Gorgeous Mask & Hat Combinations for Fall from Harlem’s Heaven

For over 20 years, our friend, Evetta Petty has designed hats in her uptown New York studio, Harlem’s Heaven Hat Shop. Her hats have captured worldwide attention and have been worn to the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot in England. Recently, she’s put her design skills to work making fabulous, functional face masks.

Don’t get down, get DIVA!

Having type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19. But living in the new ‘normal’ and wearing a mask out in public doesn’t have to cramp your style. You can stay safe, live well with diabetes, and still feel beautiful wearing one of these gorgeous hat and mask combinations!

Q: Tell us about your face mask collection. What colors and styles do they come in? Are they for both women and men?

Evetta Petty: My mask collection is functional and fun. Its for ladies and gentlemen. I use the same high quality textiles for my masks that I use for my hats which makes them very special. I’m using beautiful brocades In rich jewel tones and rhinestone embellishments for the couture mask collection.

Q: What styles are new for Fall?

Evetta Petty: For fall I focused on the classic pillbox hat, it’s so sultry and sophisticated and the mask is an added plus. I also wanted to showcase a dressy holiday FASCINATOR or cocktail hat with a Couture mask for the holidays. It’s the new normal with HIGH STYLE!

Q: How has your life changed living in New York City and you’re living with type 2 diabetes since the pandemic?

Evetta Petty: Being quarantined at home during this pandemic is very challenging with Type 2 diabetes. I’m really being careful not to overeat because food is too available. The good thing is that I can do some healthy cooking and try new dishes that I normally would not have the time to do.

Q: How do you cope with the stress and anxiety?

Evetta Petty: Being busy making masks and adding new items to my website has given me a great since of accomplishment. I really have been able to keep the stress level down by concentrating on daily tasks and limiting my time watching the News. I realized early on that when I watched the News all day, it gave me too much anxiety.

Q: How can people purchase your hats and masks?

Evetta Petty: You can purchase my hats and masks on my website www.harlemsheaven.com and we will promptly ship them out. My Hat shop up in Harlem has been closed during this pandemic and will reopen as soon as the law allows.

Harlem’s Heaven Hat Shop is located 2538 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. (@W.147) New York, NY 10039. Phone: 212-491-7706. Store hours: 12PM to 6PM. Closed Sunday & Monday. Appointments available after hours

Hat Designer, Evetta Petty

See hat desginer, Evetta Petty’s sensational hat designs sweeping across the New York Fashion Week runway. Evetta who attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City was inspired by the exhuberance of the Poppy Flower for this unique collection. Her hat designs are fierce!

Listen to Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcast Anniversary Special with music from the world’s most famous “Divabetic”– Ms. Patti LaBelle. She’s encouraging a ‘NEW ATTITUDE’ about living with diabetes! Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle, RN, CDE, Dr. Andrea Chisholm OB-GYN, Luther McRae, Mama Rose Marie, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Seveda Williams and Terri Seidman.

07/11/2020

31 Days Of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Eleven

Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!

On Day 11, we’re spotlighting Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Esther Williams from July 2013.

From “Bathing Beauty” in 1944 to “Jupiter’s Darling” in 1955, Esther Williams swam in Technicolor pools, lakes, lagoons and oceans, cresting onto the list of Top 10 box-office stars in 1949 and 1950.

In a bathing suit, she was a special kind of all-American girl: tall, lithe, breathtakingly attractive and unpretentious. From the beginning, Ms. Williams wrote in her autobiography, “I sensed the water was my natural element.” She estimated that she had swum over 1,250 miles for the cameras.

Esther Williams became one of the most famous swimmers in history without ever participating in an Olympic Games, because she found opportunities that were disguised in many obstacles that she confronted. She spoke of movie stardom as her “consolation prize,” won instead of the Olympic gold medal for which she had yearned.

Swimming is like life with opportunities frequently disguised. When you become disappointed with your present plight, consider how Esther Williams’ disappointment from not participating in the 1940 Olympics led her to opportunities she could have never imagined.

“This podcast was really a game changer for us because of Lorraine Brooks’s poem,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “Initially when I asked Lorraine to write a poem about ‘the beach’, she declined. She had an uneasy feeling that I might not like her poem because it wasn’t ‘upbeat’ or ‘happy’ enough to fit in with our typical podcast format. I assured her that I wanted her to write whatever she felt inside her heart. Her ‘Beauty & Beach’ poem is probably the most popular poem she has shared on our podcast. Her words not only captured listeners’ hearts but they also re-shaped our podcast’s format to reflect a more authentic view of diabetes; the good and the bad along with everything in between.

I hope you enjoy Poet Lorraine Brooks’s poem “Beauty & The Beach” from our Diabetes Roundtable podcast inspired by Esther Williams originally broadcast in July 2013.

Beauty and the Beach by Poet Lorraine Brooks

I’m not Esther Williams.

I’m not even close.

My body in bathing suits

Feels clumsy and gross.

I look at the swimmers

And look at the pool,

And suddenly feel

Like a a fat ugly fool.

READ FULL POEM

Esther Williams’ life, legacy and love of swimming inspires Divabetic’s Roundtable podcast from July 2013. The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic talks about the ‘Best Of Summer’ featuring the best in summer reads, swimsuits and diabetes self-care advice. Special Guests include: Author Brenda Novak, Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, Fitness Expert Tiffany Savion, Kathy Gold, RN, CDE, Neva White CRNP, CDE and Leslie living with type 1 diabetes.

Divabetic’s monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

06/24/202006/24/2020

Diabetes, Bladders & Best Adult Diapers

Women with diabetes have up to a 70% greater risk of developing urinary incontinence according to the Diabetes Self-Management website.

Women (and men) with mismanaged diabetes can experience bladder problems such as overactive bladder, poor control of sphincter muscles that surround the urethra, urine retention, and urinary tract infections.

But this diabetes health-related complication that affects everyday life barely gets mentioned in articles related to diabetes. That’s a shame! Incontinence can play havoc with someone’s quality of life, emotional well-being and ability to carry out ordinary, daily activities.

Are you avoiding activities such as working out, having sex or even going out to dinner because you’re worried about having to race to the toilet?

If you’re dealing with bladder issues, you’re not alone.

When you start avoiding things you enjoy, it’s time to take action. Knowing you’re not alone coping with this health issue might be the spark that helps you overcome any embarrassment in order to seek help.

Do you know exactly what diabetes does to your bladder, and how to deal with it?

In a nutshell, mismanaged type 1 and/or type 2 diabetes can lead to neuropathy, which refers to the general malfunctions or diseases of the nerves. Most of the time when people discuss neuropathy they’re referring to the numbness or tingling in their feet. However, neuropathy can also damage the bladder nerves’ ability to signal when the bladder is full.

Neurogenic bladder is the neuropathy of the bladder. When the cause of the neurogenic bladder is specifically diabetes, it can also be called diabetic bladder. A diabetic bladder can either fail to relax, causing urinary retention or fail to contract, causing the involuntary leakage of urine.

Don’t Let Your Bladder Block The Blessings!

Avoiding playing vigorous sports? Sex life gone from G-spot to pee spot? Don’t let your bladder stop you from enjoying the things you love.

What to do: Experts recommend keeping a diary that includes how often you urinate during the day, a record of the times and events surrounding leakage, and what you drink during the day. Your bladder diary just like your blood sugars diary is a wonderful tool to help you and your healthcare provider to recognize patterns and to develop a plan that works for you.

What to do: Managing diabetes is an important part of preventing problems that can lead to excess urination. Educate yourself about incontinence and bladder function, even before you see your healthcare provider. Once you start googling ‘diabetes and bladder’, you will quickly find that there’s a plethora of articles on the topic.

Divabetic’s Top 3 Adult Diapers

Divabetic is committed to glamorizing good health and helping people with compromised health issues to regain their dignity. We developed this list of our Top 3 Adult Diapers after searching the internet and reading countless customer reviews. (Share your recommendations with us. E-mail: mrdivabetic@gmail.com).

#3: Better Dry 60x Adult Diapers

LL Medico awards their highest rating to The BetterDry 60x Adult diapers with plastic backing. These diapers are for heavy to very heavy incontinence and also provide someone with light incontinence the protection they are looking for. They have odor protection and are latex free to ensure they are a fit for many individuals. These high-quality adult briefs are discreet while providing you with protection in your everyday life.

BUY NOW

#2: Carousel Printed Incontinence Diapers ABDL

This diaper had us at ‘hello’ with it’s colorful design. Once you get past the fun, delightful carousel print you quickly see that it offers heavy protection thanks to 4200ml+ absorbency, double tall standing leak guards, four wide adhesive tapes, and full plastic backing as well as super soft fluffy interior. Trendy Reviewed loves this dazzling diaper!

BUY NOW

#1: Tranquility Premium Overnight Pull-Ons

Idiaper.com and Caring Village both award their highest rating to the Tranquility Premium Overnight Pull-Ons. Their review states their top product offer you with best in class leak and odor protection allowing you to do what you love without the fear of awkwardness. Additionally, thanks to its optimal absorbency the wearer will also enjoy uninterrupted sleep. The best thing about this diaper is that it will offer up to 8 hours of protection. By eliminating agitation, irritation, and anxiety, the user will get better sleep. These diapers come with outer and inner leg cuffs to help prevent any leakage at the leg opening. They also come with elastic around the upper hip, legs and upper hip, and a well-raised waist panel that offers a more proportioned fit.

BUY NOW

06/09/202006/09/2020

Diva-Style Face Masks To Stay Safe And Stylish

Q: Tell us about your face mask collection. What colors and styles do they come in? Are they for both women and men?

Q: What inspires you?

Evetta Petty: I’m inspired by my world travels. What comes to mind is my trip to India. The beautiful buildings and the colors of the spices in the marketplace. I bought beautiful fabrics and trimmings that I use for the masks.

Q: How has your life changed living in New York City and you’re living with type 2 diabetes since the pandemic?

Q: How do you cope with the stress and anxiety?

Q: You also amazing design hats! What are some of your favorite designs for Summer?

Evetta Petty: My favorite Summer hats are super wide brims with floral trim. You get ultimate Sun protection as well as high style. I’m pairing them with matching masks.

Q: What fashion advice can you offer for wearing a hat with a mask?

Evetta Petty: Masks are the new accessory and should be coordinated with your hat for a very cohesive ensemble. It’s a great look.

Q: How can people purchase your hats and masks?

Hat Designer, Evetta Petty

We’re talking about Secrets to Longevity & Diabetes with musical inspiration from Dionne Warwick on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. Guests include The Lager Queen of Minnesota and Kitchens of the Great Midwest Author J. Ryan Stradal, Deborah Greenwood PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Fonzi Thornton, Rachel Stahl MS, RD, CDN, CDE, and Lorraine Brooks. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Dionne Warwick’s ‘Dionne’ album featuring I’ll Never Love This Way Again and Deja Vu courtesy of SONY Music.

05/21/202005/21/2020

Are You Suffering from Dry Feet & Cracked Heels?

Divabetic Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Connie Elder is passionate about helping women put their best foot forward. With a well-earned reputation as one of the most trusted developers of lifestyle products for women, entrepreneur Connie Elder launched her PEAK 10 SKIN skin care line featuring SAVE MY SOLE rescue cream to elevate skin health and hydration to new heights with pure, clean, active ingredients.

Q: What inspired you to create SAVE MY SOLE rescue cream?

Connie Elder (CE): Skin care is not just about the face! Our skin is the largest organ of the body and we need to take care of ‘all of it’, including our feet. Especially this time of year we are wearing more open toed shoes, sandals, flip flops and our feet our more visible. This makes most people more aware of how their feet look. While this is important, it is also important to take care of the health of the skin on your feet. Our feet are really good to us and take us everywhere we go. Therefore, I believe they deserve pampering and a little TLC.

SAVE MY SOLE a spa-inspired foot cream, not only provides nourishment that can help prevent and rescue dry feet, is has a menthol and eucalyptus aroma that provides a cooling and refreshing sensation. I personally find it extends the life of my safe pedicures!

Q: Many people with diabetes are likely to experience cracked heels because damage to nerves in the feet from rollercoaster blood sugars can cause dry skin. How does SAVE MY SOLE rescue cream work to help heal cracked heels?

CE: In my past, I worked with a wound care center where we saw lots of diabetic wounds that would not heal. Many of these were on the feet and caused those who suffered with the wounds ambulatory problems. If we keep the skin on our feet hydrated and moisturized, it is less likely to become dry and crack, causes a wound that is slow to heal.

SAVE MY SOLE foot rescue cream is 25% pure refined Shea Butter. This provides much needed nourishment to the skin on the feet. Shea Butter combined with Vitamin E and coconut oil will lock in moisture for the feet and encourage the repair process for dry, cracked skin.

Skin is like leather, the more nourished it is the stronger it is. With proper conditioning it is less likely to experience cracking and tearing. You can’t break a conditioned piece of leather, but a dried out piece of leather can tear.

Q: Do you have any advice for preventing dry feet?

CE: The best way to keep the skin on your feet from getting dry is to be kind and treat them with foot cream daily. Once a week, use a pumice stone or a fine sand paper block to gently dust off the excessive dry skin. Once you remove the dry skin apply SAVE MY SOLE foot rescue cream to your feet daily. Within a few days you will notice your feet are less dry and they will feel nice to the touch. Visit your podiatrist to keep your feet well-manicured and your nails trimmed. You’ll enjoy sleeping with your feet again!

*If you have an open wound on your feet consult your doctor first.

Q: There’s been a lot of chaos surrounding different Sunscreen SPF levels and their benefits in the news lately. With the Summer months quickly approaching what advice can you give for shopping for sunscreen?

CE: There’s a lot of discussion around sunscreen, for sure. Sunscreen is very important to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. I personally believe using an SPF above 30 provides a false sense of security. We tend to think it last longer and it doesn’t. Reapplication of sunscreen is most important to maintain protection through the day.

There are some chemicals used in many sunscreen that should be avoided, especially for everyday use.

I personally use sunscreen with a combination of Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide (natural mineral) and a small percentage of Octinoxate. Safe levels of the organic compound Octinoxate mixed with the natural minerals are known for absorbing UV-A and UV-B rays of the sun, protecting the skin from damage.

Q: What words of wisdom can you offer to help women love the skin they are in?

CE: First, remember aging is the gift of life. If you are 60, don’t expect to look 30…no one does! Be the best you can be for the age you are. Healthy, hydrated skin looks radiant, at any age.

This can be achieved by using products daily that are pure, clean and effective. Be diligent in caring for your skin. Wash your face in the evening and nourish it with products containing quality ingredients. Products with a shorter ingredients list are usually best! If you are over 40, add a serum to your skincare routine. Make sure you are also hydrating from the inside. Drink lots of water! Limit your skin’s exposure to direct sunlight. Wear sunscreen!

Peak 10 Skin offers a complete spa line of products to exfoliate, hydrate and protect skin, and has a well-deserved reputation for its pure, clean, active ingredients.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic discusses Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) on this podcast. Guests include Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Peak 10 Skin founder Connie Elder, We Are Diabetes organization founder, Asha Brown, and Laura L. who are both living with type 1 diabetes. Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected songs from P.M. Dawn’s live album courtesy of SONY Music. PODCAST LISTENER SURVEY