Heart Healthy Food Swaps #1

February’s Diabetes Late Nite guest Lisa Young PhD, RDN, CDN  is sharing heart hearty nutrition tips in partnership with Smart Lifebites in honor of American Heart Month (February).

“Heart disease can often be prevented with some simple healthy lifestyle modifications and smart food choices,” says Dr. Lisa Young.

Divabetic’s Heart Healthy Food Swap #1: Swap Your Hamburger for a Black Bean Burger

“Replacing meat with legumes is a simple swap which may contribute to a healthy heart,” says Dr. Lisa Young. “Legumes—including black beans, lentils, and split peas–are a terrific plant based protein option and also a good source of soluble fiber. Unlike a hamburger, bean burgers are also low in saturated fat which the American Heart Association and Dietary Guidelines recommend we limit. So, try going meatless, for at least a few days, this February.”

Dr. Lisa Young PhD, RDN, CDN is an internationally recognized nutritionist and portion control expert. She’s the the author of Finally Full, Finally Thin: 30 Days to Permanent Weight loss One Portion at a Time (Center Street/ Hachette Book Group) and The Portion Teller Plan: Eating, Cheating, and Losing Weight Permanently (Crown 2005) which was named one of six best health books by The Wall Street Journal and O, The Oprah Magazine.

Read more of Dr. Lisa Young’s some simple healthy lifestyle modifications and smart food choices for a heathy heart. 

Listen to Mr. Divabetic’s full interview with Dr. Lisa Young PhD, RDN on February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Dolly Parton.  LISTEN NOW

Do you that Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. with 1 in 4 deaths caused by heart disease each year?

Don’t miss Clued Inn:https://cluedinn.org/ Escape Room, the first-ever Escape Room Experience with a Heart Health twist on on National Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019, 5- 10PM in New York City. BOOK NOW

‘Self-Acceptance & Diabetes’ by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE Clinical Psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator

“Figure out who you are and do it on purpose” – Dolly Parton            

This month’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast talks about self-acceptance and diabetes. Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek focuses attention on Julie Murphy’s book Dumplin’ and spotlighting the music of Dolly Parton who helped make the soundtrack for the Netflix movie. To summarize (and simplify) the story, it’s about a plus-size teenageddaughter of a former beauty queen, who learns how to accept her body and feel proud of who she is.

Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy

Self-acceptance can be an emotional struggle for many people, especially for women who judge their appearance critically. You fill in the blank: “I am too ______” short, tall, fat, skinny, young or old, etc. Let’s remember not to judge a book by its cover! Plus-size people can be superficially judged by their body type instead of what’s on the inside. It’s unfair, but you can’t change what others think. Try to remember to be yourself. People don’t have to like you, but you don’t have to care.

Some people are judged critically for having diabetes. It is assumed, and they are unfairly blamed and shamed, that they lead an unhealthy lifestyle (i.e. eating too many sweets, and being lazy). It’s hurtful to be so harshly judged, especially with no evidence to support those accusations. You know in your heart of hearts what is true and what is untrue. Remember that the most important relationship in your life is the one you have with yourself.


Benefits of Self-Acceptance

Self-acceptance is necessary for good mental health.  A person who scores high on self-acceptance has a positive, non-judging attitude.  A person treats themselves kindly, rather than harshly.  A person allows themselves to be human, to make mistakes and learn from them. Know that as humans we are not perfect, nor should we be expected to act flawlessly.

Psychological benefits of self-acceptance include a decrease in depressive symptoms and an increase in positive emotions. Positive benefits include an increase in feelings of self-worth and self-esteem, and more self-kindness when mistakes occur. Self-acceptance is associated with more optimism and better recovery from stress. Other psychological benefits are a decrease in fear of failure, less desire to win the approval of others, and less self-criticism.  Physical benefits include lower levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (a marker for glucose levels/insulin resistance).


Tips for Self-Acceptance

Use self-talk to encourage yourself. Tell yourself to keep trying and focus on positive aspects of what you did.

Forgive yourself. You have to accept your humanness and the fact that you are not perfect. If you hurt yourself through addictive behavior, avoidance, or otherwise behaving unwisely, make a coping plan for the next time you are in a similar situation so that you can begin to act differently. Remember, there are no failures, if you have learned and grown from your mistakes; there are only lessons learned.

Become mindful. Know what you think, feel and want. When you are mindful you can act on this knowledge rather than on what others want for you.

Practice good self-care. You can accept yourself more, when you take better care of your basic needs. Nourish yourself daily through healthy activities, like choosing healthful food choices, physical activity, sleep, intimacy, and healthy social interactions.

Final Thoughts

Challenge your negative thoughts about yourself. The underlying message of Dumplin is to figure out who you are and do it on purpose. Treat yourself with self-compassion. Tolerate yourself to be imperfect in some parts. We are deserving of love and respect just the way we are. Value yourself and all the things that make you unique. We are all works in progress.

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE

Dr. Beverly S. Adler, aka “Dr. Bev”, is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator with a private practice in Baldwin, NY. She was honored in 2016 with the “Certified Diabetes Educator Entrepreneur of the Year Award.”

She is the author/editor of two diabetes self-help books which include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes.  She has published articles in print and online about diabetes management – always with the focus on emotional adjustment. Dr. Bev has been quoted in numerous magazines and contributed to a monthly diabetes advice column online. She is a frequent contributor to the Divabetic Diabetes Daily Wire, where she blogs about diabetes topics from the psychological perspective.

Dr. Bev has lived successfully with type 1 diabetes for 42 years. You can connect with her on her website www.AskDrBev.com and on Twitter @AskDrBev.

Don’t miss February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast in support of the ‘Spare A Rose, Save A Child’campaign on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.  We’re talking about ‘SELF ACCEPTANCE & DIABETES’ with musical inspiration from Country Superstar, Dolly Parton. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr.Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP,  Lisa R Young, PhD, RDN and more. Enjoy selected songs from Dolly Parton’s new album Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack courtesy of SONY Music.  TUNE IN

Susan Lucci’s Real Life Health Drama Can Be Avoided

Soap Opera legend Susan Lucci underwent emergency heart surgery in October for a major blockage in her arteries that could have ended in a fatal heart attack.

She admitted in People magazine that she ignored the warning signs for three months.

Sometime last autumn, she had felt a tightness in her chest but “told myself, it’s nothing, it will go away. And it did.” Roughly 10 days later, the pain returned, “radiating around my rib cage. I thought maybe I had fastened my bra too tightly.”

Then on October 23, while at the Tory Burch boutique at the Americana Manhasset shopping center, the pain came back, intensified. “It felt like an elephant pressing down on my chest,” she told the magazine, adding that the store manager offered to drive her to Roslyn’s St. Francis Hospital, which specializes in cardiology. 

The tests revealed that the actress had 90 percent blockage in the heart’s main artery, which doctors call “the widow maker,” and 70 percent blockage in another branch.

“Ninety percent blockage – I was shocked,” Lucci said.

The 72-year-old actress had to undergo surgery, during which her doctor inserted two stents into her arteries to help increase blood flow back to her heart.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women today, killing approximately 400,000 women a year, according to the latest statistics from the American Heart Association.

Susan Lucci who has devoted decades to a daily Pilates workout and a heart healthy Mediterranean diet, was unaware that her father’s heart disease meant she was also at risk. Her father, Victor Lucci, had suffered a heart attack in his late forties.  “I always thought I had my mother’s genes,” says Lucci of her mother, Jeanette, now 101 years old.

Diabetes is a powerful risk factor for heart disease in women as reported on the American Diabetes Association’s website. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women with diabetes. Women with diabetes are 2 times as likely to have a second heart attack and 4 times more likely to have heart failure than women without diabetes.

Many women with type 2 diabetes already have heart disease when they are diagnosed or have many of the risk factors such as high lipids levels, high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, and abnormalities in blood vessel function.

Clued Inn is a TOTALLY free and TOTALLY unique way to learn about Diabetes & Heart Disease  on National Diabetes Alert Day on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Our goal is for participants to have a fun, gaming adventure as we take the mystery out of the link between diabetes and heart health and encourage people to discover their risk for diabetes. Space Limited. BOOK NOW

Diabetes Podcast Week 2019

Divabetic is proud to participate in the 4th year of Diabetes Podcast Week (startingFebruary 10) in support of theSpare a Rose. Save A Rose’ campaign, to benefit Life for a Child.

Organizer Stacey Simms explains she got the idea after seeing an article about diabetes podcasts in the news site, Diabetes Mine in the summer of 2015.  “I had just launched Diabetes Connections and I didn’t realize how many other D-podcasts there were,” she explains. “I started thinking about what we could do together to help the greater community.”

Spare a Rose – Save a Child (PRNewsFoto/Partnering for Diabetes Change ()

The idea behind Spare a Rose, Save a Child is simple: buy one less rose this Valentine’s Day and donate the value of that flower to children with diabetes. Donations go to Life for a Child, an International Diabetes Federation program which provides life-saving diabetes supplies, medication, and education that children in developing countries need to stay alive.

.For the first time, #DPodcast Week includes a Spanish-language podcast and one hosted by diabetes dads. The list also includes shows about sports, nutrition, general news and lots of great personal stories for people with diabetes. “There are new diabetes podcasts popping up all the time so I’m sure we’ve missed a few,” says Stacey Simms, who encourages other shows to reach out.

“I have so much respect and appreciation for everything that Stacey Simms does on behalf of the diabetes community,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “My Diabetes Late Nite team is proud to particapte in #DPodcastWeek again this year! We’re encouraging all our listeners to take a page from Barbra Streisand‘s handbook and tell their significant others not to bring them flowers for Valentine’s Day but instead donate to a wonderful cause!”

Don’t miss February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast in support of the ‘Spare A Rose, Save A Child’ campaign on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.  We’re talking about ‘SELF ACCEPTANCE & DIABETES’ with musical inspiration from Country Superstar, Dolly Parton. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr.Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP,  Lisa R Young, PhD, RDN and more. Enjoy selected songs from Dolly Parton’s new album Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack courtesy of SONY Music.  TUNE IN

Divabetic Remembers James Ingram

Two-time Grammy winner James Ingram, whose wonderful voice instantly evokes the classic R&B sound of the 1980s, has died. He was 66.

 He died from a battle with a form of brain cancer reported TMZ. Sources close to the singer tell us James Ingram had been fighting the cancer for an extended period.

“He will always be cherished, loved and remembered for his genius, his love of family and his humanity. I am blessed to have been so close,” says actress Debbie Allen.

He was a staple of the romantic Quiet Storm R&B radio format, alongside Divabetic’s inspiration Luther Vandross and others such as George Benson, Anita Baker and Barry White. His collaborations with Patti Austin — 1981’s “Baby Come to Me” and “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” helped define adult contemporary R&B in the early ’80’s. 

Originally raised in Akron, Ohio, a teenaged Ingram pounded the pavement in ’70s Los Angeles, making demos for a publishing company and churning out tunes for his band Revelation Funk. Comparing himself to his bandmates, Ingram underestimated his own vocal abilities. “I knew I couldn’t sing,” he said. “I wasn’t trying. I was just doing background.”

After the band broke up, James Ingram got great backup gigs, working with Marvin Gaye. He would sing and write demos at a studio on Sunset Boulevard for $50 per song. The studio had a relationship with veteran producer Quincy Jones, who heard Ingram’s recording of “Just Once.” Jones, impressed, called Ingram.

“I hung up on Quincy,” he told the Tribune. “I was never no singer. I never shopped a deal, none of that. My wife said, ‘James, that was Quincy.’ He called back, and we started talking. I said, ‘Yeah, that’s me.’ He put that on his album.”

James Ingram ended up singing that song and “One Hundred Ways” on Jones’ 1981 album, The Dude. Both songs ended up in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. His performance of “One Hundred Ways” won him the Grammy in 1981 for best male R&B performance. In 1984 he won his second Grammy, for “Yah Mo B There” with singer Michael McDonald. Throughout his career, Ingram was nominated for 14 Grammys.

He won back-to-back best original song Oscar nominations in 1993 and 1994, for co-writing the Dolly Parton (February’s Divabetic Inspiration) duet “The Day I Fall in Love,” from Beethoven’s 2nd, and Patty Smyth’s “Look What Love Has Done,” from Junior.

James Ingram won hearts with “Somewhere Out There,” his 1987 Peter Asher-produced duet with Linda Ronstadt. The song was featured in Don Bluth’s animated movie An American Tail, the emotion-tugging power ballad rose to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1987 and won the Grammy for song of the year.

Tune in to February’s Diabetes Late NIte podcast with musical inspiration from Dolly Parton on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 6 PM, EST. We’re talking about ‘SELF ACCEPTANCE & DIABETES’ with Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr.Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP,  Lisa R Young, PhD, RDN and more. Enjoy selected songs from Dolly Parton’s new album Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack courtesy of SONY Music.  TUNE IN

‘Inch By Inch’ Poem By Lorraine Brooks

Slow and steady wins the race.
Baby steps should set the pace.
There’s no need to rush to win,
Enjoy the journey that you’re in.

Things don’t happen overnight.
It takes time to get things right.
Sometimes it may seem too slow
To get to where you need to go.

Dealing with a chronic ill,
May seem like it’s all uphill.
Getting better from a stroke
Makes you feel like a slowpoke.

Lowering your a1c
May seem like an eternity.
Trying hard to lose some weight
Happens at a sluggish rate.

Changes that we make today
Won’t make a difference right away.
But if we practice patiently,
We’ll see results eventually.

Inch by inch the goal gets near
Even if it takes a year.
So don’t stop when you’re halfway there.
Set your sights, and persevere.

Slow and steady, inch by inch -
Do not blink and do not flinch.
It won’t happen instantly...
But in the end, you’ll win - you’ll see!

Hear Poet Lorraine Brooks read her poem, Inch by Inch, aloud on January’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. Throughout the podcast we’re talking about ways to proceed with ‘CAUTION’ in 2019 with musical inspiration from the iconic Mariah Carey TUNE IN

Join us as we talk to experts about the link between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).  

Do you know living with type 2 diabetes puts you at greater risk for heart disease and stroke? Unfortunately most people don’t. We want to help you get CLUED INN and make a healthy comeback worthy of Mariah Carey. Music critics agree that Mariah’s latest collection of songs not only maintains her status as one the best singer/songwriters in the game, but also eloquently displays her truth. She opens up about love, loneliness, and self-worth in a cautionary album that reminds us that she is still a force to be reckoned with after nearly three decades in the industry.

Diabetes Late Nite guests include: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner, MS RDN CDE FAADE, Mama Rose Marie, WeAreEatNeat.com’s Lloyd Owens, Type 2 Diabetes – What To Know Community member Nick Zevgolis, Yoga For Diabetes Director and Author Rachel Zinman and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Mariah Carey’s “CAUTION” courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a  lot.”

Join Mr. Divabetic and cast of Diabetes Late NIte for the first-ever free and totally thrilling Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease Escape Room Experience, Clued Inn,on National Diabetes Alert Day (Tuesday, March 26, 2019) in New York City sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. BOOK NOW

Holly Clegg’s Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

All we can think about lately are dumplings as we gear up for February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music from  Dumplin’ (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Dolly Parton courtesy of SONY Music on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.  

The film, Dumplin’ is based on the book of the same name by Julie Murphy. It tells the story of Willowdean “Dumplin'” Dickson (actress Danielle Macdonald), the plus-sized teenage daughter of former beauty queen Rosie Dickson (actress Jennifer Aniston), who signs up for her mom’s teenage pageant as a protest.

“Netflix’s Dumpin’ film has an emotionally impactful message of self-acceptance, wrapped in a charming coming-of-age story and steeped in Dolly Parton music,” says ScreenRant. 

I reached out to my friend, Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg for a healthy dumpling recipe.

“This ultimate comfort food and soothing soup is made with rotisserie chicken and chicken and drop dumplings and is ready in no time at all!,” says Holly Clegg.  

Easy Chicken and Dumplings from Holly Clegg’s KITCHEN 101 cookbook

Ingredients 

1 onion, chopped

1 cup baby carrots

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

6 cups fat-free low sodium chicken broth, divided

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

2 cups chopped skinless rotisserie chicken breast

2 cups biscuit baking mix

2/3 cup skim milk

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

1. In large nonstick pot coated with nonstick cooking spray, sauté onion, carrots, and garlic over medium heat until tender.

2. In small cup, stir flour and 1/3 cup chicken broth, mixing until smooth. Gradually add flour mixture and remaining broth to pot; bring to boil. Add thyme and chicken.

3. In bowl, stir together biscuit baking mix and milk. Drop the mixture by spoonfuls into boiling broth.

4. Return to boil, reduce heat, and cook, covered, carefully stirring occasionally, 15-20 minutes or until dumplings are done. Season to taste. If soup is too thick, add more chicken broth.

Makes 8 (1-cup) servings

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 212, Calories from Fat 22%, Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 32mg, Sodium 563mg, Carbohydrates 26g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Total Sugars 4g, Protein 15g, Dietary Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 1/2 lean meat

Terrific Tip: A short-cut for dumplings: cut flaky biscuits into fourths and drop into boiling broth or you can even use flour tortillas cut into fourths. You can slice carrots — but I find baby carrots a time-saver.

With over 1.5 million cookbooks sold, Holly Clegg has become a culinary expert on easy healthy everyday recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim &TERRIFIC®, Kitchen 101 and Eating Well cookbook series, including Eating Well Through Cancer, (English, Spanish and Chinese editions), Eating Well to Fight Arthritis and Diabetic Cooking with the American Diabetes Association. Holly Clegg attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School, London. For more information, visit About Holly or The Healthy Cooking Blog for more recipes and tips.

LISTEN NOW: Mr. Divabetic shines the spotlight on author and chef, Holly Clegg, in this half-hour special edition of Diva Talk Radio. This fun-filled food frenzy will feature expert advice on quick, flavorful and healthy eating from Holly’s latest book, ‘Too Hot in the Kitchen:  Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age’

Tune in to February’s Diabetes Late NIte podcast with musical inspiration from Dolly Parton on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 6 PM, EST. We’re talking about ‘SELF ACCEPTANCE & DIABETES’ with Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr.Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP,  Lisa R Young, PhD, RDN and more.  TUNE IN

Hold the ‘Salt’, Add Some ‘Pepa’!

Americans consume an average of 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day. Yet we should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day (most experts agree it’s even better to stay below 1,500 milligrams a day).

Because 75 percent of the excess sodium in American diets comes from prepared and processed foods, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is asking food companies and restaurants to lower their sodium levels over the next 10 years.

Most of us have heard about the dangers of salt. So alternatives like Sea Salt, Kosher Salt and Pink  Himalayan Salt seem tempting. Are natural salts more nutritious than table salt?

According to an article on the Cleveland Clinic’s website the short answer is: not much.

No matter where it comes from, salt contains the same amount of sodium chloride.

So matter which salt you choose its still important to reduce your salt intake. Here’s what you can do:

a). Avoid processed foods. Anything that comes in a box or that’s labeled “quick and easy” may be loaded with sodium.

b). Ask restaurants to hold the salt. When dining out, ask that foods be prepared without adding salt.

c). Always read the nutrition labels. Pay special attention to soups and processed meats like deli meats, hot dogs and ham. They’re packed with sodium!

d). Buy salt-free snacks. Munch on crackers, nuts and other snacks that have no added salt.

e). Flavor food with herbs. Hold the salt. Herbs won’t raise blood pressure, and many have anti-inflammatory benefits.

f). Enjoy black pepper! Black pepper is an important healthy food owing to its antioxidant, antimicrobial potential and gastro-protective modules.

Mr. Divabetic, the cast of Diabetes Late Nite and our special guests are proudly participating in the 4th Annual Diabetes Podcast week (February 10 – 16, 2019). Our collective goal is to encourage listeners to donate to the Spare a Rose campaign, to benefit Life for a Child. 

The idea behind Spare a Rose, Save a Child is simple: buy one less rose this Valentine’s Day and donate the value of that flower to children with diabetes. Donations go to Life for a Child, an International Diabetes Federation program which provides life-saving diabetes supplies, medication, and education that children in developing countries need to stay alive.

Please tune in to Diabetes Late Nite on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 6 -7: 30 PM, EST for a lively discussion about ‘Self-Acceptance & Diabetes’ with musical inspiration from Dolly Parton.

Recently, Dolly ceived a Golden Globe ‘Best Original Song – Movie’ nomination for her song ‘Girl In the Movies’ from her album, Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

“Netflix’s Dumpin’ film has an emotionally impactful message of self-acceptance, wrapped in a charming coming-of-age story & steeped in Dolly Parton music,” says ScreenRant

Dolly Parton may not star in the Netflix film Dumplin‘, but she’s the driving force behind its story and gives it some sparkle along the way.

The film is based on the book of the same name by Julie Murphy. It tells the story of Willowdean “Dumplin'” Dickson (Danielle Macdonald), the plus-sized teenage daughter of former beauty queen Rosie Dickson (Aniston), who signs up for her mom’s teenage pageant as a protest.

February’s Diabetes Late Nite guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr.Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP,  Lisa R Young, PhD, RDN, and Type 2 Diabetes – What To Know Facebook Community moderator Autumn Reed. 

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Dolly Parton’s Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a  lot.” TUNE IN

Dolly Parton’s Coming to Diabetes Late Nite This February!

We’re talking about ‘Self-Acceptance & Diabetes’ with musical inspiration from Dolly Parton’s Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture soundtrack on February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 6 PM, EST.  

February’s line up of guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr.Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP,  Lisa R Young, PhD, RDN, and the Type 2 Diabetes – What To Know Community moderator Autumn Reed. Plus, we’re giving away copies of Lisa R. Young’s new book, ‘Finally Full, Finally Slim:30 Days to Permanent Weight Loss One Portion at a Time’ – tune in to win!

The Netflix film, Dumplin’, based on the best-selling 2015 novel by Julie Murphy, is about a plus-size Texas teenager named Willowdean, who uses Dolly Parton’s music and life philosophies to cope with the death of her Aunt Lucy. When Willowdean decides to challenge the unrealistic beauty standards of her Texas town, Dolly’s music guides her to find friendship and support in unlikely places.

Most psychologists agree that self-love or self-esteem (which are similar, although maybe not exactly the same) begin in childhood. If your parents love you, you are likely to feel better about yourself. But many parents are too stressed or too wounded to give their kids that kind of love. As a result, people may feel unlovable or unworthy their whole life. Media images might reinforce those negative feelings.

During the podcast we will be discussing why the journey to self-love may be complicated for many people living with diabetes and how to love yourself when your body seems to be betraying you, or when you blame yourself for health problems. Additionally, our guests will  share tips on how to resist the power structures that make them believe they aren’t worthy of love or celebration

Throughout February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we will be playing music from Dolly Parton’s Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack courtesy of SONY Music. Dolly Parton wrote six new songs for the Dumplin soundtrack with producer, Linda Perry. One of those original songs, “Girl in the Movies,” scored Dolly Parton a Golden Globe nomination. Dolly also reworked some of her classics with today’s leading recording artists including Miranda Lambert (“Dumb Blonde”); Macy Gray (“Two Doors Down”); Sia (“Here I Am”); and Elle King (“Holdin’ On To You”).

Divabetic’s Top 3 Most Popular Podcasts of 2018

How great was 2018? Well it was fabulously great for our Diabetes Late Nite podcast with ground-breaking topics, expert guests, exciting games and trending musical inspiration. Let’s look back at the top 3 most popular podcasts from the past year.  

#3: Swan Wake, 5th Annual Diabetes Mystery Podcast from September 2018

Show Synopsis: When the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic heads to the Gotham City Ballet Company’s box office to fix a mix up with his ‘Swan Lake’ tickets he’s faced with a even bigger problem – a MURDER! To make matters worse, one of his latest culinary creations, a gluten free cheesecake, seems to be covering the victim’s face. Could our happy healthcare host’s wacky culinary skills make him an accessory to the crime? Mr. Divabetic and his team must whip a crime-solving recipe before a deadly dash of danger ends his diabetes advocacy and healthy catering career once and for all. Guests included Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, We Are Diabetes organization founder Asha Brown, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mary Ann Nicolay MEd, DTR, Mama Rose Marie, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ and Poet Lorraine Brooks. Throughout the podcast we featured music from Leonard Bernstein’s recording of Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20 in celebration of the centennial of America’s greatest classical composer and conductor courtesy of SONY Music. LISTEN NOW

Behind the scenes of the Broadcast: I am thrilled that this podcast is one of our highest rated of the year! I spent more hours researching, writing and editing this mystery podcast than the previous four mystery podcasts combined. Since a physical injury prevented me from having much of a social life, I had no excuses but to write. My daily mantra: “if you can’t have an active body then, at least have an active mind” helped me when I was dealing with another physical setback. 

It’s interesting to note that some dialogue at the very end includes actual quotes from women who are involved in the MeToo movement. I am excited to be working on the next diabetes mystery podcasts scheduled for September 2019 – details soon!

#2: Annual Luther Vandross Tribute Podcast from April 2018

Show synopsis: We’re honored to celebrate Luther Vandross and his musical legacy as well as raise awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as stroke) on our annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast. This podcast presented details of the inaugural Fandross Festival in New York City. 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. Guests included Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes Author Dr. Michelle May, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, R & B Singer Alyson Williams, “Here & Now” Songwriter and Entertainer Terry Steele, Seveda Williams, Luther Vandross Historian Leon Petrossian and Luther Superfan John Price. Throughout the podcast we featured songs from Luther’s third album, Busy Body courtesy of SONY Music. It featured such hits as “Superstar,” “For the Sweetness Of Your Love” and the duet with Dionne Warwick entitled “How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye.” LISTEN NOW

Behind the scenes of the Broadcast: After we finished the live broadcast of our Annual Luther Tribute podcast in 2017, I thought it would be great to bring a tribute podcast to life! I wanted to connect the fans with Luther’s vocalists, musicians, friends and family members to celebrate his legacy.  That’s how our 4 day celebration entitled Fandross  was born. Fandross 2018  featured four wonderful events in New York City including a Live Tribute Concert at Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar, Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton in concert at the Blue Note, a Luther Film & Video Presentation and Panel Discussion at SVA Theater and a Luther-themed Brunch, Fashion Show & Dress Auction with Runway the Realway. It was a magical experience to hear Luther’s music performed live by his musicians and vocalists. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.  

And now a drumroll for …

#1: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by P!nk from January 2018

 Show synopsis: We’re taking about MINDFULNESS with musical inspiration from P!nk. Mindfulness is a technique to be aware of moment-by-moment thoughts, emotions and physical sensations in a non-judgmental way and is increasingly used for eating habits and diabetes management. Research has shown that mindfulness enhances clinical effect of glycemic control. Mindfulness also allows you to accept the way you are feeling rather than constantly battling to try and change it. Guests include Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Walking with Peety Author Eric O’Grey, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Yoga for Diabetes Author, Rachel Zinman, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.  Throughout the podcast we featured songs from Pink’s Beautiful Trauma album courtesy of SONY Music. LISTEN NOW

Behind the scenes of the Broadcast: I can’t always personally pick the CDs we play on our podcasts. Sometimes the artists and/or albums I want are not available in the SONY catalogue or as in this case, I featured music that SONY recommended. As a P!nk fan, I was welcomed their suggestion.  Over the years I’ve come to realized just how big a role the music plays in our monthly podcast. It creates a theme, reinforces a key message, adds excitement to our games and leaves the listener with a beautiful final thought. Several of P!nk’s songs “Beautiful Trauma,” “What About Us” and “Better Life” inspired me to tackle the topics discussed on this podcast.  I usually listen to an album about 20 times prior to producing the podcast. I listen to it while I’m developing the show, choosing and booking guests, researching topics and coming up with game ideas.  Then, I listen to it one more time about an hour before we broadcast to get in the right frame of mind. 

Thanks for being a part of our 8th year of Diabetes Late Nite and Cheers to you for an inspiring and productive 2019. 

Coming in January 2019: Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Mariah Carey

We’re talking about ways to proceed with ‘CAUTION’ in 2019 with musical inspiration from the iconic Mariah Carey on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, 6 PM, EST. TUNE IN

Join us as we talk to experts about the link between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).  

Do you know living with type 2 diabetes puts you at greater risk for heart disease and stroke? Unfortunately most people don’t. We want to help you get CLUED INN and make a healthy comeback worthy of Mariah Carey. Music critics agree that Mariah’s latest collection of songs not only maintains her status as one the best singer/songwriters in the game, but also eloquently displays her truth. She opens up about love, loneliness, and self-worth in a cautionary album that reminds us that she is still a force to be reckoned with after nearly three decades in the industry. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks,  2015 AADE Diabetes Educator of the Year Susan Weiner, MS RDN CDE FAADE, Mama Rose Marie, WeAreEatNeat.com’s Lloyd Owens, Nick Zevgolis, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Mariah Carey’s “CAUTION” courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a  lot.”

Join Mr. Divabetic and cast of Diabetes Late NIte for the first-ever Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease Escape Room Experience, Clued Inn,on National Diabetes Alert Day (March 26, 2019) in New York City sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.