Hypertension: Safe Exercise Tips
Lowering high blood pressure can be a benefit of regular exercise. A sedentary (inactive) lifestyle is one of the top risk factors for heart disease. Fortunately, it's a risk factor that you can do something about. It can also:
Strengthen your heart and cardiovascular system.
Improve your circulation and help your body use oxygen better.
Improve heart failure symptoms.
Increase energy levels so you can do more activities without becoming tired or short of breath.
Increase endurance.
Improve muscle tone and strength.
Improve balance and joint flexibility.
Strengthen bones.
Help reduce body fat and help you reach a healthy weight.
Help reduce stress, tension, anxiety and depression.
Boost self-image and self-esteem.
Improve sleep.
Make you feel more relaxed and rested.
Make you look fit and feel healthy.
How Do I Get Started?
Always check with your doctor first before starting an exercise program. Your doctor can help you find a program that matches your level of fitness and physical condition. Here are some questions to ask:
How much exercise can I do each day?
How often can I exercise each week?
What type of exercise should I do?
What type of activities should I avoid?
Should I take my medication(s) at a certain time around my exercise schedule?
Do I have to take my pulse while exercising?
What Type of Exercise Is Best?
Exercise can be divided into three basic types:
Stretching or the slow lengthening of the muscles. Stretching the arms and legs before and after exercising helps prepare the muscles for activity and helps prevent injury and muscle strain. Regular stretching also increases your range of motion and flexibility.
Cardiovascular or aerobic exercise is steady physical activity using large muscle groups. This type of exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and improves the body's ability to use oxygen. Aerobic exercise has the most benefits for your heart. Over time, aerobic exercise can help decrease your heart rate and blood pressure and improve your breathing.
Strengthening exercises are repeated muscle contractions (tightening) until the muscle becomes tired.
What Are Examples of Aerobic Exercises?
Aerobic exercises include: walking, jogging, jumping rope, bicycling (stationary or outdoor), cross-country skiing, skating, rowing, high or low-impact aerobics, swimming and water aerobics.
How Often Should I Exercise?
In general, to achieve maximum benefits, you should gradually work up to an aerobic session lasting 20 to 30 minutes, at least three to four times a week. Exercising at least every other day will help you keep a regular aerobic exercise schedule.
What Should I Include in My Program?
Every exercise session should include a warm-up, conditioning phase and a cool-down.
Warm-up. This helps your body adjust slowly from rest to exercise. A warm-up reduces the stress on your heart and muscles, slowly increases your breathing, circulation (heart rate) and body temperature. It also helps improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness. The best warm-up includes stretching, range of motion activities and the beginning of the activity at a low intensity level.
Conditioning. This follows the warm-up. During the conditioning phase, the benefits of exercise are gained and calories are burned. Be sure to monitor the intensity of the activity (check your heart rate). Don't over do it.
Cool-down. This is the last phase of your exercise session. It allows your body to gradually recover from the conditioning phase. Your heart rate and blood pressure will return to near resting values. Cool-down does not mean to sit down! In fact, do not sit, stand still or lie down right after exercise. This may cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded or have heart palpitations (fluttering in your chest). The best cool-down is to slowly decrease the intensity of your activity. You may also do some of the same stretching activities you did in the warm-up phase.
How Can I Stick With It?
Have fun! Choose an activity that you enjoy. You'll be more likely to stick with an exercise program if you enjoy the activity. Here are some questions you can think about before choosing a routine:
What physical activities do I enjoy?
Do I prefer group or individual activities?
What programs best fit my schedule?
Do I have physical conditions that limit my choice of exercise?
What goals do I have in mind? (For example, losing weight, strengthening muscles or improving flexibility)
Schedule exercise into your daily routine. Plan to exercise at the same time every day (such as in the mornings when you have more energy). Add a variety of exercises so that you do not get bored. If you exercise regularly, it will soon become part of your lifestyle.
Find an exercise "buddy." This will help you stay motivated.
Also, exercise does not have to put a strain on your wallet. Avoid buying expensive equipment or health club memberships unless you are certain you will use them regularly.
Exercise Precautions for People With Heart Disease
Discuss your exercise plans with your doctor.
Review your exercise routine with your doctor regularly. This is particularly important if changes have been made in your medications. Ask your doctor about how any medication changes may affect you and your body's response to exercise before continuing your regular exercise program. New medications can greatly affect your response to activity.
If you are too tired and are not sure if it is related to overexertion, ask yourself, "What did I do yesterday?" Try to change your activities by starting out at a lower level today (but do not exercise if you are feeling very overtired). Pace yourself and balance your activities with rest.
Avoid heavy lifting, pushing heavy objects and chores such as raking, shoveling, mowing and scrubbing. Chores around the house may sometimes be tiring, so ask for help.
Ask your doctor what aerobic and strengthening exercises are appropriate for you and which exercises you should avoid.
Avoid even short periods of bed rest after exercise since it reduces exercise tolerance. If you become overly fatigued or short of breath with exercise, take a rest period in a comfortable chair.
Avoid exercising outdoors when it is too cold, hot or humid. High humidity may cause you to become fatigued more quickly and extreme temperatures can interfere with your circulation and make breathing difficult. Instead, try indoor activities such as mall walking.
Avoid extremely hot and cold showers or sauna baths after exercise.
Do not go up steep hills during your activity, whenever possible. If you must walk on a hilly area, slow your walking pace when going uphill to avoid working too hard. Watch your heart rate closely and change the activity as needed.
Reduce your activity level if your exercise program has been interrupted for a few days (for example, due to illness, vacation or bad weather). Then, gradually increase to your regular activity level as tolerated.
Do not exercise if you are not feeling well, or have a fever. Wait a few days after all symptoms disappear before starting your exercise program, unless your doctor gives you other directions.
If you are short of breath during any activity or have increased fatigue, slow down your activity level or rest. If you continue to have shortness of breath, call your doctor. Your doctor may make changes in your medications, diet, or fluid restrictions.
If you develop a rapid or irregular heartbeat or have heart palpitations, rest. Check your pulse after you rest for a few minutes -- if your pulse is still irregular or above 100 beats per minute, call your doctor for further instructions.
Do not ignore pain. If you have chest pain or pain anywhere else in your body, do not continue the activity. If you perform an activity while you are in pain, you may be doing more harm than good. Ask your doctor or physical therapist for specific guidelines. Learn to "read" your body and know when you need to stop an activity.
Warning
Stop exercising and rest if you have any of the following symptoms:
Chest pain
Weakness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Unexplained weight gain or swelling
Pressure or pain in your chest, neck, arm, jaw or shoulder or any other symptoms that cause concern.
Call your doctor or seek emergency treatment immediately
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Watching what you eat...
Hypertension: The DASH Diet
One step to lower high blood pressure -- incorporate the DASH diet into your lifestyle. Doctors recommend:
Eating more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods
Cutting back on foods that are high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat
Eating more whole grain products, fish, poultry, and nuts
Eating less red meat and sweets
Eating foods that are rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium
The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is an example of such an eating plan. In studies, patients who were on the DASH diet reduced their blood pressure within two weeks. Another diet -- DASH-Sodium -- calls for reducing sodium (salt) to 1,500 mg a day (about 2/3 teaspoon). Studies of patients on the DASH-Sodium plan significantly lowered their blood pressure.
Implementing the DASH Diet
The DASH diet calls for a certain number of servings daily from various food groups. The number of servings you require may vary, depending on your caloric need. When beginning the diet, start slowly and make gradual changes. Consider adopting a diet plan that allows 2,400 milligrams of salt per day (about 1 teaspoon) and then once your body has adjusted to the diet further lower your salt intake to 1,500 mg per day (about 2/3 teaspoon). These amounts include all salt consumed, including that in food products, used in cooking, and added at the table.
Here are some tips to get you started:
Add a serving of vegetables at lunch and at dinner.
Add a serving of fruit to your meals or as a snack. Canned and dried fruits are easy to use.
Use only half the butter, margarine, or salad dressing, and use low-fat or fat-free condiments.
Drink low-fat or skim dairy products three times a day.
Limit meat to six ounces a day. Try eating some vegetarian meals.
Add more vegetables, rice, pasta, and dry beans to your diet.
Instead of typical snacks (chips, etc.), eat unsalted pretzels or nuts, raisins, graham crackers, low-fat and fat-free yogurt and frozen yogurt; unsalted plain popcorn with no butter, and raw vegetables.
Read food labels carefully to choose products that are lower in sodium.
Staying on the DASH Diet
The following is a list of food groups and suggested serving amounts for the DASH diet:
Grains: 7-8 daily servings
Vegetables: 4-5 daily servings
Fruits: 4-5 daily servings
Low-fat or fat-free dairy products: 2-3 daily servings
Meat, poultry and fish: 2 or less daily servings
Nuts, seeds, and dry beans: 4-5 servings per week
Fats and oils: 2-3 daily servings
Sweets: try to limit to less than 5 servings per week
How Much Is a Serving?
When you're trying to follow a healthy eating plan, it may help to know how much of a certain kind of food is considered a "serving." The following table offers some examples.
SERVING SIZES
Food/amount
1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta
1 slice bread
1 cup raw vegetables or fruit
1/2 cup cooked vegetables or fruit
8oz. of milk
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 ounces cooked meat
3 ounces tofu
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center.
One step to lower high blood pressure -- incorporate the DASH diet into your lifestyle. Doctors recommend:
Eating more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods
Cutting back on foods that are high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat
Eating more whole grain products, fish, poultry, and nuts
Eating less red meat and sweets
Eating foods that are rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium
The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is an example of such an eating plan. In studies, patients who were on the DASH diet reduced their blood pressure within two weeks. Another diet -- DASH-Sodium -- calls for reducing sodium (salt) to 1,500 mg a day (about 2/3 teaspoon). Studies of patients on the DASH-Sodium plan significantly lowered their blood pressure.
Implementing the DASH Diet
The DASH diet calls for a certain number of servings daily from various food groups. The number of servings you require may vary, depending on your caloric need. When beginning the diet, start slowly and make gradual changes. Consider adopting a diet plan that allows 2,400 milligrams of salt per day (about 1 teaspoon) and then once your body has adjusted to the diet further lower your salt intake to 1,500 mg per day (about 2/3 teaspoon). These amounts include all salt consumed, including that in food products, used in cooking, and added at the table.
Here are some tips to get you started:
Add a serving of vegetables at lunch and at dinner.
Add a serving of fruit to your meals or as a snack. Canned and dried fruits are easy to use.
Use only half the butter, margarine, or salad dressing, and use low-fat or fat-free condiments.
Drink low-fat or skim dairy products three times a day.
Limit meat to six ounces a day. Try eating some vegetarian meals.
Add more vegetables, rice, pasta, and dry beans to your diet.
Instead of typical snacks (chips, etc.), eat unsalted pretzels or nuts, raisins, graham crackers, low-fat and fat-free yogurt and frozen yogurt; unsalted plain popcorn with no butter, and raw vegetables.
Read food labels carefully to choose products that are lower in sodium.
Staying on the DASH Diet
The following is a list of food groups and suggested serving amounts for the DASH diet:
Grains: 7-8 daily servings
Vegetables: 4-5 daily servings
Fruits: 4-5 daily servings
Low-fat or fat-free dairy products: 2-3 daily servings
Meat, poultry and fish: 2 or less daily servings
Nuts, seeds, and dry beans: 4-5 servings per week
Fats and oils: 2-3 daily servings
Sweets: try to limit to less than 5 servings per week
How Much Is a Serving?
When you're trying to follow a healthy eating plan, it may help to know how much of a certain kind of food is considered a "serving." The following table offers some examples.
SERVING SIZES
Food/amount
1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta
1 slice bread
1 cup raw vegetables or fruit
1/2 cup cooked vegetables or fruit
8oz. of milk
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 ounces cooked meat
3 ounces tofu
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center.
The Art of Walking for Fitness
Article:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/walking/HQ01612 Walking for fitness: How to trim your waistline, improve your health
Walking is a gentle, low-impact exercise that can ease you into a higher level of fitness and health. It's one of your body's most natural forms of exercise. It's safe, simple, doesn't require practice, and the health benefits are many. Here's more about why walking is good for you, and how to get started with a walking program.
Benefits of walking
Walking for fitness can help you achieve a number of important health benefits. For example, you can:
Reduce your risk of a heart attack. Walking keeps your heart healthy by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol). A regular walking program also reduces your risk of developing high blood pressure, a factor that also contributes to heart disease.
Manage your blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, walking may reduce it.
Reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you're a woman, overweight and at a high risk of diabetes, walking can improve your body's ability to process sugar (glucose tolerance).
Manage your diabetes. If you already have type 2 diabetes, taking part in a regular walking program can improve your body's ability to process sugar, lower your blood sugar, reduce your risk of heart disease and help you live longer.
Manage your weight. Walking burns calories, which can help you manage your weight. For example, middle-aged women who walk more than 10,000 steps a day have lower levels of body fat than do women who are less active.
Manage stress and boost your spirits. Going for a brisk walk is a great way to reduce stress. Regular walking also can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
Stay strong and active. As you get older, walking for physical fitness can prevent falls, help you stay mobile and maintain your independence.
Prepare yourself before you go walking
Take time to prepare yourself to prevent injuries, such as blisters on your feet or muscle pain.
Wear walking shoes and comfortable, protective clothingBefore you set out, be sure to select comfortable footwear. Also dress in loosefitting, comfortable clothing and in layers if you need to adjust to changing temperature. If you walk outside, choose clothes appropriate for the weather. Avoid rubberized materials, as they don't allow perspiration to evaporate. Wear bright colors or reflective tape after dark so that motorists can see you.
Warm upSpend about five minutes walking slowly to warm up your muscles. You can walk in place if you want. Increase your pace until you feel warm. Warming up your muscles reduces your risk of injury.
StretchAfter warming up, stretch your muscles for about five minutes before walking. Include the calf stretch, quadriceps stretch, hamstring stretch, lower back flexion stretch and chest stretch.
Getting started: Design a program that works for you
Proper walking technique
To help ensure your success:
Start slow and easyIf you're a seasoned walker, keep doing what you're doing. If you've been inactive and tire easily, it's best to start slow and easy. At first, walk only as far as or as fast as you find comfortable. If you can walk for only a few minutes, let that be your starting point. For example, you might try short daily sessions of three to five minutes and slowly build up to 15 minutes twice a week. Then, over several weeks' time, you can gradually work your way up to 30 minutes of walking five days each week.
Use proper technique to avoid injury and setbacksWalking is a great exercise because it's so simple to do. But if your posture is poor or your movements exaggerated, you increase your risk of injury.
Measure the intensity of your workoutAs you walk, measure the intensity. Knowing your level allows you to increase the intensity to maximize your workout or slow down to avoid overdoing it. You have these options:
Talk test. If you're so out of breath that you can't carry on a conversation with the person you're walking with, you're probably walking too fast and should slow down.
Borg scale. This method is a self-assessment of your perceived exertion. You rate how hard you think you're working on a scale that ranges from 6 (no exertion) to 20 (maximal effort). Aim for at least moderate intensity (12 to 14) as you walk.
Monitor your heart rate (pulse). To find out if you're exercising within the range of your target heart rate, stop exercising to check your pulse manually at your wrist (radial artery) or neck (carotid artery). Another option is to wear an electronic device that displays your heart rate.
Keep track of your progressKeeping a record of how many steps you take, the distance you walk and how long it takes can help you see where you started from and serve as a source of inspiration. Just think how good you'll feel when you see how many miles you've walked each week, month or year.
Record these numbers in a walking journal you create for yourself or log them in a spreadsheet on your computer. Another option is to use an electronic device to calculate time and distance for you. Options include:
Pedometers. These devices, which you usually attach to your belt or waistband, detect body motion and count your footsteps, displaying the number of steps on a small screen.
Although many pedometers have extra features, such as displaying calories burned and the distance walked or run, you may want to begin by using its primary feature — counting steps.
High-tech devices. Devices that use GPS satellite technology cost more than pedometers do, but they can track the total and current distance you walk, and even calculate your speed or pace. You may have to program these devices. Some allow you to download stored data to your computer as a way of keeping track of your progress. You wear these high-tech devices on your wrist or attached to your waistband, shoe or arm.
Cool down after each walking sessionTo reduce stress on your heart and muscles, end each walking session by walking slowly for about five minutes. Then, repeat your stretches.
Stay motivated: Set goals, have fun and stay in the game
Starting a walking program takes initiative. Sticking with it takes commitment. But when you think of the potential health benefits, it's well worth your effort. Over time you'll likely feel more invigorated. To stay motivated:
Set performance goals. People who stick with a new behavior for six months usually make it a habit.
Make it fun. If you don't like walking alone, invite your spouse, partner, friend or neighbor to join you. You might also join a health club and use a treadmill.
Vary your routine. Plan several different walking routes for variety. But if you're walking alone, be sure to tell someone which route you're taking.
Sometimes things happen to keep you from sticking to a regular walking program. Don't be too hard on yourself when this happens.
You don't have to let a few days off sabotage your plan to reach a higher level of fitness and improved health. Follow these tips to get back in the game:
Think positively. Don't let negative self-talk, such as "I'm a failure," get in the way of starting again. Shrug it off as a temporary break in your walking program.
Re-evaluate your goals. If your goal is to walk two hours a day 365 days a year, you might be setting yourself up to fail. Set realistic goals for yourself, such as 30 minutes five days a week.
Get going. Build walking into your schedule today. Just do it. Walk for 10 minutes on your lunch break.
Continually plan. If you're taking a trip or working overtime, think of strategies for incorporating short walks into your day to keep your plan on track.
You'll be glad you started
Even though the first steps of any journey can be the most difficult, it helps to keep your goals foremost in your mind. So remember, once you take that first step, you're on the way to an important destination — better health.
By Mayo Clinic Staff Dec 22, 2006
© 1998-2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
HQ01612
© 1998-2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
HQ01612
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
It's Clark Sisters! Week
From Wikipedia.com
The Clark Sisters is an African American gospel vocal group consisting of four sisters: Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark, Jacky Clark Chisholm, Dorinda Clark Cole, and Karen Clark Sheard. A fifth member, Denise Clark Bradford, no longer performs with the group. The Clark Sisters are the daughters of gospel musician and choral director Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. They are credited for helping to bring gospel music to the mainstream and are considered as pioneers of contemporary gospel.
History
The Clark Sisters were born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. They each began singing at an early age and by the late 1960s they were all performing together in church services, usually singing songs written and arranged by their mother. A few years later, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark turned over control of the group to Twinkie, who would then go on to write, arrange, conduct and produce all of the Clark Sisters recordings. In 1973, the sisters recorded their first album, Jesus Has A Lot to Give, on their uncle's local label Billmo Records.[1]
The following year, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark Presents The Clark Sisters was released, and people around Detroit began to take notice of the group. The Clark Sisters signed to Sound of Gospel Records in 1974. Under this association, the group released albums such as Unworthy, Count It All Joy, and He Gave Me Nothing to Lose. It was not until the early 1980s that The Clark Sisters began to become the phenomenon that they are now. Their popularity soared with the release of the live recording Is My Living In Vain. The album topped the Bilboard gospel charts for more than a year and yielded now famous songs such as the title track and "Expect Your Miracle."
Their next release You Brought the Sunshine would prove to be a monster hit as the title track became a hit in church houses and on dance floors. The song performed well on both gospel and R&B charts and drove the album to Gold sales. The sisters delivered another progressive effort in 1982, Sincerely, which included "Name It And Claim It" and the politically-charged "World." After this release, sister Denise left the group to become a minister and start a family.
After a four-year gap between releases, the sisters would continue as a foursome, signing with Rejoice Records, a division of Word. This new deal yielded the Grammy-nominated Heart & Soul (1986) featuring the mainstream single "Time Out." Next would appear another studio release Conqueror (1988) and the live album Bringing It Back Home (1991).
Following their last Word Records release, Twinkie resumed her calling as a minister and recorded the independent solo album Comin' Home in 1992. Jacky, Dorinda, and Karen stayed behind and performed as a trio, signing with Sparrow Records and delivering one album Miracle in 1994 produced largely by BeBe Winans. Later that year, their mother died of diabetes-related complications.[2] Forging on in the face of their great loss, Twinkie Clark re-appeared in 1996 with a pair of albums to her credit: the solo studio release The Masterpiece for Ben Tankard's Tribute Records label and the live project Twinkie Clark-Terrell presents FAMU Gospel Choir. The latter released on CD, VHS, & DVD featured The Clark Sisters on a showstopping remake of their own hit "Nothing To Lose."
Karen delivered her much-anticipated solo debut Finally Karen in 1997. The album, featuring star turns from The Clark Sisters, Faith Evans, and daughter Kierra Sheard, was nominated for a Grammy in addition to winning a Soul Train Lady of Soul award. She has since released three more solo albums: 2nd Chance, The Heavens Are Telling, and It's Not Over. Dorinda and Jacky released their first solo efforts, Dorinda Clark Cole and Expectancy, respectively in 2002 and 2005. The Clark Sisters have all contributed in various capacities to each other's albums, whether they sang or wrote lyrics.
More recently, The Clark Sisters did a live recording on July 8, 2006 in Houston, Texas entitled One Last Time. The recording was directed and produced by Donald Lawrence and is expected to be released as a CD on April 10, 2007[3] on EMI Gospel, followed by a CD/DVD Special Edition release June 19, 2007.
"The Clark Sound"
The Clark Sisters are renowned for their unique vocal stylings, dubbed as "The Clark Sound". Molded and sculpted by the dynamic Twinkie, The Clark Sisters incorporated high and fast double concentrates(which are vocal techniques requiring fast scats and runs placed together), melismas, acrobatic trills and riffs, and deep, soulful growls, or "squalls". The sisters are also well known for each distinctive sound that they contribute. Jacky (bass/alto) is known for her soft, deeper vocals; Dorinda (alto), the "jazzy" sister, inputs scats and riffs; Karen (soprano) is known for her riffs, runs and high vocal range; and Twinkie(alto) is credited with being the "heart of the Clark Sisters", due to being the chief songwriter,music and vocal arranger, producer and also possessing a range from soprano to low contralto and even bass.
The following year, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark Presents The Clark Sisters was released, and people around Detroit began to take notice of the group. The Clark Sisters signed to Sound of Gospel Records in 1974. Under this association, the group released albums such as Unworthy, Count It All Joy, and He Gave Me Nothing to Lose. It was not until the early 1980s that The Clark Sisters began to become the phenomenon that they are now. Their popularity soared with the release of the live recording Is My Living In Vain. The album topped the Bilboard gospel charts for more than a year and yielded now famous songs such as the title track and "Expect Your Miracle."
Their next release You Brought the Sunshine would prove to be a monster hit as the title track became a hit in church houses and on dance floors. The song performed well on both gospel and R&B charts and drove the album to Gold sales. The sisters delivered another progressive effort in 1982, Sincerely, which included "Name It And Claim It" and the politically-charged "World." After this release, sister Denise left the group to become a minister and start a family.
After a four-year gap between releases, the sisters would continue as a foursome, signing with Rejoice Records, a division of Word. This new deal yielded the Grammy-nominated Heart & Soul (1986) featuring the mainstream single "Time Out." Next would appear another studio release Conqueror (1988) and the live album Bringing It Back Home (1991).
Following their last Word Records release, Twinkie resumed her calling as a minister and recorded the independent solo album Comin' Home in 1992. Jacky, Dorinda, and Karen stayed behind and performed as a trio, signing with Sparrow Records and delivering one album Miracle in 1994 produced largely by BeBe Winans. Later that year, their mother died of diabetes-related complications.[2] Forging on in the face of their great loss, Twinkie Clark re-appeared in 1996 with a pair of albums to her credit: the solo studio release The Masterpiece for Ben Tankard's Tribute Records label and the live project Twinkie Clark-Terrell presents FAMU Gospel Choir. The latter released on CD, VHS, & DVD featured The Clark Sisters on a showstopping remake of their own hit "Nothing To Lose."
Karen delivered her much-anticipated solo debut Finally Karen in 1997. The album, featuring star turns from The Clark Sisters, Faith Evans, and daughter Kierra Sheard, was nominated for a Grammy in addition to winning a Soul Train Lady of Soul award. She has since released three more solo albums: 2nd Chance, The Heavens Are Telling, and It's Not Over. Dorinda and Jacky released their first solo efforts, Dorinda Clark Cole and Expectancy, respectively in 2002 and 2005. The Clark Sisters have all contributed in various capacities to each other's albums, whether they sang or wrote lyrics.
More recently, The Clark Sisters did a live recording on July 8, 2006 in Houston, Texas entitled One Last Time. The recording was directed and produced by Donald Lawrence and is expected to be released as a CD on April 10, 2007[3] on EMI Gospel, followed by a CD/DVD Special Edition release June 19, 2007.
"The Clark Sound"
The Clark Sisters are renowned for their unique vocal stylings, dubbed as "The Clark Sound". Molded and sculpted by the dynamic Twinkie, The Clark Sisters incorporated high and fast double concentrates(which are vocal techniques requiring fast scats and runs placed together), melismas, acrobatic trills and riffs, and deep, soulful growls, or "squalls". The sisters are also well known for each distinctive sound that they contribute. Jacky (bass/alto) is known for her soft, deeper vocals; Dorinda (alto), the "jazzy" sister, inputs scats and riffs; Karen (soprano) is known for her riffs, runs and high vocal range; and Twinkie(alto) is credited with being the "heart of the Clark Sisters", due to being the chief songwriter,music and vocal arranger, producer and also possessing a range from soprano to low contralto and even bass.
The Clark Sisters on TBN and listen Juanita Bynum at the End
I know Juanita is going thru it now, but listen to her after the Clark Sisters finishes. God walks with us always
A Message from your Fearless Leader at the NAACP...still on the battlefield for you!
Dear NAACP:Two years ago this week, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coastforcing hundreds of thousands from their homes and laying bare the deep,persistent poverty and racial inequality that still exists in ourcountry today.Tens of thousands are still living with the aftermath of the hurricanes:FEMA trailers that are making residents sick because of unacceptablehigh formaldehyde levels, a lack of medical and mental health services,a public education system that has been seriously disrupted, and noassistance for rebuilding their homes.But you and I have a powerful opportunity to make sure that this is notanother year of neglect for the people of the Gulf Coast.Click here to tell Congress to keep their promise to Katrina survivors.In the next few days, Congress will return from recess with 60 days todecide on the 2008 Federal Budget, including continuing funds for GulfCoast recovery efforts and assistance for Katrina survivors. But, thePresident's budget proposal does not provide adequate funding for manyof the key programs that provide housing, education and health careassistance in the region.The President's budget does not renew the $500 million Social ServiceBlock Grant to help hurricane ravaged areas of the Gulf Coast fund childwelfare, employment services, and other state and local social programs. And neither the President's budget nor any proposals from Congressinclude additional funds for The Road Home, a program designed to helpthose displaced by Katrina and Rita with housing issues, even thoughthis program was forced to stop accepting applications on July 31stbecause of a $5 billion shortfall.Tell Senator Reid and Speaker Pelosi to increase funding for the Gulf Coast.We are approaching a moment of truth. In the next 60 days we'll findout if those politicians were telling the truth when they made all their
and livelihoods, or if they were just taking advantage of the victims ofKatrina for political gain.The NAACP's local and regional branches are working hard to ensureproper health care, legal representation, education, and housing in theGulf Coast. The NAACP arrived on the stricken Gulf Coast before thefederal government responded and we've been there ever since. As wefought for our inalienable rights during the civil rights movement wemust now fight for the rights of the residents New Orleans Lower NinthWard. We must hold all elected officials accountable for rebuilding theLower Ninth Ward and other devastated areas.Congress has an opportunity to act with conviction and help hundreds of thousands put their lives back together. Let's make sure that they do just that.
Sincerely,
Julian BondChairman
and livelihoods, or if they were just taking advantage of the victims ofKatrina for political gain.The NAACP's local and regional branches are working hard to ensureproper health care, legal representation, education, and housing in theGulf Coast. The NAACP arrived on the stricken Gulf Coast before thefederal government responded and we've been there ever since. As wefought for our inalienable rights during the civil rights movement wemust now fight for the rights of the residents New Orleans Lower NinthWard. We must hold all elected officials accountable for rebuilding theLower Ninth Ward and other devastated areas.Congress has an opportunity to act with conviction and help hundreds of thousands put their lives back together. Let's make sure that they do just that.
Sincerely,
Julian BondChairman
thank you for the info and Happy Birthday Michael.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Do you wanna be on top! America's Next Top Model is Back!
Tyra's Top Model Takes Nine by Sarah Hall
Tyra Banks has rounded up a new crop of would-be catwalkers.
The CW on Thursday released the names of the comely contestants due to compete on the ninth cycle of America's Next Top Model, premiering on Sept. 19.
Among the aspiring models: Ebony, a 20-year-old nursing student from Chicago; Janet, a 22-year-old aesthetician from Georgia; Lisa, a dancer from New Jersey; and Sarah, a college student from Massachusetts.
The contestants will live together in a lavish Los Angeles mansion, as they face an array of challenges and photo shoots, with judges Banks, Twiggy, Nigel Barker and J. Alexander critiquing their every pose.
Each week, one girl will be eliminated, narrowing the field until only the winner remains.
The girl who takes the Top Model title will earn a management contract with Elite Model Management, as well as a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl cosmetics.
She'll also appear on the cover of Seventeen and be featured in a six-page spread in the magazine.
Here's a rundown of the women who will be strutting their stuff this season:
Ambreal, 19; college student from Dallas
Bianca, 18; college student from Queens, New York
Ebony, 20; nursing student from Chicago
Chantal, 19; student from Austin
Heather, 21; college student from Valparaiso, Indiana
Janet, 22; aesthetician from Bainbridge, Georgia
Jenah, 18; student from Farmington, Connecticut
Kimberly, 20; college student from Ocala, Florida
Lisa, 20; dancer from Jersey City, New Jersey
Mila, 20; recent college graduate from Boston
Saleisha, 21; receptionist from Los Angeles
Sarah, 20; college student from Heath, Massachusetts
Victoria, 20; college student from New Haven, Connecticut
-->
Copyright 2007 E! Entertainment Television, Inc. All rights reserved.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
We love Soul Train!-
Soul Train Story
SOUL TRAIN Creator and Executive Producer Don Cornelius has been at the cutting edge of Soul music (including Rhythm and Blues, Hip Hop, Gospel and Jazz) for over 30 years.
His influence and achievements have been recognized by Hollywood and the broadcasting community alike, with a STAR on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; and his induction into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame.
The year 2005 was, indeed, a pinnacle year, in terms of equally prestigious honors being bestowed upon Don Cornelius and Soul Train, with Cornelius and Soul Train receiving a Special Grammy Award from the NARAS Board of Regents, for career contributions and achievements. The year 2005 was also a year during which Cornelius and Soul Train would, combinely be honored with the coveted 2005 Pop Culture Award at the 2005 TV Land (network) Awards cablecast.
Soul Train’s 25th consecutive season on the air provided the momentum, in 1995, for the Cornelius Production Team to mount an all-star CBS television special; while the weekly dance show, alone, would continuing to inspire at least two generations of music aficionados, with its hip dances, fashions and exciting performances by R&B/Soul, Hip Hop, Gospel, Jazz and Pop recording artists.
For a number of years, the longest running TV program of any genre in the entire history of first-run, nationally syndicated TV programming, in America, Soul Train celebrated its 30th consecutive season on the air with a nationally syndicated, June/2000 TV special, entitled Divas and Kings, 2000 and Beyond/The Soul Train 30th Anniversary.
In addition to the weekly series, (which for 22 consecutive years featured Don Cornelius, himself, as Soul Train’s On-Air Host), Don Cornelius Productions produces three, annual, nationally syndicated, prime time TV specials -- the Soul Train Music Awards (20th year), the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards (10th year), and the Soul Train Christmas Starfest, which debuted in 1998.
The Annual Soul Train TV specials are among the most enthusiastically supported, by the recording industry and all attract top performance talent, annually, including the likes of Dianna Ross, the late Barry White, Patty LaBelle, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, the late Luther Vandross, Vanessa Williams, LL Cool J, Anita Baker, Boyz II Men and many others.
Ironically, the Soul Train legacy almost didn't happen. In the spring of 1966, Don Cornelius took what he considered to be a gamble, at best and enrolled in a broadcasting school in Chicago. He had been advised, during indoctrination, that he and the majority of those enrolled in the course might never get jobs in broadcasting. Despite the odds against success, Cornelius decided to give the course a try, since being a radio announcer had always been a dream of his. Cornelius attended classes in the morning, while maintaining a regular job during the rest of the day and in three months had completed the course.
In 1967, Cornelius was offered a part-time position as a news announcer on Chicago radio station WVON, one of Chicago's most popular Black-oriented stations. Later, he would set his sights on TV and TV production, which led to his idea for a Black-oriented dance show. Cornelius pitched the idea to WCIU-TV in Chicago and agreed to produce the pilot at his own expense, while the station agreed to provide a small studio.
Cornelius completed the pilot and proceeded to hold screenings, in search of advertiser/sponsors. Initially, there were no takers, as advertiser representatives who would screen the pilot did not seem overwhelmed by Cornelius' new idea for a Black-targeted TV dance show, which he called Soul Train.
With a personal promise from Cornelius that, “Full sponsorship was right around the corner,” WCIU-TV (channel 26) began airing the original, local Chicago area, version of Soul Train in five-day-per-week, one-hour, afternoon episodes, on August 17, 1970.
Soul Train became an instant hit, across Chicago TV audiences, which attracted the attention of Johnson Products Company (Ultra Sheen/ Afro Sheen, etc., hair care products) founder and president George Johnson, who proposed an advertising partnership that would involve taking Soul Train in a direction toward national syndication.
In the summer of 1971, Cornelius began commuting to Hollywood, California, in hopes of locating better production facilities than could be found at the time in Chicago. After several trips to California, still with guidance and support from Johnson Products Company, the goals of securing a good facility and an experienced production crew were achieved.
The syndicated version went on the air October 2, 1971. As expected, it was an immediate success in the markets that carried the show. Unfortunately, the syndicating agency was able to premiere the show in only seven of the 25 target cities. The seven included Atlanta, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Many other station program directors conceded that the show was well produced and very entertaining, but said that they had no open time periods, regardless of the barter considerations being offered by the syndicator. In a number of cases, the syndicator was turned down by all of six or more stations in the same city. Almost invaluably, Soul Train's reputation and popularity grew, rapidly, in the cities that had accepted the show, the syndicator gradually began to pick up more stations.
Soul Train currently reaches 85% of U.S. Black Television households, through station clearances in 105 cities, including all major markets. Soul Train continues to perform well in all ratings research categories and is now, firmly, established, according to Cornelius, as one of America’s most successful targeted TV programs in first run syndication.
In 1985, Tribune Entertainment Company became the exclusive distributor/syndicator of Soul Train, thus providing the program with its most effective support system yet. Two years later, Tribune would also be the avenue for the successful, 1987 launch of the Soul Train Music Awards, live, two-hour television Special, which is presented, annually, in prime time, national syndication.
The Tribune Entertainment Company/Don Cornelius Productions, Inc. relationship would add to the overall Soul Train programming portfolio by launching the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards annual TV special, to honor the accomplishments of women in the music industry, in 1995; and The Soul Train Christmas Starfest, annual, holiday, TV special, in 1998. "All three Soul Train Specials, according to Cornelius represent our proudest examples of the partnership's consistent pursuit of our common goal of creating extraordinary exposure opportunities, for minority and other recording artists, on national television.”
post from http://www.soultrain.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
