DOC & DEE PERFORM TO HELP REBUILD HARLEM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Harlem Business owners and Friends of Harlem Unite for an Evening of Inspiration A Benefit for the Theater of the Oppressed Baton Rouge, LA May 6, 2010 The Power of One is a bold, economic action plan spearheaded by Harlem business owners who have come together to promote and support each other and Harlem. On Sunday May 16, 2010 from 6-8pm The Ministry of Education at the historical Riverside Church in New York City will host Small Steps, Great Leaps- an Evening of Inspiration in the Theater of the Oppressed. Some very special guest will be in attendance to make the evening special including Tamara Tunie of Law & Order, Sanford Rubenstein, ESQ , civil rights attorney, Terrence J of BET’s 106 and Park, Dr. Rani “Tha Hip Hop Doc” Whitfield, George Francois, concert pianist, Reggie Brown, President Obama impressionist and 3 Mo’ Divas. Louisiana’s “healthiest rap group” made up of Tha Hip Hop Doc and Dee-1 will perform The Power of One rap song at this event. Tickets, which range in price from $15-35, can be purchased online at www.ticketannex.com or at the Riverside Box office. In 2009, the organization kicked-off a major challenge and is inviting all to join the Power of One Movement. You can join the movement by purchasing the Power of One card for $1.00, become a community investor and receive discounts, VIP access, and other perks from the pioneering businesses when you spend and play in Harlem. The organization created a challenge, which is to raise $1,000,000 over the next six months, selling one Power of One card at a time “The Power of One is Harlem’s own bailout plan and it will encourage people to think about where their money is going, and commit to spending a portion of it locally,” the organization said in a news release. “In the last year, 40 percent of local Harlem businesses have closed. When you spend your money at a store not local to the community, that money leaves the neighborhood, but when you spend it with a local business, the money is reinvested into your community…” For tickets to the event Small Steps, Great Leaps: An Evening of Inspiration go to www.ticketannex.com or call 866-388-4TIX. Tickets will also be available at the Riverside Box Office.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tha Hip Hop Doc and Dee-1 release the South’s most anticipated hip-hop album of 2010 Louisiana based rap group teams with talented producer/engineer, Dominic “Tic Toc” Bazile on second album Baton Rouge, LA May 6, 2010 Dr. Rani “Tha Hip Hop Doc” Whitfield, aka H2D and Dee-1 are at it again! Their new full length album, My Life is in Your Hands is scheduled to be released in June of 2010 during Black Music Month. Without question this is their best work ever and is the most highly anticipated hip-hop album of its style to be released this year. The album was entirely recorded at Elizab Studio in Baton Rouge by the acclaimed producer/writer/engineer Dominic “Tic Toc” Bazile who’s most notable work is with Ludacris and his first hit single “Get Back”. The rappers/educators experienced much success on the first album- Tha Hip Hop Doc Presents: State of Emergency, but they were itching to get back in the studio and create something even better. And better it is! Their efforts have traveling all over the country to speak and rap to students about how to live happier and healthier lives. As a result, H2D and Dee-1 look to have a very busy summer. They will start their tour in Harlem on May 16th performing the single “The Power of One” at the historical Riverside Church. This song highlights the campaign by the same title that will help to rebuild the city of Harlem. The duo has revolutionized hip-hop by using music to deliver messages about healthy living and good decision making among teens and young adults. As with any hip-hop group they do so by using the art of storytelling on some tracks while others show the lyrical creativity and different styles of both artists. The title track, My Life is in Your Hands addresses drinking and driving from the view of the passenger who is not under the influence of alcohol. He makes the bad decision and decides to ride despite knowing his friend is drunk. The Weight is Over addresses the obesity epidemic that our country currently faces. Featuring Kennedi Rayne, both Dee and H2D use word play to influence us all to make healthier choices and to think before we eat. The most popular song on the CD thus far, however, is I Think I’m in Love. “The images of women in hip-hop videos don’t reflect the majority of women in our society,” said Whitfield. “Dee and I wanted to write a song that shows how we feel about our mothers, grandmothers, my daughter, and all other beautiful women in the world. Misogyny and degradation of women in hip-hop is not the answer.” This song features up and coming Justin Garner who brings much added flavor to the hook of the song. Other featured artists on the project include Geno and Ian Von formerly of the hit R&B group US-3 and poets Latasha Weatherspoon and Chancelier “Xero” Skidmore. This is a well put together CD and as Dee-1 says, “it’s kid tested and parent approved.” There is no cursing and no disrespect of any artist or female on any track. The CD will be available soon in stores, iTunes, and CD baby upon its release in June. Check this one out! It could save your life! For more information or to book Tha Hip Hop Doc and Dee-1 go to www.h2dwi.com or contact the publicist for Dr. Whitfield at 310-927-3378.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The library event is hot on the heels of the release of Dr. Whitfield’s new book so he decided to celebrate with a preorder incentive. All books purchased before the end of January will be signed by Tha Hip Hop Doc himself. All books are expected to ship by the middle of February at the latest. You can purchase the new book as well as the rest of the product line at http://www.webgallerydisplay.com/h2doc/hip_hop_shop/.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jim Weiss
(DALLAS, Texas), (Jan. 14, 2010) — The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, has joined with the Gospel Music Channel to educate people about stroke through an online singing competition. -more- Other prizes for the winning choirs include:
When people register to vote or compete in the competition, they receive monthly e-newsletters from the American Stroke Association’s Power To End Stroke campaign and other information to help them to reduce their risk of stroke. # # # About the Gospel Music Channel The Gospel Music Channel (http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com) can be seen in 46 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
(Date, Baton Rouge LA) Dr. Rani Whitfield M.D., AKA "Tha Hip Hop Doc", announced today the launch of his information campaign on the dangers of drinking and driving entitled "My Life is in Your Hands." Funded by a grant from the Louisiana Highway Safety commission, Dr. Whitfield will be doing a statewide eighteen high school speaking tour as well as creation and distribution of a comic book, web site (www.h2dwi.com), song and spoken word poem on the subject. Each school will receive 50 copies of each item in a protective folder so they can be used repeatedly. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is one of the major causes of death in young people in this country. Dr. Whitfield says that he wants to engage students and make them think about the importance of health. This launch comes on the heels of Dr. Whitfield recently receiving the American Academy of Family Practice Public Health Award and the Legacy Award given by the American Heart Association for his community efforts and volunteerism. "Kids today have more distractions and burdens then ever and one more lecture doesn't mean a thing to them. They aren't dumb and they hate to be talked down to," says Whitfield. "It's my passion to help parents and teachers find alternative ways to educate young people." The comic book, written by Whitfield and drawn by artist Greg Nichols, tells the story of two friends, one making a decision to drive under the influence of alcohol putting the other in serious danger. "This campaign is a way for us to speak in their language and remind them about the dangers of driving under the influence. Through sequential art, music and poetry we open a door and remind them to be vigilant in protecting their lives and those around them," explained Whitfield. Even though the grant was written for the state of Louisiana, Dr. Whitfield is ready to take his show on the road as he speaks nationally and to all age groups on various topics. To learn more about the Hip Hop Doc go to www.h2doc.com or to learn more about the heroes in his comics check out the links below. Join E-Mail List Browse Hip Hip Shop About the Hip Hop Doc: Rani G. Whitfield, M.D., a board certified family physician with a Certificate of Added Qualification in sports medicine, has become known as "Tha Hip Hop Doc" or "H2D" to many of the young adults in his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he practices medicine. Dr. Whitfield is an impassioned advocate for increasing the awareness of health-related issues, including HIV/AIDS, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and substance abuse. By combining hip-hop culture and health messages, Dr. Whitfield empowers individuals to change unhealthy lifestyles. He is creating a solution to the health and social challenges young urban communities face by offering a forum and a voice for our youth to discover alternative solutions. This highly sought after lecturer delivers dynamic presentations on preventative medicine, teen pregnancy, physical fitness, drugs of sexual assault, HIV/AIDS, disparities in health care, and diabetes.
Back to Top FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 5, 2009
Deep South Residents to Receive Health Care from Large-Scale New Orleans Free Clinic New Orleans, LA – November, 2009- The National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC) will be hosting a large one-day free clinic at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center on Saturday, November 14, 2009. The C.A.R.E. Clinic (Communities Are Responding Everyday) will duplicate the free one-day health care clinic sponsored by Dr. Oz, in Houston, Texas earlier this year that served almost 2000 patients. Anyone who is uninsured in and around the New Orleans area that needs medical care should call 877-233-5159 to register for an appointment. "Walk-ins will be seen on a first-come-first-served basis," says Nicole Lamoureux, Executive Director for NAFC. "Due to the expected large turnout, and to ensure an organized clinic, registering is very important." The free clinic will provide care for all types of medical issue. It should be noted too, that this event may be the focus of television broadcasts. Currently in the United States, more than 1,200 free clinics provide health care for the uninsured. Remarkably, this care is provided to people free of charge and the majority of free clinics use no federal or state funding. Four million people received health care from a free clinic in 2008 with the help of dedicated volunteer doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, support staffs and community support. In the U.S., more than six million volunteers support the efforts of the free clinics across the country. "People without insurance are up to four times less likely to have a regular source of health care and are more likely to die from health-related problems," Jeanette Alcon, Executive Director of Louisiana Association of Free Clinics said. "Since the 1960s, free clinics have been serving America's working poor, and over the last year our patient base has grown to include white- and blue-collar workers who have lost their jobs along with their health insurance," Nicole Lamoureux said. "Free clinics truly are America's best-kept health care secret." All types of volunteers are needed to help with this one-day event. We invite all medical volunteers, including MDs, DOs, DPMs, NPs, PAs, RNs, LVNs, EMTs and MAs to participate in this life altering event. Non-medical volunteers are also needed to help with documentation, logistical support and patient intake and to assist patients with scheduling follow-up appointments at their local charitable clinics. To volunteer, register online at www.regonline.com/neworleanscare. Both individuals and teams can sign up. About National Association of Free Clinics The National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the more than 1,200 free clinics and the people they serve in the United States. Back to Top FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2009 Recent media coverage has drawn correlations between soaring health care costs and chronic conditions caused or complicated by obesity. The need for aggressive community education is at an all-time high and prevention and treatment options will be highlighted during the Capital Community Health Fair to be held in conjunction with the Baton Rouge Walk from Obesity. The health fair will be held Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Louisiana State Museum on N. 4th Street near the front entrance of the Louisiana Capitol Building. The event will feature health screenings, wellness information and live music from U4ria featuring Tha Hip Hop Doc Rani Whitfield and rapper Dee-1. The Louisiana State Museum will be open during the event and there will be no museum admission. Exhibitors and presenters will offer diverse strategies in the battle to reach and maintain healthy weight including bariatric surgery, medical weight loss programs, health food, vitamins and supplements, nutrition and diabetes education and physical fitness. Several Baton Rouge-area doctors, nurses and health professionals will run and walk with patients who have conquered obesity and those who are still in their quest to obtain a healthy weight. Prevention is key in the battle against obesity and reaching children and teen-agers with healthy messages is another focus of the Walk from Obesity and health fair. Children under 12 register for free and the first 100 youth under 17 who register for the Walk from Obesity will receive a free "Legion of Health" comic book and a Hip Hop Doc "State of Emergency" music CD. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease affecting more than 34 percent of American adults and 17 percent of American children (an increase of 75 percent throughout the last 20 years). Every day hundreds of people in the United States will die from obesity and its related health conditions. Obesity is a complex, multi-faceted disease that has been misunderstood by medical professionals, governmental agencies and the general public. The Walk from Obesity is a nationwide event designed to raise awareness of obesity, morbid obesity and childhood obesity. Funds raised from the event support the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS) Foundation and its research and professional education initiatives and also support the patient and general public educational and advocacy programs of the Obesity Action Coalition. The Baton Rouge host for the Walk from Obesity is the Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge, a practice offering both general and bariatric surgery innovations. Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center is the presenting sponsor of the Capital Community Health Fair. Hospital and community education staff will offer health screenings and wellness and nutrition information. For more information or to secure a vendor spot in the health fair, please contact Frances Spencer at 769-5656, ext. 324 or email frances@sgbr.com. To register for the Walk from Obesity or to organize a walk team, visit The Baton Rouge Walk from Obesity page or go to www.walkfromobesity.com and choose "Join a Walk." Back to Top Multi-platinum, multi-Grammy Award-winning Gospel artist helping to raise stroke awareness (Baton Rouge, LA, August 6, 2009)— Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability among African Americans. They have almost twice the risk of first-ever strokes as compared to Whites and African Americans ages 35-54 years-old have four times the relative risk of stroke. To increase awareness and educate the African American community about their risk, Grammy award-winning Gospel artist Kirk Franklin has teamed up with The American Heart Association's Power to End Stroke Movement. Sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb and Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, the Power to End Stroke movement is helping to put on the "Fight of Our Life Health Tour." The theme is taken from Franklin's 2007 album The Fight of My Life and uses the hit single "Declaration" as the underlying message of the campaign. The "Fight of Our Life Health Tour" is a seven-city concert that kicked off in June in Houston, TX. Thousands of concert-goers will hear an empowering message through the music and Franklin will personally ask them to take the "pledge" where they make a declaration to take control of their health, reduce their risk for stroke and learn the warning signs of stroke. The concert will continue in the following cities: San Antonio, Arlington and Austin, TX; Tulsa and Oklahoma City, OK; and Little Rock, AR. In each city, Franklin is looking for local Gospel artists (soloists, choirs, praise dancers, musicians, spoken-word) who want to audition for an opportunity to be his opening act. "Partnering with Kirk Franklin will help bolster awareness. He is a talented person who has an amazing way of connecting with people and he embodies the lifestyle of healthy eating and fitness," he added. For more information and tour dates, go to www.fightofourlife.blogspot.com Back to Top Tha Hip Hop Doc Says to ask your doctor about Back-to-School Immunizations!August is National Immunization Awareness Month Immunizations—or vaccines, safely and effectively use a small amount of a diluted virus or bacterium to prevent infection by that very virus or bacterium. Why Childhood Immunizations? Which Immunizations Does My Child Need?
Teenagers may also need the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and the meningococcal vaccine. Adolescent girls need the recommended HPV vaccine series. The annual flu vaccine is also available for children and teens and is now recommended for all children ages 6 to 18. This new guidelines were announced in June of 2009 months after the swine flu outbreak. The complete updated schedule of immunizations for children from birth to age 18 can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/parents.htm) Do We Have to Immunize Against Rare Diseases? How Can I Comfort My Child During/After the Immunization? Are There Side Effects from Childhood Immunizations? How Effective Are Vaccines? What's the Point of the Childhood Immunization Schedule? Isn't the Preservative Thimerosal, Used in Immunizations, Risky? What Is the Link Between Autism and Immunizations I've Heard About? Local Immunizations- Baton Rouge Contact your pediatrician's office CDC web site for questions East Baton Rouge Health Unit Currently have all immunizations for infants to adults up to 18 Ages 18 and older MMR, HBV, Td/Dtap/adult Hepatitis Shortage of the Menactra (Meningitis Vaccine and Varivax- Varicella Vaccine) Back to Top
Tune-in to the Tom Joyner Morning Show on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 5:45 AM, (CST) to hear Dr. Rani Whitfield, Power To End Stroke National spokesperson, talk about the American Stroke Association’s Power To End Stroke campaign, the importance of knowing the stroke warning signs and risk factors and working with your doctor to reduce your risk. Also, you may hear the interview live at www.Blackamericaweb.com. For information contact Toiya Honore at Toiya.honore@heart.org or (214) 706-1456.
'Hip Hop Doc' nominated for 2008 Angel Award
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Fifteen residents from Baton Rouge are among the 50 Louisianans nominated for the 2008 Angel Award sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. This year, Dr. Rani Whitfield has been nominated for the award due to his unique way of teaching health using hip hop. Because of his tremendous efforts to help youth stay informed on important health issues through unique presentations and using hip-hop music often as a tool. Whitfield has been nominated to receive this award along with a $20,000 grant to help in his quest to keep others informed. Eight Louisianas will be chosen as Angels from among the nominations and will receive the grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana
NAACP to recognize Whitfield, others
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Local physician Rani G. Whitfield will be honored at the Baton Rouge NAACP Annual Freedom Fund Banquet Friday, August 22. He joins Herman Brister, chief academic officer of East Baton Rouge Parish School System, and the Reverend Leo Cyrus of New Hope and Second baptist churches in receiving this year’s 2008 NAACP Community Service Award.
Bayou to Beijing a gift basket for trip to China Olympics
Dr. Whitfield practices family and sports medicine who has taken his medical knowledge into schools, churches, libraries, homes, and even concert halls across the nation. Affectionately called Tha’ Hip Hop Doc or H2D, Whitfield uses hip-hop music in teach health consciousness to young adults and teens. As a result, H2D has created The Legion on Health comic series (www.thelegionofhealth.com) and a State of Emergency hip-hop and spoken word CD to aid in delivering his health messages. The Award recognizes Dr. Whitfield’s dedication to the community which is most visible in the many programs and projects in which he is involved. Whitfield has jammed-packed his schedule with free sports physicals for more than 400 high school athletes throughout Baton Rouge and with participating in youth events and health fairs nationwide in order to teach healthy lifestyles. Dr. Whitfield was a part of the team behind Bayou to Beijing: Send Off ‘08, a reception to honor the Louisiana Olympic delegation. He joined the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and family and sports medicine physician Dr. Kim Edward LeBlanc to salute the courage and commitment of our local and state Olympic representatives who are also role models in the state’s health and fitness mission of youth and adults. The Freedom Fund Banquet will be held at the Lyceum Dean Ballroom, Third Street, in Baton Rouge, at 7p.m. Funds from the banquet will go to support various community services, including anti-violence campaigns, after-school tutoring, training and education to various groups with special needs, voter registration and various other community activities. Tickets for this event can be purchased at the cost of $50.00 and tables can also be purchased for $500. For more information, call (225) 214-7804. Back to Top
Every four years, the Olympics focus on bringing back the "Gold," honor, dignity or endorsements. On a rainy, but emotional July day, we focused on what the athletes take with them and not just on what they bring back. Bayou to Beijing: Send-off '08 was a gift basket carefully wrapped by the people of Louisiana to send love, appreciation and support to all athletes competing in Beijing with ties to the Bayou State.
 The July 31 reception honored the more than 20 athletes who are natives or who have lived or attended school in Louisiana.The Old State Capitol of Louisiana was a fitting backdrop for the moment. Not just because it is rich in architecture and artwork, but because it is a part of Louisiana that has stood the test of time and was fought over and even burned down and rose from the ashes to represent an even stronger Louisiana. Rising from the ashes of obstacles were Olympic heroes like St. Francisville native Miguel Pate who suffered through a near career-ending knee injury to qualify in the long jump and John Dane III who, at 58, is one of the oldest Olympians and uses his sailing popularity to raise awareness of melanoma. Lolo Jones spoke eloquently about her hard work and commitment to the sport of track and field and how proud she was to be an Olympian representing not only her hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, but also Louisiana and the nation. In their absence, words of appreciation were sent via email and phone interviews by WNBA superstar Sylvia Fowles and USA national power lifting champion Kendrick Farris. Family members like Pamela Johnson proudly stood to represent athletes like her husband Brian who have already departed on their journey Beijing. Brian Johnson, a former Southern University stand-out is the top U.S. long jumper competing in Beijing. He and Hammond, LA resident Erica Bartolina were subjects of a short video presentation shown during the reception. Through familiar surroundings and the humble nature of the athletes, one could easily see that they were just like us – hard-working dreamers determined to do our state and nation proud. The team behind Bayou to Beijing was as diverse as the athletes they honored. The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and family and sports medicine physicians Dr. Rani Whitfield and Dr. Kim Edward LeBlanc joined to salute the courage and commitment of our local and state Olympic representatives who are also role models in the state's health and fitness mission of youth and adults. "The Olympics are the pinnacle of an athlete's career," said Dr. Whitfield. "Everyone who takes part in swimming, track and field, boxing or whatever, aims to go to the Olympic Games." "These young people and coaches are not only representing our state, but our country and I am proud to have been able to meet some of them – their friends, their families," said Whitfield. These athletes are competing for the ultimate symbol of excellence in sports – the gold medal – and I am truly blessed to have been a part of this experience." The night was deliberate down to the cuisine. Executive Chief Edward Rhinehart, a culinary genius with specialties in raw vegan and health-conscious dining, presented "Tastes of the World Olympic Fair." He took his guests on an epicurean tour of countries including Australia, Italy and Japan in an effort to capture the diverse favor of the Olympics. Even the hand-carved edible centerpieces were symbolic of the spirit and tone of the Olympiad. Chef Rhinehart is a former instructor with the Culinary Arts Institute of Louisiana and owner of Chef Ed's in Destrehan, LA. In other coverage: The August 1 Advocate front page was graced by the beautiful and mega talented Lolo Jones, the favorite to take the gold in the 100 Meter Hurdles. The photo with Dr. Rani Whitfield was used the highlight an article on the cover the Sports Section about the Bayou to Beijing reception. See State gives athletes Olympic send-off on 2theadvocate.com. See pictures from the event>> - Back to Top |
