Tha Hip Hop Doc

Resolve Now to Make to Make Wellness a Goal for a New Year and Beyond

2010-12-31T13:53:00.000-08:00

Knowing the Facts Can Bring in a Healthy New Year and a Healthier GenerationThe New Year is almost upon us and we continue into a succession of holidays where food is the centerpiece of the gatherings we have with our families. Yet, before you sit down to the dinner table with thoughts of second and third servings of your favorite macaroni and cheese, now is the time to take a moment to

World AIDS Day

2010-11-30T11:12:00.000-08:00

Maybe if its ominous presence didn’t live in my own back yard infecting my neighbors, I would be oblivious to its existence. And maybe, just maybe, since no one in my family has been recently diagnosed with this disease, it would just go away and I’ll be asked to only write articles around World AIDS Day each year as if it were just a distant memory. Maybe not! The rates of HIV/AIDS in Louisiana,

Free Health Clinic Provides Much Needed Care

2010-08-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

The Washington Convention Center in downtown DC was turned into a massive doctor's office providing care for the uninsured.Watch Video:

From Boys to Men: Talks to Have with Young Brothers

2010-08-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

Date: Monday, August 02, 2010, 5:41 am By: Rani G. Whitfield, M.D., Special to BlackAmericaWeb.comMonday mornings are rough for me. No matter how relaxing the weekend was, I’m up very early, and after hospital rounds, I head to the parish prison to provide health care to inmates. East Baton Rouge Parish Prison houses 1,500 men and women. Unfortunately, approximately 90 percent of the male

Hartford Teens Participate in Second Annual SADD Conference

2010-05-04T02:08:00.000-07:00

"I tell 'em life ain't forever, but they say--""Whatever!""I tell 'em put down the drugs, but they say--""Whatever!""I tell 'em get an education, but they say--""Whatever! W-W-Whatever, W-W-Whatever!" echoed through Hartford's Lyceum during Connecticut's second annual Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) youth leadership conference, on Monday.Dr. Rani Whitfield "Tha Hip Hop Doc" or "H2D"

Articles, Books, Documentaries Recommended by Tha Hip Hop Doc

2010-04-20T08:42:00.001-07:00

School Lunch/Junk Food/Snackshttp://www.aolhealth.com/2010/03/11/undercover-school-lunch/http://www.everydayhealth.com/publicsite/news/view.aspx?id=637430&xid=nl_EverydayHealthDigestiveHealth_20100401http://www.good.is/post/meatless-mondayshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/ellen-kanner/meatless-monday-great-ame_b_496508.html?ref=email_sharehttp://www.meatlessmonday.com/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/

Deadly Practice of Doctor Shopping Goes Mainstream

2010-04-20T02:15:00.000-07:00

The practice of going from doctor to doctor to fraudulently obtain prescription drugs is not just a habit of the rich and famous. Most recently, the alarming practice was thrust into the spotlight when former child star Corey Haim was reportedly found to have as many as "553 prescriptions for dangerous drugs in the last year of his life," and it was the result of doctor shopping," according to

Hip Hop Doc takes health messages to young people

2010-04-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

The Hip Hop Doc has a message for young people."Know your doctor.""Know your numbers.""Know your family history.""Eat healthy.""Exercise."That's not a rap lyric, although Rani G. Whitfield - a.k.a. "The Hip Hop Doc" - is an old-school rap fan who uses contemporary music to connect with young African-Americans and other minorities who need to hear his message.In just a few years, Whitfield - who

theGrio Q & A with RZA: Wu-Tang co-founder wears many hats

2010-04-02T07:22:00.000-07:00

Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, also known as RZA or Bobby Digital, is not just another rapper. The actor, director, author, screenwriter, Grammy winning music producer, chess player, martial artist and co-founder of the Wu-Tang Clan wears many hats. He recently took time out of his busy schedule to speak with me about his new movie, new book, and his health. The interview that I did with him had to be

Colo-rectal Cancer Doesn't Discriminate

2010-04-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated actor and musician Terrence Howard is one of many who should be commended. Not only because of his talents on the big screen, but because of his efforts to raise awareness about the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women in the United States- colorectal cancer (CRC).Howard lost his mother to this dreaded disease in September of

Guru, Heart Disease and Hip-Hop: We Are Not Immune

2010-03-08T09:41:00.001-08:00

Heart disease touches all types of people with unforgiving and deadly fingers. Nothing saves you from its touch – not money, fame or power. This is even more apparent after the untimely heart attack suffered by Gang Starr’s Guru on March 1, 2010. Although it has recently been reported that he has come out of his coma, survived surgery, and issued a short statement, the fact that a young man of

Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

2009-12-07T03:17:00.000-08:00

The holidays are here and what a wonderful time to celebrate and reconnect with family and friends. Many of the festivities we attend this time of year include an abundance of food and drinks. Here are a few tips to keep you healthy and happy throughout the holiday season.1. Never show up to the party hungry. If you are already famished, your decision to eat poorly or over eat is highly

A Visit to Philander Smith College

2009-11-05T03:16:00.000-08:00

Friday August 28, 2009 was a busy but exciting day for me. I had to stay up late the night before to wash and pack so I was pretty tired when the alarm went off at 3:00 a.m. The drive to Plaquemine, LA from my home is about 30 minutes and I had to be at the prison where I provide health care to inmates by no later than 6:15 a.m. I had only 4 patients to see so if I timed it right I would

Preserving Our Living Black History Through Health Care Crusade

2009-07-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

(Baton Rouge) -Get On Board Baton Rouge! Baton Rouge is the kick off city to a 40 city Healthcare Tour. Inviting all senior citizens family and friends out on Saturday July 18, 2009 starting at 9:00 a.m. Free admissions @ the Southern University Mini Dome. National Gospel Recording artist LaShun Pace will be in concert, joining her will be our very own “Tha Hip Hop Doc”, Dr. Rani Whitfield,

Interview with Dr. Benjamin Carson

2009-02-05T21:13:00.000-08:00

Dr. Benjamin Carson is my personal hero of modern medicine. I was down on my luck and struggling during the first semester of medical school. I read the book Gifted Hands written by Dr. Carson and only then did I realize that what my parents had said all along was true: you can do anything if you believe in yourself and put God first. Dr. Carson was raised in Detroit with his brother by a

Video Premier and Awards Program At Lowery Intermediate School

2009-02-05T03:40:00.000-08:00

Tha Hip Hop Doc and Dee-1 perform surgery on January 31, 2008 in Donaldsonville, LA. The question they often get is how, why... How do a doctor and a rapper mix? Well, when u have a board certified doctor who loves his community and that can REALLY SPIT (that means rap) and a rapper who's on a mission 2 change lives, u get Tha Hip Hop Doc and Dee-1, a vicious tag team that's grindin' non-stop 2

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.

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

Winning AHA's Meritorious Achievement Award

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

Meritorious Achievement award goes to local doctorThe 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

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

2008-06-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

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

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,

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

Diabetes: Lil Boosie Speaks Out and Gives Back

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

Diabetes: Lil Boosie Speaks Out and Gives Back

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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

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

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