Are you searching for a walker for yourself or a loved one but are not sure where to start?
Limited mobility and balance issues affect many people with diabetes. But reduced mobility doesn’t need to keep you stuck in the house! A good walker can help prevent falls, provide seating, offer carrybags, and more importantly give a ‘divabetic’ their life and independence back!
Though many different options are available, the best walkers are safe, durable, comfortable, and easy to use. There are several types of walkers; standard, front-wheeled walkers, and 4-wheeled walkers. Here are four of our favorite 3 and 4-wheeled walker options:
Euro-style black rollator is made of lightweight aluminum for easy maneuvering and large front wheels are great for home or outdoors. If you’re concerned about safety, the built-in brake cable is a reassuring feature. A comfortable nylon seat and handle height adjustability provide universal relief that feels customized Price: $242
This rollator walker caught our eye because of its storage space. The height-adjustable seat includes an under-seat storage bag, while the handlebar features an additional saddle bag. Another great feature is the ergonomic hand grips. The extra-large wheels make it stable and reliable. Colors: Blue or Red. Price: $144
This sleek looking walker is made of lightweight aluminum so it’s easy to maneuver. The strong frame is perfect to support any body type. For maximum safety, the brake cable is built into the frame so the cables are not visible and are entirely out of the way.The sling style seat is made of a thick nylon, and the backrest is removable and height adjustable. The walker easily collapses into an ultra-compact size via pulling the seat grip up. The walker supports 300 pounds, and weighs 17 pounds.$186
Most reviewers said, “the Nitro is the Little Red Corvette of walkers.” People were very impressed with how well the 10-inch front wheels rolled over gravel or grass, and how light and easy the walker is to fold and stow in their car.
Medline’s Freedom model weighs 11 pounds and has wheels that can support up to 250 pounds. It folds flat for easy stowage. The 6-inch wheels work well on smooth surfaces but are not good for outdoors. $93
The tan plaid carry pouch attached under the handgrips might have had us at ‘Hello’ but that’s not the only feature that stands out. This three-wheeled lightweight maneuverable walker is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.The caster style rubber tires are 7.5 inches wide and give a smooth ride.The walker can be folded by pulling back on the locking handle, and pushing the sides of the walker together.The walker supports up to 300 pounds, and weighs 9 pounds.
Most reviewers said, “Winnie offers more support than a cane and is less obtrusive than a 4-wheeled rollator.”
Tune in to Diabetes Late Nite on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. We’re talking about spouses living with diabetes with musical inspiration from Country Music superstars, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jaye O’Grey, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be playing selected songs from Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s ‘Rest Of Our Lives’ album courtesy of SONY Music. This podcast is part of Diabetes Podcast Week to help raise awareness and funds for the International Diabetes Federation’s Spare A Rose, Life for A Child campaign. We’re encouraging you to buy one fewer rose for Valentine’s Day and instead donate the value of that flower to help children with diabetes have access to insulin and testing equipment. Donate now at: lifeforachildusa.org/sparearose
Don’t let the end of Summer get you down, get DIVA! Our Divabetic Go Ginger! Labor Day Celebration spotlights different recipes featuring ginger by Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’s to help put a kick in your 3 day weekend.
Did you know that ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet? It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.
Ginger has a long history of use as a nausea remedy for seasickness and morning sickness related to pregnancy. According to a review of 12 studies that included a total of 1,278 pregnant women, 1.1-1.5 grams of ginger can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea.
Now, it looks like the spice can lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study by researchers from Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd, Iran.
“Ginger can increase the effects of blood thinners, so if you’re taking these drugs, don’t take ginger,” advises Martha Howard, MD, medical director of Wellness Associates of Chicago. READ MORE Make sure to tell your doctor that you’re adding ginger to your regimen, and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
Our good friend, Chef Ward Alper aka ‘the Decadent Diabetic’who is living with type 2 diabetes, helps us craft a menu with a redheaded spin for our Divabetic Labor Day Celebration. We’re partnering his recipes with our favorite red heads starting with Tina Louise who played ‘Ginger’ on the 1960’s TV series “Gilligan’s Island.” .
Va va voom! Tina Louise, aka, Ginger Grant While the show didn’t receive accolades at the time and was viewed by critics as a silly, slapstick comedy, it became a cultural icon which is still in syndication today.
Tina caught the eye of Hollywood execs and after actress and sex symbol, Jayne Mansfield turned down the role of the ‘movie star’ on a sitcom. Although probably the least prestigious of jobs, playing Ginger is what Tina Louise is best known for – like it or not. The role did make Louise a pop icon of the era, and in 2005 an episode of TV Land Top Ten ranked her as second only to Heather Locklear as the greatest of television’s all-time sex symbols.
She has a bevy of acting credentials including Broadway, television and movies, and also studied at some of the most prestigious acting schools including the Actors Studio and with the one and only Lee Strasberg. She has starred in movies with the likes of Brad Pitt, Lee Marvin, Katherine Ross and Miou-Miou, to name a few. She has continued to expand her wings including voiceovers for a gaming machine (MegaJackpot product), recorded an album (“It’s Time for Tina”), and has written several books. Wow, an impressive woman!
The question “Ginger or Mary Ann?” is regarded to be a classic pop-psychological question when given to American men of a certain age as an insight into their characters, or at least their desires as regarding certain female stereotypes.
Chef Ward thinks his Grilled Tuna with Ginger would be the perfect dish for Ginger Grant to prepare on the beach for the Professor!
Grilled Tuna With Ginger
The Decadent Diabetic’s Grilled Tuna with Ginger
Carbohydrates per serving 0g.
Chefs Note: This is a fast and simple recipe for tuna. It works equally well with frozen(and defrosted) tuna as it does with “fresh” tuna. It also works well with swordfish. I like MY fish (heresy, I know) on the drier side but I have included instructions for a rare preparation as well.
INGREDIENTS
1 4-5 ounce piece of the best tuna (sushi grade) you can find
pepper to taste
Zest of ½ lemon
2 tsp. Soy sauce
½ tsp. garlic, grated or minced
½ tsp. fresh dill, chopped
½ tsp. fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp. ground ginger
1tsp. olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
HOW TO PREPARE THE RECIPE:
Preheat Grill
Combine all of the ingredients EXCEPT the lemon juice and coat the piece of tuna. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours (this can be done on a still frozen piece of tuna as it defrosts). Add the lemon juice just before cooking.
Heat the grill to medium high. Pat the tuna dry and place tuna steak onto the grill and cook on each side.
For rare- Cook on the grill 3 minutes per side
For medium- Cook on the grill for 4 minutes per side
For medium well- Cook on the grill for 4-5 minutes per side
Cook the marinade in a skillet until it starts to boil. Spoon over the fish.
Go Ginger! Insulated Diabetes Insulin Pen Pouch / Case by TraceyMichell
A fun and attractive new design to hold your insulin pens, needles and contact details safe and secure. This is an insulated fold over pouch secured with velcro. Inside there is plenty of room to store your needles in a pretty Chicken or the Egg pocket also secured with velcro. There is storage for two pens and a plastic wallet to slip in your ID details. Complete with a carabiner clip to attach to your belt/bag this pouch is practical, contemporary and fashionable. Length approximately 18cm. Matching Blood Test Kit also available. BUY NOW
Why Can’t You Wear White After Labor Day?
While no one is completely sure exactly when or why this fashion rule came into effect, our best guess is that it had to do with snobbery in the late 1800s and early 1900s. By the 1880s, in order to tell who was acceptable and who wasn’t, the women who were already “in” felt it necessary to create dozens of fashion rules that everyone in the know had to follow. That way, if a woman showed up at the opera in a dress that cost more than most Americans made in a year, but it had the wrong sleeve length, other women would know not to give her the time of day. READ MORE
Take care of yourself. Whether you’re taking a vacation, getting a massage or just generally relaxing, your slower times give you a (likely) rare opportunity to address your mental and physical help. Take advantage of it to be recharged for the time when sales are booming, or when you need to take care of the next couple of things on the list.
Heath Headlines: A new study from the British Journal of Cancer revealed that natural red-headed men are 54 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer. Researchers think it might have to do with the way genes that dictate hair pigmentation also influence tumor development.
Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. 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. What 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, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure. Healthy delicious recipes provided by Chef Robert Lewis and Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’.
This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.
Join the show! Get the full script for ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ and read along as our cast performs. Please e-mail: mrdvabetic@gmail.com
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but lipstick runs a close second. Why not incorporate your diabetes self-care into your daily beauty routine?
Don’t let diabetes dim your dazzle!
I truly believe that you have to love yourself enough to want to improve your diabetes health. Since 90% of women feel that wearing lipstick makes them feel better about themselves, why not reward yourself before you check your blood sugars by adding some color to your lips? The little boost of confidence you gain from your favorite shade can help you to cope with those unexpected readings too.
15 MINUTE Beauty‘s Best Splurge Red Lipsticks: Mac’s Ruby Woo is one their best selling reds for a good reason! It’s a classic bright red that works for almost everyone. BUY IT
If you’ve struggled in the past with adding your diabetes self-care into your daily routine then a SUGAR LIPS log just might be the answer. Experts agree that linking my new habit with a current behavior make it much easier to change. No need to be motivated. No need to remember.
One good example of this concept is creating a new habit of flossing by always doing it after brushing your teeth. The act of brushing your teeth is something that you already do and that acts as the reminder to do your new behavior. READ MORE
When you stop and think that most women apply their lipstick 4 or more times in one day the resulting SUGAR LIPS log data could prove to extremely beneficial to you and your doctor. If you try it, I bet you will both be smiling! And guess what? A new tube of lipstick is a healthy way to reward yourself for lowering your A1C.
15 MINUTE Beauty‘s Best Splurge Red Lipsticks: Chanel Rouge Allure in Pirate is a classic red shade with a lot of blue mixed in, and the red isn’t too bright. It’s a go to for many women! BUY IT
How to Keep A SUGAR LIPS Log
Write down your blood sugar values after each application of lipstick throughout your day. Jot down the time of day, your medication, and any changes in food, activity, illness and/or stress related to your blood sugars. Keep in mind when checking your blood sugar that the important thing is to know how to interpret the numbers and take the necessary action. For example, if you take insulin and your blood sugar is high, you may need to bolus, or take more rapid-acting insulin, to bring your levels down into range. If you manage your Type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise, you might treat high blood sugar with a walk around the block.
Now imagine how good you’ll feel at your next doctor’s visit when you take out your SUGAR LIPS logbook filled with pages of blood sugar readings!
BEAUTY TIP: Extend the life of your lipstick application by setting your lips reports Bustle. Blotting helps press color into the lips, but if you really want your lipstick to stay put, hold a single ply of tissue over your lips, and dust a setting powder on top.
Face Your Diagnosis Like A Diva!
Unlike some other diseases that rely primarily on professional medical treatment, diabetes treatment requires active participation by the person who has it. You have to have ATTITUDE!! Monitoring your blood sugar level on a regular basis and analyzing the results is believed by many to be a crucial part of the treatment equation.
Self-monitoring is an integral part of diabetes management because it puts you in charge. Regardless of how you manage your diabetes — through diet and exercise alone or combined with oral medicines or insulin — regular blood sugar monitoring provides immediate feedback on how your program is working.
“Checking your blood glucose gives you the freedom to make choices without worry, the confidence to learn from your actions, and the motivation to keep striving to do better,” says Linda Dale, RN, BA, CDE, Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Outpatient Diabetes Education Program at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Diabetes Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan as reported by Diabetes Self-Management. “Monitoring tells you that what you’re doing either is working or isn’t, and it serves as motivation to keep up actions that are working or to make changes.” READ MORE
15 MINUTE Beauty‘s Best Splurge Red Lipsticks: Tom Ford’s Lip Color in Cheery Lush is on the pinker end of the red spectrum and is fairly bright. It’s a statement lip color best paired with minimal makeup.BUY IT
DIVABETIC TIP: You should wait to check your blood sugars if you usually reapply your lipstick after eating or drinking. Most of the food you consume will be digested and raises blood glucose in one to two hours. To capture the peak level of your blood glucose, it is best to test one to two hours after you start eating. The American Diabetes Association recommends a target of below 180 mg/dl two hours after a meal.
Do you feel like you self-sabotage your best efforts? Use “But” – According to LIfeHac, when you start to think negative thoughts, you should use the word “but” to interrupt bad thought patterns. “I’m no good at this, but, if I work at it I might get better later.” READ MORE
BEAUTY TIP: Lip liner can be a game-changer for a few reasons reports Bustle. The first is that it keeps lipstick from bleeding outside the lines of your lips. By applying it all over the lips, it can also help make your lipstick last longer by giving it something to stick to. Lastly, if you want to up your lip game, using a liner that is slightly (and I mean slightly) darker than your lipstick can give flattering dimension to the lips.
GOLDEN RULES OF STYLE Podcast: Healthcare host Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek presents the golden rules of style with celebrity style and image expert Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, LISTEN
GOLDEN RULES OF A DIABETES DIET Podcast: Healthcare host Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek presents the golden rules of a diabetes diet with Jessica Issler, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator LISTEN
The recent death of Kenneth Jay Lane, famed costume jewelry designer whose ‘fake’ diamond designs were worn by legends such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Greta Garbo, Babe Paley and Diana Vreeland, inspires us to examine the recent AND alarming health headlines related to ‘fake’ sugars.
He was a champion for attainable luxury, making it acceptable and even chic to wear costume pieces.
“Kenneth Jay Lane is a nonconformist who changed the perception of the establishment toward costume jewelry. He even got the Duchess of Windsor and a host of British royals to wear costume jewelry — unheard of at the time,” says British filmmaker Gisele Roman wrote, produced and directed the new documentary about Kenneth Jay Lane’s life entitled, Fabulously Fake: The Real Life of Kenneth Jay Lane, “His designs still define the modern era, and he continues to work at 85!”
Actress Joan Collins was once stopped at customs with her KJL jewels and even the customs official couldn’t stop complimenting her about the baubles. “I was going through customs in Mexico — I keep all my jewelry in a box — and the customs man saw it and said, ‘Let me open it. Let me see it.’ He looked at it and I said, ‘Can we go into a private room? Because I don’t want people to see it,’ even though it wasn’t real,” says Collins. “We went into the private room, and the customs man is picking it up and said, ‘Very nice, these earrings very good.’ Finally, I said, ‘It’s not real, you know. It’s not diamonds and gold and rubies; it’s faux jewelry. And finally he closed it and said ‘You have very nice stuff here!’”
Fashion Designer Carolina Herrera, said there was a robbery during a friend’s dinner party in Caracas, Venezuela, and the KJL gems were the only concern. “We were at the home of a friend of mine who has a lot of jewels, and during dinner the butler came to say there’d been a burglary in the house, and they were very concerned about it because it had been upstairs. Her only reaction was ‘Oh, gosh! I hope they didn’t take any of my Kenny Lanes!’”
Kenneth Jay Lane was honored with numerous awards for his jewelry designs, including a special Coty Award in 1966, the Harper’s Bazaar International award in 1967, and the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in 1968.
In 1996, Kenneth Jay Lane released a memoir titled Faking It, which detailed his life and career as a famous faux jewelry maker.
Kenneth Jay Lane’s love of fake jewels inspires us to discuss two health headlines related to ‘fake’ sugar.
The first one is the alarming findings of a linking diet drinks (made with fake sugar) to dementia published in the study in the journal Stroke.
“One can a day of artificially sweetened drink are nearly three times as likely to have a stroke or develop dementia.”
Before you overreact to this alarming headline let’s examine some possible reasons why an increased stroke risk was associated with diet drinks and not sugary drinks. One is what is called “reverse causality”. People who come to realize that they are ill and have a high risk of a stroke then switch their behavior by choosing diet drinks long after sugary drinks have helped cause the problem.
When it came to dementia, the link with diet drinks that new study’s researchers saw disappeared once they took some elements of the health of the people in the study into account. “When the researchers accounted for other risk factors for Alzheimer’s, such as risk genes, diabetes, heart disease, cholesterol levels and weight, this significant association was lost, suggesting that these drinks are not the whole story,” said Dr Rosa Sancho, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK.
The researchers point to it themselves: “We are unable to determine whether artificially sweetened soft drink intake increased the risk of incident dementia through diabetes mellitus or whether people with diabetes mellitus were simply more likely to consume diet beverages,” they write. But they call for more research and others will support them in that.
The second ‘fake’ sugar headline reports that artificial sweeteners may be associated with long-term weight gain and increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, according to a new study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Let’s face it, the health effects of artificial sweeteners are necessary because so many people use them. Another study published earlier this year found that a quarter of U.S. children and 41 percent of adults reported consuming them, most of them once per day. Even more people may be consuming them unwittingly in products such as granola bars or yogurt.
“We were really interested in the everyday person who is consuming these products not to lose weight, but because they think it’s the healthier choice, for many years on end,” says Meghan Azad, lead author of the review and a research scientist at the University of Manitoba. While more research needs to be done, from what we know now, “there is no clear benefit for weight loss, and there’s a potential association with increased weight gain, diabetes and other negative cardiovascular outcomes,” says Azad.
Both of the study linked to the ‘fake’ sugar headlines have their pluses and limitations. Randomized trials are typically shorter term and don’t include as many people because of the cost and effort involved.
They also may not reflect how people behave in the real world. Observational studies can track far more people for a much longer period, and they better reflect how people actually live. But the links they find between habits and health issues are associations, not direct evidence of cause and effect.
All that to say, that more research on ‘fake’ sugar is necessary given the widespread and increasing use of artificial sweeteners.
Tune in to our Luther Vandross Tributepodcast to learn more about the link between diabetes and stroke.
Luther Vandross died at age 54, two years after suffering a stroke related to his type 2 diabetes.
African-American men have a significantly higher risk of stroke, and death caused by stroke, than white males, according to the American Stroke Association. In 2002, the latest year for which data are available, the stroke-mortality rate for black men was 82 per 100,000 population, while the stroke mortality for white men was 54 per 100,000. Likewise mortality is higher in black women, at 72 per 100,000 population, versus white women, who die from stroke at a rate of 53 per 100,000.
Black men and women generally have more stroke risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension, according to George Howard, Dr. P.H., who chairs the department of biostatistics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health. He is an authority on the demographics of stroke.
In the years since Luther’s passing, one constant has remained to define his life and musical success: the voice. Like any great singer of the past 100 years, Luther Vandross’ voice and distinct singing style led to not only monumental success, but an instant recognition when you hear him singing–through your stereo, car radio, on TV or in a movie. Coupled with that voice was Luther’s unique ability to write and sing about love and the shared emotions we all feel in that search for and enjoyment of love. Through his songs, for the last two generations Luther Vandross became a staple in the most joyous moments of people’s lives.
Luther’s style harkened back to a more genteel era of crooning, with songs that spoke to heartfelt emotions and gentle pillow talk rather than explicit sexuality.
“I’m more into poetry and metaphor, and I would much rather imply something rather than to blatantly state it,” said Luther. “You blatantly state stuff sometimes when you can’t think of a a poetic way to say it.”
Featured guests on our Luther Tribute podcast include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Tawatha Agee, Steve Kroon, Seveda Williams, Pat Lacy, Luther historian Leon Petrossian, members of ‘The Luther Vandross Experience’, friends and fans.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from the album entitled ‘Luther Vandross’ courtesy of SONY Music.
We’re celebrating the first day of Summer with our Divabetic top picks in TV, Music, Fashions and Diabetes Self-Care.
Did you know that people who have diabetes—both type 1 and type 2—feel the heat more than people who don’t have diabetes?
Whether you’re working out or just hanging out, it’s a good idea to check the heat index—a measurement that combines temperature and humidity. Take steps to stay cool when it reaches 80°F in the shade with 40% humidity or above. Important to know: The heat index can be up to 15°F higher in full sunlight, so stick to the shade when the weather warms up.
Physical activity is key to managing diabetes, but don’t get active outdoors during the hottest part of the day or when the heat index is high. Get out early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are lower, or go to an air-conditioned mall or gym to get active.
While you’re staying cool inside check out some of favorite new TV Show for Summer 2017:
The TNT hourlong series CLAWS follows the rise of five diverse and treacherous manicurists working at the Nail Artisan of Manatee County salon in South Florida, where there is a lot more going on than silk wraps and pedicures.
At the center is salon owner Desna (Niecy Nash), who lives with and cares for her mentally ill twin brother, Dean (Harold Perrineau). Desna’s staff includes best friend Jennifer (Lyon), a tenuously sober ex-party girl raising two children from previous relationships; Quiet Ann ( Judy Reyes), Desna’s enigmatic driver who also provides security for the salon; Polly (Carrie Preston), a mild-mannered preppy who recently served time in prison for identity theft; and Virginia (Karrueche Tran), who makes no effort to hide her boredom and impatience with her job. Adding chaos to the Nail Artisan mix is Roller (Jack Kesy), a gangstered-out redneck who runs a barely legal pain clinic and uses Desna’s nail salon to launder the obscene profits; Bryce (Kevin Rankin), Jennifer’s husband who is also newly sober and trying to stay legit by working as an abundance coach; and Dr. Ken Brickman (Jason Antoon), a bona fide doctor at a decidedly un-bona fide and illegal drug clinic.
DIVABETIC FASHION: High-Waisted Bikinis are the perfect in-between for a bombshell beach look. Keeping the focus on your curves and drawing attention to your waist according to Vogue. READ MORE
Inspired by the short-lived but beloved show from the ’80s, GLOWtells the story of Ruth Wilder (Alison Brie), an out-of-work, struggling actress in Los Angeles who finds one last chance for stardom when she’s thrust into the glitter and spandex world of women’s wrestling. In addition to working with 12 Hollywood misfits, Ruth also has to compete with Debbie Eagan (Betty Gilpin), a former soap actress who left the business to have a baby only to be sucked back into work when her picture perfect life is not what it seems. And at the wheel is Sam Sylvia, played by Marc Maron, a washed-up, B-movie director who must now lead this group of women and a journey to wrestling stardom.
“GLOWis refreshingly free of the bombast and fatuousness that often come with the genre and features a winning performance by Alison Brie as an actress who finds work doing chokeslams and piledrivers,” wrote the New York Times.
DIVABETIC FASHION: Eye-popping bouquet of florals are the scene-stealers for Summer 2017. Sassy short party dresses, sassy boy shorts and maxi dresses are covered in bold blooms READ MORE
Showtime’s I’M DYING UP HEREis a dark new drama about comedy and loosely focuses on Mitzi Shore, her Comedy Store and the comics who played there in the 1970s, including Richard Lewis, David Letterman, Robin Williams, Elayne Boosler, Jay Leno, Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen, along with many lost to time. his narrative arc put them on a collision course, culminating in a 1979 strike against the club that sundered some relationships forever more.
“Real laughter, it’s cathartic — it’s the current that moves through an audience when some truth about who you are, who they are, is revealed,” says Clay (Sebastian Stan), a comic meant to embody a newer, more personal sort of stand-up, in which he invited strangers, as Eddie says, to “laugh at the most embarrassing, shameful, painful moments of his life.”
Many of the series’ incidents and observations and issues revolve around a relatively short period in 1973, in the wake of the Carson move. Still, as a backstage drama it indulges in themes and tropes that run back to “Stage Door” and “42nd Street” regarding ambition and talent, artists and impresarios.
DIVABETIC DIVA: Katy Perry returns with a new album, ‘Witness’ which could be one of the biggest flops of the Summer. However, she’s still got us dancing in circles to the songs, “Chained To The Rhythm” and “Swish Swish”. Plus, we love the technicolor Witness artwork! Other ‘divas’ spinning on our Summer turntable are Rihanna, Blondie, Cyndi Lauper, Chic, Diana Ross, Shania Twain, KD Lang and new jazz artist, Ala.ni
“Close your eyes and you’ll think you’re eating a homemade yeast bread, instead of this easy quick bread baked in a loaf pan,” says Best-Selling Cookbook Author, Holly Clegg.
Preheat oven 350F. Coat 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.
Stir in beer and honey (microwave honey 5-10 seconds) into the dry ingredients until just mixed. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake 50 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Remove from oven and pour melted butter over the top.
Nutritional information per serving (Makes 12 servings):Calories 159 kcal, Calories from Fat 13%, Fat 2 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 215 mg, Carbohydrates 29 g, Dietary Fiber 1 g, Total Sugars 5 g, Protein 3 g, Dietary Exchanges: 2 starch
Each element on the table has a number, its “weight,” which corresponds to the likelihood and frequency at which a person with diabetes may think about or interact with the element on any given day. This weight is shown on a scale from zero (not likely or frequent) to five (very likely and very frequent)
Reducing the amount of sugar in sweetened beverages over a 5-year period — without the addition of artificial sweeteners — could dramatically cut the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes in the population according to a new study published online January 6 in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology by Yuan Ma, a PhD. READ MORE
We’re shining the spotlight on Diabetes & Depression.
Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may worsen symptoms of depression. Depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes. Dr Beverly S Adler PhD, CDE and “The Sugarless Plum” Author Zippora Karz guest on this episode of Diabetes Late Nite LISTEN NOW
Tune in to our 7th Anniversary Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Cyndi Lauper on Tuesday, July 11, 6 PM,EST. Guests included Susan Weiner RD, MS, CDE, CDN , Megrette Fletcher MEd, RD, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout this podcast we will be playing selected songs from the Essential Collection of Cyndi Lauper courtesy of SONY Music.
I know many people in our Divabetic community don’t like to celebrate the holidays because they feel they may disrupt their diabetes care. But with a little pre-planning and guidance from your healthcare entourage you can still enjoy the festivities associated with Father’s Day without failing your diabetes.
Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing our Divabetic ‘Spaghetti Western’-themed Father’s Day Celebration blog posts showcasing healthy recipes, expert advice on portions and diabetes sexual health-related issues from our favorite diabetes experts, chefs, stylists (Diabetes Advocate & ‘Rich In Love’ Spokesmodel Doris Hobbs shows off a vintage Western look in the photo above) and party planners.
Since our a Father’s Day BBQ’s can spell trouble for anyone watching their weight and/or managing their diabetes I asked registered dietitian, diabetes educator, and Mindful Eating expert, Megrette Fletcher M.Ed., RD, CDE to share her tips on portions to help you stay on track with your diabetes self-care. Below are Megrette’s Tips on Portions in celebration of Father’s Day:
Do you get confused (or downright afraid) when your health care provider talks to you about changing your diet to better manage blood sugars. Fear not, eating the “right” amount of food is easy if you start by asking a few simple questions.
First – eat when you are hungry. By asking yourself, “Am I hungry?” you can uncover if you are truly hungry. If you are not hungry but you still want to eat, then you may be coping with situations in your life through food. For most people, this isn’t a problem, but if you are always coping with a bowl of ice cream at 9 p.m., is it working? Sure, it tastes yummy while you are eating it, but when the bowl is empty are you filled with a sense of health and wellbeing or guilt, blame and shame?
Many dads think, “I can’t have ice cream! I have diabetes!” The idea of forbidden foods because you have diabetes only drives the fear and misinformation about this disease. Remind yourself – all foods fit! The question is how much and how often. Restriction, regarding of the underlying intention, creates the conditions for you to feel deprived. At some point, your resolve will snap, causing you to overeat not with a serving of ice cream, but with a pint of ice cream! This type of overeating is the issue because it becomes a pattern. The cycle of overeating, repentance, and repetition is currently under study by leading neuroscientists. Thus far, the research is teaching us deprivation doesn’t work!
This Father’s Day, take a deep breath and take charge of your diabetes. Start by asking the first two questions in the Mindful Eating Cycle – “Am I Hungry?” and “When Am I Hungry?” If you think you are hungry, great! Get curious and ask the next questions – “When am I hungry? When I see food? When I am offered food?” Dig even deeper and notice where in your body you are feeling hunger.
It isn’t a waste of time to take a few seconds and be certain you are physically hungry instead of being tempted to eat. In our food abundant society, temptation starts the moment you wake up. You are bombarded by hundreds of cues to eat! At some point, you need a system to address the hundreds of food choices before you, which is why the Mindful Eating Cycle is so helpful.
To learn more about mindful eating and diabetes care, please visit www.AmIHungry.com. This website created by Dr. Michelle May is full of terrific resources to help you manage your blood sugar by getting curious about your hunger! You can also purchase the book, Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetesfor an in-depth understanding of mindful eating and diabetes.
Megrette Fletcher M.Ed., RD, CDE joins us on July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast schedule for Thursday, July 13, 2017, 6 PM, EST. On this podcast we will be celebrating our 7th Anniversary of ‘wellness with a wow’ podcasting. Guests include the Charlie’s Angels Of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.
TUNE IN: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 for Diabetes Late Nite with music by Maxwell. We’re talking about Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) with musical inspiration from Maxwell. Along with fellow musicians D’Angelo and Erykah Badu, Maxwell has been credited with helping to shape what has been termed the “neo soul” movement that rose to prominence during the late 1990s. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is an accumulation of fluid in the macula-part of the retina that controls our most detailed vision abilities-due to leaking blood vessels. In order to develop DME, you must first have diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor. Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors. Blindness can occur. Guests include singer Alfa Anderson, Diabetic Macular Edema patient Maryanne Kass, Artist Bryce Chisholm, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from several of several of Maxwell’s albums courtesy of SONY Music.
For the past twelve years at our Divabetic live events, on our podcasts and inner blog we’ve been promotinga ‘New Attitude’ about living with diabetes to help you ‘Keep Your House A Home’ by learning to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring.Now we’re sharing our decade’s worth of our ‘diva brand of diabetes outreach’ advice and suggestions with you so that you won’t have to avoid the holidays in order to take charge of our diabetes.
Our Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration embraces an Old Hollywood aesthetic to encourage you to shine the spotlight on you and your diabetes health!
We believe diabetes doesn’t have to dim your dazzle! You can still embody Old Hollywood glamour and the kind of woman who is accustomed to attention from throngs of paparazzi!
Sure, it can be challenging at times to enjoy the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you can’t enjoy the foods your actually preparing for your family and friends! Why not take the opportunity this Mother’s Day to change your mindset as well as your family’s about what healthy tastes like?
One of our favorite experts,’The Decadent Diabetic’ aka Chef Ward Alper shares this Oscar worthy menu for a Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration.The Decadent Diabetic’s menu includes Cucumber Soup, Smoked Salmon & Brie Omelet, Roasted Asparagus and Tart A Citron. Below is Chef’s Ward Alper’s recipe for Tallulah Tart A Citron (See all of the Decadent Diabetic’s Old Hollywood inspired Mother’s Day recipes on Divabetic blog).
½cup toasted nuts (either Almonds, Walnuts, or Pecans)
¼ c. GRANULATED SUGAR SUBSTITUTE
1 pinch salt
¼ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp. baking powder
4 tbsp.butter or margarine
1 large egg
Filling Ingredients:
1 pkg reduced fat (not fat free) cream cheese at room temperature
2/3 cup GRANULATED SUGAR SUBSTITUTE
juice AND zest of two lemons (about 7 tablespoons)
3 large eggs
How Chef Ward Alper Prepares the Recipe:
Roll out the crust on flowered surface to about a 14 in circle. Using your fingers fit into tart pan. This dough is fragile and will break. Not to worry just piece it together with your fingers. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before filling.
Beat cream cheese in the bowl of a food processor or electric mixer until smooth. Add GRANULATED SUGAR SUBSTITUTE and beat until incorporated. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Add the lemon juice BUT NOT zest of the lemons. Beat until well mixed. BY HAND stir in the lemon zest.
Pour into the crust and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Transfer to a rack and cool. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
Serve garnished with a few lightly sweetened Blueberries or strawberries or raspberries.
Tallulah Bankhead was an American actress of the stage and screen, and a reputed libertine. Bankhead was known for her husky voice, outrageous personality, and devastating wit. Originating some of the 20th-century theater’s preeminent roles in comedy and melodrama, she gained acclaim as an actress on both sides of the Atlantic. Bankhead became an icon of the tempestuous, flamboyant actress, and her unique voice and mannerisms are often subject to imitation and parody.
“Tallulah Bankhead was a great character,” says the Decadent Diabetic. “I actually got to see her on stage in Midgie Purvis. It lasted maybe two performances. It opened with her coming down a staircase with two wolfhounds. As Lily Tomlin would say: “its a look”.”
‘Can I have a healthy baby if I’m living with type 1 diabetes?’ is one of the most common questions we’re asked at Divabetic diabetes outreach events. Our good friend, Diabetes Advocate and Author, Ginger Vieira recently co-authored a new book, ‘Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes’(subtitled “Your Month-to-Month Guide to Blood Sugar Management) with Jennifer C. Smith RD, CDE.
“The book will likely be referred to as “the Type 1 pregnancy bible” before long,” reports Nancy Sayles Kaneshira for Diabetes Lifestyle’s website.
The books covers “Mama’s Mental Health,” nutrition, blood sugar management, what to expect at doctor’s visits, and Ginger’s personal pregnancy diary (pictured right). With countless tips, dietary recommendations and personal stories in addition to their own, the authors ably guide the reader through preparing for pregnancy all the way to baby’s birth, and throughout the challenges of postpartum diabetes control.
This book is so jam-packed with information it should come with a yellow highlighter. BUY NOW
Hollywood Fact: Regardless of what you or I may think of Joan Crawford’s mothering skills and/or allegations of physical abuse towards her children, many single mothers of adopted children owe her a great deal of gratitude. Joan adopted three children—Christina and twins Cathy and Cindy—as a single parent, which at the time was prohibited in California. She used her fame and finances to arrange the adoptions through an agency in Las Vegas.
Diabetes Advocate, Author and Spokesmodel, Doris Hobbs shows off one of the biggest fashion secrets in Hollywood; the nude colored shoe. Nude shoes are ultra- flattering shoe because they elongate your leg and virtually go with everything. Plus, they’re perfect for summer? Every Hollywood starlet’s wearing them now—Miranda Kerr, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Blake Lively, to name a few—and the result is legs for days, to put it mildly.
Pampering gifts like products from PEAK 10 SKIN®are always a great treat to any Mom…at any age! Whether it’s your daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, wife or your Mother, women love things that make them feel pampered and special. PEAK 10 SKIN® have a couple different gift sets that we put together with Mom’s in mind, but they will also custom design a gift for the Mom’s in your life. For custom gifts, simply call or email us. Beautiful gift wrap available , too! Remember, all of products are professional spa quality and are paraben FREE, gluten FREE, cruelty FREE!
PEAK 10 SKIN® is offering this Special 30% Discount Offer to our Divabetic community (use the Divabetic coupon code: divabetic (all lowercase))
Don’t forget to use your coupon code: B2B(40% off)
PEAK 10 SKIN® recently repackaged the new SOOTHE hand cream in a pot for ease of use. The product was too thick to come out of the tube with ease. It comes in 2 sizes; 2oz/$18 and 4oz/$28. These could be perfect gifts as well. These prices are BEFORE your discount is applied.
Making a Mani/Pedi kit of SAVE MY SOLE & SOOTHE hand cream would be fabulous! If you get the 2oz of each, that would be a $36 retail/$21.60 for you!
For the past twelve years at our Divabetic live events, on our podcasts and inner blog we’ve been promotinga ‘New Attitude’ about living with diabetes to help you ‘Keep Your House A Home’ by learning to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring.Now we’re sharing our decade’s worth of our ‘diva brand of diabetes outreach’ advice and suggestions with you so that you won’t have to avoid the holidays in order to take charge of our diabetes.
Our Cinco de Mayo Day Fiesta Celebration embraces the colorful fun of a fiesta to encourage you to entertain like a diva!
We believe diabetes doesn’t have to dim your dazzle! Add a splash of color!
Color is a must but it can either fill the space or play off of white or neutrals. The colors one sees in Mexico are traditionally vibrant, but because they were originally produced from natural pigments they have a slightly muted or chalky quality that tones them down just a bit.
Decorate your fiesta with these festive tissue-paper streamers, bowl bands, and flags. Tissue paper flowers made great decorations. We put them in flower pots, use them as streamers, and wear them as accessories. READ MORE
While the basics of Mexican restaurant entrees — rice, corn, beans, tomatoes, and chiles — are packed with nutrients, beware of entrees loaded with fatty cheeses, refried beans, and sour cream. Follow these tips to enjoy flavorful Mexican food without derailing your ‘divabetic’ diet:
Platter-size entrees with all the fixings can total 1,500 calories. Take half home or order a la carte to get only what you want. Cheese and sour cream top many entrees. Ask for reduced-fat sour cream (or skip it altogether) and lower-fat sauces, such as a red sauce rather than cream sauce. Crispy entrees usually mean the dish has been deep-fried. Opt for corn or whole wheat tortillas instead.
Sure, the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you can’t enjoy the foods your actually preparing for your family and friends! Why not take the opportunity this Cinco de Mayo to try a new recipe?
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease muffin tin or use paper liners.
Combine dry ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer mixing at low speed just until combined. Add butter and mix until the butter coats the flour.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla. Turn on the mixer and add the egg mixture to the dry mixture in 3 parts until combined. Do not overmix.
Divide batter evenly among the muffin tins. filling each 1/2 full. This should make about 16 cupcakes. Let sit 10 minutes before baking. Bake about 17 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle of cupcakes comes out clean. Cool completely.
Hollow out the center of the cupcakes. Fill with lime curd, pipe frosting, and garnish with lime slices, mint and lime zest.
Lime Curd Ingredients
3 eggs
1 cup Whey Low D Granular or equivalent dry sugar substitute
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 Tbsp lime zest
Beat together the eggs and sugar substitute in the top of a double boiler. Stir in juice, butter and zest. Cook over simmering water 15 minutes or until thickened. Cool.
Whipped Cream Frosting Ingredients
2 cups heavy whipping cream
6 Tbsp powdered sugar or powdered sugar substitute
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Add ingredients to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until soft peaks form. Pipe onto cupcakes. This whipped cream recipe is not stabilized, so frost and garnish right before serving.
Did you know that ‘Mexico’s soda tax will save 18,900 lives and more than $983 million over 10 years?
Mexico’s soda tax has continued to help reduce Mexico’s consumption of unhealthy beverages reported by Reuters. Purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages were down nearly 10 percent in the second year of the tax, a new study shows.
Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force described the new study as “encouraging for many cities and countries around the world which are exploring ways to shift the rising tide of diabetes.”
Similar taxes have been levied in countries around the globe – from Colombia to France and South Africa, and in American cities, from Berkeley, California, to Philadelphia. READ MORE
The LA Times reports that if Mexicans sustain this pattern of consuming fewer sweetened beverages, the model developed by researchers predicts that over 10 years, the 10% excise tax could prevent 189,300 new cases of Type 2 diabetes, 20,400 strokes and heart attacks, and 18,900 deaths among adults 35 to 94 years old.
From 2013 to 2022, the reductions in diabetes alone could yield savings in projected healthcare costs of $983 million dollars, the researchers concluded.
Margaritas may be a tasty accompaniment to your tacos or enchiladas, but these are among the highest-calorie alcoholic beverages you can choose. Laced with sugar and sweet liqueur, just one margarita may contain as many calories as your meal. The actual count will vary by recipe, and you can create a much lighter version with some key ingredient substitutions.
Eight ounces of a standard margarita on the rocks will set you back about 455 calories, while a 12-ounce margarita has about 680 calories. You can lighten up your drink by limiting the Cointreau — or triple-sec, which is sometimes used instead — and by using fresh lime juice instead of a sweetened version. Omit sweet-and-sour syrup and sugar, and use just one ounce of tequila to further reduce calories. If your drink seems too small, add come zero-calorie soda water.
Or why not treat yourself to a alcohol-free sparkler, made fast with a tangy blend of frozen juice concentrates?
1 can (6 oz) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed (3/4 cup)
1 can (6 oz) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed (3/4 cup)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 cups crushed ice
2 cups club soda, chilled
Mocktail Margarita Directions
Rub rims of glasses with lime wedges; dip in salt to coat.
In blender, place lemonade and limeade concentrates, powdered sugar and ice. Cover; blend until slushy. Add club soda; stir gently. Pour mixture carefully into glasses. Garnish with lime wedges.
Four years ago,Actress and Diabetes Advocate, Salma Hayek launched Nuance, an expansive collection of lipsticks, blushes, bronzers, face serums, shampoos, and conditioners inspired by her grandmother. These days, it’s safe to say that she’s got the art of looking good down to a science.
“This is embarrassing to say but I wear makeup a lot,” says Selma. “Not every day, I try to let my skin rest, but when I do, I shade my face to give it more depth and to slim my jaw. People think you contour only to get cheekbones, but if you study your face and realize that dark colors will diminish features and lighter colors will bring out features, you can design the face you want.”
Salma Hayek developed diabetes while she was pregnant. “I got gestational diabetes, which I didn’t realize at first. It occurs in women who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy,” says Salma. “I didn’t know whether I was feeling bad because I was pregnant or whether something was seriously wrong. I was nauseated for nine months, which can be one of the symptoms.”
All pregnant women are at some level of risk for gestational diabetes. Since it affects as many as 18% of all pregnant women, it is one of the most common conditions associated with pregnancy. Learn more about gestational diabetes
Our Divabetic ‘Cinco de Mayo Fiesta’ Playlist contains a fabulous mix of Selena’s greatest hits. Selena was an American singer, songwriter, spokesperson, model, actress, and fashion designer. Called the Queen of Tejano music, her contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century
https://youtu.be/SQqehP4YaRQ
LISTEN NOW: Drinking & Diabetes? on Diabetes Late Nite podcast with inspiration from Kathie Lee and Hoda. Find out how alcohol effects your blood sugars. While moderate amounts of alcohol can cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level — sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels. If you are in doubt about whether drinking alcohol is safe for you, check with your doctor.
SAVE THE DATE: Don’t miss our first-ever Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show on Sunday, June 4, 2017, 11 AM – 1 PM at Mosaic Central Farm Markets in Mosaic, VA. Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer and Author Debby Kay from Chilbrook Kennels, and certified diabetes educator Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE will on hand to answer your questions.
“Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!” from Auntie Mame.
Our Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration embraces an Old Hollywood aesthetic to encourage you to shine the spotlight on you and your diabetes health!
We believe diabetes doesn’t have to dim your dazzle! You can still embody Old Hollywood glamour and the kind of woman who is accustomed to attention from throngs of paparazzi!
Sure, it can be challengingat times to enjoy the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you can’t enjoy the foods your actually preparing for your family and friends! Why not take the opportunity this Mother’s Day to change your mindset as well as your family’s about what healthy tastes like?
One of our favorite experts,‘The Decadent Diabetic’ aka Chef Ward Alper shares this Oscar worthy menu for a Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration.The Decadent Diabetic’s menu includes Cucumber Soup, Smoked Salmon & Brie Omelet, Roasted Asparagus and Tart A Citron. Below is Chef’s Ward Alper’s recipe for Rosalind Roasted Asparagus (We will be posting one recipe each day throughout the upcoming week).
Rosalind Roasted Asparagus by The Decadent Diabetic
(Serving size 8-10 spears, net carbohydrates: 6 grams)
Chef’s Note: As with most vegetables, high temperature “roasting” intensifies the flavor. I roast a lot of veggies, but asparagus is my personal “star”
I like mid sized asparagus. The pencil thin ones just go limp, and the fat ones seem to taste “old” to me, even after peeling them. ONLY when it fresh in my garden, I use a little lemon thyme in this recipe.
Ingredients
8-10 – asparagus spears
1 – Tbsp. mincedshallot
1 – clove of grated garlic
1 Tbsp. olive oil
or
1 Tbsp. butter
salt and pepper to taste
2 – Tbsp. fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar (optional)
HOW TO PREPARE THE RECIPE:
Pre heat oven to 400-425° F.
Rinse the asparagus under running water. On a sheet pan lined with aluminumfoil, toss the shallots, garlic,butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper with the asparagusand spread to one layer.
Cook at for 6- 10 minutes depending on how crunchy you like your vegetables. Sprinkle with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar just before serving.
Did you know asparagus may be able to keep diabetes at bay by helping blood sugar levels stay under control while boosting output of insulin? READ MORE
Chef Ward’s asparagus dish pays homage to silver screen legend, actress Rosalind Russell.
“Flops are a part of life’s menu and I’ve never been a girl to miss out on any of the courses,” said Rosalind Russell.
She was a tall and lean just like asparagus! She was best known for her versatility in witty and sophisticated roles such as the fast-talking newspaper reporter in the screwball comedy ‘His Girl Friday’ in 1940. She is also fondly remembered for her portrayal of Mame Dennis in the film ‘Auntie Mame’ in 1958.
Rosalind Russell may have been the most glamorous and famous woman to have Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). However, she shared three qualities with many others living with RA: She was determined, hopeful, and private. She used her celebrity status to advocate for research and successfully lobbied Congress to pass the National Arthritis Act.
Not Everything About Old Hollywood Was Glamorous!
Actress Kim Novakrecalls when she first got to Hollywood, her studio changed her name, gave her lavender highlights, and told her to speak with a breathier voice. When Novak overate one day after a visit to a farmer’s market, one of her actress girlfriends suggested she remedy the mistake by drinking soap and water — which she did, before getting a ride to the hospital.
Did you know your favorite Old Hollywood actresses would dab gasoline on their cheekbones and browbones to spotlight their bone structure? Cinematographers would even rub the stuff on camera lenses to give the shoot a soft-focus, ethereal quality.
High blood sugar is dangerous for many reasons, but it can also make your skin dry, and prone to cracking and breaking. This opens the door to infections. And if you do get an infection, high blood sugar makes the infection harder to fight.
“The No. 1 key is to get your diabetes in check,” says Katherine H. Fiala, MD, director of the dermatology residency program at Scott & White Clinic in Temple, Texas. “If you do that first, everything else is so much easier.”
Our team’s having so much fun putting together ideas for a Divabetic Old Hollywood Mother’s Day Celebration, that Chef Ward ‘the Decadent Diabetic’ Alper sent me this fun message referencing Old Hollywood: “With all these Divas you are having for brunch, I HOPE, you didn’t have to call Janie Clarkson and cancel….again.”
This delicious quote is from the film, Mr. Skeffington starring Bette Davis. Popular and beautiful Fanny Trellis (Bette Davis) is forced into a loveless marriage with an older man, Jewish banker Job Skeffington, in order to save her beloved brother Trippy from an embezzlement charge, and predictable complications result.
Our Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration embraces an Old Hollywood aesthetic to encourage you to shine the spotlight on you and your diabetes health!
Sure, it can be difficult at times to enjoy the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you can’t enjoy the foods your actually preparing for your family and friends! Why not take the opportunity this Mother’s Day to change your mindset as well as your family’s about what healthy tastes like?
One of our favorite experts,‘The Decadent Diabetic’ aka Chef Ward Alper shares this Oscar worthy menu for a Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration.The Decadent Diabetic’s menu includes Cucumber Soup, Smoked Salmon & Brie Omelet, Roasted Asparagus and Tart A Citron. Below is Chef’s Ward Alper’s recipe Stanwyck Smoked Salmon and Brie Omelet. (We will be posting a different dish from his marvelous menu each day throughout the upcoming week).
Stanwyck Smoked Salmon and Brie Omelet Recipe by the Decadent Diabetic
(Serves 2, Carbohydrates 4 grams per serving)
Chef’s note: This dish is as simple to make as it is elegant to serve. Great for a weekend breakfast, brunch or lunch.
Ingredients
4 eggs very well beaten and frothy
Salt and pepper to taste and your doctor’s recommendation
2-3 Tbsp. Liquid (milk, cream, sour cream, or yogurt)
Combine the eggs, salt pepper, liquid, and shallot or scallion and whisk until light and frothy. Heat the butter in a skillet. Add the eggs to the skillet and lower the heat to medium high. Allow the mixture to start to set. Start bringing in the sides to the center rotating the pan to allow the liquid to fill in the empty spaces.
Add the cheese and smoked salmon to the top of the omelet. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and continue to cook until the omelet puffs up (about 2-3 minutes). Sprinkle with capers and serve.
If you don’t keep capers in your pantry, try asparagus tips in their place.
Our entree’s diva inspiration, Barbara Stanwyck was an American actress who had a 60-year career in film and television, best known for her strong female roles in films, such as Double Indemnity. In 1937, Stanwyck’s talent as an actress was recognized on a grander scale as she was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Stella Dallas (1937).
She would come to be nominated three more times for the films Ball of Fire (1941), Double Indemnity (1944) and Sorry, Wrong Number (1948)—each time for best actress in a leading role—however, she never won the award. In addition to the recognition she received from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Double Indemnity, she was lauded by critics for having what’s considered one of her greatest roles as seductress and murderer Phyllis Dietrichson in the popular noir film
Make a scene. For easy ooh factor, use a white tablecloth, white dishes, and just one or two rich metallic accent colors (gold or silver, never bronze).
Add a touch of Old Hollywood to your table and honor the legendary icons of Hollywood’s silver screen and share your favorites with your grandkids. Flowers and centerpieces should be tall enough to talk under or short enough to talk over.
In Old Hollywood, a party’s success wasn’t just about what was being served but also who was being served with lots of style.
Tori Avey printed out pictures of her favorite silver screen stars and put them in decorative frames from Michael’s and placed one at each seat. READ MORE
Opposites Attract! Let the glamour and style of ‘Old Hollywood’ inspire you to embrace New Diabetes Technology. Barbara Stanwyck’s gorgeous costumes in the film, ‘Lady Eve’ sparked our search for diabetes technology worthy of the silver screen. It’s sleek design and ease of use make it the perfect accessory for our Divabetic Old Hollywood Mother’s Day Celebration.
Dexcom‘s new “complication” to its Apple Watch compatibility allow your data to now be displayed right on the main watchface! There are four different ways to view your glucose data there, ranging from 1 to 6 hour trend graphs.
Currently, the new capability is only for the G5 Mobile app and Apple Watch, as the company hasn’t yet updated the Follow app that lets users share their results in real-time with family members or others. Word is also that this new feature doesn’t work with every single watchface, so if you have a unique model it might not yet be possible to make the glucose data display on the main watchface.
One of our fabulous members from the Divabetic community, Taryn McQuain Bentaous, who is living with type 2 diabetes and sells Mary Kay Cosmetics, shares her favorite ‘Old Hollywood’ shade lipstick to help you feel like a diva!
“I choose Poppy Please from our Gel Semi-Matte Collection,” says Taryn. “It feels wonderful to wear, and the matte finish reminds me of old Hollywood. It reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, my favorite old movie!”
Color is a must but it can either fill the space or play off of white or neutrals. The colors one sees in Mexico are traditionally vibrant, but because they were originally produced from natural pigments they have a slightly muted or chalky quality that tones them down just a bit.
