D-Stories – Page 94

05/30/201705/30/2017

Overcoming The Fear of Diabetes Complications by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE

Many people with diabetes are fearful about some aspect of the condition – scared of taking medication, using syringes, breaking old habits and/or adjusting their diets and this is just the day to day challenge of living with a chronic health problem.

What about those fears about the future – the possibility of developing long term complication such as blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.?

I’ve decided to include this topic in a new Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast. As part of my ongoing research I contacted my friend, Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE aka “Dr. Bev” for her invaluable insight and advice on this subject. She willingly agreed to share the blog post featured below, “Fear of Diabetes Complications” with our Divabetic community:

The topic of diabetes complications stirs up a lot of emotional issues. Some well meaning, but uninformed, people (they call themselves your family and friends) may tell you that if you eat that slice of cake you will lose a toe or go blind. Trying to guilt you into eating healthy does not work. It makes many people with diabetes become oppositional and eat that slice – and more – just because they want to be assertive.

Diabetes is the Leading Cause of…..

First, let’s examine that “advice” that you will lose a toe or go blind by eating a slice of cake. That is not a true fact. It’s important to remember that poorly controlled diabetes can result in long-term complications. That’s a good place to start when talking with your family and friends, if they worry about your future health. It is okay to eat that slice of cake if you’ve planned for it in your meal plan. You can’t eat the whole cake, but enjoying a reasonable size slice is not going to result in dire diabetes complications. If you take insulin, you need to account for the additional carbs and increase your bolus insulin dose accordingly. If you don’t take insulin, you need to “pick and choose” which carbs are your priority: try to skip eating the bread and pasta, so you can enjoy the cake. And remember this: Well controlled diabetes is the leading cause of……..NOTHING!

Helpful ideas to be Assertive

Second, let’s examine how to be assertive with the “diabetes police.” While it makes the point that you will do what you want, not what you’re told, the reaction cited in the example above is rather unhealthy. Here’s some helpful ideas to be assertive without being self-destructive:

Acknowledge their concern. Express appreciation for their well meaning intent and thank them for their concern. Always be courteous.
Educate your well meaning, but uninformed, family and friends. Let them know about carb counting and meal planning.
Reassure the “diabetes police” that you know how to manage your diabetes. Correct mis-information. After all, you don’t want to live with those dire complications either.
Keep a sense of humor. Try to be light-hearted if the situation gets tense.
If all else fails, you have the right to choose to ignore the advice and the person dispensing the advice. It’s okay to do what you need to do to keep yourself emotionally strong and healthy.

What if You are the one Fearing Diabetes Complications

What if you are the one who is obsessively worried about the “what if” of possible future diabetes complications? It can make you feel hopeless. An emotional consequence of obsessive worry, and trying to follow a strict regimen in order to avoid complications, can lead to “diabetes burnout.” Diabetes burnout can result in you feeling out of control and overwhelmed by your diabetes. If you feel like your diabetes is a prison, I advise you to “break out before you burnout!” When people with diabetes burnout, the pendulum of good self-care swings in the opposite direction to poor self-care. Try to be reassured with this good news: thanks to medical developments, people with diabetes are less likely to develop long-term complications than ever before!

Actions to Calm your Fear

Here are some actions you can take to help calm your fear for the short and long-term:

Take a walk.
Engage in regular exercise – because it can manage stress as well as blood glucose.
Get enough sleep.
Write in a journal.
Learn to use some form of relaxation, such as deep breathing or yoga.
Limit or eliminate alcohol.

Changing your Thoughts to Reduce your Fear

Here are some ways to help change your thoughts to reduce your fear:

Approach your diabetes with the mindset “it is what it is” – then stress can be reduced.
If you can accept your diabetes, you can feel empowered to manage it.
If you change your attitude from hopelessness to hopefulness, you can change your perspective to focus on long-term good health.
Psychologists see humor as a character strength.People living with diabetes can improve their mood by approaching life with a sense of humor – LAUGH!
Have a positive attitude. As the saying goes, “you cannot live a positive life with a negative mind.” If you default to a negative mindset, that will limit you. Remember: A bad attitude is like a flat tire – you don’t get anywhere until you change it.

Help is Available

If you are so worried about potential complications that may happen in the future, I say to you: “None of us knows what the future will bring.” (If you did know the future, could you please tell me what the winning lottery numbers will be!) Worrying about future complications wastes your time and energy and does not make your chances better or worse. Take care of your diabetes management one day at a time. It’s an approach I’ve personally followed to successfully manage my type 1 diabetes for the past 42 years.

If you feel that your fear of diabetes complications is too difficult for you to manage on your own, you may be helped by talking with a diabetes psychologist or mental health provider who provides diabetes-focused therapy.

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.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music by Sia. We’re shedding some light on the emotional side of diabetes including depression with guests, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, , Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Mama Rose Marie and Zippora Karz, a former NYC Ballet Solo Ballerina with type 1 diabetes and author of the memoir “The Sugarless Plum”.

05/28/201705/28/2017

Divabetic Memorial Day Celebration with Dessert by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

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 without failing your diabetes.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.

One of my favorite memories of our diva-style outreach came the day after I presented our ‘Divabetic- Makeover Your Diabetes’ outreach event in Washington, DC. I took my parents to see Arlington National Cemetery. My father, who is a veteran of the Korean War, enjoyed seeing the Changing Of the Guard Ritual. The Guards of Honor at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are highly motivated and are proud to honor all American service members who are “Known But to God.”

Did you know Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.

Having friends and family over for a get-together over the long weekend can be stressful of anyone, especially when you’re living with diabetes. Stacey ‘The Diabetic Pastry’ Chef shares a sugar free dessert recipe to make your Memorial Day memorable.

Type 2 diabetes doesn’t stop Stacey Harris. From her tasty treats to her outlook on life, This pastry chef keeps things as sweet as can be as well as … sugar free!

Berry tartlets with blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, strawberries, almond flakes in icing sugar

Sugar- Free Fruit Tartlets by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

Cookie Crust (Ingredients):

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup Whey Low D Granular, or equivalent dry sugar substitute

2 large eggs

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

3/4 cup white whole wheat flour

Directions: In the bowl of a mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth. Add the sugar substitute and mix until incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time beating until combined after each. Add the flour all at once and mix on low just until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. Roll out and use fluted 3″ cookie cutter to cut and place in 24 mini muffin cups. Bake in 350 degree preheated oven until golden brown approximately 10 minutes.

Custard:

1/3 cup Whey Low D Granular, or equivalent dry sugar substitute

3 Tbsp cornstarch

1/8 tsp salt

2 cups milk

2 egg yolks, slightly beaten

1 Tbsp butter

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions: In medium saucepan, combine the dry ingredients. Gradually stir in the milk, and cook over medium heat until the mixture boils and thickens while stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. In small bowl, blend approximately 1/3 of the hot mixture into the egg yolks. Return the yolk mixture to the hot mixture and blend well. Cook the mixture until it bubbles, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add the butter and vanilla. Cool. Fill each muffin cup about half way with the cooled custard and add topping. Fruits can be brushed with a little heated currant jelly if you would like them to appear glossy. Refrigerate until serving time.

Topping: Various fruits and berries such as: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, kiwi, sliced almonds, confectioners sugar or substitute for dusting and/or mint leaves for garnishing

Divabetic Fact: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that nearly one in four men and women (24 percent) who served their country have diabetes.

Set the table for a whole season of festive cookouts by giving it a new summer coat. The wooden slats of a classic picnic table provide a ready-made outline for stripes. Red and white are very versatile — with blue napkins and flag “bouquets,” the table’s ready for patriotic gatherings; adorned with bright red, orange, or yellow tableware, it would have “casual barbecue” painted all over it. READ MORE

Divabetic Playlist: “Soldier Boy” is a song written by Luther Dixon and Florence Greenberg. The song was released as a single by The Shirelles in 1962 and met with great success, topping the US Billboard Hot 100. The song’s lyrics are a profession of the singer’s love for the titular soldier boy in which she promises to remain true to him while he’s away.

How to enjoy Memorial Day foods without packing on pounds

Plenty of us will be heading to Memorial Day picnics and barbecues this weekend, but is it possible to enjoy the food without ruining your diet? NBC health and nutrition editor Madelyn Fernstrom is here to help you make smart food choices with a game she calls “Pick It or Nix It?” with Hoda and Kathie Lee. WATCH NOW

The first step to a successful ‘DIVABETIC’ manicure and pedicure is to know where to go. Inexpensive salons often have unlicensed technicians who are not educated about proper hygiene and cleanliness. Inspect the spa before you make an appointment. Ask about their cleaning and sterilization procedures. READ MORE

Break out the red, white and blue nail polish, ladies, because Memorial Day weekend is here! As with most holidays (read: every holiday ever), nail art should pay tribute to what’s being celebrated, and what better what to celebrate Memorial day than with some patriotic nail art to match your flag-inspired bathing suit?

Do you ever feel ‘guilty’ about living with diabetes?

Unfortunately a heavy dose of guilt is a frequent companion to diabetes.

“I spend a lot of time talking to my clients about guilty feelings. Usually related to not being compliant,” said Dr. Gary McClain, a therapist specializing in helping clients with the emotional impact of chronic illness, catted with members of the diabetes community about coping with diabetes guilt for Diabetes Connect’s website.

“Actions aren’t the only cause of guilt. My clients tell me they also feel guilty when they think of ways to avoid being compliant. I have had clients tell me that just thinking about a Hershey bar can make them feel guilty in anticipation of cheating. Interaction with the doctor is a big source of guilt. Clients often talk about not being quite honest with their doctors. Some of my clients are so focused that just a minor slip-up on their diet will result in lots of guilty feelings and self-criticism,” he added. READ MORE

Divabetic Fact: Veterans who develop type 2 diabetes mellitus and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service do not have to prove a connection between their diabetes and service to be eligible to receive VA health care and disability compensation. READ MORE

Join us when we celebrate Service Dogs at Mosaic Central Farm Markets in Fairfax, VA on Sunday, June 4, 2017, PM.With their superior sense of smell, diabetes alert dogs have the ability to sniff out low blood glucose levels. Dog Expert Debby Kay and Kathy Gold RN, CDE help me host the Red Tomato Carpet at our first-ever Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show. READ MORE

Divabetic Playlist: “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” was a major hit for The Andrews Sisters and an iconic World War II tune. It can be considered an early jump blues recording. The song is ranked No. 6 on Songs of the Century. Bette Midler‘s 1972 recording of the song reached the top ten on the U.S. pop singles chart.

Don’t miss June’s episode of Diabetes Late Nite with music by Maxwell on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We’re talking about Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) which 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.

05/27/2017

Why Plan B May Not Be Effective for Plus Size Women

If you weigh more than 176 pounds and find yourself in a situation where your birth control fails, then chances are the morning-after pill might not work for you according to a 2013 study conducted by the CDC.

According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly one-third of adults in the United States are obese. This proportion is certainly higher among people with diabetes; insulin resistance, a hallmark of Type 2 diabetes, and obesity are both elements of the metabolic syndrome. (Other traits are high blood pressure and abnormal blood lipid levels.)

“The average woman in America spends five years trying to get pregnant and 30 years trying not to,” explained Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood in an interview with The New York Times.

Although Plan B manufacturers insist that there are no weight limits, researchers have suggested that women weighing more than 176 pounds should consider taking two of the recommended doses to help ensure effectiveness. With the current cost of Plan B running at close to $50, that would mean women who lie outside the weight range could count on spending more that $100 on emergency contraception.

Additionally, a 2011 study in the journal Contraceptive, recommends that women who have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 25 should not rely on levonorgestrel or a “normal” dose of Plan B, as an effective emergency contraceptive.

Searching for an alternative?

An IUD is a small, plastic device shaped like a T. The ParaGard (Copper T 380A) is the only non-hormonal IUD available in the US. This IUD has copper (which acts as a spermicide) coiled around it. The IUD irritates the lining of the uterus, which makes it harder for implantation. It also serves as an irritant, so white blood cells migrate to the inflamed uterus and can help to destroy sperm. The IUD is inserted into the uterus by a doctor and has 2 filament strings which hang down into the vagina. A woman can feel the strings to make sure the IUD is still in place. ParaGard can be left in place for up to 10 years.

Another effective option for plus size women is the barrier birth control method. Because they have do not have any hormones, barrier methods also have fewer side effects. is a device that physically blocks sperm from entering the opening of the uterus. Though these contraceptives can be very reliable — they can become less effective if you do not use them the correct way. Because of this, you may be more likely to experience birth control failure (maybe due to not being inserted correctly, at the right time, etc).

Making sure that these methods work as effectively as possible is even more important given the fact that plus size women are at greater risk of pregnancy-related complications. You can increase the effectiveness of these birth control methods by using a double barrier method (such as a condom and spermicide or a diaphragm and a condom — but do NOT use male and female condoms or two condoms).

LISTEN NOW: Mr. Divabetic Show on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) on this one hour of wellness with a wow podcast. PMDD is a severe, sometimes disabling extension of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that start about 7 to 10 days before a woman gets her monthly period. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that at least 85 percent of menstruating women have at least one PMS symptom as part of their monthly cycle. PMS is much more common than PMDD. Biologic, psychological, environmental, and social factors all seem to play a part in PMDD. It is important to note that PMDD is not the fault of the woman suffering from it or the result of a “weak” or unstable personality. It is also not something that is “all in the woman’s head.”

Rather, PMDD is a medical illness that impacts only 3% to 8% of women. Fortunately, it can be treated by a health care professional with behavioral and pharmaceutical options.

Podcast Guests: Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Peak 10 Skin founder Connie Elder, We Are Diabetes founder, Asha Brown, and Laura L. who are both living with type 1 diabetes.

05/25/2017

Diabetes & Divas: Dina Merrill

Actress Dina Merrill, who was also the heiress to two fortunes died at age 93 on Monday.

I consider Dina Merrill to be a ‘Divabetic’. She was both an icon of taste and sophistication as well as an amazing diabetes advocate.

Her life as t he daughter of the Wall Street broker E. F. Hutton and the cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post inspired me to write last year’s Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast: “Suspect Boulevard”.

I literally started making notes for a new mystery idea on my iPhone during my visit to her mother’s fabulous Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens in Washington, DC. I spent the day in Washington after raising awareness for diabetes by hosting the Red Tomato Carpet at Central Farm Markets in Bethesda, MD.

A beautiful portrait of Dina Merrill as a child in her mother’s bedroom captured my imagination. At the time I had no idea of Dina’s personal connection to diabetes nor her work in diabetes advocacy. I learned that Dina Merrill created a yearly award for scientific excellence in her son David’s name for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in 1974. She also served as the International Ambassador for ORBIS International, the flying eye hospital, which teaches advanced eye care and eye surgical techniques all over the world.

The award was recently presented to the research team at ViaCyte, Inc., a San Diego, Calif.-based regenerative medicine company that is at the forefront of developing an encapsulated cell-replacement therapy that has the potential to provide long-term relief from daily insulin dosing. The islet implants would potentially release insulin on demand in response to the body’s rising blood-glucose levels.

Dina Merrill made her Broadway debut in John Van Druten’s The Mermaid Singing in 1945. She had a more substantial role in 1975’s revival of the drama Angel Street.

The New York Times referred to Dina Merrill as an elegant presence in most of her 30 or so mid-20th-century movies, Ms. Merrill played the betrayed wife who loses both her husband, Laurence Harvey, and her mink coat to Elizabeth Taylor in “Butterfield 8” (1960); the chic fashion consultant who loses Glenn Ford to Shirley Jones in “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father” (1963); and the steadfast socialite wife of an assistant district attorney played by Burt Lancaster in “The Young Savages” (1961). Her 100-plus TV appearances ranged from What’s My Line? to What Makes Sammy Run? to The Magnificent Ambersons.

We fondly will refer to this tireless and legendary philanthropist as a ‘Divabetic’.

LISTEN NOW: Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast: “Suspect Boulevard.” The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcastOur cast includes Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis, USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

05/22/2017

Grilled Garlic and Lemon Zucchini Chips Recipe from ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’

Oh, how I wish I could say this cozy mystery, ‘The Good, the Bad, and the Guacamole’ by Rebecca Adler was as good as it’s catchy title! Unfortunately the characters don’t appeal to me especially Josie who seems to be able to down a Dr. Pepper in one gulp. Do you know that drinking one or two sugary drinks a day increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 26 percent?

We absorb liquid sugar in as little as 30 minutes, much faster than a candy bar, leading to a spike in blood sugar that the body is not well-equipped to handle, particularly in repetition. These spikes in blood sugar can overwhelm the body and lead to the transformation of sugar into fat in the liver, which contributes directly to the development of type 2 diabetes

Tex-Mex waitress and part-time reporter Josie Callahan is about to serve up some Lone Star justice in this spicy Taste of Texas Mystery from the author of Here Today, Gone Tamale.

If anything this book is inspiring me to write this year’s Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast. “Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’, featuring diabetes summer self-care tips and healthy recipes from Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ and this one below for Zucchini Chips from Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’.

Grilled Garlic and Lemon Zucchini Chips Recipe by ‘The Happy Diabetic’

What’s in it!

1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Juice of 1 lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 medium zucchini, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Let’s Put It Together!

In a small bowl, whisk together Extra virgin olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning and lemon juice
with salt and pepper, to taste. Brush zucchini slices with oil mixture.
Heat a grill pan over medium high heat. Add zucchini in a single layer and grill until charred on both sides and just beginning to soften, about 2 minutes per side.

Nutritional Information: Calories 125.3, Calories from Fat 106.2, Total Fat 11.8g18%, Saturated Fat 7.4g37%, Trans Fat 0.6g, Cholesterol 30.5mg10%, Sodium 10.9mg0%, Total Carbohydrate 5.2g2%, Dietary Fiber 1.1g4%, Sugars 2.8g, Protein 1.5g

Don’t miss our upcoming Mister Divabetic Mystery podcast, ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ debuting in September 2017. Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic’s 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, Mama Rose Marie, he heads for Coney Island, NY for the 35th Annual Mermaid Parade 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?

05/19/201705/19/2017

Alfa Anderson Sings A Tribute to Luther Vandross

Former member of the iconic funk soul band Chic (“Le Freak”,” Good Times”, “I Want Your Love”),Alfa Anderson joins us on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, June 13, 2017, ^ PM, EST.

For years, Alfa was an integral member of Luther Vandross‘ touring band and performed at Wembley Stadium, among many other prestigious venues around the world. Her vocals can be heard on popular Luther Vandross albums such as ‘Give Me the Reason’ and ‘The Night I Fell in Love’, which Rolling Stone Magazine voted as one of the 100 Best Albums of the Eighties.

Alfa will share the inspiration behind her heartfelt tribute to her friend, Luther Vandross, the single, “When Luther Sings.”

SoulTracks said of “When Luther Sings”, “The feeling is at once nostalgic and modern, providing a summery vibe that is sure to make listeners groove both in the car and on the dance floor.”

Alfa will soon release her long-awaited debut solo album, ‘Music From My Heart‘ in July.

A celebrated R&B and dance music icon, Anderson first starred in Julian “Canonnball” Adderley’s “Big Man” at Carnegie Hall before defining a whole new era in music as one of the original lead vocalists in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-nominated group CHIC. Her voice powered classics like “I Want Your Love” and the #1 pop hits “Good Times” and “Le Freak,” which was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. During her years as a New York session singer and touring vocalist, she sang background for music icons like Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Mick Jagger, Valerie Simpson, Bryan Ferry, and Teddy Pendergrass. She recently guested on the first CHIC single in 23 years “I’ll Be There” (2015) and scored a Top 10 Billboard Dance hit as a featured vocalist on Next Step’s single with Kathy Sledge and Aristofreeks, “Get On Up” (2016).

“Music From My Heart” is my first solo album. The only vision I had when I started this project was to write from the stillness of my mind and heart. As melodies and lyrics began to flow, I realized that I had plenty to say about life, about love, about friendship, about struggle, about coming to terms with who I am. Kudos to Producer/Arranger Bert Price who collaborated with me to complete ‘Music From My Heart’. I share it with you with love and big hugs.”

Alfa Anderson also will celebrate the release of her album with an unforgettable night of music at Joe’s Pub on July 7 at 7:30pm. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased at Joe’s Pub located at 425 Lafayette St (bet. E. 4th St & Astor Pl).

05/17/201705/17/2017

Divabetic Patti LaBelle Gets Jazzy on Her New Album ‘Bel Hommage’

Our favorite “Divabetic” Patti LaBelle is living proof that diabetes doesn’t have to dim your dazzle!

Her diagnosis of type 2 diabetes hasn’t stop two-time Grammy-winning legend Patti from taking on new challenges in her career. She just released a new album, “Bel Hommage,” a jazz covers album executive produced by her ex-husband Armstead Edwards (“he’s known me and my voice for over 30 years, so why not?” she says of the musical marriage) on a new label (GPE Records) she co-owns with their son and her manager, Zuri Edwards of Edwards Entertainment.

“Now you know that’s just how I roll,” Patti told Variety in a recent interview.

It’s been 55 years since her debut single and she’s still going strong even though she admits it took awhile for her to get in tune with her diabetes self-care. Patti now eats right, exercises daily, and takes her medicine regularly and is riding high on the success of her Good Life foods imprint with Walmart, starting with the famed “Patti LaBelle Sweet Potato Pie,”and her show for the Cooking Channel’s “Patti LaBelle’s Place”.

However, we happy to hear that music, jazz in particular, remains the godmother of the ‘Divabetic’ movement’s first and truest love. When her ex-husband, Armstead Edwards, suggested that she record her jazz favorites, she jumped at the process, even though — at the time — she wasn’t completely confident in her vocal abilities. “I just didn’t like how I sounded. My voice wasn’t being kind to me. I knew I could be better. I didn’t think I could do it, but Armstead said ‘Blanche’ — that’s his nick name for me and my drama — ‘I know you have it in you.’ So I did it, and was in it to win it. Now, it sounds more beautiful than I ever imagined.”

LaBelle told Variety she fought with Edwards throughout the entire “Bel Hommage” recording process, “even when I knew he was right, just to stir thing up. There’s a lot of laughs, joy, and pain in that album.”

Several years ago, the rhythm-and-blues diva passed out on stage during a singing performance. That night, the doctor asked if she knew she had diabetes. “I didn’t have a clue,” Patti told Diabetic Living magazine. “I hadn’t gone to the doctor because nothing was hurting me.”

Our May Divabetic inspiration, Della Reese also experienced a situation similar to Patti Labelle’s when she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. She passed out on the set of her hit TV show, ‘Touched by An Angel”. Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE shares ways to help you overcome the initial shock related to a diabetes diagnosis on May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast s with musical inspiration from Della Reese.

Patti’s diagnosis made her angry, even though she knew diabetes ran in her family.

Anger frequently contributes to diabetes burnout, a person’s anger may encourage them to seek ‘freedom’ from the condition and neglect their self-management.

According to Diabetes UK ‘mindfulness based approaches’ are recognized as an effective and lasting means of aiding the management of anger. Research has shown that by becoming aware of the triggers as well as the emotional, mental and physical impact of anger, an individual is able to recognize and respond rather than react to triggers which may have initiated an automatic reaction.

Eventually, Patti, like Della, decided she needed a ‘new attitude’, just like the title of her 1985 chart-topper. “I realized my blood glucose levels weren’t getting any better,” she says. “So I knew I had to stop playing around and get serious about this disease.”

https://youtu.be/vnDuExwDaxU

That’s good news because we just learned that Patti LaBelle has several albums ‘in the works’ including a gospel album, a dance-music album, and an album featuring the new first songs penned by fellow Philadelphians Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff .

“This is like a new beginning for me,” says LaBelle of “Bel Hommage,” “new, but still an old friend.”

05/15/201705/16/2017

White Chocolate Cheesecake by Holly Clegg inspires New Mister Divabetic Mystery

I’m working on my newest tantalizing tale of culinary mystery and suspense, ‘Mister Divabetic Mystery – ‘One Murder Tutu Many’ which takes place in New York City’s vibrant ballet community.

When my character, Mr. Divabetic heads to the Gotham City Ballet Company’s box office to fix a mix up with his tickets he’s faced with a even bigger problem – a murder. To make matters worse, one of his cheesecakes seems to be covering the victim’s face. Even more shocking are the numerous scandals swirling around the Gotham City Ballet and it’s members that have everyone walking around on tip toes. Could our happy healthcare host’s questionable culinary skills make him an accessory to the crime or even a possible side dish? Now Mr. Divabetic with the help of his team of whip smart Diabetes Educators must whip up his own crime-solving recipe, and fast–before a hearty dose of intrigue and a deadly dash of danger ends his diabetes advocacy and healthy catering career once and for all.

Cheesecake has been touted as the #1 American dessert so with cheesecake on my mind, I reached out to my friend, Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg for one of her recipes, White Chocolate Cheesecake.

“White chocolate and cheesecake are outrageously delicious and especially when they are combined in one dazzling dessert. You will be begging for a second piece,” Holly said. “I like to top my cheesecake with raspberries because it gives it such a decorative touch.”

White Chocolate Cheesecake from Gulf Coast Favorites Cookbook by Holly Clegg

Ingredients

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup old fashioned oatmeal
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3 (8-ounce) packages reduced fat cream cheese
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1/4 cup all purpose flour
3 ounces white chocolate, melted
1 cup fat free sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven 325°F.
2. In bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, oatmeal, 2 tablespoons sugar, almond extract, and butter. Press onto the bottom and sides of spring-form pan.
3. In mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar until light. Add eggs and egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Nex, add flour and white chocolate, mixing well. Add sour cream and vanilla: mix well.
4. Pour into prepared crust and bake for 55 minutes. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until well chilled and then remove from the pan.

16 servings

I asked Holly why is this cheesecake is considered to be ‘trim & terrific’?

“If you order this cheesecake out it probably has 30 g sat fat and my recipe has 6 g sat fat,” says Holly. “Not all my recipes fit into the diabetic guidelines, however, this cheesecake is so much better for you! Cheesecake is usually high calorie and high fat. What did I do?”

“I used reduced- fat cream cheese with a combination of eggs and egg whites. I also used fat free sour cream to make the recipe creamy but not add extra fat. I include white chocolate to give it the flavor but probably another recipe would have double or triple the amount of white chocolate. Also, typically a crust would have a stick of butter in it and I use only 2 tablespoons. I pride myself on finding the balance of flavor and fat. It is important that this cheesecake tastes like an indulgence but I also want it to be better for you”

“I make this easy white chocolate cheesecake recipe ahead of time. Then, I let it cool and freeze to pull out whenever I need it. When your cheesecake is frozen, it is also so much easier to remove from the spring form pan to put on your desired serving plate. I took my White Chocolate Cheesecake out the day before and I put in the refrigerator for it to defrost.”

“This is my favorite recipe,” Holly said. “It is funny as once I made it for Thanksgiving and didn’t put the raspberries on top and it wasn’t as popular. We eat with our eyes!”

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. 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’

05/13/201705/13/2017

Carbohydrates Are ‘Luxury’ Brands in Chloe Wise’s Eyes

We all know high carbohydrate foods can raise blood sugars but did you know that they’re also raising eyebrows in the art world?

Chloe Wise’s viral “Bread Bag” series, in which she affixed luxury logos to carbohydrates and gave them names like Pancakes No. 5 and her videos, in which she and her friends recite things she’s overheard such as: “ I realized I eat quinoa all the time, and I don’t know what it is,” have caught the attention of the art world.

She spends about eight to 12 hours a day in her Brooklyn studio working on food projects depicting the sensual promises of chain restaurants including ‘Olive Garden of Eden’.

What’s the idea behind her carb heavy and highly caloric work?

“Part of it is how women are addressed in the media, like ‘You want to lose weight, you want to be healthy, you want to be the best you.’ For men, it’s like ‘Enjoy yourself’. For women, it’s like, ‘Cut Back’. And it truly affects us,” said Wise in New York magazine.

I think her approach to capturing the millions of contradictory messages being shot at us daily is necessary and so needed especially in the wake of Mick Mulvaney, President Trump’s budget chief’s recent comments.

In response to Senator Bill Cassidy’s position that any health insurance should pass the “Jimmy Kimmel test” (providing coverage for conditions like the heart issues suffered by TV comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s infant son that Kimmel described on his late night show), Mulvaney said that, while there should be coverage for diseases like cancer, coverage does not need to include “ordinary health care.” According to the Washington Examiner, Mick Mulvaney, President Trump’s budget chief, , diabetics have only themselves to blame for their illness:

“That doesn’t mean we should take care of the person who sits at home, eats poorly and gets diabetes.” said Mulvaney. “Is that the same thing as Jimmy Kimmel’s kid? I don’t think that it is.”

It’s shocking to me that anyone, let alone, a government official would make such an absurd and offensive comment. I’m not living under a rock. I know many people still blame people with diabetes for their health but I just didn’t expect to hear in this forum.

For the past 12 years, I’ve been fighting the shame and blame associated with a diabetes diagnosis the best way I know how; with a feather boa!

My diabetes nonprofit organization, Divabetic promotes a glamorous approach to managing diabetes to encourage someone at risk, affected by and living with diabetes ‘to keep their house’ a home and prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring. I saw how destructive mismanaged diabetes can be when I found my former boss, Luther Vandross on the floor of his 5th Avenue apartment after suffering a stroke related to type 2 diabetes. These memories still haunt me to this day and motivate me to keep fighting!

I really like artist Chloe Wise and her ‘Bread Bags’ artwork. I thinks she’s helping us change conversations around food, food consumption and the shame and blame associated with it. She’s pointing out the subversive ways the food industry operates and how they like to play with our minds to get us to consume more and more food. Several of her works focus on the subliminal sexual connotations of phrases like “luscious cream sauce” and dripping, oozing and naughty images used in chain restaurant advertisements. When you really stop and think about it, it’s pretty gross.

Unfortunately, a lot of people with diabetes don’t get the opportunity to think about these types of things because they’re too busy beating themselves up about their food choices and/or lack of ‘willpower.’

I say, ‘Don’t get down, get DIVA’. The best way to fight back is to embrace yourself, and your diabetes health. Once you truly accept your diagnosis you can strive to learn more, do more and live more!

Divabetic’s Diabetes Plate Poetry “What’ s on Your Plate?” video describes the emotional experience of living with diabetes. An important component of diabetes self-management, but often unaddressed, is the topic of emotional well being.

Are you afraid of eating Carbohydrates?

“Every day, people with diabetes are bombarded with messages to limit, restrict, avoid, and feel guilty for eating carbohydrates. Not surprisingly, my clients with diabetes often tell me they are afraid of eating carbs.” says Megrette Fletcher, M. Ed, RD, CDE.

So how does someone with diabetes stop being afraid of eating carbohydrates?

Restriction breeds fear and fear breeds restriction

If you are trying to be “good,” it’s a red flag that you may be stuck in a restrictive mindset. The idea of being “good” often start as an intention to make more informed choices, but when the reason you’re trying to “be good” is out of fear, something shifts. Fear can make any choice not good enough because fear moves the goal of eating a balanced meal to a meal that is better. “Better” of course means eating fewer and fewer carbohydrates until you have nearly eliminated carbohydrates from your diet, hoping that the fear of eating would end. But it doesn’t, does it?

Pause and ask yourself, “Do I think all foods can fit in your diet when you have diabetes?” Fear and being afraid, makes it hard to think, read a label, consider your options, or make a decision. In Megrette’s book Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes, she tackle how to resolve some of these difficult thoughts about food and eating. READ MORE

CLICK to LISTEN NOW: The State of Women’s Health on the Diabetes Late Nite. We’re talking about the state of women’s equality and diabetes and sexual health post-election. Guests include: Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Peak 10 Skincare founder and Domestic Violence Advocate Connie Elder, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mary Ann Hodorowicz RD, CDE, Asha Brown, and the President of Women in Government Relations, Kathryn Schubert.

05/09/201705/10/2017

Latino ‘One Day At A Time’ Comedy Fights Stigma of Mental Health

Netflix’s Latino reboot of the popular sitcom ‘One Day at A Time’ from the 1970’s takes on mental health issues facing women and the stigma associated with it.

The new series centers on three generations of a Cuban American family. Justina Machado (“Six Feet Under”) stars as Penelope, a war veteran and recently single mother of two children, 14-year-old Elena (Isabella Gomez) and younger brother Alex (Marcel Ruiz). Rita Moreno stars as Penelope’s ‘diva-ish’, meddling mother who moves in to help.

After being prescribed medication for mental health, Penelope admits that most Cubans don’t follow their doctor’s orders when it comes to taking medication.

At the end of the episode, Penelope tells her mother that she started taking her medication.

https://youtu.be/wNFFleycS8k

Why is this important?

As a community, Latinos are less likely to seek mental health treatment. A 2001 Surgeon General’s report found that only 20% of Latinos with symptoms of a psychological disorder talk to a doctor about their concerns. Only 10% contact a mental health specialist. Yet, without treatment, certain mental health conditions can worsen and become disabling.

Overall, the Latino community does not talk about mental health issues as reported by the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). Subsequently, there is little information about this topic.

Many Latinos do not seek treatment because they don’t recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions or know where to find help. This lack of information also increases the stigma associated with mental health issues. Many Latinos do not seek treatment for fear of being labeled as “locos” (crazy) or as having a mental health condition because this may cause shame.

Common mental health disorders among Latinos are generalized anxiety disorder, major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcoholism. Additionally, Latina high school girls have high rates of suicide attempts.

Most people think of diabetes as a physical condition and have never really thought about the mental aspects with living with the condition according to Mark Heyman PhD, CDE. Even some people with diabetes are surprised that there are organizations like CDMH that focus on diabetes and mental health. They know that living with diabetes is hard for them, but often they are surprised to hear that their concerns are actually (and unfortunately) quite common.

Can a TV comedy help fight the stigma of mental health in the Latino community?

Although the answer remains to be seen, it’s important to note that twenty years ago another TV sitcom had a tremendous impact on different community facing a stigma.

Ellen DeGeneres’s Groundbreaking Coming Out on her sitcom Ellen. “The Puppy Episode” was watched by an estimated 44 million people, nearly three times the show’s usual ratings.

Ellen DeGeneres told the Associated Press during an interview reflecting on the episode’s 20th anniversary. “I suddenly said, ‘Why am I being, you know, ashamed of who I am just to be successful and famous in society’s eyes?’”

Many in the LGBT community have credited Ellen DeGeneres for making them feel comfortable with themselves and their sexuality, including Eric Marcus, creator and host of the podcast “Making Gay History.”

“For everyday people,” Marcus told the AP, “Ellen made gay okay.”

Ellen DeGeneres spoke to Diane Sawyer on 20/20 and said, “I decided this was not going to be something that I was going to live the rest of my life being ashamed of.”

Believe it or not, Gloria Estefan’s take on the original theme song and gives it a flavorful update.

The original ‘One Day At A Time’, developed by Lear and created by Whitney Blake and Allan Manings, ran on CBS for nine seasons. It starred Bonnie Franklin as the divorced mother and co-starring Valerie Bertinelli and Pat Harrington.