Mr. Divabetic – Page 40

05/25/2022

Patti LaBelle Inspires A New Attitude In Diabetes Outreach

Patti LaBelle‘s outspoken attitude about living well with type 2 diabetes at a Luther Vandross Tribute concert changed my life 20 years ago. She said, “diabetes doesn’t control me, I control my diabetes!”. Those words inspired me to coin the phrase ‘Divabetic’ (Divabetic.Org).

My former boss, Luther Vandross, never spoke openly about his type 2 diabetes beyond a prescription refill. At that moment, watching her on stage, I wished that I had the chance to talk about diabetes self-care with Luther prior to his stroke. Like everyone else, I thought he had his type 2 diabetes in the bag and didn’t need any support, or encouragement. When I found him on the floor after experiencing a stroke (related to mismanagement of type 2 diabetes) in April 2002, prior to the release of Dance With My Father, I deeply regretted my ignorance. To this day, I still wonder “what if?”

Patti LaBelle’s candidness or ‘new attitude’ about her diabetes health is probably the singular reason why I started a nonprofit organization. As hard as it might seem to ask for help, it’s worth it when you know there’s someone looking out for you. You deserve an entourage – a group of loving collaborators supporting you to live your best life!

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Back by popular demand! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, hosts this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with our special guest, Stacey Harris, aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom.

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05/21/2022

Mama’s Kitchen Table Song Added to Solar Radio’s Playlist

Yesterday was an exciting day! DJ Richard Marzetti featured the song, Mama’s Kitchen Table, that I co-wrote with Ivan Hampden Jr. and Paulette McWilliams on his show Soul Life on Solar Radio! Paulette McWilliams returns for an exclusive interview on Richard’s show on Friday, June 3, 2022.

Mama’s Kitchen Table is about a woman’s desire for a good, reliable, honest, and decent guy. Someone who doesn’t give up when times are tough but shows up. A respectable man you can bring home to your mama’s kitchen table – the heart of the home. The place where your family gathers to mark milestones, celebrate accomplishments, and honor commitments —the one place in the world where you feel comfortable being your true, authentic self.

Mama’s Kitchen Table continues Luther Vandross‘s musical legacy by uniting his background vocalist, Paulette McWilliams, his songwriter, drummer, and studio engineer Ivan Hampden Jr. and his long-time assistant, Max Szadek.

Paulette McWilliams is a singer and songwriter. She began her career singing with the bands The American Breed and Rufus and has appeared as a backing vocalist on recordings and on tour for numerous artists. She worked with Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, The Jacksons, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, and as a member of Bette Midler’s backing group the Harlettes, among many others.

Ivan Hampden Jr. is a jazz and R&B drummer, composer, and record producer. He was Luther Vandross’ tour and session drummer from 1987 to 2003. Throughout his career, Hampden toured and performed with a number of celebrated artists, including Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Eartha Kitt, Jennifer Lopez, Bonnie Raitt, India Arie, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Little Richard, Gladys Knight, Vanessa Williams, among many others. Ivan Hampden Jr. was recognized for his participation as Arranger/Musician/Programmer on two Grammy Award-winning recordings at the 2004 Grammy Awards: Best R&B Album “Dance With My Father” performed by Luther Vandross, and Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group with Vocals “The Closer I Get to You” performed by Beyoncé and Luther Vandross.

05/17/2022

Chocolate Radio Adds Mama’s Kitchen Table to Playlist

Mama’s Kitchen Table written by Luther Vandross band alumni Ivan Hampden Jr. and Paulette McWilliams, and Luther’s longtime assistant, Max Szadek was added to the UK Soul internet-based radio station, Chocolate Radio‘s playlist.

Chocolate Radio London was first formed in 1992 by Roger Brooks who was inspired to do so after London’s Pioneers of Soul Music Radio, Invicta (1979 to 1984), JFM (1981 until 1985) and the legendary Horizon Radio (1981 – 1985) on 102.5fm and 94.5fm ceased broadcasting in a quest to obtain licenses. During the early 80’s these radio stations took soul music broadcasting on FM in the UK to a whole new level that saw Horizon Radio on par with London’s top music station for listeners. Read more about Chocolate Radio London & Soul Music in London in those early days.

Today, the Worldwide Soul Radio Station Chocolate Radio broadcasts 24hrs a day, delivering the best in Soul, R&B, Jazz-Funk, Soulful House, Hip Hop, House, Northern Soul & Reggae music, coast to coast around the world. The music played on the station covers over 6 decades, from the pioneering sound of Detroit.

After successfully establishing Hampton Music Institute in Clayton, North Carolina, Grammy Winner Ivan Hampden Jr. returns to his first love of making music with the release of Hamptown’s Mama’s Kitchen Table featuring Paulette McWilliams, available on streaming apps.

“I love teaching,” says Ivan Hampden Jr. “But making music is in my blood. I spent half of my life touring, recording, composing, and producing music.”

Ivan has previously collaborated with many prominent artists such as Luther Vandross, Nick Ashford, Chaka Khan, Eartha Kitt, and others. He has been recognized on four Grammy Awards for his work as a musician, arranger, and programmer on Luther Vandross’ multiple platinum recordings.

Mama’s Kitchen Table was a chance to rekindle making soulful music that Luther fans love for Ivan, Paulette, and Max.

“Max came up with the hook, and Paulette and I just took it from there,” says Ivan. “It feels great to still be making music after Luther’s passing.” Still, he adds, “Luther and Nat (Nat Adderley Jr.) taught me so much about the aspects of recording when we were working in the studio for Luther’s albums.”

He’s also applying his knowledge to help younger up-and-coming musicians.
Hampton Music Institute’s mission is to help the next generation of music creators succeed on their journeys.

“My students have taught me a lot, too,” says Ivan. “I’m applying what they’re listening to on their playlists to my music.”

Mama’s Kitchen Table is available on streaming apps, including Spotify and Apple Music. Additionally, Max Szadek’s national diabetes nonprofit, Divabetic.Org, features Mama’s Kitchen Table in the organization’s Mother’s Day outreach programming.

05/12/2022

Divabeitc Summer Baking Party & Recipe

Our friends at Splenda have been graciously donating Baking Kits for our free Baking Parties with the Diabetic Pastry Chef on Zoom.

Mini Strawberry and Cherry Upside-Down Cake Recipe from Splenda

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1 ½ cups Splenda® Original Granulated Sweetener, divided

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided

¼ cup coconut oil

½ cup fat-free milk

1 ½ cups frozen pitted dark sweet cherries

2 cups small strawberries, cut into ½-inch thick slices

½ cup fat-free whipped topping

2 tablespoons fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

Click HERE for the Full Recipe

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

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05/10/202205/10/2022

Divabetic Mysteries: Gypsies, Tramps & Peas Airs Tonight at 6 PM, EST

Mr. Divabetic returns tonight in another high-spirited Divabetic mystery podcast, Gypsies, Tramps & Peas. Click HERE to listen starting at 6 PM, EST.

Your favorite diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer in Coney Island. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. Was it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?

Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids, and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka The Happy Diabetic, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay MEd, NDTR, Mama Rose Marie, and Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit-clad sleuth in this seaside adventure.

Divabetic Mysteries podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

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05/07/2022

Pass The Boa at Divabetic Club Meetings

Roughly nineteen years ago, I began hosting Divabetic’s first free monthly diabetes support meetings in New York City. Our meetings were open to all types of people living with, at-risk, and affected by diabetes and were held at the McBurney YMCA. At the first, the meetings were structured as ‘coaching sessions’ and presented by Life Coach, Dana Hariton, professional dancer and choreographer, Amy Jordan, both living with type 1 diabetes, and myself. The three of us came up with the idea after meeting in the audience at a dLife TV show taping. Initially, these meetings were called ‘Be A Diva’ and I’d make flyers that I would post on the walls of the Y with our meeting dates and times.

Later when I began volunteering backstage on a regular basis (and appeared on screen) at dLife, I met a wonderful, kind, and knowledgeable educator named Joy Pape RN, CDCES.

As Dana and Amy’s appearance began to taper off at our meetings, Joy joined and agreed to moderate our ‘Pass The Boa’ discussions. ‘Pass The Boa’ was our way of introducing ourselves to each other at the start of each meeting. We took turns passing a hot pink-colored feathered boa around the room and sharing our stories with each other. Everyone had a chance to be in the spotlight and voice their diabetes wellness successes and struggles.

As the years went by, different guest speakers ranged from florists, tea makers, tai chi instructors, beauty experts, fitness instructors, and even a passion pleasure expert. Actually, the pleasure toys meeting inspired me to add a sexual health and intimacy education station to our free national program, Divabetic Makeover Your Diabetes. Through the years the program’s name continued to change until it became known as the Divabetic Club. We also began hosting similar meetings in Cleveland OH and Philadelphia, PA with outstanding local educators and organizations such as The Diabetes Center Of Cleveland and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Today, I’m proud to say that we’re still offering free programming but it’s now virtual. Please join us and pass the boa at our upcoming baking party!

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

05/05/202205/05/2022

Double Crust Peach Cobbler Recipe by Splenda

Splenda Baking Kits are just one of the many wonderful prizes you can win when you join us for Divabetic’s free Baking Parties with the Diabetic Pastry Chef on Zoom.

Our recent winner, Anita W. from Buffalo, NY found some inspiration along with a rolling pin, apron, measuring cups, and various Splenda products in her Splenda Baking Kit! She wrote back to us, “I received the prize and I loved all of it. I made some peanut butter cookies with the Splenda and the cookie cutter.”

Double Crust Peach Cobbler Recipe by Splenda

Ingredients

1 box of refrigerated pie crusts, softened

10 cups sliced fresh peaches

1 3/4 cups Splenda Granulated Sweetener

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup pineapple juice

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Lightly spray an 11” x 7” baking dish with cooking spray.
Unroll one piecrust; roll out and trim to an 11” x 7” rectangle. Place in prepared baking dish. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Click HERE for the full recipe

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

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05/03/202205/06/2022

Baked Stuffed Peppers Recipe from Walden Farms

Linda B. from Pennsylvania won our Walden Farms Prize package at last week’s Divabetic Baking Party with the Diabetic Pastry Chef.

Linda received several flavors of Walden Farms Calorie-free Salad Dressing, USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes cozy mystery, and Peak 10 Save My Soles Foot Rescue Cream. Made with culinary-inspired blends of herbs and spices, the finest kinds of vinegar, and a wide variety of natural flavors, Walden Farms Salad Dressings add the perfect flavor to your salad faves – without adding calories, carbs and fat. Try some today!

Enjoy this lighter twist to a tasty classic recipe:

Baked Stuffed Peppers Recipe from Walden Farms

Ingredients

2 medium yellow bell peppers

2 tsp olive oil

1 shallot, minced

1 1/2 cups priced cauliflower

6 slices of turkey bacon, cooked and chopped

1/4 cup Walden Farms Raspberry Vinaigrette

2 tbsp raisins

1 tbsp mint, minced

salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut the top off each pepper and scoop out the seeds and the white membrane.

Heat a small skillet, add oil, and shallot, and cook for a few minutes. Add cauliflower, raisins, salt, and pepper. Cook 3 to 4 minutes longer. Remove from the heat and add bacon, mint, and vinaigrette. Toss to combine and stuff the peppers. Transfer stuffed peppers, uncovered, along with the tops, into a small, sprayed baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When done, cover peppers with the tops and serve.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2

Walden Farms kitchens develop the world’s only comprehensive assortment of calorie-free products with zero calories, fat, net carbs, gluten, or sugars of any kind! Since 1972, Walden Farms has created delicious tasting zero calorie and zero fat Salad Dressings for healthy eaters. Today, their offerings also include syrups, coffee creamers, condiments, spreads, dips, sauces, and a full line of specialty condiments and food enhancers.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

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05/02/2022

2 Out of 100 People Infected with COVID-19 May Develop Diabetes

Researchers estimate that about 2 out of every 100 people who are infected with Covid-19 will have a new diagnosis of diabetes.

Several studies have found a link between a new diabetes diagnosis and Covid-19 reports CNN.

People who had mild Covid-19 infections in Germany found that they were 28% more likely to have a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes compared with people who were never infected.

Americans who had recovered from Covid-19: a 40% increase in risk at least a year after infection.

It appears the more severe someone’s coronavirus infection was, the higher their risk of diabetes. For people who were treated in the ICU, the risk of diabetes jumped 276%. This connection could be related to the steroids that some patients get while receiving acute care in a hospital setting, which can increase blood sugar levels.

A number of studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can attack the beta cells of the pancreas (that produce insulin) and may cause at least temporary harm, if not more permanent harm.

Another theory is that acute inflammation might lead to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is when the body is still making insulin but grows resistant to it and thus cannot respond to it.

“We already are challenged to care for all of the people with diabetes that currently exist. The last thing we need is increasing the numbers,” Dr. Robert Gabbay, chief scientific and medical officer at the American Diabetes Association told CNN.

Words have the power to elevate or tear down someone’s perception of themselves and their diabetes health.

For decades, much of the language around diabetes has been focused on adverse outcomes and laden with judgment and blame without considering individual needs, beliefs, and choices.

On the other hand, encouraging and collaborative messages can enhance health outcomes.

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, and Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES. Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Prince & The New Power Generation’s Love Symbol album courtesy of SONY Music.

04/28/2022

Divabetic Baking Party Hightlights

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk?

Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, hosted a free, fun Mother’s Day-themed Baking Party with special guest, Stacey Harris, known professionally as The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, on Zoom.

The Diabetic Pastry Chef prepared her Sugar-Free Yellow Sunflower Cake recipe, shared her favorite kitchen tool, and answered our baking questions about substituting sugar substitutes and alternative flours in recipes.

Several participants won gifts courtesy of Arthel Neville Design, Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Care, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes‘, and Peak 10 Skin’s Save My Sole Foot Rescue Cream and Splenda.

The Holidays are full of surprises— especially after Mr. Divabetic gets a new job as the pastry chef at the St. Nicholas Nursing Home nestled in a cozy Christmas Village. But adjusting to life in a Christmas Village is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous resident, a real-life Ebenezer Scrooge, named Mr. Pincher almost dies——shortly after eating one of Max’s peanut butter swirl brownies. Despite all of the ingredients for danger, Mr. Divabetic along with our team of amateur sleuths and his overly protective mother — set out to find the real culprit in the hopes that his name isn’t on a lethal naughty list.

Our story was inspired by Kevin Houdeshell’s tragic true-life story. Thanks to the Houdeshell family for their advocacy efforts on behalf of the Emergency Insulin Act of 2019 and the emergency prescription refill legislation. Known as Kevin’s or Howdy’s Law, it allows pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of a chronic maintenance medication if the doctor cannot be reached – a common-sense act that could save a life.

Starring Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie Gentle, Terri Seidman, MaryAnn Nicolay, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, and Wendy Radford. Special thanks to the Houdeshell family, and Pharmacist Mandy Reece. Original music by Ivan Hampden Jr., Celine Dion’s vocals courtesy of SONY Music. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

In the spirit of Scrooge’s awakening at the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we encourage you to honor Christmas in your heart by living in the Past, The Present, and the Future. Try to embrace the Spirits of all Three and the lessons that they teach.