We’re exploring issues of love, intimacy, and diabetes on this popular Divabeticpodcast.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to sexual health complications, including vaginal dryness, sensation, and performance.
Low libido, or sexual desire, is a real problem that affects people with diabetes more than those without. If your sex drive is stalled, or if you’re dealing with erectile dysfunction, ask your provider about developing a personal plan to manage your diabetes..
Podcast guests include Best-Selling Author Lisa Eugene, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories (the makers of Wet Lubricants), and Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDCES, FAND (2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).
On this episode of Divabetic’s podcast, we pay tribute to Doris Day. Her music, films, glamour, and perkiness are sources of happiness for many people.
Doris Day was the queen of early ’60s comedies, coyly flirtatious films filled with sexual innuendo and double entendres. The most famous of these, Pillow Talk (1959), the first of three that co-starred Rock Hudson, established her persona as an independent and successful career woman, as comfortable in the board room as she was in jazz clubs. Like her other roles, her character didn’t see herself as incomplete without a husband—an idea still quite revolutionary at the time. She got on with her life. Her characters often had chic apartments, exciting jobs, and smashing wardrobes. In most of her films, Doris showcased a spunky, can-do personality and jaunty independence.
Doris Day experienced many professional and personal ups and downs in real life, but nothing seemed to dim her dazzle. She said, “No matter what happens if I get pushed down, I’m going to come right back up.”
Often Doris Day credited her pets for their support during hard times. She was a lifelong animal lover and advocate who used her celebrity status to make a difference for animals.
Pets can help their owners overcome depression through their companionship and unconditional love. They possess the natural ability to help you relax and enjoy life more. Pets can also help when you experience times of loneliness. They can also help lower blood pressure; if trained, they can alert their owners to dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Pets can also help you improve your lifestyle. Eric O’Grey’s weight had ballooned to 320 pounds, and he was spending more than $1,000 a month on medications for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol when his naturopathic doctor suggested he adopt a shelter dog.
Eric took that advice, heading to the Humane Society, and adopted an obese middle-aged dog named Peety.
Together, Eric and Peety started walking for at least a half-hour a day. Eric also adopted a plant-based diet. Ultimately Eric lost 140 pounds, and Peety lost 25 pounds.
Hear Eric’s interview on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast.
Another book, Elle & Coach: Diabetes, the Fight for My Daughter’s Life, and the Dog Who Changed Everything, describes how a trained diabetes alert dog can help alert its owner to low blood sugar levels. It’s the true story of a Type-A mom struggling to care for a daughter with Type 1 diabetes and of an incredible service dog who changes their lives for the better.
Listen to our interview with Elle & Coach author Mark Dagostino about his book on this podcast:
Our Doris Day Tribute Podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDCES, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, Best-Selling Author and Romance Psychology Expert Rachel Van Dyken and Marguerite van Reenen from South Africa.
Since its inception, Broadway Barks has helped thousands of NYC shelter animals find permanent homes.
The event prompted me to revisit a past Divabetic podcast with guest, Walking With Peety: The Dog Who Saved My LifeAuthor Eric O’Grey, who turned his type 2 diabetes diagnosis around after adopting a rescue dog.
Eric O’Grey’s weight had ballooned to 320 pounds, and he was spending more than $1,000 a month on medications for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol when his naturopathic doctor suggested he adopt a shelter dog.
Eric took that advice, heading to the Humane Society, and adopted an obese middle-aged dog named Peety.
Together, Eric and Peety started walking for at least a half-hour a day. Eric also adopted a plant-based diet. Ultimately Eric lost 140 pounds, and Peety lost 25 pounds.
Hear Eric’s interview on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast.
Podcast guests include Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog, and Scent Detection Expert Debby Kay, Walking with PeetyAuthor Eric O’Grey, Poet Lorraine Brooks, ‘Yoga for Diabetes’ Author Rachel Zinman, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.
Throughout the podcast, we will feature songs from P!nk’s Beautiful Trauma album courtesy of SONY Music.
I attended the 25th annual Broadway Barks pet adoption event in Shubert Alley on Broadway on Saturday, July 8, 2023. People could meet and greet adoptable cats and dogs with celebrity presentations hosted by Broadway Barks co-founder and Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters and Randy Rainbow and appearances by Josh Groban from ‘Sweeney Todd’ and Jason Alexander from ‘Seinfeld.’
Several celebrities showed up. Marsha Mason, and Carol Kane, introduced dogs with multiple health issues up for adoption. Tony winner Victoria Clark from “Kimberly Akimbo” introduced a beautiful dog.
Perhaps the strangest moment of the rag-tag show featuring ongoing sound system issues was Donna Murphy’s heartfelt but uninteresting tribute to her dog. The long-winded, dull-as-dishwater story of her dog’s adoption, with tidbits like her dog, hails from South Carolina, after a delayed start, left audience members wanting to give her the hook. “Learn how to read the room, lady,” one disgruntled audience member barked at the stage. Her story had nothing to do with the actual dogs up for adoption.
Tony winner Victoria Clark from “Kimberly Akimbo” introduced a beautiful dog. Victoria Clark has performed in numerous Broadway musicals and other theatre, film, and television works. Her soprano voice can also be heard on various cast albums and animated films.
Ageless Bernadette Peters was often abrupt with her cohost and seemed distracted during most of the show. However, she and Divabetic inspiration Mary Tyler Moore co-founded Broadway Barks.
Mary Tyler Moore was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 33 years; she was on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Her public statements about type 1 diabetes humanized the condition and gave voice to the thoughts, struggles, and experiences of many others living with the disease.
She changed the world for people living with diabetes, researchers seeking its cure, and health care providers for those with the disease.
“Mary will go down in the annals of comedy history as a genius comedy actor,” Bernadette Peters told ABC News’ “20/20.” “She was an original… She came from a true place inside herself, which we all can relate to. She made us look at it in a different way, in a funny way.”
Over 1,700 dogs and cats have found permanent homes due to Broadway Barks. Originally conceived as a program to promote the adoption of shelter animals, Broadway Barks has fostered a community spirit among many animal shelters and rescue groups.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS produces Broadway Barks each year, providing the talent and expertise that has helped make Broadway Barks successful and memorable year after year.
Mr. Divabetic chats with ‘New York Times bestselling author Mark Dagostino about his latest book Ellie & Coach: Diabetes, the Fight for My Daughter’s Life, and the Dog Who Changed Everythingon this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast.
Elle & Coach is the true story of a Type-A mom struggling to care for a daughter who has Type 1 diabetes and of an incredible service dog who changes their lives for the better.
Stefany Shaheen tries everything to manage her daughter Elle’s deadly and unpredictable disease. Overcoming the skepticism that a dog can provide answers that medical science is still seeking, the family finds a resounding sense of peace and reassurance through Coach’s near miraculous abilities as a medic-alert dog, specially trained to detect dangerous changes in blood sugar levels.
Plus, Professional Animal Trainer Debby Kay, who specializes in scent detection work with dogs, shares how diabetes-alert dogs help people with type 1 diabetes. Debby Kay’s Super Sniffer® Medical Alert Dog Seminar for Trainers provides everything you need to start.
We’re taste-testing Macalat sweet dark chocolate made of organic heirloom Peruvian cacao erythritol, pink salt, monkfruit, vanilla bean, cinnamon, and sunflower lecithin. But it’s the mushroom extract that creates the smooth, sweet finish.
Chocolate and mushrooms might not seem like an obvious pairing at first. But these two superfoods combined can delight your taste buds.
The chocolate bars are a nice size. After two bites, it has a rich taste and velvety smooth consistency compared to other brands of sugar-free chocolate bars that tend to be more chalky textured.
The makers discovered a way to balance and sweeten fine 70% heirloom cacao without sugar or sacrificing taste and smoothness.
Two pieces of chocolate contain 3 grams of sugar alcohol, but because of the fiber content, Macalat has zero net carbs for those Keto followers who care about this. Macalat is the first sweet dark chocolate that is organic and sugar-free. No hidden ingredients, just healthy organic superfoods. This chocolate is very satisfying! Macalat is vegan, keto, paleo, soy-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
A box of 12 chocolate bars costs $58.68, but they’re currently offering a 15% Discount on their website. Click on LINKto learn more about Macalot Sweet Dark Chocolate.
With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.
Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly. Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat? If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.
We’re sharing ways to ease into healthy lifestyle changes on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast.
Podcast guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and MamaRose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic stops by the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island to raise awareness for diabetes in a fun, new way.
The Mermaid Parade, founded in 1983, officially opens the ocean for summer swimming, teaches mythology to Brooklyn families, and provides self-esteem for Coney Island and artistic self-expression for the New York City arts community.
Over the years, the Mermaid Parade has grown into the largest event of the year at Coney Island, and it is also one of the ten biggest parades annually in New York City.
This year’s version featured dancers, bands, square politicians, people costumed as pirates, octopuses, and sailors, and many women wearing fake fishtails on their bottoms and nothing but sequined pasties — or less — on top!
This year, I’m starting my Halloween decorations early. I’m using different kinds of candy to decorate my paper mache sculptures to be displayed on New York City’s most iconic Halloween Street on the Upper Westside. I’m attempting to be more crafty.
My goal is to encourage people to indulge in the creativity associated with Halloween instead of candy.
We’re talking about ‘THE SWEETEST TABOO’ aka ‘SUGAR’ with musical inspiration from Sade on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast. Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Tameka Milline, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Kathy Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’, and Stephanie MacKendree.
Halloween’s record-breaking sugar consumption and its detrimental effects on overall health are scarier than any ghost story. It’s been reported that consumers gobbled up a record $36.9 billion in candy, gum, mints, chocolate, and other confections in 2021. High intakes of dietary sugars in a worldwide pandemic of obesity and cardiovascular disease have heightened concerns about the adverse effects of excessive consumption of sugars.
The American Heart Association suggests limiting adding sugars to 100 calories per day (about 6 teaspoons or 24 grams) for most adult women and no more than 150 calories per day (about 9 teaspoons or 36 grams of sugar) for most men.
Last year, I used paper mache for the first time to make several sculptures. I was told that the street’s theme was ‘ghosts,’ which proved untrue. Unfortunately, I didn’t learn the truth until completing all my displays.
One of my sculptures was the Ghost of Lily, the Central Park Zoo PolarBear(1987- 2004). Lily was the beloved companion of Gus, a 700-pound polarbearthat mesmerized tourists. He swam lap after lap in figure-eight patterns, pawing his way through the water with powerful backstrokes. He did this for as many as 12 hours a day. Every day. Every week. Every month. Lily would grin and bear it as she watched and waited for her partner to finish.
This year, I’m using paper mache again to create my sculptures. Although I’m not sharing what my sculptures will be, I have been working on different decorating techniques using candy.
Candy is bright, fun, and festive. Candy colors like yellow, red, orange, and green are eye-catching. Candy corn seems to be the candy most commonly associated with Halloween. The various variations of two and three-color combinations lend themselves to floral designs.
But working with candy, especially in the Summer heat, is challenging. It’s sticky and melts quickly. I’m storing various types of candy in my refrigerator to keep them from distorting their shape. Using a hot glue gun to affix candy to various materials, such as cardboard and paper, is painful. It doesn’t work. So now, I’m using Elmer’s glue which presents its own set of problems.
Janet and Rosetta Van der Voort, born in the 1800s, were two wealthy sisters whose father rarely let them leave the house unaccompanied. The one place they were allowed to visit was Central Park’s Wollman Rink, where they went ice skating in the winter. The two sisters never married were lifelong best friends, and died a few months apart. Since their death, their ghostly spirits have been seen periodically skating together on the Central Park Pond, wearing the same red and purple outfits they wore over 100 years ago.
Divabetic pays tribute to Central Park’s infamous Victorian ghost sisters, Janet and Rosetta Van der Voort, in this short video.
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, plays his food game, ‘Serve, Taste or Trash,’ at the fifth annual Summer Streets – NYC. Here’s how you play: Mr. Divabetic lists 3 fruits and vegetables. Among the three food options, you must choose which one you’d serve, which you’d taste, and which you’d be willing to trash.
For this food game, the choices are melon, red pepper, and eggplant.
Nearly seven miles of New York City’s streets, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, will be opened up for everyone to play, run, walk, and bike.
Mr. Divabetic is a 2011 WEGO Health Activist Award finalist and the happy healthcare host of Diva TalkRadio. Diva TalkRadio is Divabetic’s dynamic free online and mobile podcast channel where tens of thousands of fans, followers, and listeners turn to laugh a little and learn a lot. The channel features a line-up of live and archived programs and specials. Guests include healthcare professionals, beauty, image/style, fitness experts, entertainment industry leaders, and VIPs: women and men living with, at risk of, and being affected by diabetes.
Learn how to become your own ‘Diabetes Bodyguard’ on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast with musical inspiration from one our all-time favorite divas, Whitney Houston.
Enjoy an exclusive first listen of “Whitney Houston – I Wish You Love: More From ‘The Bodyguard’” before the album’s release date courtesy of SONY Music. This 25th anniversary of The Bodyguardsoundtrack 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 talk 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, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Mindy Bartleson, T1D, blogger at “There’s More to the Story”, and author, Hairstylist & Salon Owner, Karline Ricketts, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’.
When you have diabetes, high blood sugars over time can lead to structural changes in the eye’s lens, accelerating the development of cataracts.
You may not notice cataracts since symptoms can be minor until clouding affects the center of the eye, then cataracts can progress rapidly. Other causes of cataracts:
Family history
Eye injury
Eye surgery
Repeated eye injections
Spending a lot of time in the sun without UV sunglasses
Using certain medications, such as corticosteroids
Know the Symptoms
Cloudy or blurry vision
Seeing double in one eye
Seeing halos around lights
Being extra sensitive to light and glare
Having trouble seeing well at night
Bright colors seem faded
How to Prevent Cataracts
Wear sunglasses with UV protection
Do not smoke—and if you currently do, quit!
Thankfully, cataract surgery can help reverse a cataract caused by diabetes. This short outpatient procedure involves removing and replacing a damaged lens with a healthy artificial lens.
We’re sharing ideas on lifestyle adjustments that can help you live your best life while managing your diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.
Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly. Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat? If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.
Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and MamaRose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.
The main themes of Divabetic’s diabetes mystery podcast Gypsies, Tramps & Peas are positive body image and summertime diabetes self-care tips.
Here’s a quick synopsis: 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 fish. Was 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, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie, and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure.
This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.
Today I’m thinking of my boss, Luther Vandross, on the anniversary of his passing. Luther changed my life twice. First, he hired me to be his assistant, and then his stroke, related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, made me a diabetes advocate.
In 1995, he moved me from San Francisco (where I worked in Regional Theater) to New York City to become his full-time assistant. It was two years after I worked on my first Luther tour, Never Let Me Go, in 1993.
It was a dream come true for a kid who loves soul music from Rochester, NY (I was a diehard WDKX listener) without professional connections. In 2003, I became his caregiver after he suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes which led me on a path as a diabetes advocate.
My lack of knowledge regarding my grandmother’s diabetes and self-care dismissed concerns I might have had that mismanaged diabetes could destroy someone’s quality of life and health until it was too late. Calling diabetes ‘a touch of sugar’ is like saying a Great White shark is a Goldfish.
Luther was a generous, kind, funny, and hugely talented man. But sadly, I witnessed him struggle with food addiction. In reflection, I feel Luther’s behavior was similar to other addicts. He was either sober, abstaining from carbohydrates, or using, binge eating. No one talks about food addiction as they discuss or glorify drug use. But in my opinion, Luther was wrestling with a monster just as powerful and seductive as cocaine. Unfortunately, he lost the battle. He felt trapped in his body, and it caused him physical, mental, and emotional heartache.
But that’s not the whole story. Luther was a complex, multi-dimensional man, just like a multi-dimensional artist who was a successful songwriter, producer, vocal arranger, and vocalist. On many of his biggest hits, he showcases all of these skills.
The first time I met him, the sheer magnitude of his talent blew me away. He embodied the American Dream to me. He never had a Plan B because he felt if he did, then he wouldn’t pursue his dream. His bravery has influenced my life decisions and given me the strength to pursue my dreams.
Every July 1st, I renew my desire to help those at risk, affected by, and living with diabetes to ‘keep their house a home’ by learning to delay or prevent a mismanaged diabetes complication such as stroke.
Enjoy Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast guests, including Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, and Chuck Flowers.
By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album, Give Me the Reason, in 1986; he’d become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties. His four previous albums have been either certified platinum or double-platinum in America.
Luther Vandross’s fifth album, Give Me the Reason, comprised nine tracks, including the hits: So Amazing,There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Loveand Give Me The Reason. We chose to spotlight this album because this is the first time Luther showcased his 100-pound weight loss on the album’s cover. He was not able to maintain or sustain the weight loss. Luther lost and gained at least a hundred pounds more than eight times while I worked for him. We’re discussing yo-yo dieting, self-love, and the power of positive talk can help you overcome feelings of failing or self-loathing related to body shape and size.
Today, I continue to present diabetes outreach with dazzle! Divabetic’s robust schedule includes newsletters, blog posts, virtual programs, and podcasts. I also work full-time for violinist Itzhak Perlman. Since Mr. Perlman, who has polio, uses a motorized scooter, I spend most days dealing with accessibility issues regarding air and ground travel and hotel accommodations. Mr. Perlman’s exuberance for life, humor and kindness, not to mention talent, make it all worthwhile. Although soul music and Rhythm and Blues will always be my first love, I’ve learned to appreciate classical music.
Itzhak Perlman is truly amazing! And yes, Mr. Perlman has listened to and enjoyed Luther’s music.
Over the past 20 years since Luther’s stroke, I have lost none of my passion for helping others at risk, affected by and living with avoid a similar fate to Luther’s. I am still keenly interested in eradicating the shame and blame associated with type 2 diabetes and elevating the conversation surrounding food addiction.
Throughout the podcast, we will feature music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reasonalbum courtesy of SONY Music.
Last night we saw Here Lies Love on Broadway. It’s basically the life story of Imelda Marcos set to a disco beat. Most of the show occurs on a large dancefloor with audience members dancing to the action as it unfolds. Imelda Marcos’s frequent trips to New York’s illustrious Studio 54 and her numerous dances with World Leaders seem to be what Creator David Byrnes wanted to capture in the production. I thought the staging, multi-media, and music were innovative and exciting. However, I was confused by the portrayal of Imelda Marcos. She first appears as a poor teen whose first boyfriend, politician Ninoy Aquino, dumps her for his love of country.
Ninoy Aquino later served as a senator for the Philippines and governor of the province of Tarlac before playing a key role in opposing President Ferdinand Marcos. His future wife, Corazon Aquino, became the 11th president of the Philippines after his assassination.
After Ninoy leaves her, Imelda wins a local beauty contest and moves to the big city. Shortly after, she meets and weds Ferdinand Marcos.
How did a poor girl with no powerful connections manage to be involved with two of the Philippines’ most powerful men? We never find out. She appeared to be neither a victim nor a villain in the story, which sometimes makes the show a bit cumbersome. I’m not sure that’s necessarily true, but the real Imelda Marcos might be the culprit for that. Numerous reports state that she was known for altering the truth as well as her life story to her.
“She’s an unreliable narrator of her life,” says The Kingmaker Director Lauren Greenfield describing Imelda Marcos.
The Kingmaker looks at Imelda Marcos’ public persona and all the dastardly deeds she’s either been responsible for or denied that occurred while she was in the political limelight.
We know her husband, the dictator Ferdinand Marcos suffered many chronic illnesses during his lifetime, even though he loved to portray himself as a strong and powerful man.
“A refuge of a very sick man” was how Associated Press (AP) reporter Ben Alabastro described a room they found inside Malacañang Palace after the 1986 People Power Revolution.
Towards the end of her husband’s rule, many regarded Imelda as the ruler in Malacañan Palace when he got ill with lupus. She engaged in state visits all by herself (and her entourage). She met with powerful leaders like Chairman Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, Saddam Hussein, and Muammar Gaddafi. Fidel Castro, the late Cuban leader, once said he only drove for two women: his mother and Imelda Marcos. She earned the nickname “The Iron Butterfly” and ultimately served as Manila’s Governor,
She even commissioned plenty of buildings during her husband’s term. From the Philippine Heart Center to the now-infamous Manila Film Center. She aimed to make Manila a world-class city after it was wiped out by the World War II bombing.
Like many other complex women, Nancy Reagan, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the media oversimplified her image. She is admired for her glamour yet despised for her extravagance. She is sometimes compared to Marie Antoinette. My memories of her are of a silly ‘shoe-obsessed woman’ rather than an intelligent, conniving powerbroker who oversees a political dynasty. What other former First Lady has been able to return to the palace she fled to see her children become a Senator and a President?
In 1986, Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos were ousted from power in the Philippines and landed in Hawaii’s lap. Their exile in the islands became a years-long, global spectacle. And it divided the community as the Marcos family brought their lavish and loud lifestyle to Oahu.
In the Philippines, diabetes is about 7.1% of adults between 20-79 years old. Diabetes continues to be the fourth leading cause of mortality in the Philippines. Filipino Americans also have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than White adults, other Asian adults, and Philippines residents despite their relatively low body weight.
