Our music inspiration, Alicia Keys’ make-up free movement, served as a self-empowerment tool for singer, songwriter, and maybe it can inspire you?
Alicia says,” 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.”
Are you tired of hiding in disappointment from your inability to lose weight or keep it off?
“Motivation tends to lose its luster as we go forward (with goals). When you take the time to get in the right mindset. When you start losing your motivation to go to the gym or you start losing motivation for what you are eating then you go back to your ‘why.’ Your ‘why is crucial to your success,” says Dr. Lori L. Shemek, Ph.D., America’s #1 Fat Loss Expert and Author of ‘How to Fight FATflammation!. “When you revisit how you felt when you initially made your goal, that’s the key. When you attach that emotion to why you made that goal, then you’ve got it.”
People give up because they don’t have the confidence to pull it off,” continues Dr. Lori. “If you stop worrying about your behavior and focus more on your self-trust research shows that you will follow through. Be consistent with self-trust.”
Gospel singer Tamela Mann started her 50+ pound weight loss journey by walking, even though walking was a challenge for her. A few months before beginning her amazing weight loss journey last year she had knee replacement surgery.
“During my recovery, physical activity was difficult for me, but I made it a priority to focus on my mental health and nutrition,” she wrote in an Instagram post her procedure.
One month later, Mann recovered enough to begin physical activity again. “Starting to walk without a cane, thank you to everyone for your prayers. The journey continues,” she wrote in the caption on her instagram post.
Her journey grew to include cutting down her portions, using an elliptical machine, and following WW weight loss program . The program sets you up with 24/7 access to a virtual coach and features a “science-based SmartPoints system” that’s personalized for your age, height, weight, and sex. It guides you on what to eat, cook, or choose at restaurants and parties based on your preferences—no food is off-limits. “We can still drink and eat!” Mann wrote in an Instagram caption.
https://youtu.be/2b03pUrQQIk
Tamela Jean Mann is an American gospel singer, and actress. Mann began her career as a singer with the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family. Since starting the WW (Weight Watchers) program she has lost over 50 pounds.
Tamela Mann and her husband, David, are working together on their weight loss reports Prevention. David’s favorite healthy foods during sheltering in include watermelon and eggs.
David has asked Tamela to be his “sugar manager since he was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2013 according to the Praying Woman website.” If David strays too far from his plan (she notes he has a weakness for sugary breakfast cereals), she gently reminds him.
“You don’t realize that we drink a lot of our sugar: in our sodas, our sugary juices,” David says. “I just tell people: Cut back off the juice and sodas.”
Tamela pre-plans her meals and typically starts her day with eggs, toast, and bacon for breakfast. “I’m beginning to eat the eggs without cheese to save SmartPoints,” she said. And her favorite ZeroPoint foods, which you can eat unlimited amounts of on the WW plan? Fruit! “There’s a wide variety of fruit [on the ZeroPoint foods list]—I love that,” she told WW.
https://youtu.be/ZK3Q7lJrzdE
The Grammy award-winning gospel singer and actress admits her husband and 31-year-old daughter Tiffany, who also joined WW, are her biggest inspirations.
“It’s nice to have a family member who’s like-minded on this journey! We both have goals we’re trying to reach,” Mann told WW. “Mama has always led by example—she’s a great wife and mother, and an incredible performer. I’ve found myself looking to her to learn how to take better care of my body because she’s taken off! She is doing so good!” Tiffany said of Mann.
https://youtu.be/YzYVporCGTM
WW and Pre Diabetes
Millions of people are estimated to have prediabetes and don’t even know it. WW’s proven weight-loss program can help people with prediabetes manage their weight. Weight Watchers doesn’t have a system for counting carbs, it does provide guidelines for making smart food choices. The WW SmartPoints® system guides you to foods that are lower in sugar and higher in protein.
Elliptical machines are easier on the joints and features an uninterrupted circular motion that allows for an impact-free workout. This can be helpful for individuals with knee, ankle, hip or lower back injuries. These allow you to exercise both your arms and your legs.
Gospel superstar, Yolanda Adams is inspiring our conversation about healthy ways to celebrate the holidays on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
This Grammy-winning Gospel/Adult Contemporary artist has one of the most persuasive and popular voices in music and works closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources to ensure that kids in low- income areas receive immunizations. Along with that nationwide program, she lends her energy and commitment to Houston charities such as juvenile diabetes and The Escape Center. ”I’m very involved with kids because after being a teacher for seven years, I just can’t stop loving the kids. I am a teacher forever.”
“I like to listen to Christmas music year-round. It puts a smile on your face, and then it gets you in a spirit heart-wise to give and be gracious,” Yolanda Adams admitted.
December’s podcast guests include Dr. Bart Roep of City of Hope, Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, Hint Water‘s Anthony Fiorello, FAND ‘Know Diabetes By Heart’ Ambassador Christina Herrera, Elizabeth Gallagher, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Yolanda Adams’ album,“What A Wonderful Time” courtesy of SONY Music.
One of our ‘FAVORITE THINGS’ for Christmas 2020 is a stylish Harlem’ss Heaven Face Mask. Check out their wide assortment and bejeweled and beautiful matching face masks and hats collection.
Paula Abdulsays 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.”
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 8, we’re spotlighting our Studio d: Diabetes & Exercise podcast from May 2012. Author of Can I Exercise Sitting Down?, Renee Wigginsjoins the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic in the studio to give suggestions for how to exercise in the most ordinary places and how people with every lifestyle can add a fitness component into their routine.
Renee Wiggins is also a registered and licensed dietitian (RD/LD), certified physical fitness trainer (CPFT) and owner of Results by Renee, a medical lifestyle spa in Washington, DC (www.resultsbyrenee.com).
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
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.
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!
It seems as though every January, no matter what else is happening in the world of greater significance (hello Australia, hello impeachment, hello Iran…???) if a celebrity loses weight or gains weight or is a fat, happy person, there is no peace for the plump. The internet is abuzz…. Did Adele lose too much weight too quickly, did Lizzo get fatter and Jillian Michaels get snarkier about Lizzo’s weight “problem?”
As one of the first plus size models in the early 80’s, I’m known for having carved a curve out in the industry and become plus royalty. I can’t lie, I wish I was born with the thin gene, but I’ve long given up beating myself into an unnecessary place of body bashing and self-bullying. I’ve made peace with my abilities and learned to dress for the size (and shape) that I am. And I’ve become a role model in the meantime. I don’t claim, “Come on girls get as big as you want, we have clothes for ya…” I try to be a better eater, not a perfect eater and move and groove with the rhythm of my life’s purpose. And being a member of Divabetic has helped me fulfill my desire to tamper my message in a world of finger wagging and blame/shame games. I have a balance in my meal program… and I don’t binge and purge, or starve and sate myself. I live in the means and watch my numbers. It’s called mindfulness….
All these accusations and admonishments, where do they come from? Why do we need examples of who is getting it right, and what does that even mean? It all stems from the fact that we live in a completely image and size obsessed world and have been since the photograph and camera was invented. (Well, maybe Eve said to Adam, “Does this leaf make me look fat?”) It all comes down to that little aperture, the shutter that should make you shutter, that moment in time captured and frozen for all to gaze upon like some reverse narcissistic trip. The invention of the camera started it all, then airbrushing and lighting and photo retouching came about (long before photoshop there still was retouching). But the one invention, the fitness expert, the guru, the admonishing diet industry has worked its way into our self-doubt and self-loathing, finding a way to lower our self-esteem and compare ourselves to others even more. And like gawkers at a car crash site, we are curiosity seekers wanting to see the transformation or the cat fight that ensues from the comments, criticism and backlash that spirals out of control. Going viral is almost a rite of passage, like it hasn’t mastered the art of breaking through and causing a riot if it hasn’t been posted, pounced on or passed on. It’s a giant train wreck on social media these days. Sometimes what’s trending is so vapid and yawn-inducing that you wonder when people are going to get real lives and start living off their smart phones. I think the fact that we can make comments and they are uncensored to the point of being downright demonic, mean spirited, snarky and border on bullying, really tests one’s capacity of finding inner peace and tuning out the noise. No matter if we are not particularly obsessed with the person losing weight, it’s as if everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon and express their opinion. There is a vast assortment of gurus and trainers who want us to “give ‘em twenty” – and have you PAY them for it and fan the flames that capitalize on the debate that ensues!!!
I just was called on yesterday by Cindy Hsu of CBS News and asked to come out and make a comment on Adele’s 50 pound weight loss. It’s like she wanted me to say something like, “Well we lost another one.” But Cindy is great because she and I analyze what does this mean societally and she calls on me for that wisdom. Somehow every celebrity succumbs to the industry’s obsessive pressures to lose weight. It wasn’t Twiggy who glamorized the gaunt look, it was Wallis Simpson who claimed, “you can never be too thin or too rich” Now that seems to be something at least we all would somewhat agree on. Except if one has become rich by being too fat.
Enter Lizzo…she would never be Lizzo unless she was a beautiful, talented, songstress who is sort of the more zaftig, musical equivalent of the sassy, quick witted, and lighthearted Tiffany Haddish. They are the epitome of the African American woman who is allowed to be voluptuous and almost garish in her garb. Fishnets, short shorts, body con dresses, hips and butt twerking for the masses. And that flute. Lordy, lordy….she is a in your face, this is me, take it or leave it (we’ll take it) and her song is infectious and anthematic. Just like Gwen Stefani with her “ain’t no holler back girl song,” this Lizzo music is annoyingly memorable and sing songy, too. And Lizzo’s lyrics are empowering and rap clever. (“I just took a DNA test, turns out I’m 100% that bitch”)….
Enter today’s latest news cycle war….Lizzo vs. Jillian….Jillian Michaels who is a taut and toned, somewhat judgmental, ex -coach of The Biggest Loser, whip cracker, and a fitness expert who makes her living from getting people completely reinvented and molded into shape is criticized for fat shaming. The fat shaming label is being kind to what she used to do to people’s egos on that show. Jillian has somewhat mellowed now that she is not trying for Loser rating gains. I don’t think she was shaming her. She was merely pointing to the facts, and the facts don’t lie. She is large enough that she may be developing a metabolic syndrome. Our bodies are just giant chemical reactors and we eat foods that produce too much glucose, that gets stored as fat and we become pre-diabetic if not diabetic because we are insulin resistant. She never criticized her beauty or talent. Everyone wants her to just focus on how talented she is. But that’s not Jillian’s brand. She is using Lizzo as much as Lizzo is using her. Battle of the brands. I am okay the way I am, get out of my face Lizzo to Jillian who wants to highlight the dangers of obesity. I know that she is citing the facts, and it has nothing to do with the fact that they are directed at Lizzo. Take Lizzo out of the equation and level them on anyone who is overweight for any period of time. Everyone heard judgment from Jillian. I heard facts. Lizzo is young enough that she has a few good years of werking the twerk left before she may have knee problems, or back problems or become pre-diabetic. She shied away from Instagram and she was a vegetarian and a vegan for seven years and she has an Instagram account called @LizzoBeEating. It came her food reviews and morphed into music. I don’t know what her food regimen is, but she has a bold style and no one tells her what to do these days I am guessing. She can’t eat before she performs because she feels sluggish but as she says, after I perform, “It’s going DOWN!” I love both these messages and think the operative word again goes back to BALANCE. It really is that simple. Stay outta the comment section or the viral spiral and live YOUR best life. As the liberated Lizzo says in Truth Hurts, “I put the sing in single” and “Don’t text me tell it straight to my face.”
Catherine Schuller
This Divabetic blog post was written by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller. Catherine Schuller is one of the plus size industry’s pioneers to know. Former Ford model, consumer advocate, promoter, marketer, editor, image consultant (Certified by AICI), author, and entrepreneur (owner of Catherine Schuller Enterprises, (Emerging Visions Enterprises and CurveStyle: Reshaping Fashion) as a Plus Size spokesperson and diabetes advocate she has changed attitudes about living well with diabetes for thousands of people. In partnership with HiTechMODA, Catherine presents the best and most talented emerging designers in an unparalleled runway style during New York Fashion Week!
November’s Diabetes Late Nitepodcast guest, Vanessa Hunter lost over 200 pounds and has successfully maintained her incredible weight loss for over 10 years. The self-proclaimed ‘VIP of Diabetes’ shares her journey and advice for others interested in transforming their diabetes health exclusively with Divabetic:
Q: Describe your lifestyle before you began your weight loss journey? (Habits, work schedule, other priorities in your life, activity level, meals, etc.)
Vanessa’s reply: Prior to losing weight I worked as a sales manager job for Verizon. I was an over achiever and commuted to a job with days that lasted 10-12 hours. I ate fast food and I didn’t have an exercise routine.
Q: Have you tried to lose weight in the past? Please describe what stopped you.
Vanessa’s reply: I had a serious food addiction and it prevented me from ever trying to lose weight. Combined with no desire to exercise, I had little to no hope of ever losing a pound.
Vanessa Hunter
Q: What triggered this weigh loss? Did any celebrities inspire you?Vanessa’s reply: Waking up sick triggered my health transformation. It was apparent to many people that I represented an extreme health risk; I had all the signs of poor health. Oprah, Jennifer Hudson, Monique and Beyonce inspired me. Halli Berry who is living with diabetes inspired me too.
Q: What were your initial thoughts when were you first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?
Vanessa’s reply: I had a 24-hour warning before I went to the ER for the big diagnosis in March 2010. When I woke up several days after admission, I was so grateful to be alive that my initial thoughts were – I’M NOT GOING TO LET FOOD KILL ME, I PROMISE.
Q: How did or does your type 2 diabetes factor into your decision to lose weight?
Vanessa’s reply: It played a major role in my desire to lose weight – I was under the impression that I could reverse my diabetes, so I went to the extreme to follow the rules, keep to the routine and find new activities to move my body. I lost 100 lbs. right before my co-workers’ eyes.
Q: Describe some obstacles in your weight loss journey and tell us how you managed to overcome them.
Vanessa’s reply: Obstacle #1 – Learning how to eat: the routine, the meal prep, the carb counting and more. I overcame this by doing research and reading everything I could find that related to my self-care journey.Obstacle #2 – Dealing with complications from diabetes. In my case it was gastro issues.I have yet to overcome the fact that my diet is limited, and fruits/veggies create sensitivity that leads to DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis).
Q: Share some tips that have worked for you to lose weight and 1-3 tips to maintain your weight loss ·
Vanessa’s reply: Drink lots of water, Walk after each meal, Meal Prep – better to be ready than to get ready!
Q: What advice would you give to someone who living with type 2 diabetes seeking to lose weight?
Vanessa’s reply: My advice is to know the carb limit of your diet, keep to a routine and seek help when you hit the wall.
Try Your Luck at Counting Carbs with Divabetic’s Carb Kitty Game
Q: The holiday season is just around the corner. What tools do you use to navigate the holidays and stay on track with your health?
Vanessa’s reply: ‘Tis the season to be jolly. That means we get to be the life of the party, not eat the life out of the party! Stay on track, enjoy the company, make memories, and avoid the illness.
Q: Tell us about the organization(s) you are involved in the diabetes community. What’s your goal? How did your October program go? What’s ahead?
Vanessa’s reply: My group, VIP of Diabetes has collaborations with Retina Risk – an app designed to protect our vision. We also collaborate with GlucoseZone for exercises specifically for people living with diabetes. I am a guest panelist monthly, and the next seminar is 11/23, 10-12noon at Mt. Airy United Fellowship, 701 W Johnson St @ Walnut Lane Circle. I actively volunteer for both The American Heart and American Diabetes Associations in Philadelphia. My website is www.vipofdiabetes.org and please follow me on Instagram @ness4wellness, all questions, invites, comments can be sent to vipofdiabetes@gmail.com
Q: Where do you turn to for online support?
Vanessa’s reply: Divabetic on Facebook of course. Online support provides daily inspiration, direction, answers questions, and lots more. Story: A client recently asked advice on meal plans and daily routines, due to an A1C over 11. Before our journey could begin, we needed to address the underlying reason for the spiral. Once identified the diet has been modified, and with a new outlook on exercise and compliance routines we are off to the makings of a successful wellness journey.
We’re sharing amazing Weight Loss Journeys & Helpful Ways to overcome fears related to Hypoglycemia with guests: Vanessa Hunter, Dr. Wendy Rapaport PsyD, Dr. Stewart Harris, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Autumn Reed on Novembers’ Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Jennifer Hudson
We’re excited to announce our special line-up for Divabetic’s World Diabetes Day edition of Diabetes Late Nite. Diabetes Strong founder, Christel Oerum will stop by the studio to share her experience thriving with type 1 diabetes and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin will provide musical inspiration. Join us here on Wednesday, November 14 from 6 – 7:30 PM.
Christel is a certified personal trainer, diabetes writer and advocate. She has been living with type 1 diabetes since 1997, and lives by the motto “there’s nothing you can’t do with diabetes.” With a wonderful life motto like that, we had to ask Christel to share some advice and guidance on staying strong with diabetes prior to our podcast interview.
Q: You posted on Diabetes Strong that when you first started to work out that you didn’t understand the difference between being ‘skinny’ and being ‘fit’. Can you explain how this impacted your fitness goals?
Christel Oerum: It shifted my whole approach to health and the way I structure my workouts and nutrition. While “skinny” can easily become an endless chase to “lose weight”, being fit and strong is more tangible. My focus is now more on increasing strength and eating to ensure my body can perform. I find strength incredibly empowering and I never go to the gym for “punishment” or to lose anything. I go because I like it and when I leave, I feel accomplished.
Q: Most women don’t want to lift weights because they’re afraid of looking ‘too bulky’ – what’s your opinion?
Christel Oerum: Building muscle is surprisingly hard, especially for women, so I don’t think women have to fear that. To “bulk up”, you have to consistently (we’re talking years) lift heavy and eat enough to support muscle gain. I’ve done that, and I don’t think I look “bulky” but that I look strong.
Q: What does your saying ‘forget about “toning” and focus on “building” mean?
Christel Oerum: “Toning” is such a weird term. Toning indicates that you lean out (aka reduce your body fat) to reveal your muscle tone. Well, you need to build muscle first in order to show it off. I think a lot of people (especially women) become frustrated when they lose weight and still don’t have the “toned” body they want.
Obviously, we all carry muscle even if we never lifted a dumbbell, but if you really want to “tone”, you’re probably also interested in having a little more muscle tone to show off.
Q: How do you deal with blood sugar fluctuations before, after and during your workout?
Christel Oerum: I limit the fluctuations by having a good understanding of how different workouts most likely will affect my blood sugar and by knowing which blood sugar management strategies are optimal to implement. I’ve written several articles on that on Diabetes Strong because it’s something many struggle with, and it takes time and effort to figure out what works for the individual.
But gaining that knowledge is golden. By knowing which types of exercise most likely will increase blood sugar and which won’t, we can adjust our medication and food accordingly and just enjoy exercise more.
Q: How do you feel that knowing how many calories you’re eating and what kind of calories you’re eating is important?
Christel Oerum: I don’t think it’s always important to know your calorie intake. I definitely don’t track what I eat all the time. However, if you do want to gain or lose weight, it’s important to know how much you’re consuming compared to how much you should be consuming. And the most efficient way to determine that is by tracking your food for a while. There are different methods for that and I always recommend people choose the right method for them. If tracking calories result in unwanted eating pattern and eating disorder behavior, I highly recommend a different method.
Q: How can others living with diabetes learn how to make peace with their obstacles and find ways to turn them into something positive?
Christel Oerum: I truly believe in finding your way through joy and support. We all have obstacles we need to tackle, and if they’re not approached with some level of positive outlook, they will become practically impossible to work your way out of. Diabetes is an obstacle, but it’s also an opportunity to become extremely aware of how your body works and responds to pretty much anything you do. And you’re not alone in this journey. There is a vast diabetes community online that you can tap into. We’re in group chats, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and in person at meet-ups around the world, you just need to reach out.
Q: We’ve read that you often advise people living with diabetes who are interested in starting a fitness routine to do ‘what gives them energy’ what does that mean? Can you explain?
Christel Oerum: I find that when we enjoy something, when we have fun, it makes us happy and gives us energy. If you love to dance, you might be smiling all the way through that favorite song of yours, and you’ll probably have a smile on your face or in your heart even after the song is over, even if you are out of breath and covered in sweat. That’s how I feel about resistance training. I might not always want to go, but I pretty much always feel amazing afterward. I feel energized and happy.
Do what you like and what makes you happy – not what someone else says is the “best” way to exercise.
There are many reasons that Aretha Franklin is the legend of legends, a groundbreaking singer with the fortitude to transcend race and genre, using that tremulous voice as the bulldozer to break down every barrier set up in her way.
Aretha’s own health journey is sparking a discussion about the uncertain connection between pancreatic cancer and diabetes. Long-standing diabetes can be considered a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It causes a modest increase in risk of 1.5- to two-fold. Some of the other risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), family history of pancreatic cancer, obesity and certain genetic syndromes.
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.
A typical Thanksgiving meal contains more than 3,000 calories and is high in fat and carbohydrates. What does it do to your diabetes self-care plan?
A feast can be challenging for people with diabetes who are trying to manage blood glucose levels and weight but with careful planning, you can make healthy choices that fit into your diabetes meal plan and enjoy this wonderful celebration with friends and family.
Make your day about togetherness and family fun, and not just about the food by adding some exercise, like taking your dog for a walk, to your Thanksgiving Day celebration.
“Physical activity is the currency with which you pay for food,” says Pamela Peeke, M.D., author ofFight Fat After 40(Penguin USA, May 2001)
My friend and colleague, Debby Kay, who is a pioneer in scent detection work for over 40 years and a member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers offers these tips for Turkey Day walks with the dog:
Keep up the pace, most people walk too slow to make the walk enjoyable for their dogs. Dogs are anxious to get out and see what’s around the next corner so keep your pace brisk, even for the little guys. No stopping along the way though, keep moving.
Walk to an area where the dog can relieve themselves, stop there and give a release word(s) like “free” or “okay get busy” When they are finish resume your walk. Keeping the walk and potty time separate will make for an enjoyable and productive walk for you both.
If you see another dog that is reactive to your dog or your dog is reactive to another dog, turn around and go in the opposite direction or cross the street. Have treats in your pocket and distract your dog by asking him to look up at you while you are walking away, once he is looking at you and walking nicely with you THEN treat him but keep on moving.
Walk with a buddy to keep it more interesting for everyone.
Don’t over do the walk. 15 minutes is good for little dogs, 30 minutes is about right for medium to larger dogs.
If there is ice on the walkways or salts have been put down where you are walking, put those booties on your pup’s feet to protect him from chemical burns and potential poisoning from absorbing things through their pads.
THANKSGIVING TIP: Let your family members know they can support you and your diabetes wellness by walking around the block with you after dinner.
In celebration of National Diabetes Awareness month, for November only, Debby Kay has a special offer for all the people struggling to train their own dogs to be alert dogs. She is discounting a bundle of all her materials for this training by 15%.
You will get Debby Kay’s starter Snoopers kit for collecting samples and training aids, her handbook on training alert dogs AND the DVD that goes with that book AND finally the complete scent training course in a two DVD set, separately these items sell for $345 but with this discount you can get the complete set for the low price of $292.82 + S&H.
Debby teaches Super Sniffer®workshops for amateur dog owners and professional trainers alike.She has set up several non profit organizations worldwide for Diabetes Alert Dogs and her Sweet Snoopers program is now in 22 countries around the world helping people manage this disease better through the use of trainedalert dogs.
TUNE IN: Debby Kay joins us for December’s Diabetes Late Nite on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. We will be featuring songs from the new Elvis Presley Christmas album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This wonderful album features his classic hits and covers Blue Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Silent Night and The First Noel.
The album brings together the legend’s yuletide performances from his 1957 Christmas Album and Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas from 1971, re-imagined with new arrangements performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
A deluxe edition of the album, containing four bonus tracks (new symphonic versions of material from Elvis’ Peace In The Valley EP) will follow shortly after November 24.
‘Love yourself, love your health’ is a catchy saying but putting into daily practice takes time and effort especially for those of us who don’t even like our hair (!)
How do you actually love yourself and your diabetes health?
My good friend and mentor, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’ is a walking billboard for self-compassion. She’s a health and wellness pioneer, best-selling author and TV personality, who has helped thousands of people get their energy up and their weight down. She has been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning Show, CNN, Extra, Entertainment Tonight, E! Network & More.
High Voltage believes in the power of Affirmations. Affirmations are statements said aloud with confidence about a perceived truth which have helped thousands of people make significant changes in their lives.
An affirmation can work because it has the ability to program your mind into believing the stated concept.uses affirmations.
High Voltage’s daily affirmations start with “I’m Happy, I’m Healthy” and then she adds a phrase like “I am the best and I deserve the best” or “I am fit, fabulous and fierce!”
Trust me, it works! I worked with her for several years on her Energy Up! Program in New York and I witness first-hand the power of affirmations in your daily life. Starting your day by saying aloud “I’m Happy, I’m Healthy and I choose to be FABULOUS” is like a double shot of attitude.
How do you practice self-compassion? That’s what we’re talking about on November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
Tune in to November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on World Diabetes Day on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.
Enjoy an exclusive first listen of “Whitney Houston – I Wish You Love: More From ‘The Bodyguard’” ahead of the album’s release date courtesy of SONY Music. This 25th anniversary of “The Bodyguard” soundtrack album features the hit song, “I’m Every Woman” echoing the recent statistics that 1 in 10 women are now living with diabetes.
Throughout the podcast we will be talking to experts about ways to safeguard you and your family from experiencing diabetes health-related complications such as stroke, blindness and amputation.
Guests include Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Constance Brown Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE and Mama Rose Marie.
High Voltage is the founder and executive director of the national nonprofit organization, Energy Up!, whose mission is to prevent childhood obesity. Energy Up! is the only health and wellness childhood obesity program built on the Energy Up! Addiction model with a published medical study. Numerous New York City private and public schools, the township of Huntington, Long Island and the Gerald J. Freidman Diabetes Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center have experienced High Voltage’s unique health and wellness programming.
It’s time to get Sugar Savvy– read about solutions for dropping those stubborn pounds, energizing your body, and feeling great about yourself. Health and wellness guru Kathie “High Voltage” Dolgin will help you retrain your brain to say no to sugar and its harmful effects, and get you on the path to “Fit, Fabulous and Fierce.”
Our most successful Sugar Savvy Sister lost over 18 pounds in 6 weeks! *
