31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts: Day Seven

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

On Day Seven we’re spotlighting our Bride’s Guide to Diabetes podcast from June 2011. If you’re living with, at risk of or affected by diabetes, planning or attending a wedding, this inside guide to one of life’s most important celebrations is for you!

Thanks to Thomas AE for sharing their work on Unsplash.

Mr. Divabetic officiates a full hour featuring a guest list of wedding, food and fashion experts with tips and suggestions for brides, grooms, attendants and attendees. Guests include Jessica Issler and Judi Wilcox, certified diabetes educators, Christine Campanelli, wedding cake designer, Holly Clegg, celebrity cookbook author, Catherine Schuller, fashion stylist, former brides and more.

“I’m so glad this Bride’s Guide to Diabetes podcast is so popular,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “I love every minute of it right down to Sarah Jessica Parker‘s Sex & The City sound bytes.”

Thanks to Alekon for sharing their work on Unsplash.

And if there were any doubt, here’s our favorite Wedding Song: Here & Now by Luther Vandross. Enjoy this live performance of Grammy winning single ‘Here and Now’ at Royal Albert Hall in 1994.

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

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

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

07/07/202007/07/2020

Coping with the Stress of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and Diabetes Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES

This is a guest blog post from our friend, colleague and Diabetes Late Nite guest, Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES (Clinical Psychologist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist).

I have continued working with my patients, via telehealth phone calls, during these past few months, while they and I are following stay-at-home orders to try to flatten the curve of the Coronavirus pandemic. This is some information that I’ve gathered to keep everybody informed.

To manage your health proactively and ward off any respiratory system threats, the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION recommends the following:

Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
Avoid touching surfaces others have touched. Use your knuckles to push buttons, elbows to open doors, disinfectant wipes to clean tables or chairs. Use gloves or wipes to pump gas or when pushing grocery carts.
Teach yourself not to touch your face. If you must do so, then wash/sanitize hands, touch your face, wash hands/sanitize afterwards.
Practice social distancing—keep 6 feet away from others in public places
Make yourself a cloth face mask to wear in public, especially in high traffic areas (i.e. the grocery store)
When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw a tissue away immediately and wash hands
Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and/or cough
If you have a fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your healthcare provider. Contact your healthcare provider via phone/portal first. Going into a clinic can expose you to the virus, so if you are told not to go in, then don’t. Many centers have increased their use of telemedicine.
When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals
The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk, or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

Recommendations for people with diabetes have been endorsed by The American Diabetes Association, Beyond Type 1, Harvard Medical School, ISPAD, and JDRF.

Establish and maintain strict personal hygiene

Wash hands every time you come into contact with an out-of-home item or place.
Regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home.
Avoid touching your face.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a handkerchief.
Act as though you have COVID and could pass it on.

Minimize risk when out in public

Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others.
Wear a cloth mask or face covering.
Adjust schedule to avoid busy times in public places. Take advantage of dedicated shopping times for vulnerable individuals if available.

Small routines can have a big impact on how we feel.

Barbara Corcoran advises, “Staying motivated at home can be tough. So, I divide my day in chunks. First, I knock out my chores and exercise, zone in on my work, then spend time with my family. I find being in control of my time keeps me mentally in a good place and makes me feel productive.”

Set yourself up for success with diabetes management

Test blood sugar levels more often; your body may be reacting differently under these new circumstances.
Familiarize yourself with how to check for ketones. Check for ketones regularly, regardless of blood sugar levels.
Secure a sufficient amount of supplies, including ketone strips and severe hypoglycemia treatment (glucagon).
Maintain a routine of physical movement and blood sugar friendly eating.
Contact your doctor or health professionals by phone / telehealth, if possible, for diabetes management questions and concerns.
Lean on your community for help – none of these behaviors are easy, and we all need support. Look into digital and online communities.

Lockdown can lead to “quarantine fatigue.” Try to stay busy by focusing on a project. Some projects my patients are working on include:

· Working on a vegetable garden
· Exercising
· Meditating
· Journaling
· Trying new recipes
· Putting together 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzles
· Quilting
· Sorting out their closets
· Reading a novel
· Writing a novel

What can you add to this list? One project that I worked on was updating my website. Check it out www.AskDrBev.com.

It’s okay if you can’t wait for lockdown to be over and also be uneasy for it to end. Most importantly please remember that you are not alone. You are not alone in this pandemic and you are not alone living with diabetes. If you need to, check your local area for mental health assistance and your local diabetes associations for help with managing your diabetes. As Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says, “We’re all in this together.”

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, in private practice, specializing in treating the emotional issues of people with diabetes. She has lived successfully for over 45 years with type 1 diabetes. Visit her website: askdrbev.com

Dr. Beverly S. Adler helps us to celebrate Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcasting Anniversary with music from the world’s most famous “Divabetic”– Ms. Patti LaBelle on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.

Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcasting Anniversary continues with a free Virtual Smoothie Party with special guest, Co-Author of the Best-Selling Intimacy & Diabetes e-book, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND. on Zoom on July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST. REGISTER NOW

10th Year Podcasting Anniversary Giveaway! Win a Dario Blood Glucose Meter starter kit in our random drawing. This all-in-one pocket-sized device can track blood sugar fluctuations and trends and identify hyper/hypoglycemic episodes right from your smartphone, providing readings within as little as 6 seconds. It’s scientifically proven, HIPPA compliant, and includes Dario Coaches to offer support and motivation to help manage your diabetes. Enter Divabetic’s Random Drawing by ‘LIKING’ Divabetic’s Facebook page.

07/06/202007/06/2020

31 Days Of Divabetic Podcasts: Day Six

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

On Day Six of ’31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts’ we’re spotlighting Studio d: R & B Icon: Meli’sa Morgan from September 2011. The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic interviews the Princess of R&B Soul Music, Meli’sa Morgan, an American vocalist and songwriter, who has worked with a number of major recording artists, including Whitney Houston and Chaka Kahn.

“I was so starstuck to interview her,” said Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “I’ve been a huge fan since I saw her open for Freddie Jackson in his concert in Rochester, New York. I love ‘Fool’s Paradise’.

https://youtu.be/BP3Wrbr2gFg

Meli’sa Morgan had a string of urban contemporary hits starting the mid–1980s through the mid–1990s. Morgan most notable songs includes her cover version of Prince’s “Do Me, Baby”, “Do You Still Love Me” and “Still in Love With You”.

Hear herstory and learn what inspires and empowers this diva to live healthy and well.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Scavenger Hunt on Zoom with special guest, Best-Selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST.

07/05/2020

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts: Day Five

Divabetic’s first Annual Luther Vandross Tribute from April 2011. Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who worked for Luther Vandross for more than 14 years, hosts this special hour-long birthday tribute to the late Grammy Award-winning legend. Guests include friends, family and colleagues who remember the moments, the music, the man and the motivation to ensure that no one has to struggle with diabetes alone or in silence.

Luther suffered a stroke related to mismanagment of type 2 diabetes in 2003. He died in 2005.

What happened to Luther is not unique. In general, people with diabetes are 1.5 times more likely to have a stroke than people without diabetes.

Stroke is a condition in which blood vessels in the brain are damaged. Strokes are characterized by a number of factors, including the size of the damaged blood vessel, where in the brain blood vessels have been damaged, and what event actually caused the damage.

Let Luther’s voice inspire you to take a look at the medical and lifestyle risk factors and ask yourself what you can do to help reduce your risk of stroke.

“Our first podcast sounds like a crazy party line,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “Everyone’s talking over each other, sharing their favorite Luther memories and celebrating our collective history.”

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke is a crucial first step to getting someone help before it’s too late reports Healthline. In an effort to help people remember how to recognize a stroke, the American Stroke Association endorses the mnemonic FAST, which stands for:

face drooping
arm weakness
speech difficulty
time to call 911 or your local emergency services

Other symptoms that can signal a stroke include sudden:

https://youtu.be/Gu2JBMNBbKo

Celebrate ELEGANCE in Music, Love & Health with our Spotify playlist featuring the greatest Quiet Storm songs. Be inspired to learn more about the health and wellness issues affecting many of these vocalists and musicians to keep the music alive for future generations. Quiet Storm Fans on FB.

07/04/202007/04/2020

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts: Day Four

You can’t really call yourself ‘Diva Talk Radio’ without paying homage to Cher. And on Divabetic’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast from March 2011 we did just that with our self-proclaimed ‘Cher-Spectacular’. Cher certainly is a woman that was born for show business. But even though she has been successful now for over sixty years, her fame never went to her head. Described as a humble and heart-warming person by her colleagues, the singer, actress and perfume maker has time and time again proved that to be a real icon, a beautiful surface is not enough.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Ht0ulBrua/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The ‘Queen of Reinvention’ refuses to accept the word “age-appropriate”

Inspired by the iconic Goddess of Pop, Mr. Divabetic orchestrates an ensemble of fabulous guests on Divabetic’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast including Divabetic’s Charlie’s Angels of Diabetes Outreach in a discussion of hot topics, red carpet beauty tips from celebrity makeup artist, LA-based,Jeff Jones, self-care tips from Divabetic’s Mama Rose Marie and top “pop” picks from Stan the Announcer Man.

Plus, we’re dining with a dietitian at IHOP in a menu review of healthy food choices and Mr. Divabetic reflects on his obsessions with Cher.

Tune in and call in to get inspired, to give a shout-out or to play Divabetic’s Diabetes Numerology game featuring divalicious gifts. On this show, our Charlie’s Angels include dynamic certified diabetes educators, Jessica Issler, RD, CDE from Norfolk, VA, Judi Wilcox, RD, CDE from Hollywood, FL and Debra Norman, RN, CDE from Woodland Hills, CA.

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

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

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

07/03/202007/03/2020

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts: Day Three

On our Divabetic Live! podcast from 2010, Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek and his team attempt to broadcast live from the American Diabetes Association Expo floor at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh, PA.

Divabetic’s colorful, interactive, empowering and entertaining brand of diabetes education quickly took the Pittsburgh Expo floor by storm and garnered local media attention.

“Making a popular reappearance is Divabetics, an innovative program that combines pampering, music and games with diabetes education for women,” is how the Pittsburgh Patch described our Divabetic area on the Expo floor.

However, thiis behind the scenes look at one of the largest outreach events for people living with, at risk of and affected by diabetes quickly became a logistical nightmare. No one was prepared to juggle the chaos of a live scale outreach event with the needs of a live broadcast.

“Our Divabetic Live! podcast from the Pittsburgh ADA Expo floor is a ‘hot mess’! I felt like I was inside a pinball machine, running around the Expo floor, dodging people, and trying to find my team members to interview,” says Max Szadek. “But I loved every minute of it because there’s something magical in the madness. When I listen, I hear everyone’s willingness to take on a new challenge and work together as a team. And sadly, it reminds me that large outreach events of this magnitude no longer exist in the diabetes community. I get nostalgic when I tune in because I get to relive one of the many wonderful opportunities I experienced as a diabetes advocate over the past 17 years.”

“It’s a very out-of-the-box way to teach people about diabetes, but we want this to be a fun, energetic day where people learn more about the disease in an enjoyable way,” stated Terri Seidman in an interview with Western Pennsylvania Guide to Good Health. “We want to take diabetes education out of a clinical setting with white coats and put it into a nontraditional setting that people find motivating.”

07/02/202007/02/2020

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts: Day Two

On Day Two of 31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, we’re spotlighting our friend, the fabulous Best-selling Cookbook Author, Holly Clegg on Divabetic’s Diabetes Spotlight podcast from October 2010. Sadly, Holly Clegg died last year at the age of 64 Dallas. She had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in August 2018. During her cancer fight, Holly Clegg aka ‘the Queen of Quick’ used her high profile to educate others on gastric cancers and, with her family, created the Holly Clegg Gastric Cancer Research Fund at MD Anderson to raise awareness of gastric cancers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBV5uxLHMSR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“Holly was one of my first podcast guests,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “I was instantly drawn to her because she was so friendly, informative, enthusiastic and upbeat. She appeared on several more podcasts and contributed plenty of her healthy and delicious recipes for our blog over the years. Holly lived her life to the fullest doing what she loved and helping others.”

PODCAST SURVEY

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-nNaQ5JJfo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Holly Clegg published 10 cookbooks, including Trim & TERRIFIC and Too Hot in the Kitchen, that are time, user and pantry-friendly and focus on maintaining nutritional balance.

Join us for Divabetic’s free At Home Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party with special guest, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDCES, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 7 – 7:30 PM, EST on Zoom. Register Now

07/01/202007/01/2020

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts: Day One

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

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

Divabetic’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast from August 2010 centers around our Diabetes Numerology game puzzle. Diabetes Numerology Game puzzles pair random blood glucose values with real-life situations to help you brush up on your problem-solving skills and test your Divabetic IQ. Always check with your doctor to find out what your specific game plan should be for any given diabetes self-care situation.

On this episode, three of the smartest and friendliest diabetes educators from around the world aka ‘Charlie’s Angels of Outreach’ make their debut. Our dynamic certified diabetes educators featured are: Jessica Issler RD, CDE from Norfolk, VA, Judi Wilcox RD, CDE from Hollywood, FL and Lori Bednarz RN, CDE from Pennsylvania, PA.

Help us to learn more about our community! It’ll only take a minute … and you could win the chance to make your acting debut in our Annual Mystery podcast in September 2020!

PODCAST SURVEY

06/21/202006/21/2020

Patti LaBelle’s Freeform Apple Tart Recipe

Patti LaBelle was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes over 25 years ago and it took awhile for her to get in tune with her condition. She admits she was angry at first but now this self-proclaimed “Divabetic” says she’s not just living with diabetes, she’s living well with diabetes.

She’s incorporated small changes into her recipes to make them healthier. Enjoy her Free-Form Apple Tart recipe from Eating Well, which uses light sour cream and just a little butter to keep calories in check.

Patti LaBelle’s Freeform Apple Tart

Ingredients (Partial List)

1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons ice water
2 tablespoons light sour cream

Nutrition Facts Per Serving:190 calories; 11 g total fat; 6 g saturated fat; 25 mg cholesterol; 80 mg sodium. 21 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 3 g protein. Serving Size: 1 Slice

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RECIPE

Patti LaBelle tells Rachael Ray she calls herself a ‘Divabetic’

Patti LaBelle loves being in the kitchen even after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This might sound strange for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to hear since many of them have knee jerk reactions to modifying their diets. But Patti LaBelle told People magazine that cooking for herself is why she’s still alive because she controls what she puts in my food and avoids all the things that aren’t good for diabetes. In her latest cookbook, Desserts LaBelle: Soulful Sweets to Sing About, she’s modified some of her signature recipes for fellow “divabetics” using sugar substitutes and cutting down on butter.

Poet Lorraine Brooks shares her thoughts about modifying recipes while sheltering in during the pandemic in her poem, Alone In The Kitchen.

Free Virtual Diva-Style Diabetes Outreach on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:30 PM, EST

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

We are having a ball at our free virtual events. Stay safe, stay in and join us for some good times connecting with other people living with diabetes.

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Indoor Scavenger Hunt on Zoom with best-selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:30 PM, EST.

Relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even our casual relationships. Janis will answer your questions about how diabetes affects the 8 types of Intimacy: Aesthetic, Spiritual, Intellectual, Social, Emotional, Affection, Physical, and Sexual.

06/07/202006/10/2020

Black Lives Matter Podcast

June’s Divabetic podcast is in solidarity with and dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, 6 PM, EST.

We are making time to reflect, share our feelings, listen and identify ways in which to fight for real and meaningful change. Guests include Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Keith Anthony Fluitt, Leisa Chester-Weir, and Jeff James. Join the conversation and call in to our studio line: (347) 215-8551.

“I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.” — James A. Baldwin

Ella Fitzgerald was not allowed to play at Mocambo because of her race. Then, one of her biggest fans made a telephone call that quite possibly changed the path of her career for good.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6GsbCdhoja/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

To help combat systemic racism, please consider donating to these organizations:

Campaign Zero, which is dedicated to ending police brutality in America through research-based strategies. LEARN MORE

Color of Change, which works to move decision makers in corporations and government to be more responsive to racial disparities. LEARN MORE

Equal Justice Initiative, which provides legal services to people who have been wrongly convicted, denied a fair trial, or abused in state jails and prisons. LEARN MORE

#BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives.

TUNE N

Divabetic’s June podcast guest, Jeff James helped to create a Black Power Spotify playlist for Black Music Month. “It reflects my feelings (activism-optimism),” states Jeff.

Cassandra Wilson recorded “Strange Fruit,” a protest against racism — specifically, the lynching of African-Americans in 2015. Her version takes on renewed purpose in light of the recent high-profile police killings of unarmed black men, and the Black Lives Matter movement which rose in their wake.