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.

07/04/202007/04/2020

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

07/01/202007/02/2020

André Leon Tally: “I’ve always associated food with love.”

André Leon Talley admits his weight has long been a battle in his memoir, The Chiffon Trenches.

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

“Food was always a part of my life,” he told PEOPLE magazine, “and a source of comfort.” Beginning as a child secretly suffering from sexual abuse, he escaped into the pages of Vogue and his grandmother’s biscuits.

Talley never told anyone he was sexually abused as a child – not the therapists he has seen, not even his beloved pastor.

Because of the abuse, Talley says he has never really had an intimate relationship.

Although he was trim when he was first hired at Vogue in 1983, he began to gain weight when he entered his mid 40s. “I began to realize I had a problem.”

In 2004, there was an intervention. He was sent to Duke University Diet and Fitness Center for a several-week stint. “I lost 55 lbs. But I did not follow the rules.” He would return two more times — “It’s the same with alcohol, I’d often say ‘I’ve fallen off the wagon,’ when I’d go back to Duke — and have an unsuccessful Lap Band surgery.

“The experience for me is always very daunting in the beginning,” he told PEOPLE magazine in 2017. You certainly have to reboot your skills in weight-loss and I think it’s one of the best places to do that.”

His battle continues today. “I cannot control this addiction,” he says. “I am obese.”

In his book, André Leon Tally also writes about his friend, designer Karl Lagerfeld’s food issues. Apparently the designer liked to travel with a suitcase packed full of his favorite bread. Bread was Lagerfeld’s “one craving” while dieting, Talley writes. “He would chew the bread, savoring every bite, and then spit it out into a napkin,” Talley continues. “That seemed like a lot of trouble, but it worked for him, apparently, as he eventually lost one hundred pounds.”

André Leon Talley admits he still struggles every day.

06/22/202006/22/2020

Divabetic Mystery Phrase #18

Can you complete our Divabetic Mystery Phrase below?

Not only does it simply feel good to believe in yourself, it can help you deal with stress and difficult emotions better.

Constant worrying or self-doubt about what you are or are not doing to manage your diabetes isn’t empowering. That inner dialogue isn’t true, or even real.

If you’re struggling to cope with your diabetes diagnosis: try repeating positive affirmations to yourself each morning to steer your mood in the right direction. This way of thinking can be helpful when the mental burden of diabetes management gets tough.

We also encourage you to seek out a qualified therapist like our colleagues: Dr. Beverly S. Adler CDE, PhD, Janis Roszler or Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport LCSW, PsyD.

“People without diabetes can feel loneliness, anger, guilt, and shame or use denial, rebellion or secrecy. The addition of diabetes to your daily life increases the likelihood of complex emotions,” says Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport aka ‘The Diabetes Pysche’. She adds, “My goal is to help you recognize these normal and demanding feelings and then move past them to do better.“

“Wisdom is avoiding all thoughts which weaken you.” – anonymous

Making your diabetes wellness your top priority will help you find the life flow that you can manage and maintain.

Inner strength comes from knowing you have the tools you need to handle life’s challenges. If at first you don’t succeed then rely on your strength for progress. Optimism is a source of courage and confidence. It motivates us to set goals, to take risks. It encourages persistence in the face of obstacles.

Healthy Self-Belief is Not Bragging, or Boasting.

If you have lost your self-belief, remember that you can regain it with the right steps and actions. One way to jumpstart your self belief is to take inventory of what you’ve already achieved. If you’re struggling with your diabetes self-care, focus on the basics—don’t get bogged down in details or reaching for perfection. And don’t forget to celebrate your successes.

Understanding the Mystery of Your A1C

Many people wonder how their hba1c number relates to their blood sugar levels. After all, daily diabetes self-care management can be a jumble of numbers: weight, blood sugar levels, carbohydrate counts, fat grams, serving sizes, etc. Hopefully, this handy chart will provide some clarification.

Healthy-ojas
Vital info for Healthier life

When it comes to the numbers, there’s no one-size-fits-all target. A1C target levels can vary by each person’s age and other factors, and your target may be different from someone else’s. If you feel your hbA1C number is on a higher side, say over 7 or 8%, do not worry! Knowledge is power. You can lower your hbA1C by creating your own personal self-care plan with your healthcare professional.

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.

06/18/202006/18/2020

Don’t Miss Tonight’s Divabetic Virtual Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party on Zoom

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, Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and Registered Dietitian Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, where everything you need to win is within your own home on Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7 – 7:30 PM, EST.

Whether you have had diabetes for a long time or have only recently been diagnosed, having a diabetes management plan and supplies in place are essential for living life to the fullest.

How prepared are you to cope with a diabetes self-care curveball? Hand sanitizer, water bottles, extra syringes and test strips, fast-acting sugars, and measuring cups as well as all the other items to help ease your anxiety are all in play for a fun night of diabetes wellness!

Everyone might think that all smoothies are ‘healthy’ but that’s just a bit of wishful drinking. In reality, many of the most readily available smoothies in America also contain loads of calories, added sugars and carbohydrates.

Find out what types of smoothies and/or smoothie ingredients you should enjoy and which ones you should avoid as we make our own smoothies in our homes during this Zoom Party. It’s a good idea to have a blender, glass, spatula, spoon handy as well as ingredients to make a smoothie.

One lucky Zoom Party participant will receive their pick of one of Jill Weisenberger’s sensational books in our random drawing during this Divabetic outreach event:

Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week is a bestseller and can help you manage your weight and blood sugar at the same time.

The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition offers solutions to your everyday food and nutrition problems – no matter how busy you are.

21 Things You Need to Know about Diabetes and Your Heart gives you specific actions to take to improve your health right away.

Prediabetes: A Complete Guide leads you through dozens of concrete steps to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic health problems.

During this Zoom Party, Jill Weisenberger will be answering your questions about diabetes self-care and nutrition. Here are some ideas for questions to spark your suggestions for tonight:

Q: What’s the difference between juicing and smoothies?

Q: How can I make my smoothie have a thick, creamy texture without adding more calories and/or carbohydrates?

Q: When’s the best time to have a Smoothie (morning, noon and/or night)? Are they good for weight loss?

Q: Should I add protein powder?

Zoom Party Code
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72029469773?pwd=QjljU0hralg0d294czN6VUtYWlpXQT09

Meeting ID: 720 2946 9773
Password: 056473

After this Zoom Party ends please fill out this quick, short Post-Event Survey to help us improve our programming: https://divabetic.typeform.com/to/sDCjSG

06/15/202006/16/2020

What’s The Difference Between Blood Glucose Meters (BGM) & Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?

Q: What’s the difference between Blood Glucose Meters (BGM) and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?

ANSWER: Blood Glucose Meters (BGM) measure glucose levels in your blood at a single moment in time, while Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems continually check glucose levels in your blood throughout the day and night. Unlike BGMs that require deliberate action to get a reading, real-time CGM systems work throughout the night, while the user is asleep.

According to the Dexcom website: some Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems eliminate the need to take fingerstick measurements using a Blood Glucose Meter according to the Dexcom. Other CGM systems reduce the frequency of fingersticks, but still rely on regular Blood Glucose Meter readings to ensure proper calibration. It is always recommended that CGM users take a fingerstick reading prior to making diabetes treatment decisions if glucose alerts and readings from their CGM systems do not match symptoms or expectations.

We’re talking about Blood Glucose Meters and the best time to check your blood glucose levels after eating with Special guest, Diabetes care and education specialist and registered dietitian, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND on Divabetic’s free At Home Scavenger Hunt & Smoothie Party on Zoom this Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7 PM, EST. Register Now.

Smoothies are a great way to get health-boosting, disease-fighting nutrients from fruits and vegetables. However, the wrong kind of smoothie can be a bad choice for people with diabetes especially when eating out. Learn the Do’s and Don’ts to Healthy Smoothies with Jill Weisenberger on Divabetic’s Zoom Smoothie Party.

Jill Weisenberger’s candid and energetic approach and her sound nutrition and fitness advice has earned her a place as one of 10 Dietitians You Need to Follow on Social Media in US News & World Report. Jill offers healthy and delicious recipe ideas and nutrition strategies that are based in sound nutrition science. Whether you’re looking for disease prevention or management, nutritious meals that people actually want to eat, or truths (and myths!) about the latest food trends, get reasonable and realistic tips from expert Jill Weisenberger.

The American Diabetes Association recommends checking one to two hours after you start eating to capture the peak level of your blood glucose.

Keep in mind that blood glucose results often trigger emotions. Blood glucose numbers can make you feel angry, frustrated, and/or blue. Knowledge is power: tracking your blood glucose levels is wonderful tool to see how your diabetes care plan is working, and whether you need to adjust your plan with the help of your healthcare professional.

Diabetes care and education specialist and registered dietitian, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND guests on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Patti Austin. Other guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music

Divabetic’s Carb Kitty Video Game

06/02/202006/02/2020

Diabetes Late Nite Podcast Inspired by Indigo Girls

We’re talking about how to open up with friends, co-workers and family members about your diagnosis and self-care needs with musical inspiration from Indigo Girls on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on Tueday, June 9, 2020, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. TUNE IN

Opening up to people and explaining how diabetes affects your daily life can be a game changer – for everyone. Sharing your diabetes life and explaining your needs will help you feel less alone with your diabetes.

“Just hearing the words out loud can help you process your thoughts. It can stop you feeling locked in a cycle of worry and make you less anxious,” states Diabetes U.K.

“When talking about your diabetes, reassure your friend or family member that they’re fine to come back to you with anything else they might want to talk about,” state our friends at Diabetes U.K. “Allow them to think about what you’ve told them before talking again.”

The downside of telling friends, co-workers, lovers and family members about your condition is the barrage of unwelcome comments like ‘should you be eating that?’ at holidays, social events, date nights and meetings. “This can be annoying or hurtful, but more often than not the intention comes from a good place,” states Diabetes U.K. “Just politely remind them that it’s your diabetes, and you know how to look after yourself.”

It’s important to know that emotional and psychological support are an essential part of any and every diabetes wellness program. It’s ok to seek out and/or ask for this kind of support from your healthcare team.

Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have been making music as the folk-rock duo Indigo Girls for over 25 years. Three of their 16 albums have gone gold, four have gone platinum, and they’ve been nominated for seven Grammys.

Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Indigo Girls

Guests include Dr. Andrea Chisholm (OBGYN), ‘The Flood Girls’ Author Richard Fifield, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, BETTY Band Member, Singer, Songwriter Amy Ziff, ‘Open Up Your Bag’ Diabetes Picture Book Author Mike Lawson, and Poet Lorraine Brooks.

05/27/202005/27/2020

Billie Eilish Shares Powerful Short Film About Body Shaming

Billie Eilish is hitting back at body-shamers in a new short film.

The 18-year-old Grammy winner shared her message in a new spoken word short film called “Not My Responsibility” on YouTube.

The video first depicts the pop star in her usual baggy threads, wading through what looks like a pool of tar as she strips her garments. Over a moody, ambient soundtrack, Eilish almost entirely removes her jet black tank top near the end — but obscures her body in the inky liquid instead.

Last year, she explained in a Calvin Klein ad that the reason she wears baggy clothes is to avoid body shaming. “I never want the world to know everything about me,” she said as reported in Buzzfeed. “I mean, that’s why I wear big baggy clothes: Nobody can have an opinion, because they haven’t seen what’s underneath, you know?”

She also discussed struggling with body image issues in an interview with Vogue. “I just hated my body. I would have done anything to be in a different one,” she explained. “I really wanted to be a model, really bad, and I was chubby and short.”

Billie Eilish – NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY – a short film

Home Diva TalkRadio October’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast

Diabetes Late Nite Podcast on Body Image & Diabetes

We’re talking about BODY IMAGE & DIABETES with musical inspiration from superstar Meghan Trainor on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Think about it. Have you considered if your body image impacts your diabetes?

For people with diabetes, these attitudes may be very healthy which actually helps them manage their diabetes or they may be unhealthy which may lead to blood glucose values that are damaging.

People with a healthy body image see themselves as they really are and are happy with the way they feel and look.

For people that do not have a healthy body image, the term body dysmorphic disorder is sometimes used.

One of the biggest hits of last year, Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” isn’t your typical pop song.

“My producer and I wanted to do a fun song, so we thought why not do a song about loving yourself and loving your body, because I don’t think girls love themselves as much as they should,” Trainor says.

Guests include Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE) Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected songs from Meghan Trainor’s “Thank You” album courtesy of SONY Music.

05/23/202005/23/2020

Diabetes on Instagram Roundup #5

Some of our favorite #diabetes instagram posts from around the world to inpire you. In this roundup, our friend, Chirstel Oerum from Diabetes Strong hits a new milestone, a great green pepper sandwich recipe, amazing weight loss story, low calorie hard seltzer endorsement, and a few words and images to brighten your day!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAYb3VbF47P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/B2eqoJJhe-T/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CAhBiY1J-Uw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CAg4mLRA3Iv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CAg1tLHBTi_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CAgypvTH1yu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CAgu890pk8N/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CAgffUPBJPZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf8KS1DHTbt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link