Country music singer Loretta Lynn suffered a stroke at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. She is currently under medical care and is responsive and expected to make a full recovery. Loretta, who just celebrated her 85th birthday, has been advised by her doctors to stay off the road while she is recuperating.
May might be Stroke Awareness Month, but strokes happen every month. In fact, in the U.S., a stroke happens every 40 seconds, with someone dying from stroke every four minutes, according to the National Stroke Foundation.
When it comes to strokes, time is everything. Minutes can mean the difference between life, disability (stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the U.S.) and death (stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.) That’s because strokes occur when parts of your brain cannot get oxygen-carrying blood. Think of a stroke as cutting off the air supply for brain cells. The longer they go without oxygen, the more likely they are to die. And brain cells aren’t like soap opera characters. Once they pass they do not come back to life.
There are two general ways that blood supply can be cut off: one is a blood clot leading to what’s called an ischemic stroke and the other is a blood vessel leaking or rupturing, which is called a hemorrhagic stroke because there is bleeding. The treatment for a stroke? Recognize it as quickly as possible and save those brain cells by trying to rapidly restore blood flow. For an ischemic stroke, using blood clot-dissolving medications (tissue plasminogen activator or tPA) can work. Surgery or interventional radiology procedures may help either remove a clot or stop bleeding.
FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.
LISTEN:Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Della Reese. We’re talking about ways to overcome the initial fears associated with a diabetes diagnosis. In 2000, Della was officially diagnosed with diabetes after collapsing on the set of the hit TV show “Touched By An Angel”. Guests include Diabetes Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer and Author from Chilbrook Kennels, Debby Kay, Central Farm Markets Co-Founders Debra Moser and Mitch Berliner, Master Hairstylist Karline Ricketts, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from Della Reese’s albums courtesy of SONY Music.
For the past twelve years at our Divabetic live events, on our podcasts and inner blog we’ve been promotinga ‘New Attitude’ about living with diabetes to help you ‘Keep Your House A Home’ by learning to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring.Now we’re sharing our decade’s worth of our ‘diva brand of diabetes outreach’ advice and suggestions with you so that you won’t have to avoid the holidays in order to take charge of our diabetes.
Our Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration embraces an Old Hollywood aesthetic to encourage you to shine the spotlight on you and your diabetes health!
We believe diabetes doesn’t have to dim your dazzle! You can still embody Old Hollywood glamour and the kind of woman who is accustomed to attention from throngs of paparazzi!
Sure, it can be challenging at times to enjoy the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you can’t enjoy the foods your actually preparing for your family and friends! Why not take the opportunity this Mother’s Day to change your mindset as well as your family’s about what healthy tastes like?
One of our favorite experts,’The Decadent Diabetic’ aka Chef Ward Alper shares this Oscar worthy menu for a Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration.The Decadent Diabetic’s menu includes Cucumber Soup, Smoked Salmon & Brie Omelet, Roasted Asparagus and Tart A Citron. Below is Chef’s Ward Alper’s recipe for Tallulah Tart A Citron (See all of the Decadent Diabetic’s Old Hollywood inspired Mother’s Day recipes on Divabetic blog).
½cup toasted nuts (either Almonds, Walnuts, or Pecans)
¼ c. GRANULATED SUGAR SUBSTITUTE
1 pinch salt
¼ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp. baking powder
4 tbsp.butter or margarine
1 large egg
Filling Ingredients:
1 pkg reduced fat (not fat free) cream cheese at room temperature
2/3 cup GRANULATED SUGAR SUBSTITUTE
juice AND zest of two lemons (about 7 tablespoons)
3 large eggs
How Chef Ward Alper Prepares the Recipe:
Roll out the crust on flowered surface to about a 14 in circle. Using your fingers fit into tart pan. This dough is fragile and will break. Not to worry just piece it together with your fingers. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before filling.
Beat cream cheese in the bowl of a food processor or electric mixer until smooth. Add GRANULATED SUGAR SUBSTITUTE and beat until incorporated. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Add the lemon juice BUT NOT zest of the lemons. Beat until well mixed. BY HAND stir in the lemon zest.
Pour into the crust and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Transfer to a rack and cool. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
Serve garnished with a few lightly sweetened Blueberries or strawberries or raspberries.
Tallulah Bankhead was an American actress of the stage and screen, and a reputed libertine. Bankhead was known for her husky voice, outrageous personality, and devastating wit. Originating some of the 20th-century theater’s preeminent roles in comedy and melodrama, she gained acclaim as an actress on both sides of the Atlantic. Bankhead became an icon of the tempestuous, flamboyant actress, and her unique voice and mannerisms are often subject to imitation and parody.
“Tallulah Bankhead was a great character,” says the Decadent Diabetic. “I actually got to see her on stage in Midgie Purvis. It lasted maybe two performances. It opened with her coming down a staircase with two wolfhounds. As Lily Tomlin would say: “its a look”.”
‘Can I have a healthy baby if I’m living with type 1 diabetes?’ is one of the most common questions we’re asked at Divabetic diabetes outreach events. Our good friend, Diabetes Advocate and Author, Ginger Vieira recently co-authored a new book, ‘Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes’(subtitled “Your Month-to-Month Guide to Blood Sugar Management) with Jennifer C. Smith RD, CDE.
“The book will likely be referred to as “the Type 1 pregnancy bible” before long,” reports Nancy Sayles Kaneshira for Diabetes Lifestyle’s website.
The books covers “Mama’s Mental Health,” nutrition, blood sugar management, what to expect at doctor’s visits, and Ginger’s personal pregnancy diary (pictured right). With countless tips, dietary recommendations and personal stories in addition to their own, the authors ably guide the reader through preparing for pregnancy all the way to baby’s birth, and throughout the challenges of postpartum diabetes control.
This book is so jam-packed with information it should come with a yellow highlighter. BUY NOW
Hollywood Fact: Regardless of what you or I may think of Joan Crawford’s mothering skills and/or allegations of physical abuse towards her children, many single mothers of adopted children owe her a great deal of gratitude. Joan adopted three children—Christina and twins Cathy and Cindy—as a single parent, which at the time was prohibited in California. She used her fame and finances to arrange the adoptions through an agency in Las Vegas.
Diabetes Advocate, Author and Spokesmodel, Doris Hobbs shows off one of the biggest fashion secrets in Hollywood; the nude colored shoe. Nude shoes are ultra- flattering shoe because they elongate your leg and virtually go with everything. Plus, they’re perfect for summer? Every Hollywood starlet’s wearing them now—Miranda Kerr, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Blake Lively, to name a few—and the result is legs for days, to put it mildly.
Pampering gifts like products from PEAK 10 SKIN®are always a great treat to any Mom…at any age! Whether it’s your daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, wife or your Mother, women love things that make them feel pampered and special. PEAK 10 SKIN® have a couple different gift sets that we put together with Mom’s in mind, but they will also custom design a gift for the Mom’s in your life. For custom gifts, simply call or email us. Beautiful gift wrap available , too! Remember, all of products are professional spa quality and are paraben FREE, gluten FREE, cruelty FREE!
PEAK 10 SKIN® is offering this Special 30% Discount Offer to our Divabetic community (use the Divabetic coupon code: divabetic (all lowercase))
Don’t forget to use your coupon code: B2B(40% off)
PEAK 10 SKIN® recently repackaged the new SOOTHE hand cream in a pot for ease of use. The product was too thick to come out of the tube with ease. It comes in 2 sizes; 2oz/$18 and 4oz/$28. These could be perfect gifts as well. These prices are BEFORE your discount is applied.
Making a Mani/Pedi kit of SAVE MY SOLE & SOOTHE hand cream would be fabulous! If you get the 2oz of each, that would be a $36 retail/$21.60 for you!
Netflix’s Latino reboot of the popular sitcom ‘One Day at A Time’ from the 1970’s takes on mental health issues facing women and the stigma associated with it.
The new series centers on three generations of a Cuban American family. Justina Machado (“Six Feet Under”) stars as Penelope, a war veteran and recently single mother of two children, 14-year-old Elena (Isabella Gomez) and younger brother Alex (Marcel Ruiz). Rita Moreno stars as Penelope’s ‘diva-ish’, meddling mother who moves in to help.
After being prescribed medication for mental health, Penelope admits that most Cubans don’t follow their doctor’s orders when it comes to taking medication.
At the end of the episode, Penelope tells her mother that she started taking her medication.
https://youtu.be/wNFFleycS8k
Why is this important?
As a community, Latinos are less likely to seek mental health treatment. A 2001 Surgeon General’s report found that only 20% of Latinos with symptoms of a psychological disorder talk to a doctor about their concerns. Only 10% contact a mental health specialist. Yet, without treatment, certain mental health conditions can worsen and become disabling.
Many Latinos do not seek treatment because they don’t recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions or know where to find help. This lack of information also increases the stigma associated with mental health issues. Many Latinos do not seek treatment for fear of being labeled as “locos” (crazy) or as having a mental health condition because this may cause shame.
Common mental health disorders among Latinos are generalized anxiety disorder, major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcoholism. Additionally, Latina high school girls have high rates of suicide attempts.
Most people think of diabetes as a physical condition and have never really thought about the mental aspects with living with the condition according to Mark Heyman PhD, CDE. Even some people with diabetes are surprised that there are organizations like CDMH that focus on diabetes and mental health. They know that living with diabetes is hard for them, but often they are surprised to hear that their concerns are actually (and unfortunately) quite common.
Can a TV comedy help fight the stigma of mental health in the Latino community?
Although the answer remains to be seen, it’s important to note that twenty years ago another TV sitcom had a tremendous impact on different community facing a stigma.
Ellen DeGeneres’s Groundbreaking Coming Out on her sitcom Ellen. “The Puppy Episode” was watched by an estimated 44 million people, nearly three times the show’s usual ratings.
Ellen DeGeneres told the Associated Press during an interview reflecting on the episode’s 20th anniversary. “I suddenly said, ‘Why am I being, you know, ashamed of who I am just to be successful and famous in society’s eyes?’”
Many in the LGBT community have credited Ellen DeGeneres for making them feel comfortable with themselves and their sexuality, including Eric Marcus, creator and host of the podcast “Making Gay History.”
“For everyday people,” Marcus told the AP, “Ellen made gay okay.”
Ellen DeGeneres spoke to Diane Sawyer on 20/20and said, “I decided this was not going to be something that I was going to live the rest of my life being ashamed of.”
Believe it or not, Gloria Estefan’s take on the original theme song and gives it a flavorful update.
The original ‘One Day At A Time’, developed by Lear and created by Whitney Blake and Allan Manings, ran on CBS for nine seasons. It starred Bonnie Franklin as the divorced mother and co-starring Valerie Bertinelli and Pat Harrington.
‘Caught Bread Handed: A Bakeshop Mystery’by author Ellie Alexander is what I like to call a ‘one day’ book because you’re able to read it in one day or more accurately a lazy afternoon. It’s quick and fun.
Welcome to Torte—a friendly, small-town family bake shop where the oven is heating up as high as the body count…
Jules Capshaw is still chewing over her husband Carlos’s return to Ashland, Oregon. Could there be too many cooks in the kitchen? Whatever is stirring between those two will have to wait. Despite the Oregon Shakespeare Festival being dark for the winter, the bakeshop is bustling, the dough is rolling, and there’s no rest for the weary…especially when murder is thrown into the mix. READ MORE
My only complaint is that the the nuisances of baking outweigh the mystery behind the murder in this story. Chapter after chapter, I kept wondering when the main character, Juliet ‘Jules’ Capshaw, was going to take off her apron and get down to the business of investigating. However, you will find yourself falling love with Ashland, Oregon and the crazy characters that inhabit it.
The author also does a great job of giving you a slice of ‘cake without the frosting’ when it comes to describing the daily grind of owning and operating a bakery/restaurant. The rhapsody of creating a new recipe is liberally sprinkled over the nonstop, never ending cycle of early mornings, financial worries and physical exhaustion. I don’t think there’s enough coffee for me to put on a chef’s hat! Now, that I’m eating ‘gluten free’ I appreciated her gluten free baking tip too.
The gay character, Lance hooked me. He’s smart, witty, sarcastic busybody; a bit like Paul Lynne. And right before you think he’s going to be a total stereotype of a ‘theater queen’ the author reveals another, truthful side to the character by hinting at his issues with intimacy.
I read this book for inspiration. Currently I’m working on rewrites for this year’s ‘Mister Divabetic Mystery: Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’as well as researching and outlining my next ‘Mister Divabetic Mystery: One Murder Tutu Many’podcast script. The purpose of our annual diabetes mystery podcasts is to educate you about diabetes self-care in an entertaining way. I also want to encourage you to become a diabetes detective and investigate the reasons behind why you may be experiencing unexpected high’s and low’s with your healthcare team.
‘Mister Divabetic Mystery: Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ takes place at the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, New York. The happy healthcare host’s first foray into healthy catering gets off to a soggy start when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes! Tune in to Diabetes Late Nite for all the action and laughs sprinkled with diabetes information in September.
My ‘Mister Divabetic Mystery: One Murder Tutu Many’ is set in the word of ballet. My character, Mr. Divabetic’s gluten-free cheesecake gives his team of amateur sleuths goosebumps when it’s found covering the face of a dead body. I’ve been busy consulting with Author and diabetes advocate, Zippora Karz, Janis Roszler MSFT, RD, CDE, LD/N, Cookbook author, Holly Clegg, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PHd, CDE and Stacey ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ Harris on the various themes and recipes related to the story.
Wondering what life’s like for a ballerina living with type 1 diabetes?
Check out the ‘The Sugarless Plum’ by Zippora Karz. For dancer Zippora Karz, a rising young star with the famed New York City Ballet, being diagnosed with diabetes could easily have ended all her dreams. She was just twenty-one when she was plucked from the corps de ballet to dance solo roles like the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker. It was near the end of a grueling season when she became exhausted, dizzy, and excessively thirsty. READ MORE
Four years ago I met USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes at BookCon in New York, NYC. Our chance meeting has lead me to researching, writing and producing a yearly diabetes mystery podcast with my Diabetes Late Nite cast for our Divabetic community. Tonya’s been a great support throughout my painful and joyful writing process.
One day soon I hope to turn one or more of my scripts featuring diabetes self-care tips and information and healthy recipes into a book (!) or not. In the meantime I’m going to keep on reading and writing!
By the way, my Mister Divabetic Mysteries (Pink Panther, Phantom of the Okra, Suspect Boulevard and Gypsies, Tramps & Peas) are available for free at blogtalkradio, i-Tunes and divabetic.org
Can’t wait until September? Check out May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring the music of Della Reese on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, 6 PM, EST. It’s not an mystery podcast but it’s filled with great advice on how to overcome the sudden shock of being diagnosed with diabetes, and advice on navigating your local farmers market and the best ways to go gray.
In 2000, Della was officially diagnosed with diabetes after collapsing on the set of the hit TV show “Touched By An Angel”. Since then, she’s battled with her health to fight against wheelchair confinement. Her rep claims she’s still able to walk and refuses to be confined. At this point, let’s just hope she continues to fight like we know she can! Guests include Diabetes Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer and Author from Chilbrook Kennels, Debby Kay, Central Farm Markets Co-Founder, Debra Moser, Master Hairstylist Karline Ricketts, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie
In May, we’re shining the spotlight on singer, actress Della Reese who is living with type 2 diabetes. Della is best known for her gospel talents and long career in television, including her role on the show ‘Touched by an Angel.’
On Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, 2017, 6 – 7 PM, EST we will discuss ways to help you overcome the shock of being diagnosed with diabetes, especially if it occurs after a traumatic health crisis.
“Every 25 seconds someone in the United States is diagnosed with diabetes,” said Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, the U.S. Surgeon General. “It’s the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, costing thousands of lives and billions of dollars every year.”
Della Reese was officially diagnosed with diabetes after collapsing on the set of ‘Touched By An Angel.’
“I was feeling great. so I don’t even know how long I had had type 2 diabetes. I have no family history of diabetes whatsoever,” says Della Reese.
The diagnosis of a major disease truly shakes a person to their very core. It can changed your picture-perfect life completely.
Our lives certainly doesn’t stop once we’re diagnosed with a diabetes. There are many ways to get through the initial shock including:
Surrounding yourself with people you love: You need to connect with people who can be your rock/anchor, encouragement, or support, and most importantly, make you feel loved.
Don’t make rash decisions: Relax. Breathe. Take a time out. Do some research and get a second opinion (if necessary). These make all the difference in getting the best doctor and treatment.
Focus on your health: Stick to your self-care routine and your doctor’s appointments. If you need to let go of unnecessary things at the moment, do so.
Don’t let your emotions get the best of you: Trust that the intensity of your anger, sadness and/or frustration will subside with time.
Make some adjustments to your lifestyle: Taking good care of yourself is a start. Remember to reward yourself for getting enough rest, exercise, and choosing healthier options like brown rice, whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Join a diabetes support group: You will discover new ways of coping through the advice of others living with diabetes. Be sure that everything is kept confidential within the group.
According to a Health Guide online resource, bottling up your emotions increases your stress even more, and could lead to many more health problems.
In 2002, Reese announced on Larry King Live that she had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but didn’t come as a surprise considering what she ate and what her diet consisted of, as well as her weight. She loved cake, especially chocolate. She became a spokeswoman for the American Diabetes Association, traveling around the United States to raise awareness about this disorder.
Della felt she could to control her disease when she did the best, “With diet, exercise and medication, I took control of my diabetes,” she stated. “I lost 20 pounds and lowered my blood sugar from between 275 and 300 to between 67 and 110.”
More recently, Della admitted to suffering from diabetes, “My life is at stake,” she said. “I don’t have type 2 diabetes — type 2 diabetes has me.”She contributed her declining diabetes health to years of eating her old, nightly snacks of fried chicken, potato chips, ice cream, candy bars and cola, who was very frustrated because she didn’t do anything to prevent herself.
How different is Della Reese’s diabetes health story from others living with type 2 diabetes?
Despite the national epidemic of type 2 diabetes, two out of three Americans with the disease don’t meet the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists’ target for blood sugar goals.
“People with diabetes face many daunting obstacles, but in my over 20 years of working as a certified diabetes educators, I think the biggest struggle is figuring out how to fit diabetes management into your life, so that diabetes doesn’t take over your life. Learning how to combine regular blood glucose testing, exercise, healthy eating, medications, regular eye exams, and daily foot care can seem overwhelming and seemingly impossible, says Lynn Grieger from Sharecare.“Taking a proactive approach, where diabetes self-care becomes a part of your life without taking over your life, is key for both a happy and fulfilling life, as well as a healthy life.”
According to the results of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists’ survey, 98 percent of people with type 2 diabetes believe blood sugar control is important. However, 61 percent weren’t aware of the A1C test. Even after they were told what it is, 51 percent didn’t know their last A1C result.
How well do you manage your diabetes?
According to the world health organization, diabetes affects 347 million people worldwide. However, the majority of people with diabetes are originally diagnosed with pre-diabetes, which presents the opportunity to alter unhealthy dietary habits and prevent full diabetes. Additionally, those with diabetes can prevent negative complications by heeding the advice of their healthcare professional, engaging in regular physical activity, and accurately managing glucose levels. In other words, diabetes health-related complications are largely preventable.
There is a distinction between living with diabetes and dying from it. The difference is YOU! Take action and take action early.
“The biggest struggle for people with diabetes is how to balance management of diabetes in one’s lifestyle. It is essential to seek emotional and medical support from family, friends and your health care team to feel your best. Be honest and positive, control your diabetes and do not let it control you,” says Laura Motosko, MSEd, RD.
TUNE IN: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Della Reese. Guests include Diabetes Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer and Author from Chilbrook Kennels, Debby Kay, Central Farm Markets Co-Founder, Debra Moser, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Master Hairstylist Karline Ricketts, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from Della Reese’s albums including ‘Swing Slow & Cha Cha Cha’ courtesy of SONY Music.
For the past twelve years at our Divabetic live events, on our podcasts and inner blog we’ve been promotinga ‘New Attitude’ about living with diabetes to help you ‘Keep Your House A Home’ by learning to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring.Now we’re sharing our decade’s worth of our ‘diva brand of diabetes outreach’ advice and suggestions with you so that you won’t have to avoid the holidays in order to take charge of our diabetes.
Our Cinco de Mayo Day Fiesta Celebration embraces the colorful fun of a fiesta to encourage you to entertain like a diva!
We believe diabetes doesn’t have to dim your dazzle! Add a splash of color!
Color is a must but it can either fill the space or play off of white or neutrals. The colors one sees in Mexico are traditionally vibrant, but because they were originally produced from natural pigments they have a slightly muted or chalky quality that tones them down just a bit.
Decorate your fiesta with these festive tissue-paper streamers, bowl bands, and flags. Tissue paper flowers made great decorations. We put them in flower pots, use them as streamers, and wear them as accessories. READ MORE
While the basics of Mexican restaurant entrees — rice, corn, beans, tomatoes, and chiles — are packed with nutrients, beware of entrees loaded with fatty cheeses, refried beans, and sour cream. Follow these tips to enjoy flavorful Mexican food without derailing your ‘divabetic’ diet:
Platter-size entrees with all the fixings can total 1,500 calories. Take half home or order a la carte to get only what you want. Cheese and sour cream top many entrees. Ask for reduced-fat sour cream (or skip it altogether) and lower-fat sauces, such as a red sauce rather than cream sauce. Crispy entrees usually mean the dish has been deep-fried. Opt for corn or whole wheat tortillas instead.
Sure, the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you can’t enjoy the foods your actually preparing for your family and friends! Why not take the opportunity this Cinco de Mayo to try a new recipe?
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease muffin tin or use paper liners.
Combine dry ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer mixing at low speed just until combined. Add butter and mix until the butter coats the flour.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla. Turn on the mixer and add the egg mixture to the dry mixture in 3 parts until combined. Do not overmix.
Divide batter evenly among the muffin tins. filling each 1/2 full. This should make about 16 cupcakes. Let sit 10 minutes before baking. Bake about 17 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle of cupcakes comes out clean. Cool completely.
Hollow out the center of the cupcakes. Fill with lime curd, pipe frosting, and garnish with lime slices, mint and lime zest.
Lime Curd Ingredients
3 eggs
1 cup Whey Low D Granular or equivalent dry sugar substitute
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 Tbsp lime zest
Beat together the eggs and sugar substitute in the top of a double boiler. Stir in juice, butter and zest. Cook over simmering water 15 minutes or until thickened. Cool.
Whipped Cream Frosting Ingredients
2 cups heavy whipping cream
6 Tbsp powdered sugar or powdered sugar substitute
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Add ingredients to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until soft peaks form. Pipe onto cupcakes. This whipped cream recipe is not stabilized, so frost and garnish right before serving.
Did you know that ‘Mexico’s soda tax will save 18,900 lives and more than $983 million over 10 years?
Mexico’s soda tax has continued to help reduce Mexico’s consumption of unhealthy beverages reported by Reuters. Purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages were down nearly 10 percent in the second year of the tax, a new study shows.
Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force described the new study as “encouraging for many cities and countries around the world which are exploring ways to shift the rising tide of diabetes.”
Similar taxes have been levied in countries around the globe – from Colombia to France and South Africa, and in American cities, from Berkeley, California, to Philadelphia. READ MORE
The LA Times reports that if Mexicans sustain this pattern of consuming fewer sweetened beverages, the model developed by researchers predicts that over 10 years, the 10% excise tax could prevent 189,300 new cases of Type 2 diabetes, 20,400 strokes and heart attacks, and 18,900 deaths among adults 35 to 94 years old.
From 2013 to 2022, the reductions in diabetes alone could yield savings in projected healthcare costs of $983 million dollars, the researchers concluded.
Margaritas may be a tasty accompaniment to your tacos or enchiladas, but these are among the highest-calorie alcoholic beverages you can choose. Laced with sugar and sweet liqueur, just one margarita may contain as many calories as your meal. The actual count will vary by recipe, and you can create a much lighter version with some key ingredient substitutions.
Eight ounces of a standard margarita on the rocks will set you back about 455 calories, while a 12-ounce margarita has about 680 calories. You can lighten up your drink by limiting the Cointreau — or triple-sec, which is sometimes used instead — and by using fresh lime juice instead of a sweetened version. Omit sweet-and-sour syrup and sugar, and use just one ounce of tequila to further reduce calories. If your drink seems too small, add come zero-calorie soda water.
Or why not treat yourself to a alcohol-free sparkler, made fast with a tangy blend of frozen juice concentrates?
1 can (6 oz) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed (3/4 cup)
1 can (6 oz) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed (3/4 cup)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 cups crushed ice
2 cups club soda, chilled
Mocktail Margarita Directions
Rub rims of glasses with lime wedges; dip in salt to coat.
In blender, place lemonade and limeade concentrates, powdered sugar and ice. Cover; blend until slushy. Add club soda; stir gently. Pour mixture carefully into glasses. Garnish with lime wedges.
Four years ago,Actress and Diabetes Advocate, Salma Hayek launched Nuance, an expansive collection of lipsticks, blushes, bronzers, face serums, shampoos, and conditioners inspired by her grandmother. These days, it’s safe to say that she’s got the art of looking good down to a science.
“This is embarrassing to say but I wear makeup a lot,” says Selma. “Not every day, I try to let my skin rest, but when I do, I shade my face to give it more depth and to slim my jaw. People think you contour only to get cheekbones, but if you study your face and realize that dark colors will diminish features and lighter colors will bring out features, you can design the face you want.”
Salma Hayek developed diabetes while she was pregnant. “I got gestational diabetes, which I didn’t realize at first. It occurs in women who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy,” says Salma. “I didn’t know whether I was feeling bad because I was pregnant or whether something was seriously wrong. I was nauseated for nine months, which can be one of the symptoms.”
All pregnant women are at some level of risk for gestational diabetes. Since it affects as many as 18% of all pregnant women, it is one of the most common conditions associated with pregnancy. Learn more about gestational diabetes
Our Divabetic ‘Cinco de Mayo Fiesta’ Playlist contains a fabulous mix of Selena’s greatest hits. Selena was an American singer, songwriter, spokesperson, model, actress, and fashion designer. Called the Queen of Tejano music, her contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century
https://youtu.be/SQqehP4YaRQ
LISTEN NOW: Drinking & Diabetes? on Diabetes Late Nite podcast with inspiration from Kathie Lee and Hoda. Find out how alcohol effects your blood sugars. While moderate amounts of alcohol can cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level — sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels. If you are in doubt about whether drinking alcohol is safe for you, check with your doctor.
SAVE THE DATE: Don’t miss our first-ever Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show on Sunday, June 4, 2017, 11 AM – 1 PM at Mosaic Central Farm Markets in Mosaic, VA. Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer and Author Debby Kay from Chilbrook Kennels, and certified diabetes educator Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE will on hand to answer your questions.
“Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!” from Auntie Mame.
Our Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration embraces an Old Hollywood aesthetic to encourage you to shine the spotlight on you and your diabetes health!
We believe diabetes doesn’t have to dim your dazzle! You can still embody Old Hollywood glamour and the kind of woman who is accustomed to attention from throngs of paparazzi!
Sure, it can be challengingat times to enjoy the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you can’t enjoy the foods your actually preparing for your family and friends! Why not take the opportunity this Mother’s Day to change your mindset as well as your family’s about what healthy tastes like?
One of our favorite experts,‘The Decadent Diabetic’ aka Chef Ward Alper shares this Oscar worthy menu for a Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration.The Decadent Diabetic’s menu includes Cucumber Soup, Smoked Salmon & Brie Omelet, Roasted Asparagus and Tart A Citron. Below is Chef’s Ward Alper’s recipe for Rosalind Roasted Asparagus (We will be posting one recipe each day throughout the upcoming week).
Rosalind Roasted Asparagus by The Decadent Diabetic
(Serving size 8-10 spears, net carbohydrates: 6 grams)
Chef’s Note: As with most vegetables, high temperature “roasting” intensifies the flavor. I roast a lot of veggies, but asparagus is my personal “star”
I like mid sized asparagus. The pencil thin ones just go limp, and the fat ones seem to taste “old” to me, even after peeling them. ONLY when it fresh in my garden, I use a little lemon thyme in this recipe.
Ingredients
8-10 – asparagus spears
1 – Tbsp. mincedshallot
1 – clove of grated garlic
1 Tbsp. olive oil
or
1 Tbsp. butter
salt and pepper to taste
2 – Tbsp. fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar (optional)
HOW TO PREPARE THE RECIPE:
Pre heat oven to 400-425° F.
Rinse the asparagus under running water. On a sheet pan lined with aluminumfoil, toss the shallots, garlic,butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper with the asparagusand spread to one layer.
Cook at for 6- 10 minutes depending on how crunchy you like your vegetables. Sprinkle with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar just before serving.
Did you know asparagus may be able to keep diabetes at bay by helping blood sugar levels stay under control while boosting output of insulin? READ MORE
Chef Ward’s asparagus dish pays homage to silver screen legend, actress Rosalind Russell.
“Flops are a part of life’s menu and I’ve never been a girl to miss out on any of the courses,” said Rosalind Russell.
She was a tall and lean just like asparagus! She was best known for her versatility in witty and sophisticated roles such as the fast-talking newspaper reporter in the screwball comedy ‘His Girl Friday’ in 1940. She is also fondly remembered for her portrayal of Mame Dennis in the film ‘Auntie Mame’ in 1958.
Rosalind Russell may have been the most glamorous and famous woman to have Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). However, she shared three qualities with many others living with RA: She was determined, hopeful, and private. She used her celebrity status to advocate for research and successfully lobbied Congress to pass the National Arthritis Act.
Not Everything About Old Hollywood Was Glamorous!
Actress Kim Novakrecalls when she first got to Hollywood, her studio changed her name, gave her lavender highlights, and told her to speak with a breathier voice. When Novak overate one day after a visit to a farmer’s market, one of her actress girlfriends suggested she remedy the mistake by drinking soap and water — which she did, before getting a ride to the hospital.
Did you know your favorite Old Hollywood actresses would dab gasoline on their cheekbones and browbones to spotlight their bone structure? Cinematographers would even rub the stuff on camera lenses to give the shoot a soft-focus, ethereal quality.
High blood sugar is dangerous for many reasons, but it can also make your skin dry, and prone to cracking and breaking. This opens the door to infections. And if you do get an infection, high blood sugar makes the infection harder to fight.
“The No. 1 key is to get your diabetes in check,” says Katherine H. Fiala, MD, director of the dermatology residency program at Scott & White Clinic in Temple, Texas. “If you do that first, everything else is so much easier.”
Our team’s having so much fun putting together ideas for a Divabetic Old Hollywood Mother’s Day Celebration, that Chef Ward ‘the Decadent Diabetic’ Alper sent me this fun message referencing Old Hollywood: “With all these Divas you are having for brunch, I HOPE, you didn’t have to call Janie Clarkson and cancel….again.”
This delicious quote is from the film, Mr. Skeffington starring Bette Davis. Popular and beautiful Fanny Trellis (Bette Davis) is forced into a loveless marriage with an older man, Jewish banker Job Skeffington, in order to save her beloved brother Trippy from an embezzlement charge, and predictable complications result.
Our Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration embraces an Old Hollywood aesthetic to encourage you to shine the spotlight on you and your diabetes health!
Sure, it can be difficult at times to enjoy the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you can’t enjoy the foods your actually preparing for your family and friends! Why not take the opportunity this Mother’s Day to change your mindset as well as your family’s about what healthy tastes like?
One of our favorite experts,‘The Decadent Diabetic’ aka Chef Ward Alper shares this Oscar worthy menu for a Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration.The Decadent Diabetic’s menu includes Cucumber Soup, Smoked Salmon & Brie Omelet, Roasted Asparagus and Tart A Citron. Below is Chef’s Ward Alper’s recipe Stanwyck Smoked Salmon and Brie Omelet. (We will be posting a different dish from his marvelous menu each day throughout the upcoming week).
Stanwyck Smoked Salmon and Brie Omelet Recipe by the Decadent Diabetic
(Serves 2, Carbohydrates 4 grams per serving)
Chef’s note: This dish is as simple to make as it is elegant to serve. Great for a weekend breakfast, brunch or lunch.
Ingredients
4 eggs very well beaten and frothy
Salt and pepper to taste and your doctor’s recommendation
2-3 Tbsp. Liquid (milk, cream, sour cream, or yogurt)
Combine the eggs, salt pepper, liquid, and shallot or scallion and whisk until light and frothy. Heat the butter in a skillet. Add the eggs to the skillet and lower the heat to medium high. Allow the mixture to start to set. Start bringing in the sides to the center rotating the pan to allow the liquid to fill in the empty spaces.
Add the cheese and smoked salmon to the top of the omelet. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and continue to cook until the omelet puffs up (about 2-3 minutes). Sprinkle with capers and serve.
If you don’t keep capers in your pantry, try asparagus tips in their place.
Our entree’s diva inspiration, Barbara Stanwyck was an American actress who had a 60-year career in film and television, best known for her strong female roles in films, such as Double Indemnity. In 1937, Stanwyck’s talent as an actress was recognized on a grander scale as she was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Stella Dallas (1937).
She would come to be nominated three more times for the films Ball of Fire (1941), Double Indemnity (1944) and Sorry, Wrong Number (1948)—each time for best actress in a leading role—however, she never won the award. In addition to the recognition she received from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Double Indemnity, she was lauded by critics for having what’s considered one of her greatest roles as seductress and murderer Phyllis Dietrichson in the popular noir film
Make a scene. For easy ooh factor, use a white tablecloth, white dishes, and just one or two rich metallic accent colors (gold or silver, never bronze).
Add a touch of Old Hollywood to your table and honor the legendary icons of Hollywood’s silver screen and share your favorites with your grandkids. Flowers and centerpieces should be tall enough to talk under or short enough to talk over.
In Old Hollywood, a party’s success wasn’t just about what was being served but also who was being served with lots of style.
Tori Avey printed out pictures of her favorite silver screen stars and put them in decorative frames from Michael’s and placed one at each seat. READ MORE
Opposites Attract! Let the glamour and style of ‘Old Hollywood’ inspire you to embrace New Diabetes Technology. Barbara Stanwyck’s gorgeous costumes in the film, ‘Lady Eve’ sparked our search for diabetes technology worthy of the silver screen. It’s sleek design and ease of use make it the perfect accessory for our Divabetic Old Hollywood Mother’s Day Celebration.
Dexcom‘s new “complication” to its Apple Watch compatibility allow your data to now be displayed right on the main watchface! There are four different ways to view your glucose data there, ranging from 1 to 6 hour trend graphs.
Currently, the new capability is only for the G5 Mobile app and Apple Watch, as the company hasn’t yet updated the Follow app that lets users share their results in real-time with family members or others. Word is also that this new feature doesn’t work with every single watchface, so if you have a unique model it might not yet be possible to make the glucose data display on the main watchface.
One of our fabulous members from the Divabetic community, Taryn McQuain Bentaous, who is living with type 2 diabetes and sells Mary Kay Cosmetics, shares her favorite ‘Old Hollywood’ shade lipstick to help you feel like a diva!
“I choose Poppy Please from our Gel Semi-Matte Collection,” says Taryn. “It feels wonderful to wear, and the matte finish reminds me of old Hollywood. It reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, my favorite old movie!”
For the past twelve years at our Divabetic live events, on our podcasts and inner blog we’ve been promotinga ‘New Attitude’ about living with diabetes to help you ‘Keep Your House A Home’ by learning to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring.Now we’re sharing our decade’s worth of our ‘diva brand of diabetes outreach’ advice and suggestions with you so that you won’t have to avoid the holidays in order to take charge of our diabetes.
Our Divabetic Mother’s Day Celebration embraces an Old Hollywood aesthetic to encourage you to shine the spotlight on you and your diabetes health!
Sure, it can be difficult at times to enjoy the holidays when you’re living with diabetes especially if you feel like you can’t enjoy the foods your actually preparing for your family and friends! Why not take the opportunity this Mother’s Day to change your mindset as well as your family’s about what healthy tastes like?
One of our favorite experts,‘The Decadent Diabetic’ aka Chef Ward Alpershares this Oscar worthy menu for a Diabetic Mother’s Day Celebration.The Decadent Diabetic’s menu includes Cucumber Soup, Smoked Salmon & Brie Omelet, Roasted Asparagus and Tart A Citron. Below is Chef’s Ward Alper’s recipe for Catalina Cucumber Soup. (We will be posting one recipe each day throughout the upcoming week).
(4 8 ounce servings, Net carbohydrates: 6 per serving)
Ingredients:
1 medium to large sweet onion Sliced (thick or thin, your choice)
2-3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
2-4 cloves crushed and chopped garlic (depends on how much you love garlic)
1 – big stalk of celery, roughly chopped
Black pepper to taste
Salt to taste
2 Tablespoons flour
1 ½ quarts Low sodium chicken broth
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 teaspoons fresh dill (1 if you use dried)
3-large Cucumbers
3-4 heaping tablespoons sour cream
Chef Ward Alper’s Preparation:
Note: No need to finely chop any of the vegetables in this recipe. They will all be blended smooth at the end.
Peel the cucumbers and using the tip of a teaspoon, remove all of the seeds from the cucumbers Chop roughly.
In a good sized soup pot sauté onion in olive oil or butter until soft but not brown. Add salt and pepper about one minute into the process.
Add garlic and flour. Cook for one minute or so. Slowly add the chicken broth stirring so as not to have lumps. Add the juice and zest of the lemon.
Add ½ of the cucumbers to the broth. Simmer for 15-20 minutes on low heat.Remove from heat, let cool, and then add the remaining portions of the cucumbers, reserving some if you wish for garnish. Using an immersion blender, whip the soup until smooth.
Add the sour cream. Blend to combine.
Note: Quickest if you have an immersion blender stick, but it works in a processor. Just do it in small batches.
Let cool in the refrigerator overnight!
While your soup’s cooling why not turn up the heat with a touch of Old Hollywood glamour?
Spokesmodel, Author and Diabetes Advocate Doris Hobbs (‘Rich In Love’) beautifully captures the essence of Old Hollywood in this vintage ensemble.
“A type 1 diabetic since 2014, I follow the strength of my father who has been living with type 1 diabetes since the age of two. His determination to take control of the illness has shaped my mission,” says Doris.
Doris is living proof that living with type 1 diabetes doesn’t have dim your dazzle!
She adds, “We, as a society, have a tendency of suppressing our fears, as mastering those can be difficult and takes large amounts of will and courage to look in the mirror and say, “I will succeed; I can do this!”
You don’t need to be a red carpet Old Hollywood bombshell to harness the power of black clothing because it matches everything! It’s great for mixing and matching, for layering or for helping your ‘Revenge’ red lips standout.
MAKE UP TIP: Grab a lipstick brush and your favorite shade of red to apply a gorgeous red lip, completing the Old Hollywood glam look. To clean up the edges and define your lips, dip a concealer brush into just a pinch of concealer and outline your lips, paying particular attention to the corners and the cupid’s bow for extra crisp definition.
The key to achieving a classic, glamorous Old Hollywood look and style of entertaining lies in the details. We all know that the little details that make the ordinary become extraordinary can be daunting! But the first detail to achieving the glamorous life of your favorite Old Hollywood actress, Loretta Young, Grace Kelly or Norma Shear is focusing on you and your diabetes health!
Prioritize means “to put in order of importance”.And as a busy mom, grandmother and/or daughter with diabetes you must continually do this over and over again, making choices based on the priorities you have built. If you aren’t clear on your priorities I believe you will continually run into trouble trying to balance everything. Do you know what your priorities are for yourself and your diabetes health? Are you living your daily life with those in mind? I think a great way to get an handle on what those priorities are is to take a walk outside alone without your iPhone. Take a minute to smell the Spring flowers and when you get back from your walk, sit down and make a list.
“ If you’re not organized, you can’t find what you need to cook anything, says Susan. “A for meal preparation. That means instead of stuffing certain items in your cupboard or fridge just because you found a space where it fits, organize by use instead. Group similar items together and keep healthy snacks in plain view.”
Do you have a few empty make-up bags from a give-away or promotion?
Susan suggests “to stay organized, use a medium-size makeup bag for blood glucose-checking supplies and a different one for fast-acting sources of carbs, such as glucose tablets. Keep your supplies close to you in style!”
Speaking of giveaways, pampering gifts like products from PEAK 10 SKIN®are always a great treat to any Mom…at any age! Whether it’s your daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, wife or your Mother, women love things that make them feel pampered and special. PEAK 10 SKIN® have a couple different gift sets that we put together with Mom’s in mind, but they will also custom design a gift for the Mom’s in your life. For custom gifts, simply call or email us. Beautiful gift wrap available , too! Remember, all of products are professional spa quality and are paraben FREE, gluten FREE, cruelty FREE!
PEAK 10 SKIN® is offering this Special 30% Discount Offer to our Divabetic community (use the Divabetic coupon code: divabetic (all lowercase))
Don’t forget to use your coupon code: B2B(40% off)
PEAK 10 SKIN® recently repackaged the new SOOTHE hand cream in a pot for ease of use. The product was too thick to come out of the tube with ease. It comes in 2 sizes; 2oz/$18 and 4oz/$28. These could be perfect gifts as well. These prices are BEFORE your discount is applied.
Making a Mani/Pedi kit of SAVE MY SOLE & SOOTHE hand cream would be fabulous! If you get the 2oz of each, that would be a $36 retail/$21.60 for you!
We’re taking a look back at last year’s Mr. Divabetic Mystery podcast: “Suspect Boulevard” as we prepare for this year’s brand new Mr. Divabetic Mystery: “Gypsies, Tramps & Peas” debuting in September.
There’s a glamorous Hollywood book launch party for Best-Selling Author Marjorie Melbourne Blaze’s newest novel, “Fires of Desire” in one scene of “Suspect Boulevard”. You’ll have to tune in to find out who gets burned by Marjorie’s scorching Best-Seller. When you do, make sure to listen to our podcast while you’re enjoying Stacey Harris ‘s delicious “Fires of Desire” Mini Victoria Cakes recipe.
‘Fires Of Desire’ Mini Victoria Cakes
Ingredients
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup Whey Low D Granular
3 eggs, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup King Arthur Cake Flour Blend
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
sugar- free or no sugar added strawberry or raspberry jam
whipped cream
Whey Low Powder or confectioner’s sugar for dusting
Fresh raspberries for garnish
Directions:
With mixer beat together the butter and Whey Low for 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add vanilla and beat for an additional 2 or 3 minutes. Sift the dry ingredients into the mixing bowl. Gently fold with spoon just until combined and smooth. Spoon mixture int 12 greased muffin tins. Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Remove from pan. Split each cake in half. Spread with jam, top with a little whipped cream. Sandwich the cakes and sift powdered Whey Low or confectioner’s sugar on top. Top each with a raspberry or small strawberry.
Let Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef show you how to entertain like a ‘diva’ without jepordising your diabetes health! Stacey published “The Diabetic Pastry Chef” (Pelican, $24.95), a collection of more than 200 recipes that fit within the nutritional limits of the diabetic diet.
TUNE IN: Mister Divabetic Mystery Podcast: Suspect Boulevard. This special mystery theater production is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s film, Sunset Boulevard and involves around dogs, dementia, diamonds and diabetes. Our cast includes Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis, USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.
Don’t miss our next Mister Divabetic Mystery: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ debuting in September. Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic’s 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 for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical-themed soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. What it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea? Recipes included.
When it comes to strokes, time is everything. Minutes can mean the difference between life, disability (stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the U.S.) and death (stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.) That’s because strokes occur when parts of your brain cannot get oxygen-carrying blood. Think of a stroke as cutting off the air supply for brain cells. The longer they go without oxygen, the more likely they are to die. And brain cells aren’t like soap opera characters. Once they pass they do not come back to life.
Color is a must but it can either fill the space or play off of white or neutrals. The colors one sees in Mexico are traditionally vibrant, but because they were originally produced from natural pigments they have a slightly muted or chalky quality that tones them down just a bit.
