Entertainment-Celebrity – Page 20

07/30/202007/30/2020

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Thirty

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 30, we’re spotlighting Divabetic’s 6th Annual Mystery podcast, Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes, from September 2019.

“Our mystery podcast is the culmination of a year’s time spent creating characters, developing storylines, choosing music and sound effects, and rehearsing with the full cast to educate people about diabetes in a fun, new way,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.

The mystery is set in the fictitiously decadent world-renowned Gingerbread Men Cookie Baking Competition in New York’s Central Park Zoo. Mr. Divabetic’s healthy culinary misadventures continue in this year’s escapade as he enters the competition with headless cookies and pureed kale hot cocoa for the judges to sample. As if this dreadful combination wasn’t bad enough to land him at the bottom of the throwdown, his mother, Mama Rose Marie, is accused of poisoning one of the celebrity judges! Things go from bad to worse when the snake phobic Mr. Divabetic hears about the giant python’s escape.

Now, the happy healthcare host must decide to face his fear of snakes and recipe rejection or throw in his apron and risk getting caught up in another murder investigation. Can Mr. Divabetic and his team of amateur sleuths hunt down the real killer and get Mama Rose Marie out of jail? Will he be the next murder victim? Can he ever create an edible recipe?

The cast of Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes features Mama Rose Marie, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and MaryAnn Nicolay BA, DTR), The Happy Diabetic Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Jillian Walsh, Wendy Radford, Dave Jones, Lorraine Brooks and Max Szadek.

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from the original Broadway cast recording of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

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

07/25/202007/25/2020

Rapper Biz Markie Hospitalized

Legendary rapper Biz Markie, 56, has been hospitalized while treated for type 2 diabetes, TMZ reports.

“He is receiving the best care from an amazing team of medical professionals and we remain positive about the outcome,” Biz Markie’s representative said. Exactly how long Biz has been hospitalized isn’t known, but he hasn’t posted since June 18.

Six years ago, the Just A Friend rapper bragged about his impressive weight loss after he dropped from 385lbs down to 244lbs via exercise and diet, rather than weight loss surgery. After his 140 pound weight loss he was named the spokesperson for Zevia’s sugar-free soda line (a far cry from being a former face of Sprite). Markie said, “instead of drinking regular soda, I drink Zevia to make you believia!” he joked. “I love that there’s alternatives to eating, because I want to live.”

“Since I have to be a diabetic, If I didn’t make the changes, it was going to make the diabetes worse,” Biz Markie told ABC News at the time. “I’m trying to get off [the diabetes oral medications]. The way you gotta do it is lose the weight. I’m off half my meds, I just got to get off the rest.”

Markie said doctors were straightforward when he was diagnoses and said if he didn’t shape up, the results could be terrible.

“They said I could lose my feet,” he said. “They said I could lose body parts. A lot of things could happen.”

Biz is best known for his hit single Just A Friend, which samples Freddie Scott’s 1968 song (You) Got What I Need.

07/24/202007/24/2020

Paula Abdul Doesn’t Let Osteoarthritis Stop Her From Dancing!

Paula Abdul says that as a performer, she never lets anything get in her way, and certainly not arthritis.

Five years ago, Abdul’s doctor told her she had osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that can cause stiffness and pain, reports PEOPLE magazine. The common condition common affects more than 32.5 million adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The diagnosis came as a relief to Abdul.

“I kept thinking, at least it wasn’t something in my head,” she tells PEOPLE. “There was a reason attached to what I was feeling.”

Teaming up with Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for the launch of its over-the-counter offering, Abdul says she uses the gel on her ankles, knees and other joints when they feel tight.

“I’m not going to let pain keep me down,” she says.

The singer also encourages other arthritis patients to stay active and says she likes to mix up her workout routine with low-impact strength exercises and online Zumba classes.

“Every day I try to wake up and think, ‘What can I do today that’s going to make me happy?’ ” she says.

“Walking is very underrated. I’ll put on my AirPods and listen to Stevie Wonder, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake — and just sing at the top of my lungs and swing to the beat.”

07/24/2020

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Twenty Four

On Day 24, we’re spotlighting Divabetic’s Gypsies, Tramps & Peas Mystery Podcast from September 2017.

“I love so many elements in this show starting with the soundtrack which has so many great songs and the setting, historic Coney Island,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “Add to that, Catherine Schuller’s wacky nutrition fortune teller character, “Nutrina” from Divabetic’s popular Broomstick Bash healthy Halloween outreach program making an appearance. I also put a lot more of myself into this script. I was on my high school team and I have disliked peas since childhood. As much as I like to think I’m different from my character, ‘Mr. Divabetic’, we are basically one in the same!”

Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic 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, he heads for Coney Island 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?

Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure. Gypsies, Tramps & Peas features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

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

07/23/202007/23/2020

Chili Lettuce Boats & Other Low Carb Instagram Recipe

Discover delicious, easy-to-make low carb recipes that will help you manage your diabetes. Want a refreshing appetizer, yummy dessert, or hearty dinner? Here’s a few of our favorite recipes from Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC0xKpNg4e2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Non-starchy vegetables such as colorful salad vegetables , broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, and asparagus tend to have lower glycemic indexes, making them perfect to for a low carb diet.

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

If you eat 2,000 calories a day, you should consume about 250 grams of complex carbohydrates per day. A good starting place for people with diabetes is to have roughly 45 to 60 grams of carbs per meal and 15 to 30 grams for snacks. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best meal plan for you!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCw1RyuAgCp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

07/15/202007/15/2020

Heart Attack Signs for Women Are Like A Quiet Storm

Did you know that women are at a much higher risk to have a silent heart attack and be unaware that it’s happening or confuse it with something else?

The symptoms of a heart attack can come on like a quiet storm.

Studies have shown that women who have had a heart attack often did not experience chest pain — the most telling sign of a heart problem. Instead, women have a set of symptoms that come on slowly and progress gradually, including:

Unusual fatigue
Sleep disturbance
Flu-like discomfort
Paleness or clammy skin
Inability to sleep

Men are much more likely to experience the most common symptoms suddenly and with more severity. They can have cold sweats, dizziness or a feeling that they’re going to pass out.

Most fans we’re shocked to learn that Peabo Bryson suffered a mild heart attack last year. He credits his wife’s quick thinking and fast response for his his speedy recovery. In honor of this Quiet Storm icon we’re encourage you to learn the common warning signs of heart attack.

Memorize the common heart attack warning signs like the words to your favorite love song:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs. Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

If you can spot them early, you can limit the damage from the heart attack. Keep your house a home and learn the signs for heart attack, and remember: Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out.

Minutes matter. Fast action can save lives – maybe your own. Call 911 if you experience heart attack warning signs. Calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Learn more at heart.org

Join us for Quiet Storm Fans’ Peabo Bryson Listening Party with Leon Petrossian on Saturday, July 18, 8 – 10 PM. We will sharing heart health and heart attack information between Peabo Bryson’s most beloved songs.

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

07/14/2020

31 Days Of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Fourteen

On Day 14, we’re spotlighting tonight’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Patti LaBellle. Back in 2003, Patti LaBelle inspired me to coin the phrase ‘Divabetic’ when she said “I have diabetes, diabetes doesn’t have me.” Her outspoken attitude about living with diabetes pierced my heart as I sat in the audience. I wished that Luther had spoken to me about his diabetes and how to help him in case there was an emergency. Of course, you can’t turn back the clock. All I can do is share my experience with you in the hope you will be motivated to involve your family, friends and co-workers in your daily diabetes self-care.

Tonight’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast also signifies a new milestone in diabetes outreach for Divabetic. For the past decade we have produced at least one podcast each month of every year.

“All great achievements require time,” said Dr. Maya Angelou. She added, “Nothing will work unless you do.”

I staged a ‘comeback’ and so can you!

Back in July 2010, I was brokenhearted and discouraged. A full year had passed since Divabetic lost it’s major funding for it’s national outreach program, Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes and there was no light in sight. I felt like a failure. I was staring at a pile of rejection letters from numerous foundations and pharmaceutical companies requesting funding and another pile of requests from women with diabetes and/or certified diabetes educators begging us to bring Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes to their city. So it’s probably not a shock to learn that I said, “no” when it was suggested that I host a podcast.

Why would I want to do something new when I had just failed so miserably and let so many people down?
Starting over is not easy. However, I’ve had to do it several times in my life. In 2003, when I found my boss, Luther Vandross after he suffered a devastating stroke related to mismanagement of type 2 diabetes. In 2005, when Luther Vandross died and I lost my job (as well as my identity). In 2009, when Divabetic lost it’s major source of funding. Somehow after suffering every one of these ‘soul punches’ I persisted and so can you! That’s the message of this milestone.

Thank you to my team, our guests, SONY Music and you, our listeners for an amazing decade of diabetes podcasting. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for your help in helping me get back my groove. GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS!

We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcast Anniversary with music from the world’s most famous “Divabetic”– Ms. Patti LaBelle. She has inspired us to adopt and promote a ‘NEW ATTITUDE’ about living with diabetes!

Thank you to our loyal listeners for sharing your stories, questions, concerns, and successes with us over the past decade. Our aim has been and continues to be to broaden the appeal of diabetes education with music, beauty/style, games, real-life stories, cozy mysteries radio dramas, and laughter.

10th Year Podcast Anniversary guests include: Patricia Addie-Gentle, RN, CDE, Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Andrea Chisholm OB-GYN, Luther McRae, Mama Rose Marie, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller, Terri Seidman and special guests.

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

07/13/202007/13/2020

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Thirteen

On Day 13, we’re spotlighting Divabetic’s Dabetes Roundtable podcast inspired by 20 Feet From Stardom podcast from 2013.

The compelling Academy Award winning documentary, 20 Feet from Stardom, focuses on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century including Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stone, Bette Midler and Luther Vandross. Triumphant and heartbreaking in equal measure, the film is both a tribute to the unsung voices who brought shape and style to popular music and a reflection on the conflicts, sacrifices and rewards of a career spent harmonizing with others.

The happy healthcare, Mr. Divabetic aims to encourage everyone with diabetes to back up their daily self-care management with a team of professionals. Strive to create a team aka ‘entourage’ to help you perform at your best in the same way your favorite famous ‘diva’ has done. Managing blood sugars can be challenging and overwhelming at times. It’s important to find answers to your questions, connect with others and get the support you need during difficult times.

Tonight’s special guests include: 20 Feet From Stardom star, Lisa Fischer, Actor, Screenwriter and Author of ‘Good Like This’ Peter Arpesella, Authors Ginger Vieira and Riva Greenberg, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle, RN, CDE, Pam Butler MS, CDE, Janice Harris RN, CDE and Asha Brown, the founder of the We Are Diabetes organization (wearediabetes.org) and is living with type 1 diabetes.

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

07/13/2020

Remembering Gerald Levert

Divabetic remembers songwriter, arranger, producer, and performer, Gerald Levert on what would have been his 54th birthday, (7/13/20).

Gerald Levert’s career began in 1984, when he teamed up with his brother Sean Levert and friend Marc Gordon, to form the band LeVert. A couple of solid albums followed and received attention on the R&B charts – but in 1987, Their big hit, Casanova, took them to the top of the charts in 1987.

In in 1991, Gerald Levert began his solo career with a string of successes including the operatic “Taking Everything.”

Even when Gerald Levert died on November 10, 2006, his career wasn’t over. His album In My Songs was released posthumously in 2007, and the title track was a Grammy winner – Gerald Levert’s first.

Gerald Levert’s early death – the singer was just 40 years old – was unexpected and devastating to his family, friends and fans.

Gerald Levert’s death was caused by a fatal combination of prescription and over the counter medications according to the coroner’s report.

Andy Gibson, a family spokesperson, said Gerald Leveret was taking pain medications because of chronic pain from a lingering shoulder injury and surgery in 2005 to repair a severed Achilles tendon.

From Gerald Levert’s shoulder injury to sports injuries, chronic pain is surprisingly common. About 116 million Americans are estimated to struggle with chronic pain according to The Ranch Tennessee. While there are many ways to manage it, some individuals turn to prescription painkillers. Opioids, such as Vicodin, OxyContin and Percocet, to relieve the discomfort.

Many patients are able to take prescription painkillers without becoming addicted. However, some people don’t follow the prescribed dosage and take larger doses or take the medication more frequently.

Warning Signs of Addiction

Requiring increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effect
Seeking prescriptions from multiple physicians (also called “doctor shopping”)
Changes in personality, including mood or energy levels
Withdrawing from family and friends
Neglecting responsibilities, including work and household chores
Becoming defensive when a loved one brings up the potential problem
Deteriorating appearance and declining personal hygiene habits

Addiction to prescription painkillers, heroin or other drugs is potentially life-threatening. If you or someone you love is addicted, seek professional help.

SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration provides confidential free help, from public health agencies, to find substance use treatment and information. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.

Articles also indicate that Gerald Levert was suffering from anxiety — our body’s natural response to stress. If you’re dealing with anxiety READ MORE

07/11/2020

Quiet Storm Fans: Lyrics Lovers Game 1

Can you identify the artist and the song of this popular Quiet Storm ballad just by looking at the lyrics from the 2nd verse? Good Luck!

After all this time
Slip on your nightgown
Step into our bedroom
First I want to take sometime

I just want to look at you
Girl you are so fine
I can’t believe you’re mine
And all I want to do

I want to make love to you
Tonight will be a special night
A minute more to come
And I’m so proud to be with you
So proud to share you’re love

Watch this video to see the answer

The smooth R&B programming nicknamed ‘the Quiet Storm’ starting in 1976 and came to prominence in the mid-80s, breaking artists including Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, and Sade, and establishing hit-makers like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and LA Reid and Babyface. It was an alternative to funk, disco, and boogie that also gifted “old-school” R&B artists with the extended careers that classic rock artists enjoyed.

An urban alternative to soft rock or easy listening, Quiet Storm ignores most of the programming rules of commercial radio. Songs can be current or decades old, deep cuts or singles, and are more likely to be a live version or extended length than a radio edit. Instrumentals also get burn; jazz fusion is a favorite.

The Quiet Storm was and is multipurpose mood music; perfect for everything from sexy-time to just general wind-down.

Excerpts from Naima Cochrane’s Vibe magazine article, May 2019

The Quiet Storm Fans page is moderated by Luther Vandross’s former assistant, Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek.

“My aim is to empower quiet storm music fans to learn more about the health conditions affecting their favorite artists and apply it to their own lives,” says Max Szadek. “For example, Quiet Storm legend, Barry White suffered from chronic hypertension, like many of his fans, which caused severe kidney damage before his death. In fact, the prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) in African-Americans in the United States is among the highest in the world. More than 40 percent of non-Hispanic African-American men and women have high blood pressure. For African-Americans, high blood pressure also develops earlier in life and is usually more severe according to the American Heart Association.

https://youtu.be/bwn7ztGyY3M