Category: Inspiration

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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

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31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Twelve

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 12, we’re spotlighting our Diabetes Fairy Tales podcast from 2013. Fairy tales aren’t just for children. Adults need them too. Fairy tales can teach us about the higher qualities of ourselves and others, make us feel like we can conquer our fears and give us hope for the future. Additionally, we think the ‘Land of Make Believe’ can help you to stay healthy and upbeat about your diabetes self-care.

Joining Mr. Divabetic are Connie Frazier RD, CDE, Lori Bednarz RN, CDE, Makeup Artist and Esthetician Sue Perez, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Lorraine Starsky RN and Neva White CRNP, CDE in celebration of Divabetic’s sixth year of headlining the American Diabetes Association Expo in Pittsburgh, PA.

Mr. Divabetic and his merry band of diabetes educators presented Divabetic’s stage show extravaganza, ‘Diabetes Fairy Tales’ in the Divabetic Pavilion at the American Diabetes Association’s Expo in Pittsburgh, PA. The program is based on nine popular Fairy Tales including Snow White, Cinderella, Pinocchio, Beauty & The Beast, Rapunzel, Hansel & Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood and more! The Diabetes Fairy Tales stage show in Pittsburgh will feature Little Red Riding Hood self-care games, 3 Bears fitness demonstrations, Hansel and Gretel Food Aisle Face-Offs, and diabetes care advice for damsels in distress from the experts.

Poet Lorraine Brooks added a diabetes twist to the popular Beauty & The Beast fairy tale.

‘Beauty & The Beast’ by Lorraine Brooks

A beauty named Belle, says the story,

Was a lovely and humble young lass,

She was regal in all of her glory,

But she had diabetes, alas.

She thought diabetes was just a big beast

READ MORE

 

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

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

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

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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
Read More: https://www.vibe.com/2019/05/music-sermon-the-quiet-storm
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.
READ MORE

https://youtu.be/bwn7ztGyY3M

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Divabetic Mystery Phrase #24

Can you complete our Divabetic Mystery Phrase below?

Every time we try to get fit and fail, we learn a little bit more about how our mind, body and soul work. Maybe we lost a few pounds with strategy A, but failed with strategy B. If we start home workouts for a few weeks and give up, when we come back next time we are familiar with the inner workings, and don’t need to get over the fear of exercising like the first time.

Each time you start over, you’re getting closer to that point of making things stick.

It turns out that this strategy might actually be crucial in giving us the motivation to push forward.

Why Start Again?

When we decide to start anew, something amazing can happen. We can look at today as the first day of the rest of our diabetes life – everything else that has happened up to that point is in the past, and was indicative of our old selves.

Today you are somebody different. Change can happen in an instant. Don’t think “I’m going to fail again,” you can think that today there’s nothing keeping you from achieving the health and fitness goals you’re chasing. Why not today?

Join us for Divabetic’s Free Virtual Outreach Event

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 & Smoothie Party on Zoom with best-selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST.

One lucky participant in our random drawing will win a Dario Blood Glucose Meter starter kit. This all-in-one pocket-sized device can track blood sugar fluctuations and trends and identify hyper/hypoglycemic episodes right from your smartphone, providing readings within as little as 6 seconds. It’s scientifically proven, HIPPA compliant, and includes Dario Coaches to offer support and motivation to help manage your diabetes. Enjoy this special Dario discount for the Divabetic community!

REGISTER NOW

Don’t Miss Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcasting Anniversary on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, 6 PM, EST. 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.

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Divabetic Mystery Phrase #23

Can you complete our Divabetic Mystery Phrase below?

Why Set Goals?

Setting goals gives you long-term vision and short-term motivation . It helps you to organize your time and your resources so that you can make the most of your diabetes life.

How to Set a Goal

Most experts advise to set S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound) goals that motivate you and write them down to make them feel tangible. Then plan the steps you must take to realize your goal, and cross off each one as you work through them.

 S.M.A.R.T. goals, which are:

  • Specific: Ask yourself what you want to accomplish, how long it will take, and if the goal is ongoing.
  • Measurable: Decide how you’ll measure the goal. Maybe you’ll have a cholesterol blood test, an A1c test, or go by your weight.
  • Achievable: Be sure the goal is achievable. Brainstorm ways to track your progress.
  • Realistic: Unrealistic goals set you up for failure. Keep your goals sensible, and consider setting smaller goals along the way to help you reach the finish line.
  • Timed: Create a realistic timeline to reach your goals. Long-term goals take time, but if they take too long, you may lose motivation.

Goal setting is a powerful process for thinking about your diabetes wellness, and for motivating yourself to turn your vision of this future into reality.

 

Starting to Set Personal Goals

The American Diabetes Association recommends to start by setting a few smaller goals at a time and don’t try to do it all at once. It takes time to build new habits and break old ones. Here are some examples of goals that include these three elements:

Eating goal: Four days each week (How Often) I will eat an apple instead of ice cream as my evening snack (Realistic and Specific).

Physical activity goal: Five days each week (How Often) I will take a 30 minute walk during my lunch hour since I don’t really need the whole hour to eat (Realistic and Specific).

Goals like  “I will eat healthier.” and “I’ll move more.” are not specific enough.

Join us for Divabetic’s Free Virtual Outreach Event

 

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 & Smoothie Party on Zoom with best-selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST. REGISTER NOW

Don’t Miss Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcasting Anniversary on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, 6 PM, EST

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31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts: Day Seven

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

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

Thanks to Thomas AE for sharing their work on Unsplash.

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

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

 

Thanks to Alekon for sharing their work on Unsplash.

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

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

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

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

 

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31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts: Day Five

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

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

Other symptoms that can signal a stroke include sudden:

https://youtu.be/Gu2JBMNBbKo

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

 

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Divabetic Mystery Phrase #22

Can you complete our Divabetic Mystery Phrase below?

If you’re struggling to cope with the stress, and anxiety of daily diabetes self-care: 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 and emotional burden of coping with daily diabetes self-care gets tough. We also encourage you to seek out a therapist to help you adjust to life with diabetes.

Stress hormones can raise your blood sugar. When you can take care of stress, you can lower your blood sugar.

Shallow, upper chest breathing is part of the typical stress response.

Taking a deep breath really does calm you down by triggering neurons in your brain which tell the body it is time to relax according to a new study. Abdominal breathing encourages the body to relax, bringing about a range of health benefits.

What is the 4 7 8 breathing technique?

Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of 4. Hold your breath for a count of 7. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of 8.

Do you expect too much from yourself? It’s OK to say “no” to things that you don’t really want or need to do.

There are health professionals who can listen and help you find solutions. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you’d like to see a psychologist or counselor.

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.

Understanding the Mystery of Your A1C

 

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.

Join us for Divabetic’s Free Virtual Outreach Event on July 16th

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 best-selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST. REGISTER NOW

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Divabetic Mystery Phrase #21

Can you complete our Divabetic Mystery Phrase below?  

If you’re struggling to cope with the stress, and anxiety of daily diabetes self-care: 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 and emotional burden of coping with daily diabetes self-care gets tough. We also encourage you to seek out a therapist to help you adjust to life with diabetes.

As you age and experience certain life changes, it’s important to be proactive about making adjustments to your diabetes self-care and lifestyle. The progression of type 2 diabetes will likely require adjusting your management plan with help with your doctor. And being diagnosed with another health condition or experiencing new physical limitations can affect your diabetes. too. Positive affirmations can help you to approach these changes with a positive outlook rather than a negative one. We believe in you!

How do you keep on track with your diabetes wellness without losing a beat?

Experts agree that the best strategy is to focus on small, achievable changes to improve quality of your diabetes life. Talk to your doctor about setting achievable goals that both of you can get behind.

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.  
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.

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Diabetes on Instagram Roundup #6

Diabetes isn’t invisible on instagram. Below our some of favorite #diabetes instagram posts from around the world to inpire you to open up with friends, family, co-workers and influencers about your experience living with diabetes.

In this roundup, people are wearing masks out in public, enjoying cake in moderation and celebrating 10 year old heroes living with type 1 diabetes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CB3p6HihZS_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CB2-5_dhiTx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CB6M6PyBjru/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CB6KbvwnunK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CB4Jpl4D8aN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CB6Gl33g7Vo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CB6DGWNnPJJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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