D-Stories – Page 88

04/29/2018

Fandross Festival 2018: We Believe in the ‘Power Of Love’

“When I say goodbye it is never for long

‘Cause I know our love still lives on

It will be again exactly like it was

‘Cause I believe in the Power of Love”

‘Power Of Love/Love Power’ by Luther Vandross

Divabetic is proud to partner with the Vandross Family Estate to present the inaugural Fandross Festival celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross.

As much as we’re looking forward to seeing Luther’s outstanding band members and vocalists perform again and meeting fans we are more interested in helping those at risk, affected by and living with diabetes to stay happy and healthy.

Luther Vandross had over 50 people supporting him with his music but when it came to managing his type 2 diabetes, he chose to manage it alone. That was a terrible mistake because daily diabetes management is challenging as well as overwhelming for many. Don’t go it alone choose to manage your diabetes with ‘team approach’ and build your own healthcare entourage. Working with different healthcare providers, family members and friends helps you to learn in-depth information regarding their health and well-being, boost confidence and find comfort during difficult times. It also ensures that your needs are cared for and addressed.

If Luther’s music has brought joy to your life, then please take a minute to “Keep your House A Home” and learn how to prevent diabetes health-related complications (such as stroke) from occurring. The first step is learning to love yourself and your diabetes health without shame.

Are you ashamed of your diabetes? Afraid of judgment?

Denial of a diagnosis plays a significant role in why people may experience diabetes health-related complications. Ignoring your diabetes has significant repercussions. Learning to accept your diagnosis is not easy and for some, takes years.

Here are three ways to help break the diabetes shame cycle.

1. Respond, don’t react. If your medical professionals are judgmental, consider switching. Realize that you’re in a system that creates shame. Change your mind about how you’re going to see that system.

2. Think about how to transform your behavior and why. “When we really let ourselves understand what our values are and value those things, we are less likely to call ourselves bad people,” says Joseph Nelson, a psychologist in Minneapolis and spokesperson for the American Association of Diabetes Educators. “By getting in touch with what we want in the world, we can tell ourselves that we’re OK and get rid of the shame. Value who you are, no matter what.”

3. Seek support. “Surround yourself with people who know your deeper motivation to change, who aren’t critical, and who are open enough in your relationship with them so that when they do act in a shaming way, you can approach them and tell them why what they’re saying is counterproductive,” says Ann Goebel-Fabbri, PhD, a psychologist at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston and an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

Fandross Festival 2018 Calendar of Events: Fandross Kick-Off Party & Live Music Tribute hosted by Alfa Anderson at Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar on 5/10/18, Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton Concert with VIP Meet & Greet at the Blue Note on 5/11/18, Fandross Festival (Film & Panel Discussion) at SVA Theater on 5/12/18, Fandross ’80’s Music & Fashion Brunch featuring Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP and Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE at Casa de Femme on 5/13/18. All tickets sold separately on Eventbrite. More event details at Divabetic.org

Enoy our Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast with guests include ‘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 will be featuring selected songs from the album entitled ‘Busy Body’ courtesy of SONY Music. On ‘Busy Body’, Luther Vandross’ third album features ‘Superstar’, ‘For the Sweetness Of Your Love’, and the duet with Dionne Warwick entitled ‘ How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye’. LISTEN NOW

04/20/201804/20/2018

Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Angie Stone

We’re talking about ‘PRE-DIABETES, PCOS & REGAINING YOUR POWER’ with musical inspiration from Angie Stone on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Tuesday, May 8, 2018, 6 PM, EST.

Pre-diabetes means you have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. If you have pre-diabetes, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a condition that causes an imbalance of female sex hormones. As a result, women with PCOS often don’t have menstrual periods or only have periods on occasion. Because the eggs are not released, most have trouble getting pregnant. It is the number-one cause of female infertility. PCOS causes insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes.

Singer Angie Stone is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, actress and mother. As a member of the cast of R&B Divas, she’s also topped the U.S. Billboard R&B and Dance charts.

Stone was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1999. “I was always on the go, and thought I was too busy to develop something like this,” Stone told BET.com “I thought at the time that diabetes went along with bad habits, but I was the last one in my family to eat junk food.”

What the Grammy Award-winning singer didn’t realize was that she was a perfect candidate for diabetes: She had a family history of diabetes and was fighting weight problems.

“I came to accept my diabetes when I realized just how many people around me, even in my own family, were living with diabetes,” she says. “It gave me back a lot of courage to see all these people just like me, going places, involved in normal things, and I became determined to learn what I needed to better manage my diabetes.”

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, the founder of PCOS Diva Amy Medling, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM- PCOM, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Jeff James and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from Angie Stone’s ‘Stone Hits: The Very Best of Angie Stone’ courtesy of SONY Music.

03/14/2018

Cuban Food: Eating Smart for Diabetes with Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN

A ham and cheese sandwich every day. Fried chicken and pork rinds. White rice, white bread, and few leafy greens. Soft drinks with every meal. When interviewers asked a nationwide sample of Cubans what they ate on a typical day, and what they would put on a daily menu if they could choose whatever they wanted, these were among the top responses. Results of that landmark study revealed that a majority of Cubans eat too much sugar, not enough fruits and vegetables, and have an unhealthy predilection for fried food, red meat and saturated fats.

I reached out to Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, who is the co-author of ‘Diabetes Guide of Enjoying Foods of the World’ for her advice on how to enjoy Cuban foods without compromising your diabetes wellness. Below is our exclusive interivew for Divabetic:

Q: What do you eat if you love fried foods and you have diabetes?

Constance Brown-Riggs (CBR): Years ago, conversations about food and diabetes were based on what you couldn’t eat. But having diabetes doesn’t mean the end of good eating. The principles of a healthy diet are the same for the person with diabetes as they are for everyone else. Fried foods prepared with minimal amounts of heart-healthy oils can be included in your meal plan. However, fried foods are higher in calories than baked foods. Therefore, it’s a good idea to eat fried foods in moderation. Click here for a step-by-step guide to healthy frying—your taste buds will be glad you did!

Q: What are the healthiest options to choose when eating Cuban foods?

CBR: Cuban cuisine contains many healthy ingredients including fresh seafood, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Two popular dishes are ropa vieja and sancocho.

Ropa vieja is shredded beef made in a slow cooker with tomato paste, tomato sauce, onions, green bell peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices. It’s often served over rice or on tortillas.

Sancocho is a hearty Cuban stew made with native root vegetables—squash, yucca, yams, or potatoes with pork or beef. Beans, lentils or pigeon peas are also added.

Q: What advice can you give to someone trying to cut back on salt without comprising flavor?

CBR: Get familiar with your spice rack! Spices are low in sodium and add wonderful flavor to food. The good news is you don’t have to cut sodium out of your diet all at once. If you cut back on sodium little by little, your taste for salt will change with time. While you’re cutting back, it’s a good idea to avoid adding salt to your food after it’s cooked. Contrary to what you might think you’ll use less salt and improve the flavor of your food by adding just a pinch of salt during the cooking process.

Q: How much visible fat on your beef, pork or lamb should you remove before eating?

CBR: The general recommendation is to remove as much visible fat as possible. To prevent the meat from drying out and becoming inedible, I suggest trimming some of the fat before cooking. Then trim the remaining fat before eating the meat.

Q: What kind of oil do you recommend to use for frying foods?

CBR: For healthy frying as mentioned above, it’s important to use heart healthy oils with a high smoke point, such as almond, avocado, hazelnut, or sunflower. Remember even healthy fried foods should be reserved for special occasions.

Q: How important is other people’s support when trying to change eating habits?

CBR: Changing eating behavior is one of the most challenging behaviors to change. Having a support system in place can really help. You may tell people around you that you are going to change your eating habits and lose weight so that they can encourage you—not police you! It’s also a good idea to schedule a consult with a registered dietitian (RD). An RD, especially one who has been trained as a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), can help you to understand how food affects your diabetes and how to make dietary modifications that increase your wellness. They can also help you develop strategies for dealing with the food police.

Q: I hate vegetables, what do I do?

CBR: With a little creativity you can begin to eat vegetables every day. Add kale or spinach to your morning smoothie, order veggie pizza for lunch and mix cauliflower with mash potato for dinner. And for dessert have zucchini bread or zucchini brownies. Don’t forget basic tomato sauce counts as one veggie serving! To boost the veggie power of your sauce, add puréed carrots or winter squash, peppers, onions, or greens.

Constance Brown-Riggs, is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, national speaker and author of the Diabetes Guide to Enjoying Foods of the World, a convenient guide to help people with diabetes enjoy all the flavors of the world while still following a healthy meal plan. Follow Constance on social media @eatingsoulfully

We’re talking about different ways to ‘SPICE UP’ your diabetes life with musical inspiration from the “Queen of Salsa”, Celia Cruz on March’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. Guests include Best-Selling Cookbook Author (Eating Well Through Cancer Cookbook – Spanish Edition), Holly Clegg, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. LISTEN NOW

03/13/2018

Cutting Down High Blood Pressure at the Barbershop

African-American men successfully lowered their high blood pressure to healthy levels when aided by a pharmacist and their local barber, according to a new study from the Smidt Heart Institute.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of premature disability and death among African-American men, who have less physician interaction than African-American women–necessitating community outreach.

“When we provide convenient and rigorous medical care to African-American men by coming to them–in this case having pharmacists deliver that care in barbershops–blood pressure can be controlled and lives can be saved,” said Ronald G. Victor, MD, associate director of the Smidt Heart Institute and the study’s lead author. “High blood pressure disproportionately affects the African-American community, and we must find new ways to reach out so we can prevent strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and early deaths.”

“There is a different level of trust and respect that’s earned when you meet people where they are, instead of in a hospital or clinic,”said C. Adair Blyler, DPharm, CHC, a pharmacist who treated patrons while they were in the barbershops, said the location was key in reducing blood pressure.

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We’re talking about different ways to ‘SPICE UP’ your diabetes life with musical inspiration from the “Queen of Salsa”, Celia Cruz. Celia Cruz’s late husband, Pedro Knight, a former lead trumpet player for Cuba’s legendary band La Sonora Matancera, suffered from complications of type 2 diabetes and had a series of strokes before his death. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Best-Selling Cookbook Author (Eating Well Through Cancer Cookbook – Spanish Edition), Holly Clegg, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach and Mama Rose Marie. TUNE IN

02/20/201802/28/2018

Cuban Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe by Holly Clegg

We’re spotlighting ‘Latinos & Diabetes’ on March’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from ‘La Reina de la Salsa’, Celia Cruz on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, 6 PM, EST.

March’s musical inspiration, Celia Cruz did not have diabetes but people of Hispanic and Latino origin are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes and related cardiometabolic abnormalities. The risk varies considerably among specific ethnic groups and other factors, such as the length of time they have been living in the United States, according to two studies and an accompanying commentary being published in the August issue of Diabetes Care®.

“If there are any bright highlights in the picture,”aid Neil Schneiderman, PhD from The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), “they are that Hispanics/Latinos older than 65 years, who have better access to health care, are more likely to be aware of their diabetes, more likely to be receiving treatment, and have better glycemic control than those people under the age of 65 years.”

Best-Selling Cookbook author Holly Clegg, who will be joining us on March’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast, shares her wonderful Cuban recipe to help you add some flavor to your menu without compromising your health.

“Perky flavors are packed in this eye-catching tenderloin,” says Holly. “Serve sliced to see the stuffing.”

Cuban Stuffed Pork Tenderloin from KITCHEN 101 cookbook

Directions:

2 (1-pound) pork tenderloins

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1/3 cup chopped parsley

1/3 cup shredded part-skim Mozzarella cheese

1/3 cup chopped bread and butter pickles

Pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven 350°F. Cover baking pan with foil.
Make a slit down center of each tenderloin, not cutting through (butterfly).
Spread inside of both tenderloins with garlic and mustard. Stuff with parsley, cheese and pickles. Fold sides together securing with twine or threading toothpicks to hold together. Season tenderloin with pepper. Bake 40-45 minutes or until meat thermometer registers 160°F.

Makes 6 servings

Options: Turn leftovers into Cuban quesadillas or sandwiches. In tortilla, layer, pork (shred if possible), Swiss cheese, pickle slices and mustard and heat in skillet.

Nutritional Information: Calories: 232 kcal, Calories from Fat: 33%, Fat 8g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 104mg, Sodium: 264mg, Carbohydrates: 3g, Dietary Fiber: 0g, Total Sugars: 2g, Protein: 34g, Dietary Exchanges: 4 1/2 lean meat

With over 1 million cookbooks sold, Holly Clegg has become a culinary expert on easy healthy everyday recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim&TERRIFIC® 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.

This newly revised and expanded 15-year anniversary edition of Holly’s Eating Well Through Cancer includes chapters on nourishing foods that are best tolerated to ease common side effects such as nausea, sore mouth and throat, taste changes, neutropenia and weight loss. With easy everyday recipes using familar ingredients, you’ll find this book an invaluable recipe resource for cancer prevention

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: March’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Celia Cruz on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. Guests include Cookbook Author Holly Clegg, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd,RD,CDE,CDN, Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach and Mama Rose Marie.

Vídeo oficial de Celia Cruz de su tema ‘Rie Y Llora’. Haz clic aquí para escuchar a Celia Cruz en Spotify: http://smarturl.it/CCRSpot?IQid=RYL

02/14/2018

‘Live with Me, Love with Me’ by Poet Lorraine Brooks

Sometimes I’m angry, sometimes I’m sad,
Sometimes I cry at the day that I’ve had.
Often I’m happy, but sometimes I’m not,
Sometimes I fear the disease that I’ve got.

Sometimes I need to eat, sometimes I don’t.
Sometimes my meds will work, sometimes they won’t.
Sometimes my mood is good, happy and gay,
Sometimes it’s hard just to get through the day.

It’s hard to explain, and I don’t have a clue
As to why at some times I behave as I do.
But trust me, I’m trying…I’m doing my best
But this disease just doesn’t give you a rest.

So try to be gentle and do understand,
That I’m just trying to play all,the cards in my hand.
To manage is crucial, and I need support
With planning, and cooking, and things of that sort.

Help me to live with this, and watch what I do,
And know that I because you’re my mate, I need you.
We’re both on this journey, we travel this road
And we”ll both appreciate the seeds that we’ve sowed.

Parttners in everything, shoulders to lean,
All for each other, and no in-between.
That’s what I want and I know you’ll exceed
In giving me all the support that I need!

LISTEN to Lorraine Brooks read her poem, ‘Live With Me, Love With Me’ on February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music from Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s ‘Rest Of Our Lives’ album courtesy of SONY Music. ‘Rest Of Our Lives’ is described as a cozy, inoffensive depiction of an American marriage, with tender ballads and handsome up-tempo numbers preaching the gospel of devotion by Mikael Wood for the Los Angeles Times. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jaye O’Grey, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and Mama Rose Marie.

02/12/2018

‘Couples & Diabetes’ with Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND

We’re talking about ‘COUPLES & DIABETES’ on February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on Tuesday, February, 13, 2018. 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.

How we deal with the pressures of diabetes can make a real difference to the relationships we have with others including friends, family, work colleagues or one off acquaintances.

I reached out to my friend, and colleague, Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, who is a Certified Diabetes Educator and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for her advice on the subject in an exclusive interview for the Divabetic community.

Q: What are the common do’s and don’ts for engaging your spouse in your diabetes care?

Janis Roszler (JR): Ask, don’t assume. Ask your partner if they would like your help. If they say yes, ask what they would like you to do.

(JR): Learn about diabetes. The more you know, the more comfortable you are likely to feel. For example, your partner’s occasional high blood sugar level is not a problem. Complications develop when blood sugar levels remains high for an extended period of time.

(JR): Don’t be offended if your partner turns down your offer to help. Many people prefer to do certain tasks themselves.

(JR): Don’t enter the “parent trap.” You don’t want to turn into your partner’s nagging mother or father! Calmly share your concerns then ask how you can help.

Q: What is helpful and not helpful in their interactions with each other?

(JR): Watch your non-verbal communication. Rolling your eyes or turning away communicates a negative message as clearly as yelling. When you speak to your partner, turn your body towards them, employ good eye contact and listen to what they say. Don’t think about your response while they are speaking. Good listening communicates heartfelt concern.

Q: What advice can you give spouses/partners who argue about diabetes?

(JR): Most couples fight. The trick is to fight fair and repair hurt feelings at the end of the argument. Here are some rules for fighting fair:

Make an appointment to discuss the issue. Find a time when you both aren’t distracted.

Stay on topic. If you are upset about a certain problem, don’t bring up other issues that also bother you.

Don’t bring up the past. Avoid phrases like “you always…” or “you never…” They make people feel attacked.

Focus on the problem, not the person. Don’t call your partner stupid, forgetful or any other negative term. That can cause hurt feelings and prompt your partner to attack you back. The problem is the issue, not your partner.

If things get heated, take a break. When people feel angry or attacked, they stop listening. They also have a harder time feeling compassion. If things get out of hand, take a break. Set a time to resume the discussion.

End in a supportive way. After the fight, try to connect in a loving way. Hug, laugh, go for a walk, etc. Invest in your relationship.

Q: What advice can you give to spouses/partners of people with diabetes who don’t want to manage their diabetes?

(JR): You can’t control another person’s behavior. Let your partner know that you are there for them, but try not to nag or guilt them into changing their behavior. It will only stress your relationship. It is hard to watch someone ignore or mismanage their health. If watching them becomes too overwhelming, meet with a therapist who can help you deal with the situation.

Q: What advice can you give to spouses who may be afraid that their partners will develop diabetes health-related complications?

(JR): The good news is that people who manage their diabetes well dramatically reduce their risk of complications. Discuss how you can support their efforts to stay healthy. If they are open to it, join them at a diabetes class or appointment with their health provider, so you can learn what they need and how you may be able to help.

Q: Hypoglycemia is upsetting, both for people with diabetes and their partners. Both get scared, both get frustrated, and both can get angry, at each other and at the diabetes. What advice can you offer on this subject?

(JR): Create a diabetes emergency plan before a problem develops. Which snacks should be in the house? What should you say if you think your partner’s blood sugar is dropping? If your partner wears a pump and has an unexpected blood sugar swing, what should you do? Etc. If you have unanswered questions, join your loved one at an upcoming appointment with their healthcare provider and ask what they suggest.

Q: Many people use glucose monitoring devices that can share data. Are there any guidelines for partners who monitor their spouse’s blood sugar data on their iPhones, etc.?

(JR): Some people feel great comfort knowing that their partner is watching their blood sugar level. Others prefer to keep these results private. Ask how your partner feels about sharing this information. If you see that their blood sugar level is going out of range, how would they like you to communicate this information? When should you tell them? This is all very personal and should be discussed before the situation arises.

Q: Divabetic is honored to participate in Diabetes Podcast Week to raise awareness for the ‘Spare a Rose, Save A Child’ campaign. This a wonderful cause encourages people to take the typical “dozen roses,” so popular on Valentine’s Day, and donate the value of one rose to help save the life of a child living with diabetes in developing countries. (The International Diabetes Foundation estimates that there almost 500,000 children under 15 years with type 1 diabetes. Lack of access to insulin remains a common cause of death in a child with diabetes.) Make your donation tonight by visiting the International Diabetes Federation (idf.org).

In the spirit of Diabetes Podcast Week, I’d like to ask you what some guidelines are for creating boundaries between parents and children with diabetes?

(JR): Visit the Children with Diabetes organization (childrenwithdiabetes.com). They run wonderful programs and offer online support for parents of children who have diabetes. Learn how other parents handle boundary issues. If your child is ready, encourage them to gradually start to do age appropriate self-care tasks, so they can become more independent. Let them know that they can come to you if any task doesn’t go as planned.

Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and insulin pump trainer. She is the author of several books as well as the popular Dear Janis column in Diabetes Positive! Magazine and contributes to Diabetes Health, Diabetes Forecast, Diabetes Interview, and Diabetes Self-Management . She is also a speaker on diabetes-related topics and has appeared on numerous radio programs and Internet webcasts.

The Secrets of Living and Loving with Diabetes helps readers gain control of their diabetes and reach a new level of confidence in their relationships.

In this book, three experts deliver advice on issues such as handling nagging friends and relatives, injecting insulin discreetly while dining out, bringing up the subject of blood sugar highs and lows before turning out the bedroom lights, and avoiding diabetes urgencies becoming emergencies. Also included are practical tools like exercises, quizzes, questions, checklists, and coping strategies.

One of Janis Roszler’s other books, Sex & Diabetes is the first book ever to deal exclusively with sexual problems as they relate to diabetes— and the only book to discuss issues that relate to both men and women.

It also shows you how sexual problems can be prevented or delayed and discusses treatments options that currently exist. Sex & Diabetes highlights the value of communication between sexual partners and the importance of having an open relationship with healthcare professionals.

TUNE IN: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Faith Hill & Tim McGraw on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, 6 PM, EST. Throughout this podcast we will be playing selected songs from Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s ‘Rest Of Our Lives’ album courtesy of SONY Music. 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.

02/10/2018

Divabetic Remembers Rock n’Roll Hall of Famer, LaVern Baker

Our ‘beyond the music’ series continues exploring the diabetes hardships experienced by beloved musicians who have passed away to help you ‘keep your house a home’ by learning how diabetes health-related complications from occur.

In many instances their obituaries make little mention of their diabetes diagnosis and/or diabetes health-related complications which results in the general public’s continued ignorance about the subject.

LaVern Baker, whose hits such as “Tweedle-Dee” and “Jim Dandy” put her at the top of the rhythm and blues charts in the 1950s and earned her a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

LaVern Baker figured that she was living with type 2 diabetes for about five or six years before she was diagnosed. She received the news soon after completing an triumphant run in “Black and Blue” that marked her return to the United States after two decades living in the Philippines, where she performed on a military base.

She suffered a stroke in the early 1990’s, and then was forced to withdraw from the spotlight in 1994 when her right leg was removed. Initially her doctors thought that only part of her left foot would have to be removed, but a few days after that operation, it became necessary to amputate the entire leg. Ultimately, both of her legs had to be amputated.

“I lost my legs,” Baker, 65, announces. “But I didn’t lose my mind. I’m tired of just sittin’. I want to do something. God gave me a talent and I can still use it. I can still go out and sing.”

And that’s precisely what she did. LaVern Baker returned to performing in 1996 with an undiminished voice and an indomitable spirit. Her repertory include 12 to 15 songs spanning her career around the world. Her shows included the ’50s–songs like “Tweedle Dee,” “Jim Dandy” and “I Cried a Tear”–to numbers from the 1990 Broadway revue “Black and Blue” and from her most recent album, 1992’s “Woke Up This Mornin’ “–a collection of pop and blues standards.

“We’re planning for LaVern to have a motorized wheelchair,” her manager said. “So she’ll make her entrance by herself, rather than being pushed on. You know, I can’t think of anybody in the history of show business who has performed with two legs amputated. Some people think audiences will be squeamish, but aside from her spirit, LaVern’s got great showmanship. And she’s kept her sense of humor, even though her life has been such a roller coaster.”

LaVern Baker, whose original name was Delores Williams, was born in Chicago; an aunt was the blues singer Memphis Minnie. Ms. Baker sang gospel in church, and in the mid-1940’s she worked as a blues singer, calling herself Little Miss Sharecropper and Bea Baker.

She became the second woman signed to Atlantic Records–right after Ruth Brown, who coincidentally originated the role in “Black and Blue”. In 1955, Baker scored her first R&B hit for Atlantic, “Tweedle Dee”–though, in a move typical of that period, it was a re-recorded version by white artist Georgia Gibbs that took it to the pop charts.

More than a dozen R&B hits followed, and–eventually–even some crossover success. Her crowning achievement came in 1958 with the ballad “I Cried a Tear,” a No. 6 pop hit.

But as new divas like Gladys Knight and Atlantic’s own Aretha Franklin started to emerge, Baker’s star was falling. She left Atlantic in 1964. By the end of that decade, her second marriage (to comic Slappy White) had also fallen on troubled times.

Baker was inducted into the rock hall of fame in 1991, telling the audience, “Regardless of how old you are when you get this, it’s still good, baby.”

Why Do People Suffer Double Amputations?

In people with diabetes, a trifecta of trouble can set the stage for amputations: Numbness in the feet due to diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) can make people less aware of injuries and foot ulcers. These ulcers may fail to heal, which can in turn lead to serious infections.

Over half of limb amputations (about 67 percent) in the United States are attributable to diabetes and related complications. The majority of limb amputations are performed on the lower extremities.

Nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy causes decreased feeling, and a person with diabetes cannot feel it when they get a tack in their foot, or injure their limb

Skin changes from diabetes causes skin to break down, and this combined with diabetic nerve damage and poor circulation leads to non-healing ulcers

Join us for the inaugural Fandross Festival presented by the Vandross Family Estate and Divabetic celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for the prevention of diabetes health-related complications such as stroke. Enjoy an interactive Panel Discussion featuring Luther Vandross’s former musical director, Nat Adderley Jr., singer-songwriter Fonzi Thornton, vocalists Alfa Anderson, Robin Clark, and Tawatha Agee, Luther Vandross historian Leon Petrossian and more. Tickets are on sale now (50% Off). Get your ticket now by clicking the link below for the inaugural Fandross Festival on Saturday, May 12, 2018, 6:30 -8:30 PM at SVA Theater at 333 West 23rd Street, NY, NY 10011. Please join us! BUY TICKETS

01/26/2018

5 Fabulous Walkers for People With Diabetes

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:

Rollator Walker by Drive Medical

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

Elite Rollator Walker with Seat by Hugo Mobility

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

Drive Medical RTL Nitro Euro-Style Rollator Walker

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.

Lightweight Rollator Walker by Medline

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 Winnie Lite Supreme Aluminum Rollator

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

01/18/2018

Spaghetti Squash of LOVE by Chef Robert Lewis

What should you amke for dinner this weekend? How about Spaghetti Squash?

Both regular pasta and spaghetti squash have low amounts of fat, salt, and fiber. However, pasta has over 100 calories, while spaghetti squash has only about 20 calories, is richer in protein, and has far fewer carbs than pasta’s 31 grams. You’ll also get 9% of the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber, also delivering a range of nutrients, including vitamins C and A, Potassium & Calcium from spaghetti squash.

Creating vegetable spaghetti from spaghetti is fairly simple but it’s also available ready-to-serve at your local grocery store.

One of our favorite chefs, Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ shares this delicious recipe to help you satisfy your hunger without compromising your diabetes health.

Spaghetti Squash of LOVE by Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash (2 pounds)

1/2 medium green pepper, diced

1/2 medium sweet red pepper, diced

4 medium fresh mushrooms, quartered

1 small onion, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil or canola

2 medium tomatoes, quartered

1 garlic clove, minced

salt & pepper to taste

3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down in a microwave-safe dish or plate. Roast at 400 for 45 min. or Microwave, uncovered, on high for 12-20 minutes or until tender. Cool.

2. In a large nonstick skillet, sauté the peppers, mushrooms and onion in oil until tender. Add tomatoes and garlic; sauté 4-5 minutes longer.

3. When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to separate strands. Place squash into the pan with the veggies, sauté until hot and fully mixed. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Yield: 4 servings.

Chef Robert’s Tip: This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave. The cook time might take longer or shorter.

Nutritional Facts

One serving (1/2 cup spaghetti squash with 1/2 cup pepper mixture) equals 110 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 4 mg cholesterol, 372 mg sodium, 13 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 4 g protein.

In a recent profile on the Everyday Diabetes website, Chef Robert Lewis admitted that he feared the worst for his own love of great food following his diagnosis with Type 2 Diabetes in 1998.

“I suspected that my days of good eating were over,” Lewis writes on his blog. “Yet, as I worked through my ups and downs, I came to realize that the selection of foods I could and should eat was vast and included many of my favorites. This motivated me to attempt to create delicious, diabetic-friendly dishes that were also easy to prepare.

Today he’s a man on the go! is a man on the go. When he’s not working as a director of training for 60 restaurants in the Midwest, he’s traveling around the country as a keynote speaker for Taking Control of Your Diabetes and/or hosting his own podcast, ‘The Happy Diabetic Kitchen Podcast’! Read more about Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ in Diabetes Health Monitor magazine.

Listen to our 4th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast entitled ‘Gypsies, Tramps and Peas’.

Synopsis: Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy diabetes-friendly caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found sleeping with the fishes. What it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, an amorous amputee 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.