, exercise, eat healthy, stop smoking, and take our medicines as prescribed to control diabetes and high blood pressure. We have the power! You have the power! Together we have the power to end stroke!

For more information on disparities in health care visit www.americanheart.org, www.strokeassociation.org

© 2007 Rani Whitfield. Published April 2007 at http://www.eurweb.com/

Disparities in healthcare

2007-03-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

Black America, we have a problem.

Despite what you might think, things are not equal, especially when it comes to health and health care. HIV/AIDS, heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, colon and rectal cancer, prostate cancer, obesity, and diabetes affect our race at much higher rates than other ethnic/racial groups. Just name a disease and African Americans are probably the most affected population. What’s more alarming is that often despite a good education and quality insurance, stereotyping and biases on behalf of the health care provider can still add up to unequal treatment and sub-par medical care. But its not just African Americans, it’s the poor and uninsured that really get the shaft.

True story : I had a patient who presented to my office with signs and symptoms of a heart disease; a heart attack waiting to happen. One year prior, he had been seen in a local emergency room (ER), diagnosed with “probable” heart disease. After being observed for 23 hours he was sent home without seeing a cardiologist and told to follow up with his primary care doctor. He did not have one. He called the ER and asked what he should do, and they told him not to come to their facility because he did not have insurance. Next he came to my office to discuss his options with me, which were basically none. After our appointment I didn’t hear from him for a while, but later found out that he decided to walk around the hospital grounds until he got sweaty and tired, so that he could walk in the ER complaining of chest pain. They would have to admit him. But what actually happened was after three laps around the hospital, my patient collapsed and was literally having a heart attack. He was the happiest man in the world. He was admitted to the hospital and saw one of the best cardiologists in the city. His blood work showed that he was anemic (low blood count) and because of his age and risk factors a colonoscopy was performed by a very talented gastroenterologist (stomach doctor). However, smiles turned to frowns when he was discharged form the hospital after it was discovered that he could not afford to pay for follow up treatments. He showed up at my office again after this episode, but I never heard from him again after that visit.

This is just one example of the extreme measures the poor and uninsured in America have to take in order to receive medical attention. Sadly, I could tell you many more. Research has shown that minorities are less likely to receive routine medical procedures and quality health care than their white counterparts. So what are some solutions: better doctor-patient relationships; increase the number of minorities among health professionals providing services to minority patients; ensure that both the public and private sector have the same types of coverage; increase patient education and empower patients to better care for themselves.

Racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare are a reality associated with poor medical outcomes and even death, which are unacceptable and should not be tolerated. We, as a community, must learn to take better care of ourselves. Education and awareness about health and health care is essential to the survival of our community.

For more information on disparities in health care visit www.nmhmf.org
(c) 2007. This article was published March 15, 2007 at http://www.eurweb.com/

Colon Cancer

2007-02-22T23:26:00.000-08:00

She said that it started with constipation, then diarrhea, and the constipation again. For at least 6 months Mrs. Johnson, the hard workingwoman she was, ignored some of the most classical signs and symptoms of the disease that would eventually take her life. By the time she saw me in the office, this 65 year old work-a-holic had lost 30 pounds, experienced abdominal pain off and on, noticed blood in her stool, and was always complaining of feeling tired. After an extensive workup and referral to a gastroenterologist (stomach doctor), Mrs. Johnson, maid and mother of 4, was diagnosed with colon cancer. Could this have been prevented? What went wrong?

Well if you did not know, colon cancer is the second most common cancer in African-American women and the third most common cancer in African-American men. Although the incidence of colorectal cancer (colon and rectal cancer) has stabilized over the past two decades, the rates are still higher in African Americans than the rest of the US population. There are a number of factors that increase the risk of developing colorectal cancers and recognition of these factors has an impact on the strategies used to screen for this disease. Age, family history, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), diet, and race must all be considered when evaluating a patient suspected of having colon cancer. Other risk factors include physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Approximately 90% of the cases of colorectal cancer occur in persons over the age of 50 and if you have a first degree relative with the disease (i.e. mother, brother, sister, dad) then your risk increases. Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, are also at an increased risk.

Diets rich in fats and red meats are associated with increased risk as compared to diets high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber as they are associated with a decreased risk. As I got to know more about Mrs. Johnson many of these factors became quite evident. She worked hard, was uninsured, and had very little knowledge of her family history or the signs and symptoms of the disease. She did remember, however, that her mom died of a “stomach” problem and that her dad died of high blood pressure and heart disease. She was obese, a smoker, and social drinker, but as she so eloquently stated, “it hasn’t been a problem for me and if I don’t work, my children don’t eat.” Her diet was poor, sporadic, and was primarily fried foods and fast foods. Mrs. Johnson died about 8 months after we met. The cancer spread throughout her body and she died a miserable death.

If detected at an early stage, colorectal cancers are curable. Screening for this disease in an individual with risk factors is of the utmost importance and should be done at least once by age 45 or as directed by your doctor. This can be done by testing your stool for blood and/or examining the colon for polyps or other growths in the colon. The colon can actually be visualized in many ways (sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, cat scan or virtual colonoscopy, x-ray with contrast) and early diagnosis and treatment can be administered and save the life of someone like Mrs. Johnson. (c) 2007. This article was published at www.eurweb.com