Diva TalkRadio – Page 57

01/07/2017

Don’t miss Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Alicia Keys this Tuesday!

We’re getting up close and personal on two big issues concerning your diabetes health on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for this Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 6 PM, EST.

Our music guest, Alicia Keys’ make-up free movement is inspiring us to take an unfiltered look at food waste and food safety as well as some of the new innovative solutions to solving the biggest food and agriculture concerns with President and Founder of Food Tank Danielle Nierenberg. Food Tank, a nonprofit organization focused on building a global community for safe, healthy, nourished eaters.

We’re also going with speak to Mary Ann Hodorowicz RD, MBA, CDE about President Elect Donald Trump’s potential reforms and provisions to the Affordable Care Act – Obamacare.

Although, neither President-elect Donald Trump nor Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who met with House and Senate Republicans at the Capitol, offered lawmakers details about their repeal plan, U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan said on Thursday he expects to have legislation to replace, as well as repeal, the Affordable Care Act this year.

“Our legislating will occur this year,” Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican, said at a news briefing. “What date all of this gets phased in on is something we do not now know,” partly because the administration is not in office yet.”

Plus, The Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle), Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks will be joining us. And our INSTANT WINNER will receive a prize package featuring 6 months free access to mysugr pro, a Cabot Cheese gift box, an assortment of Dr. Greenfield’s Diabetic Foot, Hand & Body Creams and Nu Naturals samples.

Alicia says her makeup free crusade has served her well as an a self-empowerment tool. She said, ”I don’t want to cover up anymore. Not my face, not my mind, not my soul, not my thoughts, not my dreams, not my struggles, not my emotional growth. Nothing.”

She even talked about it in one of her new songs, “When a Girl Can’t Be Herself,” quoting the line “Who says I must conceal what I’m made of / Maybe all this Maybelline is covering my self-esteem.“

Let Alicia Keys help inspire you to push past your fears and face the issues that concern you most about your diabetes self-care this year!

Throughout this podcast will be playing selected songs from Alicia Keys’ sixth studio album,“Here” courtesy of SONY Music.

TUNE IN: Click on this link to listen to Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Alicia Keys scheduled for Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 6 PM, EST.

01/02/201701/02/2017

Diabetes Late Nite Podcasts of 2016 Encore

We’re taking a look back at the past year in podcasting. I’ve enjoyed a tremendous year of meaningful moments with interesting topics, amazing guests, games, prizes and music on our shows. My goal has been to provide inspiration and motivation to keep you happy and health.

Every podcast is available on demand, anytime, anywhere at i-Tunes, Divabetic.org and blog talk radio. Enjoy!

What’s your favorite Diabetes Late Nite podcast of 2016? How about January’s podcast featuring music by Adele. We discussed the best ways to set realistic goals about your diabetes health and also salute one of our favorite singers, Natalie Cole. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR), Jennifer Jacobs, Dana Collins Carr and Cindy Lou, who is living with type 2 diabetes from Kentucky. LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/01/12/diabetes-late-nite-inspired-by-adele

What’s your favorite Diabetes Late Nite podcast of 2016? Was it our February show with music by Tamar Braxton. Tamar inspired us to talk about sexy shoes that don’t just look good on your feet but that also make your feet feel good with a podiatrist. We also kick off our new game, “Which Shoe Do You Do?” with prizes courtesy of Earth Brand shoes. LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/02/02/diabetes-late-nite-inspired-by-tamar-braxton

What’s your favorite Diabetes Late Nite podcast of 2016? Check out March’s show with music by Rachel Platten? We’re talking about the best morning routines for living well with diabetes self-care. LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/03/08/diabetes-late-nite-inspired-by-rachel-platten

What’s your favorite Diabetes Late Nite podcast of 2016? Check out April’s show with music by Etta James? On this show, we discuss the different weight loss surgery options and how they impact your diabetes health. LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/02/23/diabetes-late-nite-inspired-by-etta-james

What’s your favorite Diabetes Late Nite podcast of 2016? Check out May’s broadcast with music by Elle King? We take a deeper look into the topic of ‘Body Image and Diabetes’. Do you ever feel like you and your body are on opposite teams? Or like your scale has more authority than a therapist or a doctor? Maybe it’s time to discover, challenge and reset the beliefs that are holding you back from being unapologetically you in today’s perfection-obsessed society? Guests include Dr. Lori Shemek PhD, We Are Diabetes founder, Asha Brown, Author Ginger Vieria, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP and Mama Rose Marie. LISTEN : http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/05/10/diabetes-late-nite-inspired-by-elle-king

What’s your favorite Diabetes Late Nite podcast of 2016? Check out June’s podcast with music by A Tribe Called Quest. ‘Quest’ member, Phife Dawg’s sudden death at the age of 41, related to diabetes health-related complications, inspires us to talk about kidney disease and diabetes. Phife Dawg, born Malik Taylor, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in May of 1990. Experiencing constant thirst and bathroom visits, his grandmother, a nurse, tested him for diabetes after a performance in Connecticut. Initially, Phife admitted he did not take his diagnosis seriously, and maintained his same lifestyle.

“It’s really a sickness,” Taylor said in Beats, Rhymes & Life, Michael Rapaport’s candid 2011 documentary on the group. “Like straight-up drugs. I’m just addicted to sugar.”Guests include MaryAnn Nicolay DTR, Dr. Braxton Cosby, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Funny Man Mike, Arnon Krongrad, MD, Catherine Lawrence and Mama Rose Marie. LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/06/14/diabetes-late-nite-inspired-by-a-tribe-called-quest

What’s your favorite Diabetes Late Nite podcast of 2016? Check out July’s program with music by P. M. Dawn? P.M. Dawn’s lead singer, Prince Be‘s death, related to diabetes health-related complications, inspires our discussion on amputation and diabetes.Prince Be had suffered from diabetes for more than two decades, and had various health problems over the years, among them several strokes, including one in 2005 that left him partly paralyzed, and gangrene, which led to the partial amputation of one leg. Guests: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Lynette Luckers from the Marion Luckers Kidney Foundation, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Janis Roszler, RD, CDE, FAND and Leon Petrossian. LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/07/12/diabetes-late-nite-inspired-by-pm-dawn

What’s your favorite Diabetes Late Nite podcast of 2016? Check out Mr. Divabetic Show on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)? 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. Dr. Andrea Chisholm MD, OB-GYN discusses how hormones impact your diabetes health. Guest, We Are Diabetes founder, Asha Brown shares her own personal struggle of living with type 1 diabetes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) too. LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/07/19/mr-divabetic-show–premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd

What’s your favorite Diabetes Late Nite podcast of 2016? Check out August’s with music by Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King. We all know what anger is, and we’ve all felt it: whether as a fleeting annoyance or as full-fledged rage. Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion. But keeping your temper in check can be challenging especially while managing your diabetes. Diabetes is the perfect breeding ground for anger. Anger can start at diagnosis with the question, “Why me?” You may dwell on how unfair diabetes is: “I’m so angry at this disease! I don’t want to treat it. I don’t want to control it. I hate it!” LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/08/09/diabetes-late-nite–the-angry-show

What’s your favorite Diabetes Late Nite podcast of 2016? Check out September’s Diabetes Mystery podcast featuring music from the classic film score of ‘Sunset Boulevard’. Our third annual Diabetes Mystery Theater Podcast, ‘Suspect Boulevard’ revolves around dogs, dementia, diamonds and diabetes. This special mystery theater production is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s film, Sunset Boulevard. Our 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. LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/09/13/suspect-boulevard-diabetes-mystery-theater-podcast

What’s your favorite Diabetes Late Nite podcast of 2016? Check out October’s podcast featuring music by Meghan Trainor. Guests include Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE), Style Blogger Doris Hobbs, Emmy Award winning Producer Linda Bracero Morel, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie. LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/10/11/diabetes-late-nite-inspired-by-meghan-trainor

What’s your favorite Diabetes Late Nite podcast of 2016? Check out the Diabetes Game Show hosted by Mr. Divabetic. During National Diabetes Awareness month, Divabetic teams up with prominent healthcare vendors to giveaway great prizes to celebrate our listeners’ ongoing commitment to self-care. Special guests: Pharmaceutical Chemist and Diabetes Physician, Dr. Stanley Greenfield and Carlos from the Diabetes What To Know community. LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/11/01/diabetes-game-show

What’s your favorite Diabetes Late Nite podcast of 2016? Check out November’s podcast featuring music by Ella Fitzgerald. We continue our celebration of National Diabetes Awareness month with music from our favorite jazz legend “divabetic” who captured audiences everywhere with her astonishing vocal range, scat singing, and improvisational ability. Unfortunately she had to have both legs amputated below the knee. Despite ill health, she continued to perform at least once month into the early 1990’s. Although her quality of voice slowly deteriorated from the early 1970’s, even at the end of her career, her singing retained a remarkable rhythmic acuity. Diabetes Late Nite guests include the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN) Poet Lorraine Brooks, Ansley Dalbo, Best-Selling Author Anna J. Stewart, Leola and Cornelia,and Mama Rose Marie. LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/11/08/diabetes-late-nite-inspired-by-ella-fitzgerald

What’s your favorite Diabetes Late Nite podcast of 2016? Check out December’s podcast with music by Leona Lewis. Can you really ‘get off’ your medication? I discuss how to the possibility of cutting down on three oral medications for anxiety, diet and erectile dysfunction with my guests including: Diabetes Alert Dog expert, Debby Kay CDT, CDTA, PDTI, Megrette Fletcher, MEd, RD, CDE, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Janis Roszler RD, CDE, LDN, Emmy winning Producer, Linda Bracero Morel, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie. LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2016/12/13/diabetes-late-nite-inspired-by-leona-lewis

12/24/2016

Announcing the 2016 ‘Fan Favorite’ Diabetes Late Nite Podcast

From weight loss surgery and diabetes alert dogs tips to shoe and grocery shopping advice, this year’s Diabetes Late Nite podcasts have been packed with expertise advice, fun games and great music.

It’s surprising that our highest rated podcast for 2016 focused on my annual trip to the gynecologist in October to discuss Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)!

I can’t even take credit for tackling this topic, PMDD because it was my featured guest, Dr. Andrea Chisholm MD, OB-GYN’s suggestion!

I quickly learned that PMDD is a severe, sometimes disabling extension of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that starts 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.

Not only did we cover this topic in depth but two women living with type 1 diabetes shared their experiences of struggling to managing their diabetes because of issues related to their monthly menstrual cycles.

Our good friend, Peak 10 skincare founder, Connie Elder shared some wonderful GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS advice on Summer skincare and offered free product giveaways to two lucky listeners. Plus, we paid tribute to the musical legacy of P.M. Dawn’s frontman Prince Be who died earlier this year of diabetes health-related complications courtesy of SONY Music.

LISTEN NOW: Mr. Divabetic Show podcast on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

12/20/2016

Special Podcast: Woman’s Health 2017

Mr. Divabetic discusses the state of women’s equality and diabetes and sexual health post-election tonight, Tuesday, December 20, 2016, on a special Diabetes Late Nite podcast at 6 PM, EST.

While the outcome of the Presidential election means different things to different people, it is no secret that many of the words, values, and behaviors Americans have heard and seen during this election have deeply affected many people, including women.

Did you know that women are more likely than men to suffer from mental illnesses such as anxiety and PTSD? Also, the numbers show us that women have not historically enjoyed the same power and privilege as men. For some women, the result may be a subtle but constant sense of vulnerability and vigilance.

From reproductive rights to Medicare coverage, there could be a lot of policy changes impacting US women over the next four years. Additionally, many women may feel threatened from hearing about a powerful leader’s many sexual assault accusations and the rising incidents of hate crimes post-election.

Mr. Divabetic’s 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.

TUNE IN: Special podcast: Woman’s Health 2017

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Leona Lewis’ “Christmas, with Love” album courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.” Enjoy over 100 free podcasts available on demand at i-Tunes, divabetic.org and blog talk radio.

12/05/201612/05/2016

Are You Too Ashamed to Eat What You Love During the Holidays?

December’s Diabetes Late Nite guest, Megrette Fletcher. MEd, RD, CDE, author of Discover Mindful Eating and Discover Mindful Eating for Kids, and the co-author of Mindful Eating and Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes , talks about the shame that people with diabetes may experience during the holidays.

Megrette is a mindful eating expert and registered dietitian and diabetes educator in practice. She is the president and co-founder of the Center for Mindful Eating.

What do I eat?” As a diabetes educator and dietitian, Megrette Fletcher, MEd, RD, CDE, admits that she’s asked this question every day – and even more so during the holidays! Mindful eating isn’t about eating a specific food or limiting yourself to a set number of calories or nutrients. It is about becoming curious and aware so you can make conscious decisions.

Many people react mindlessly to their thoughts. In other words, they re-act—repeating past actions again and again—feeling powerless to change says Megrette’s co-author, Michelle May MD. “For many people, eating is a mindless reaction to their unrecognized or unexamined thoughts. However, your thoughts are just thoughts. Thinking a thought doesn’t make it true or important, or require you to act on it. In fact, a thought doesn’t even need to provoke a specific feeling,” says Dr. May.

Mindfulness is awareness of what is happening in the present moment—including awareness of thoughts—without any attachment to whatever you notice. Mindfulness is helpful because it creates space between thoughts and actions. By increasing your awareness of your thoughts, you can begin to break old automatic or habitual chain reactions between your triggers, thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Each time you choose not to activate your old trigger-thought-feeling-action-result sequences, you weaken the connections. It’s as if the wires rust and eventually break. Further, each time you choose a different action, you create a new connection. With repetition, you’ll hardwire these new pathways—like insulating the wiring. Your new thoughts and responses become your new habits.

Shame is a harmful emotion that is often felt by the young and old, especially when you are trying to manage your diabetes during the holidays. By undertstanding the ingredients that set you up for overeating, you can create the perfect recipe for success and healthy, happy holidays!

Recipe for Overeating by Michelle May M.D.
Ingredients:
1 batch, bag, box, or large plate of food
2 tablespoons of deprivation
1 heaping teaspoon of guilt
Sprinkle of shame
Optional: fatigue, stress, resentment, loneliness, boredom

Studies confirm that some people do gain significant weight during the holidays. Who are those people? They’re the ones who worry about their weight, who try to restrict their intake of holiday goodies only to overeat them out of feelings of deprivation and then guilt. The same studies show that people who don’t worry about their weight don’t put on significant pounds during the holidays.

Learn how to create a self-care buffer zone by regularly nurturing your body, mind, heart, and spirit. from the book: Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes: A Mindful Eating Program for Thriving with Pre-diabetes or Diabetes.

LISTEN: December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with guest, Megrette Fletcher scheduled for Tuesday, December 13, 2016, 6 PM, EST. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic. Enjoy music from Leona Lewis’ “Christmas, with Love” album courtesy of SONY Music.

11/28/2016

House and R &B vocalist Colonel Abrams Died at Age 67

Colonel Abrams joins a long list of men from the R & B and Hip Hop music communities who died of diabetes health-related complications this year. The list includes Phife Dawg (‘A Tribe Called Quest’), Prince Be (‘P.M. Dawn’), and radio personalities Doug Banks and Vaughn Harper.

Diabetes is 60% more common in black Americans than in white Americans. Blacks are up to 2.5 times more likely to suffer a limb amputation and up to 5.6 times more likely to suffer kidney disease than other people with diabetes. Diabetes is also a significant contributor to erectile dysfunction. Because men are less likely to engage in the health care system, primary and secondary prevention efforts need to be implemented in culturally appropriate, male-oriented venues.

Last year, Colonel Abrams was reportedly homeless and suffering from diabetes, and a crowd-funding effort by fans and friends was launched to get him back on his feet.

Colonel Abrams stated in a video: “As most of you may or may not know, a lot of recording artist don’t have medical coverage or benefits.” He went on to say… “The Colonel is very ill with no permanent place of his own to live at this time and limited financial resources.”

The Detroit-born, Manhattan raised singer began playing both piano and guitar while still quite young. By the mid 1970s he became part of the band Heavy Impact. But it was nearly a decade later that Abrams really made a name for himself with the big 1985 hit “Trapped”. Colonel Abrams also sang on several tracks that are considered to have laid the groundwork for what is now considered global dance music including the songs, “How Soon We Forget” and “Not Gonna Let.”

According to Soul Tracks: “By the mid 1970s he became part of the band Heavy Impact. But it was nearly a decade later that Colonel Abrams really made a name for himself with the big hit ‘Music Is the Answer.’ It began a string of dance hits that capitalized on the electronic sounds that were popular in the mid ’80s … Abrams continued to chart on the Dance and R&B charts into the mid-’90s, and performed around the world into the new century. He also formed his own Colonel Records and released music sporadically through the early part of this decade.”

The rate of diabetes among people who are homeless is on the rise along with diabetes health-related deaths. People who are homeless don’t have the finances to afford to monitor their blood sugar levels on a regular basis and healthy food choices.

Jan Boyd, a registered nurse who works with Withers on Operation Safety Net said, “People on the street don’t usually seek medical care unless the symptoms are making them uncomfortable. With diabetes, discomfort comes too late.”

And life expectancy for a person without a home is just 45-49 years, according to a study done by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. The NHCHC also reports that the number one cause of death among the homeless population is complications related to chronic conditions like diabetes!

Dr. Jim Withers co-founded Operation Safety Net, which is part of the Pittsburgh Mercy Health System in Pittsburg, PA. Operation Safety Net provides healthcare to people living on the street, but Withers describes it differently: “The program is providing people with hope,” he says.

“Our philosophy is to treat people where they are,” said Withers, who has been treating homeless people since 1992. Operation Safety Net has helped transition more than 850 chronically ill homeless people into permanent housing since it started, and many of those people have been living with diabetes.

We have experienced so many diabetes health-related deaths in the urban radio and music industry. It is my goal to find a way to share these stories as a way to teach today’s music fans about diabetes on our free monthly podcasts. If you have any suggestions let me know.

LISTEN: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by A Tribe Called Quest. Phife Dawg, born Malik Taylor, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in May of 1990. Experiencing constant thirst and bathroom visits, his grandmother, a nurse, tested him for diabetes after a performance in Connecticut. Initially, Phife admitted he did not take his diagnosis seriously, and maintained his same lifestyle.

“It’s really a sickness,” Taylor said in Beats, Rhymes & Life, Michael Rapaport’s candid 2011 documentary on the group. “Like straight-up drugs. I’m just addicted to sugar.”

Phife’s initial resistance to treatment made it necessary for him to go on dialysis followed by a kidney transplant in 2008. This past March he died at age 45.

10/24/201610/24/2016

Ella Fitzgerald is our Diva Inspiration for National Diabetes Awareness Month

We’re getting ‘jazzy’ for National Diabetes Awareness month in November.

Jazz legend, Ella Fitzgerald is our musical inspiration for November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, November 8, 2016, 67- PM, EST.

Ella Fitzgerald had to have both of her legs amputated below the knee due to complications related to diabetes in 1993.

However, people with diabetes can prevent amputation by inspecting their feet daily and by being vigilant for warning signs of ulcers, including irritation, redness, cracked or dry skin (especially around the heels), or drainage on their socks.

The reason why amputation is common is because of nerve damage related to diabetes. A person with diabetes who experiences nerve damage is more likely to be unaware of a foot injury until it becomes infected. Infection can lead to partial or full amputation of the foot or lower leg. Regular care from a podiatrist can help reduce amputation rates between 45 and 85 percent, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Podiatrist, Dr. Jodie Sengstock, DPM, MPMA says, “it’s important for those with the disease to receive regular foot exams by a podiatrist.”

“Although ulcers can occur anywhere on the foot or ankle, they are typically found on pressure points on the foot, like the ball of the foot or bottom of the big toe,” added Dr. Sengstock “If an ulcer is discovered, or other symptoms, a podiatrist should be seen immediately. In many cases, the foot can be saved with early treatment.”

TUNE IN: November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music by Ella Fitzgerald. Guests include the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN) Poet Lorraine Brooks, Ansley Dalbo, Best-Selling Author Anna J. Stewart, and Mama Rose Marie.

10/06/201610/09/2016

Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance Podcast with Author Kristan Higgins

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic shines the spotlight on the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author and two-time winner of the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, Kristan Higgins on the special Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance podcast.

Kristan has been called “a rising superstar in contemporary romance” by USA TODAY, who went on to praise Kristan’s “genius-level EQ … whippet-fast, funny dialogue and sweet plots with a deliciously tart edge.” Her contemporary romances feature big-hearted, memorable love stories about regular people, combining quirky families, real-life issues and a cute dog or two as well.

This podcast is part of the ‘Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance’ health campaign raising awareness for sexual wellness issues among people with diabetes.

LISTEN: Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance podcast with Author Kristan Higgins and guests: Stephanie Gaber PharmD, CDE from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, Diva Club leader, MaryAnn Nicolay, BA, DTR from the Diabetes Partnership Of Cleveland, OH. Poet Lorriane Brooks, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories and Author Ginger Vieria.

Join Divabetic’s Facebook and Twitter communities. #dontletdiabeteskillromance

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10/02/201610/09/2016

Jealous Sister Poem Inspires Diabetes Mystery Podcast

‘The Ballad of the Jealous Sister’ poem by Maude E. Shenk inspires this year’s Diabetes Mystery Podcast: Suspect Boulevard which premiered in September 2016. You can hear it for free on demand at i-Tunes, Divabetic.org and/or blog talk radio.

The Ballad of the Jealous Sister

Oh once an old woman

Lived by the seashore
Two daughters fair had she.
The younger one a lover had,
So brave and bold was he.

Young Bradford gave his love a ring
With shining stone and gold,
So they sat side by side one eve
And softly sweet words told.

The older sister jealous grew
Because she had no beau,
And so one evening on the lake
She planned revenge to know.

She threw her sister from the boat
Into the water blue,
And there she stood and laughed and laughed
And still no pity knew.

A tall old man was walking near
And chanced the girl to see.
Cried she, ‘I’ll give you much fine gold
If you but rescue me.’

He pulled her out and took her ring,
Then threw her in the lake;
Though loud her cries for succor rang,
He did no pity take.

Young Bradford walking by the shore
His true love chanced to see,
So plunging in, he rescued her
So brave and bold was he.

The tall old man still seemed to hear
The piercing cries for aid,
And wished he had the good deed done
For which he had been paid.

The older sister, mad with hate
Did wildly moan and rave.
That he should dare to thwart her there
And her young sister save.

But then the lovers lived and loved
For many and many a year,
But ne’er forgot the awful act
Caused by a jealous fear.

Two of the mystery’s main characters (TV actress Marlena Melbourne and Best-Selling Author Marjorie Melbourne Blaze) are ‘jealous sisters’ and loosely based on Jackie and Joan Collins. The famous real-life Collins sisters spent decades navigating the bright lights of Hollywood and fame together. Did it take a toll on their relationship?

Joan Collins told the Daily Mail that their relationship at one point had been ‘estranged’ – but quickly changed her choice of words and said they had simply not been as close.

She put their distance down to her relationship with a man who Jackie had ‘loathed’.

I imagine there was some sibling rivalry between the sisters after Joan Collins began her literary career. According to Peter Goldenthal, Ph.D., author of ”Why Can’t We Get Along: Healing Adult Sibling Relationships”, sibling rivalry continues to rear its head well into adulthood and even into old age. Dr. Goldenthal notes ‘don’t give up; you might be able to put your relationship with your sister on a grown-up track.’

In addition to sibling rivalry our murder mystery focuses on the link between diabetes and dementia and diabetes alert dogs. I spent many hours spent researching and consulting with Susan Weiner RD, MS, CDE, CDN, Patricia Addie-Gentle, dog expert, Debby Kay, andMark Dagostino, author of “Elle & Me:The Fight for My Daughter’s Life and the Dog that Changed Everything”. If you are considering adding a diabetes alert dog to your healthcare entourage I encourage you to do plenty of research.

LISTEN NOW: Divabetic’s 3rd Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast entitled, “Suspect Boulevard“. Our madcap adventure involves dogs, divas, dementia, diamonds and diabetes. Cast members are: 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 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.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

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09/24/201610/09/2016

Suspect Boulevard: Behind the Scenes

I believe that one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself which is a ‘challenge.’

Heller Keller said,”life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

For me, that gift/challenge is writing and producing our annual Diabetes Mystery podcast. I don’t consider myself to be a writer so to sit down and actually write a 50 + page script and numerous rewrites is actually a pretty daunting task.

My challenge began last September when I visited Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Hillwood Mansion in Washington, D.C. This gorgeous estate inspired the glamorous backdrop for our murder mystery as well as the central character, Best-Selling Author ‘Marjorie Melbourne Blaze’. The mansion features the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia, a distinguished 18th-century French decorative art collection, and twenty-five acres of serene landscaped gardens and a pet cemetery (!) It’s definitely worth a visit!

Writing can be a frustrating, humbling and lonely process so it’s great to involve a friend, especially a talented one. In my case, USA Today Best-Selling author Tonya Kappes was willing to spend endless hours with me over the phone or via e-mail consulting about motives, clues and dialogue. Somehow, in between all my calls she was able to put the finishing touches on several of her own mysteries which are coming out the Fall.

You can’t perform a mystery without a cast!! Our ‘Suspect Boulevard’ cast includes some familiar voices as well as few surprises. Susan Weiner, Patricia Addie-Gentle and Tonya along with my mom, Mama Rose Marie play themselves which is a challenge when writing dialogue. Susan and Patricia reviewed all the diabetes self-care information and advice to make sure it was accurate. My mom and I reworked her lines over and over again to get her feelings about aging right. Poet Lorraine Brooks wrote her own comments and funny remarks for our madcap adventure. Unfortunately Lorraine didn’t get to play the organ this year! Asha Brown (‘Primose Crump’) and Peter Arpesella (‘Nigel Lowenwirth’) who are both professional actors as well as amazing diabetes advocates returned again this year. Peter had to drop out at the last minute because of scheduling conflicts so my good friend, Chef Robert Lewis jumped in and gave a stellar performance. I also recruited Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller to join the cast. She was the only person I had in mind to play the ultra glamorous 80’s TV actress character, ‘Marlena Melbourne’. Catherine is always ‘up’ for a new challenge and drove in head first to her role with enthusiasm, excitement and even photos of herself looking like a glamorous Hollywood actress!

This year’s murder mystery focuses on the link between diabetes and dementia and diabetes alert dogs. In addition to many hours spent researching these topics I also consulted with Susan Weiner RD, MS, CDE, CDN (author of the wonderful book on organization – see link below), Patricia Addie-Gentle, dog expert, Debby Kay, andMark Dagostino, author of “Elle & Me:The Fight for My Daughter’s Life and the Dog that Changed Everything”. If you are considering adding a diabetes alert dog to your healthcare entourage I encourage you to do plenty of research.

Additionally, I asked Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef to contribute recipes for this year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard”(see recipe below). If you love to entertain, check out Stacey’s recipes for flavorful, healthy options to add to your next party’s menu!

Finally, our hope is that Divabetic’s annual diabetes murder mystery podcasts inspire you to approach troublesome and worrisome unexpected blood sugar high’s and low’s like a detective; search for clues, look for patterns and above all, talk to the proper authorities (your healthcare team) about your symptoms.

Many of our favorite detectives including “Cagney & Lacey”, “Sherlock Holmes and Watson”, “Charlie’s Angels” and “Scoopy-Doo & Freddy, Daphne, Velma an Shaggy” worked with partners or teams – you should too!

One way to help prevent complications is to take on a ‘team’ approach to managing your diabetes and involve your friends, family, co-workers and healthcare professionals in your self-care. Showing close friends where you keep your supplies and informing them of what you need when you’re experiencing a low is a great way to safeguard against a health crisis. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Why not challenge yourself to do something new and different?

T.S. Elliot said, “if you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?”

LISTEN NOW: Divabetic’s 3rd Annual Diabetes Murder Mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard.” Throughout our Diabetes Mystery “Suspect Boulevard” podcast we featuring selected songs from the classic film scores by Franz Waxman album courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

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