Sandi Morais

Photo by Greg Alexander

I write a monthly column titled "Sistah Health" for WOW magazine.  I feature stories of people who have triumphed over a health crisis.  Success weight loss stories and ordiary people who are doing extraordinary things in the fitness industry. The goal for my column is to inspire, empower and encourage people to live a healthier lifestyle. Below are some of my published articles.

Visit Wow magazine on line at: www.wowmagazine.org

If you have a story that you would like to share in WOW magazine send me an email at smorais1@bellsouth.net

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.

       Wow! It was such an honor to interview Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. lead singers of the legendary group the 5th Dimension.  This iconic group of the late 60’s and 70’s gave us some of the most beautiful and memorable music in the world.  Their hits continue to live on in the hearts of people today.  Hit songs such as; “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In,” “Up, Up and Away,” “Wedding Bells Blues,” “Stone Soul Picnic,” “ Never My Love,” “Last Night I Didn’t Get To Sleep At All,” and “One Less Bell To Answer,” has left an indelible mark in the history of music as some of the greatest songs that came out of that era.

      Marilyn and Billy spent an entire decade with the 5th Dimension enjoying tremendous success singing to sold-out concerts all over the world.  They have received seven Grammy Awards and earned fifteen gold and three platinum records.  After they left the 5th Dimension they went on to establish a successful career as a duo.  They released their first single “You Don’t Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show).” The song immediately went to number one on the charts and won them a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.  In addition to their success as a duo they also had solo careers.  Marilyn co-hosted the 1980’s television music series “Solid Gold” for five years and Billy fulfilled his lifelong dream and recorded a religious album with Rev. James Cleveland.  Billy also starred in the regional production of Dreamgirls in the role of James “Thunder” Early, and Marilyn had her chance to star in the 90’s Broadway revival of the musical Show Boat in the role of Julie.

      Today they celebrate thirty-nine years of marriage, which is certainly quite an incredible achievement for a high profile successful Hollywood couple.  However, the road to success has not been easy for this iconic couple.  They faced many trials and tribulations along the way.  At times they even thought about calling it quits.   Success, fame and fortune were not the key elements that kept their marriage together.  The two main elements that created alchemy in their marriage is their everlasting friendship, and Jesus Christ became the Super Star in their lives.  “We went into this marriage like everyone else—we loved each other, we were friends, we fought, and we had emotional problems.  But our commitment to each other was so strong that we just didn’t want to do it without each other.  Plus we have the Lord in our lives, and that’s an important part of our relationship.”  Billy said.

        The reason why I decided to do this article on Marilyn and Billy is because we often get bombarded from the media with the latest Hollywood divorces but we never hear about the successful Hollywood marriages.  I wanted to share this beautiful love story with the readers of Wow magazine to shine the light on a successful Hollywood marriage. Despite the fact that Marilyn and Billy had many rivers to cross and hurdles to jump over they were willing to stick together because they believed in the commitment they made to each other and they did not let their success and fame get in the way of their love and friendship.  In 2004 they wrote a book titled Up, Up And Away how we Found Love, Faith and Lasting Marriage in the Entertainment World, a story about their love, tragedy, triumphs and their spiritual journey.  I read the book and went on the emotional journey with Marilyn and Billy.  They wrote so honestly about their challenges and their success. The book speaks to the heart by showing the true meaning of love.  Marilyn and Billy’s story would make a fantastic motion picture.  It is truly an inspiration and a must read for anyone who would like to take their relationship on a higher level. “We’ve written Up, Up and Away … How We Found Love, Faith and Lasting Marriage in the Entertainment World as truthfully as possible because we believe that this is the only way people can benefit from other’s experience.”  Said Marilyn. 

      Marilyn and Billy have weathered many storms and their love is stronger as a result of it.  They found true happiness because of their faith.  Nothing is slowing down this phenomenal couple together they perform a touring show that they created titled It Takes Two featuring many of their love songs.  In April 2008 they released a music CD titled The Faces of Love.  The CD features songs to help encourage people not to give up when things are difficult, but to try and work things out together as a team.  As they reflect on their lives being in the entertainment business for over forty years they are thankful every day for their many blessings. They are very humble and grateful that their music has touched the lives of so many people all over the world.  I asked the dynamic couple what was their prayer for the world and they said.  “Our prayer is for peace and understanding, and that the world will become more spiritual.”

       For more information about Marilyn and Billy’s book and CD visit their website at www.mccoodavis.com

(Printed in Wow magazine July issue - All rights reserved.)

                                                                      Dr. Ian Smith

      According to Down to Earth Natural Food and Lifestyle fast-food restaurants have become mainstream in the past thirty years and practically all of America takes advantage of the cheap prices, quick service and tasty meals.  Convenient as they may be, these meals contain practically no nutrients.  They are comprised mostly of saturated fats and highly refined carbohydrates and are loaded with sodium and sugar.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that obesity in adults has increased by 60 % within the past twenty years and obesity in children has tripled in the past thirty years.  Being overweight can lead to major health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

      Dr. Ian Smith is a graduate from Harvard College and he is the medical and diet expert on Celebrity Fit Club and host of Meet the Faith on BET.  He is the author of five books, the number one New York Times best seller Extreme Fat Smash Diet, and the number one New York Times best seller The Fat Smash Diet.  He has appeared on Larry King Live, The Tyra Banks Show and Anderson Cooper 360.  Dr. Smith received many letters from African Americans asking for help and advice on how to loose weight.  He is very concerned about the obesity epidemic in America, especially with African Americans.  In 2007 he was inspired to created The 50 Million Pound Challenge sponsored by State Farm Insurance Company, a website to help bring awareness to the crisis in America, especially with African Americans.  The statistics on his website in regards to African Americans states that almost 80% of adult women, 67% of men and 20% of children are overweight.  This is a serious health crisis.  However, Dr. Smith is very optimistic about the future.  He believes that regular exercise and healthier eating habits can help to reduce the risk of these life-threatening diseases.

      It’s time to tune-up America.  Take the challenge to improve your health.  Dr. Smith has included valuable information on The 50 Million Pound Challenge website in regards to the risk factors of diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer and obesity along with tips on the benefits of exercise to help you make a change to a healthier lifestyle. The website has a chart to help you calculate your BMI (Body Max Index), to find out if you are within a healthy weight range.   On the website he included numbers that you need to know to help you determine what your normal cholesterol and blood pressure levels should be.  Dr. Smith also stresses the importance of reading the food label to check the sodium, saturated fat and sugar content.   He suggests that you should eat fresh fruit and vegetables because they have more nutritional value.  He believes that the obesity epidemic can be reversed and he is challenging African Americans to join The 50 Million Pound Challenge and take back control of your health.  To join The 50 million Pound Challenge is absolutely free.  On the website there are a number of incentives to help you on your journey to a healthier way of life.   You can meet other people struggling to loose weight.  You can join a team in your community and work together to loose weight collectively.  You can also share your weight loss stories on the website to help inspire and motivate others.

       Dr. Smith is a regular guest on the Steve Harvey Show and he lectures throughout the United States encouraging people to join the challenge and reclaim their health.  I asked Dr. Smith what was his prayer for America.  He said. “I would like for America to be healthy again, and to get back to where we were more physically active and moving around, and making our life and how we live the number one priority and not material goods.”

       To join The 50 Million Pound Challenge visit www.50millionpoundchallenge.com

       It’s time for us to go back to Eden.  Genesis 1:29. “And look! I have given you the seed-bearing plants throughout the earth, and all the fruit trees for your food.”

(Published in Wow magazine May issue - All rights reserved.)

                                                                             J.D. Nicholas

      In 1985 when the Commodores released the song “Nightshift” written by “Mr. Brickhouse” Walter “Clyde” Orange, it was a smash hit.  The vocal blend of Walter “Clyde” Orange and James Dean Nicholas was magical.  The song was a tribute to the late great music legends Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. The lyrics of the song touched the hearts of people all over the world because of its sentimental value.  That same year “Nightshift” won the Commodores their first Grammy Award.

      James Dean Nicholas also known as J.D. was born in Paddington, England.  J.D. found his passion for music very early.  He followed his heart and went on to pursue his singing career.  In 1979 he was a vocalist with a popular band called Heatwave known for their hit songs “Always And Forever” and “Boogie Nights.” The group came to the United States as a guest performer on the T.V show Soul Train where J.D. met the Commodores.  In 1984 J.D. joined the two original members of the Commodores William King Jr. and Walter “Clyde” Orange.  For the past twenty-four years J.D. has been with the Commodores, and they have been mesmerizing people all over the world with the beautiful poetry of their music, along with their flamboyant style, grace and electrifying stage performance.

     The Commodores music career has been successful in the entertainment industry for over forty years. Despite the glamour, glitter and glitz, the entertainment industry does have it ups and downs, and moments of insanity.  In order to stay centered and focused in an industry that sometimes can be so unstable J.D. chose God as the center of his life to keep him grounded.  Over the years he has seen the destructive lifestyles of so many entertainers that got addicted to drugs, cigarette smoking and alcohol, and he chose not to go down that destructive path. J.D. made a choice to live a healthy lifestyle that involved exercise, meditation and healthy eating habits by cutting out junk food and eating more fruit and vegetables.

      As a world-class entertainer and performer, his schedule is quite rigorous and demanding.  In order to maintain his stamina to keep up with the demands of his schedule and his high-energy stage performance J.D. hits the gym two hours each day for at least five days per week.  He jogs on the treadmill to help improve his cardiovascular system and does weight training to build his strength.  Whenever he is on tour, he gets his workout on stage while performing his song and dance routine.  I had the opportunity to see the Commodores live concert in Boynton, Beach, Florida on February 23, 2008.  They gave a spectacular performance. As an aerobic fitness instructor, in my opinion, their dance routine was definitely a high-energy cardiovascular workout.

       The Commodores and their band “The Mean Machine” are currently touring throughout the United States, and they are working on a new CD that will be released sometime in August 2008.  I am sure the CD will be a breath of fresh air for the Commodores fans, and people all over the world who want to hear real music again.  J.D. enjoys being a singer and an entertainer.  He would like to continue entertaining people for as long as he can.  He is very grateful for the opportunity to be involved in a career that he is passionate about.  He does not take anything for granted. He gives God all the praise for his talent and many blessings. I asked J.D. what message he would like to leave with his fans especially young aspiring singers, and he said, “Just follow your dream and keep God first.” The inspiring and uplifting music of the Commodores has truly made an indelible mark in music history.

 (Published in WOW magazine April 2008 issue - All rights reserved.)

   The Honorable Robert M. Higginbotham ll

       Sometimes in life a crisis is what it takes to give someone a wake-up call.  That wake-up call came for The Honorable Robert M. Higginbotham II in the summer of 2007 when his doctor told him that his cholesterol and blood pressure was extremely high.  His doctor also informed him that he was borderline diabetic.  Robert has been struggling with a weight problem for many years.  He tried different exercise programs, but he did not have the discipline and commitment to stick to any of them.  In addition to his weight problem he also suffered from a sleep disorder called “Sleep Apnea.”  He was diagnosed with it five years ago and had to use the C-Pap machine in order to sleep. The Greek word “apnea” literally means “without breath.”  There are three types of apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed; of the three obstructive is the most common.  Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer.  Sleep apnea is very common, as common as adult diabetes, and affects more than twelve million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health.  Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children.”  (American Sleep Apnea Association.)

       Dealing with Sleep Apnea and being fifty pounds overweight Robert was also experiencing pain in his joints and he was feeling tired and lethargic.  He knew he was facing a serious health crisis and he had to make a radical change in his life to prevent the risk of a stroke or a heart attack.  Robert knew he could not fight his battle alone.  He had to pray and ask God for guidance and strength to change his old habits and help him to create a new healthy lifestyle.  Gradually through prayers and meditation he started to gain strength.  Swimming was an activity that he always enjoyed so he joined a world-class health club that had an indoor swimming pool and he started swimming everyday for about thirty-five minutes.  Eventually he increased his swimming time to sixty minutes.  He also started eating healthier meals at the health food store that was conveniently located close to the health club.  Robert cut back on his portion size and started eating in moderation.  He included more freshly squeezed juice and salads on a regular basis.

         Within thirty-six days Robert lost thirty-five pounds.  He started to feel vibrant and energetic.  His self-esteem also improved.  Robert’s Sleep Apnea that he suffered with for five years started to diminish as a result of his weight loss.  Prayers and meditation played a vital role in helping him to lose weight.  In the mists of his health crisis he was also was finding balance with Sleep Apnea.  This was truly a blessing for Robert because for the first time he was able to get a good night’s sleep without the use of the C-Pap machine.

         Robert wanted to share his story to encourage people that are facing a health crisis not to give up.  “If you want to make a change it is not impossible.  Ask God for guidance and take the first step.”  Said Robert.

(Published in WOW magazine march 2008 issue all rights reserved - Copyright 2008)

  FEBRUARY 2008

      In 2002 when Dunya Price started having difficulties with her balance and coordination she knew that something was wrong, but she did not pay any attention to the situation.   It was not until early in 2004 when she totally lost her balance and fell down while competing in an obstacle course that she realized something was definitely wrong with her.  In addition to loosing her balance, she was also having problems with her vision.  In September 2004 Dunya decided to visit an eye specialist who gave her the devastating news that changed her life completely.  Dunya Price was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, potentially debilitating disease that affects your central nervous system, which is made up of your brain and spinal cord.  Multiple Sclerosis is widely believed to be an autoimmune disease, a condition in which your immune system attacks components of your body as if they’re foreign.  In Multiple Sclerosis, the body mistakenly directs antibodies and white blood cell against proteins in the myelin sheath, a fatty substance that insulates never fibers in your brain and spinal cord.  This results in inflammation and injury to the sheath and ultimately to the nerves that it surrounds.  The result may be multiple areas of scarring (sclerosis).  Eventually, this damage can slow or block the nerves signals that control muscle coordination, strength and vision.  (RevolutionHealth. Your home for health and balance – Content provided by MayoClinic.com.)

     Living with Multiple Sclerosis for the past three years has not been easy for thirty eight year old Dunya Price, mother of three young children ages eleven, nine and six. Dunya is completely blind in her right eye and she is unable to drive.  Some days it is a struggle for her to even do the simplest task such as washing clothes, cleaning the house or going grocery shopping.  Multiple Sclerosis has altered the quality of Dunya’s life tremendously.  There are days when she is so tired that she can’t get out of bed to even take care of her children.  She has to inject herself with Beta Saron injection on a daily basis to keep the disease under control.  “The worst part about having Multiple Sclerosis is the Beta Saron injection, but I never ask God ‘why me,’ instead I said, ‘why not me.’ Millions of people suffer from Multiple Sclerosis who am I to be exempted.”  Dunya said.  Despite the fact that she has to live with the debilitating disease she does not complain.  Dunya believes that Multiple Sclerosis has been her blessing in disguise because having the disease forced her to stop eating junk food and take better care of herself by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and drinking more water instead of soda.

     Dunya has a positive attitude toward Multiple Sclerosis.  She appreciates each day and the simple things in life.  Most people would be discourage and feel like giving up but Dunya refuses to let Multiple Sclerosis control her life.  She thanks God everyday that she is alive.  She is also thankful that she is not completely blind and that she still has the ability to walk.  She is grateful for her husband Erin of thirteen years who is very supportive and helps her with the chores around the house and does the grocery shopping.  Dunya does not focus on the things that she cannot do, but on the things that she is capable of doing.  The days that she feels good she makes the best of it.  The days that she does not feel good she takes it easy, rest and prays to God for strength.

     Multiple Sclerosis could not conquer Dunya’s courageous spirit, she embrace the challenge.   Prior to being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis she was a very active woman competing in obstacles courses.  However due to strenuous demands on training for the obstacle course she knew she had to choose another type of physical activity so she decided to look into figure and fitness competition.   Dunya competed in her first figure and fitness competition early in 2007. This was a major break through for her and again she thank God for giving her the strength to fulfill her dream.  She is schedule to compete again in another figure and fitness competition sometime in March 2008.

     Dunya Price is truly a remarkable and courageous woman.  I was inspired by her story and I hope Dunya will be an inspiration to everyone who reads this article to always remember to appreciate the simple things in life.

 Continue to stay healthy in mind, body and spirit.

      Sistah Health

(Printed in WOW magazine February 2008.)

              New Year means new beginnings.  If last year you had the desire to start a workout program but you were not motivated to do so.  Don’t be discouraged.  A Personal Trainer might be just what you need to give you a jump-start in 2008.  Invest in your health bank.  Ninety three year old fitness Guru Jack LaLanne states, “Your health account is like your bank account; the more you put in the more you can take out.”

            The dividends of investing in your health bank are enormous.  Regular exercise will improve your circulation, decrease your body fat, strengthen your cardiovascular system, reduce your stress, lower your cholesterol, keep your muscles toned and firm, increase your flexibility and improve your self-esteem.  If you chose to invest in your health bank and hire a Personal Trainer there are some important things that you should keep in mind.  In my interview with Personal Trainer Egan Collins CEO of Egean’s Common Sense Fitness I asked him what were some of the things people should look for when hiring a Personal Trainer and he said, “Make sure the Personal Trainer has had at least two or three years of experience and is certified by a reputable fitness institution.”  He also suggests that a Personal Trainer should look the part and that you should request to see profiles of some of the clients that the Personal Trainer has trained.  Egean has been a Personal Trainer for over thirteen years and he believes that education plays a vital role in the weight loss program.  He teaches the science of exercise at his seminars and workshops so that people can understand how the muscles work in relationship to exercise.  In his book The Solution he shares his secrets on how to burn fat, eat nutritious foods and maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risk of diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

              Here are some tips on how you can set your goal to achieve SUCCESS for a new healthy lifestyle in 2008.

     *Set a realistic weight goal and visualize the exact size you would like to be.

          Put a picture of the body type that you would like to achieve on your wall or on            

          your refrigerator.

      *Use a journal to write down the things you would like to accomplish such as, how

          much weight you would like to loose, the areas on your body you would like to

          tone and firm and how much inches you would like to lose from your waistline.

      *Check off the list of things you have accomplished each week.

      *Consistency is the master key. Try to workout at least three or four times per week.

      *Establish a time when you would like to accomplish your goal and write down the

          date and time you would like to accomplish it.

       *Stick to your plan.  Find a fitness program that you love.  Once you find a program

           that you really love chances are you will stick to it.

        *Study and read about health and nutrition.  Knowledge is power only if

            you use it.

          For information on Personal Trainer Egean Collins visit www.csfitnessinc.com

           Wishing you happiness and prosperity for 2008.

            Sister Health.

(Printed in WOW magazine Sistah Health column, January 2008 issue. Copyright 2008)

     Imagine Living Healthier – Mind, Body and Soul is a novel written by fitness and lifestyle coach Bridgette L. Collins.  I read the novel and decided to write about it because the stories in Bridgette’s book are relevant to the uphill battle that many Americans face today.

     Bridgette L Collins is the founder and owner of MAC (Making –A- Commitment to Fitness), an organization that offers creative solutions for incorporating healthier lifestyle habits.  She created MAC to educate, coach and motivate individuals who struggle with implementing healthier lifestyle habits.  Bridgette is an avid runner for over ten years and she has participated in a host of 5k and 10K races and has completed four marathons.  Bridgette decided to write Imagine Living Healthier – mind, body and soul in hopes that it will offer solutions for incorporating healthier lifestyle habits for many people who are at a crossroad regarding overweight problems due to their poor health choices and their misplaced priorities.  In her novel she writes about the lives of Sarah, Suzanne and Todd whose priorities are out of order and their lives out of balance.  Sarah is a woman in her late thirties who is overweight and stressed out due to the demands of her job as a marketing executive.  Sarah is a workaholic.  She can never find the time to prepare a home cooked meal, so she buys mostly frozen foods and eats a lot of junk food.  Sarah lives a sedentary lifestyle because she cannot find the time to exercise. In order to loose weight Sarah takes the short cut by trying different diet programs that only work on a short- term basis. When the diet program fails Sarah gets depressed and eats more junk food, goes out to the clubs with her friends and drinks more alcohol to drown out her sorrow.  Over a period of time Sarah’s destructive and unhealthy lifestyle eventually jeopardized her health.  She went to her doctor for her yearly physical and found out that she had high cholesterol.

      Her doctor told her that being overweight and having high cholesterol was a risk factor for heart disease.   This was a wake up call for Sarah.  However, she knew she could not fight her junk food addiction and cravings for alcohol alone without some spiritual intervention. She decided to accept her co-worker Mary’s invitation to attend church.  Sarah attended church on a regular basis and in the process she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and began her journey to change her destructive lifestyle.

     Bridgette uses the characters in her book especially Sarah to make a strong point regarding the repercussion of poor health choices. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), obesity in adults has increased by 60% within the past twenty years.  Fast-food restaurants have become mainstream in the past 30 years and practically all of America takes advantage of the cheap prices, quick services and tasty meals.  Convenient as they may be these meals contain practically no nutrients.  They are comprised of mostly saturated fats and highly refined carbohydrates and are loaded with sodium and sugar. (Down to Earth Natural Foods & Lifestyle.)

     Sarah like most people in American have neglected their health and placed their priorities in other places.  Bridgette used different characters in her novel such as Kelly a registered dietician to help guide and give valuable information in regards to simple things like learning to read the food labels, learning to calculate calories, learning the normal range for cholesterol and how to make healthier food choices by cutting back on high fat, high sodium and high calorie foods.

     As a fitness expert for twenty- five years I commend Bridgette L. Collins on her innovative and clever way of writing a novel that addresses the issues of junk food and alcohol addiction that plague most Americans today.  Bridgette prays that her novel will help people to get off the couch and move and also find peace within by seeking a higher power.  The book is available at www.BridgetteCollins.com

This book is a great gift for someone who would like to change his or her unhealthy lifestyle.

(Previously printed in WOW magazine Sistah Health Column December 2007. Copyright 2007)