Divabetic – Page 123 – Wellness with a Wow

04/05/201704/05/2017

Divabetic Egg-Cellent Easter Brunch Ideas

We know many people in our Divabetic community don’t like to celebrate the holidays because they feel they may disrupt their diabetes care. But with a little pre-planning and guidance from your healthcare entourage you can still enjoy Easter related festivities without failing your diabetes.

From the annual Easter Egg Roll to eating iguana, turtle and the world’s largest rodent in Colombia, there are many different Easter traditions around the world to choose from!

Easter is the most important religious holiday in the Greek Orthodox calendar. Shops line their windows with brightly-coloured wrappings for Easter candles and chocolate eggs. Greek families sit down to a meal of whole roasted lamb or kid goat on Easter Sunday.

Germans like to decorate trees with hollowed-out, painted eggs for Easter. One elderly man has taken the art form to an extreme degree.

An old European tradition of tapping eggs together in a contest to see which is the strongest is enjoying a revival in Louisiana. The town of Marksville claims to host the oldest “egg-knocking” competition in the United States. Competitors pair up on the steps of the courthouse on Easter Sunday and knock the tips of two eggs together. If the egg cracks, its owner is out of the competition. The process continues until just one egg remains.

Instead of tucking into chocolate eggs, Colombians like to eat iguana, turtle and the world’s largest rodent for their traditional Easter dinner.

We say, whatever you and your loved ones may choose to do, “Don’t let diabetes dim your dazzle!”

We asked several experts, Cookbook Author, Holly Clegg, Wine & Spirits Expert Samantha Shaken Baker and diabetes advocate, author and model Doris Hobbs to share their favorite recipes, picks and fashions to encourage you to celebrate a Divabetic Easter in style without compromising your diabetes health.

With over 1 million cookbooks sold, Holly Clegg has become a culinary expert on easy, healthy and practical recipes through her nationally recognized best-selling trim & TERRIFIC® and her more health focused Eating Well cookbook series, including newly released 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY edition of Eating Well Through Cancer, (English, Spanish and Chinese editions), Eating Well to Fight Arthritis and Diabetic Cooking with the American Diabetes Association. Clegg who attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School has appeared on Fox & Friends, NBC Weekend Today, QVC, The 700 Club, USA Today, Cooking Light Magazine, Web MD, and Huff Post. She has consulted for Walmart, Teflon, The Coca-Cola Company, and hospitals throughout the country. Here’s Holly’s suggestion on to make a simple, impressive way to dress up eggs for Easter:

Open Face Breakfast English Muffins Recipe from ‘Eating Well To Fight Arthritis’ cookbook by Holly Clegg.

“These colorful Western omelet ingredients are piled on an English muffin and make this the ideal grab and go satisfying breakfast” says Holly. Egg beaters may be substituted for the egg and egg white combination.

Makes 6 muffins

1/2 cup chopped Canadian bacon

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/3 cup chopped tomatoes

2 eggs

5 egg whites

Salt and pepper to taste

3 whole-wheat English muffins, halved

1/4 cup reduced-fat shredded Cheddar cheese

1. In nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, cook Canadian bacon 2 minutes or until begins to brown. Add onion and, green pepper sautéing until tender. Add tomatoes, cook 1 minute. Remove from pan, set aside.

2. In small bowl, whisk together eggs and egg whites. In same nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, scramble eggs. Season to taste. When eggs are almost done, stir in bacon onion mixture.

3. Meanwhile, toast muffin halves. Divide egg mixture to top muffin halves. Sprinkle with cheese.

Note: The prepared muffins may be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave or in oven preheated at 350°F. about 5 minutes or until well heated.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories143 kcal, Calories from Fat 25%, Fat 4 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 71 mg, Sodium 391 mg, Carbohydrates 15 g, Dietary Fiber 3 g, Total Sugars 4 g, Protein 12 g, Dietary Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 ½ lean meat

“Glamour is the feeling of beauty, with an undertone of femininity, while looking like a lady, for all occasions,” Luxury Spokesmodel, Diabetes Advocate, Contributing Style Editor & Published Writer, Doris Hobbs explains. “Glamour is an illusion, a form of mystery revealing a fragile state that changes with time. Glamour, from my perspective, is defined as recreation from all facets of our lives. Perhaps the best way to describe it is with a ravishing red lipstick, a sensual hourglass silhouette, and style inspiration from such mavens as Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, and Jayne Mansfield.”

Vintage brooches are colorful, eye-catching sparkle and for a small investment, you get a big return style wise!

Did you know back in the day women wore “Scatter pins”, a matching set of two or more pins that were grouped together on a blouse or sweater?

If you love vintage brooches, there is no need to curb your enthusiasm because you think you wouldn’t get a chance to wear all the ones you find. There are plenty of ways to show them off!

DIVABETIC TIP: While alcohol can make blood sugar drop too low, certain beverages (such as beer or sugary mixers) can cause a blood sugar spike. What’s more, consuming more than one or two drinks can cloud your thinking and affect other food choices you make that day, which can also affect glucose levels.

What’s brunch without a little bubbly?

We asked Samantha Shanken Baker, who helps presents memorable food and wine events like the Annual Harlem Eat Up! to suggest a great tasting champagne for under $50. Samantha’s pick is G.H. Mumm Brut Champagne Cordon (retail $45) featuring a delightful notes of flavor—dried apricot, candied orange peel, nut and smoke. This very harmonious dry Champagne is still elegant and light-weight. The rich, toasty note lingers on the vibrant finish. Oh la-la!

DIVABETIC TIP: Heavy black pumps paired with lightweight white dresses can be an odd combination. If you wear a white dress in the spring , better options include natural toned or white sandals. If you choose to wear white in fall and winter, brown shoes still look better than black (and for sticklers to the rules, white shoes should be avoided after Labor Day). HOW TO WEAR WHITE

Why not enjoy a Coco Mimosa?

I love serving my guests mimosas at Brunch. The name of one of the characters. “Coco Mimosa”, from our upcoming Diabetes Mystery titled “Gypsies, Tramps & Peas” inspired this new tropical twist to a mimosa. It’s as easy as pie! Just splash some coconut flavored light rum over fresh orange juice and champagne.

DIVABETIC TIP: The weather is warming up and the cherry blossoms are in bloom – looks like spring has finally sprung! It’s the perfect season to jump start a walking program. It’s easy, safe, and inexpensive. It’s also relaxing and at the same time invigorating, requires little athletic skill, and does not call for club membership or special equipment other than sturdy, comfortable shoes. And it is fun and natural — good for your mind and self-esteem. LEARN MORE

Let a new walking shoe get you in the groove!

We love these striped spring flat mesh casual walking shoes (pictured above)! They’re breathable slip ons and reasonably inexpensive. BUY

According to the Who What Wear website florals are a big trend for Spring 2017. Sound familiar? Well, this time around, the scale, fabrication and mood is more exaggerated than ever! Designers are encouraging you to be in full bloom from head to toe—shoes included. From double doses of Rococo-style jacquard florals with ruffles and raw hems at Marques’Almeida to subdued, blousy ’70s bouquets at Chloé and neon carnations at Balenciaga, there is nothing standard about these arrangements. No ditsy prints here in this S/S 17 version of the fashion trend, thanks.

Mildly Mexican Breakfast Bake Recipe from ‘Eating Well To Fight Arthritis’ cookbook by Holly Clegg

“Eat with color and you know you are eating healthy! This overnight sensation with bright colors and flavors will wake up those morning taste-buds!” says Holly.

Makes 8 (1-cup) servings

8 ounces ground breakfast turkey sausage

1 onion, chopped

1 red, green, or yellow bell pepper, cored and chopped

2 cups baby spinach

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 (4-ounce) can green chilies

4 eggs

6 egg whites

2 cups fat-free half-and-half

2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 1/2 cups reduced-fat shredded Mexican blend cheese

5 (8-inch) 98% fat-free flour tortillas, cut into quarters

1/2 cup chopped green onion

1. Coat 13x9x2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In large nonstick skillet, cook and crumble sausage until starts to brown. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until sausage is done and vegetables tender. Add spinach, garlic and green chilies; cooking until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.

3. In large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, half-and-half, chili powder, cumin and cheese.

4. Spoon one-third of sausage mixture in baking dish. Top with one-third tortilla quarters and one-third cheese and green onions. Repeat layers, ending with green onion. Pour egg mixture evenly over casserole and refrigerate, covered, at least 6 hours or overnight.

5. Preheat oven 350°F. If using glass baking dish, place in cold oven and bake 50-60 minutes or until bubbly, golden brown and knife inserted into custard comes out clean.

Nutrients

Calories 309, Calories from Fat 35%, Fat 12 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 151mg, Sodium 751mg, Carbohydrates 29 g, Dietary Fiber 3 g, Total Sugars 7 g, Protein 23 g, Dietary Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat-free milk, 1 vegetable

DIVABETIC TIP: Want to get more for your money? Buying fruit and vegetables in season often helps! Prices usually come down when a fruit or vegetable is in season. In addition, the quality of the produce (taste, texture, freshness, etc.) is at its best. When you buy produce that is out of season (for example, buying berries in the winter), you are likely buying food that has been shipped hundreds or even thousands of miles. It is usually more expensive, less environmentally-friendly, and the quality not as good.

LISTEN NOW: Cook Book Author Holly Clegg podcast interview. With over 1 million books sold, Holly reigns supreme when it comes to helping today’s busy person cook everyday meals that are fast and fit into an overall healthy lifestyle. Known as the “Queen of Quick,” Holly’s recipes are time, user and pantry-friendly. LINK

What’s trending in Diabetes Wellness for Spring? Here are three recent diabetes and health & wellness headlines that caught our eye!

Is there a link between climate change and diabetes? Researchers are looking at whether climate change might be linked to another public health concern: Type 2 diabetes.

An amazing app that helps you improve your A1C! One Drop | Mobile provides real-time and historical blood glucose data and analytics to subscribers and their healthcare providers, allowing both to see relationships between specific health behaviors and health outcomes.

Mama June’s Incredible Body Transformation After Weight Loss Surgery! On WE tv’s Mama June: From Not to Hot the reality star lost over 300 pounds and spent upwards of $75,000 to have gastric sleeve surgery, breast augmentation and skin removal surgery on her “turkey neck,” “bat wings” and stomach — where a combined total 9 lbs. of skin was removed.

04/04/2017

High Costs of Insulin Kills US Man with Type 1 Diabetes

Recently I came across a disturbing Facebook post on diabetes advocate, Mike Lawson‘s page about a man desperate for insulin who created a Go-Fund-Me page to be able to afford it.

Shane Patrick Boyle who was living with type 1 diabetes was a gifted writer and graphic artist who created a Go-Fund-Me campaign to pay for insulin

Unfortunately Shane passed on March 18th, and according to his Go-Fund-Me Page, “Shane died because he was trying to stretch out his life saving insulin to make it last longer.”

Shane moved back home to help take care of his sick mom, Judith (she died on March 11th,) and his healthcare was put on the line because of the move.

Shane lost his Rx benefits, was between doctors and needed insulin for his type 1 diabetes. Shane was waiting for his ACA status to be approved and was stretching out his insulin until he had enough money to pay for his insulin, and see a doctor to prescribe prescriptions.

Around the world people with diabetes are dying because they don’t have access to life saving insulin.

According to the New York Times, a lawsuit was filed in January accusing three makers of insulin of conspiring to drive up the prices of their lifesaving drugs, harming patients who were being asked to pay for a growing share of their drug bills.

The article states that the price of insulin has skyrocketed in recent years, with the three manufacturers — Sanofi, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly — raising the list prices of their products in near lock step, prompting outcry from patient groups and doctors who have pointed out that the rising prices appear to have little to do with increased production costs.

The lawsuit cites several examples of patients with diabetes who, unable to afford their insulin treatments, which can cost up to $900 a month, have resorted to injecting themselves with expired insulin or starving themselves to control their blood sugar. Some patients, the lawsuit said, intentionally allowed themselves to slip into diabetic ketoacidosis — a blood syndrome that can be fatal — to get insulin from hospital emergency rooms.

A recent study in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that the price of insulin nearly tripled from 2002 to 2013.

Given insulin’s history, and the fact that more than one company makes it, it might seem odd that prices have been going up so dramatically.

Researchers first figured out how to manufacture insulin in animal pancreases back in the 1920s so that it could be injected into people. The doctor who developed it, Dr. Frederick Banting, won a Nobel Prize for the discovery in 1923.

Since then, there have been some big changes. In the 1970s, scientists figured out how to use recombinant DNA to manufacture real human insulin, so that it no longer had to come from animals. But in drug years, that is old, and those insulins are still in use.

The most prescribed types of insulin are called analogues, which are slight variations of human insulin that aim to help diabetics’ bodies function more closely to how they would if they were able to produce the insulin themselves.

Drug companies have a history of marginally improving drugs and then charging higher prices for the new versions even if the extra benefit is small.

Join The American Diabetes Association and sign the petition to make insulin affordable. Advocate and call your lawmakers – your voice matters, so make use it and make noise!

LISTEN NOW: Tips for Managing Your Diabetes at Night on Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Gladys Knight & The Pips. Guests include Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’, Mary Ann Hodorowicz, RD, LDN, MBA, CDE, CEC, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, SleepyHead Central founder Tamara Sellman RPSGT, CCSH, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

04/03/2017

A Dazzling Array of ‘Wheelchairs with A Wow!’

Divabetic is committed to helping people living with diabetes health-related complications lead more independent, fuller lives. Don’t get down, Get Diva!

Amputation is a major complication of diabetes with the number of amputations caused by diabetes rising 24% from 1988 to 2009. The most common amputations in people with diabetes are the toes, feet, and lower legs.

Since Jazz legend, Ella Fitzgerald was a double-amputee who didn’t let her condition stop her from performing, we decided to take a ‘jazzy’ look at some of the newest trends in wheelchairs.

First up, a wheelchair that drives itself!

MIT researchers have managed to pack the same hardware of self-driving vehicles into a wheelchair according to Wired Magazine.

Equipped with three LiDAR sensors, the wheelchair works much like a self-driving car. Before going into service, someone manually drives it through a given area, and the sensors build a map details how wide the hallways are, where the pillars are, and so on. Once that’s set, the user selects where he or she wants to go by click on the map, and the chair gets going, using the sensors to look for “dynamic obstacles”—like people walking around, or that chair that wasn’t there earlier.

Unfortunately the MIT chair’s not quite ready for primetime. MIT researcher Daniela Rus and her team would like the wheelchair to work both indoors and outdoors, and to teach the system to make predictions, like where that person pushing the food cart is heading, and how best to avoid them.

The Lawrence Kwok Nimbl concept wheelchair design is easy on the eyes and is constructed with carbon-fiber. It is specially made for home use. It is user-friendly, highly adjustable and allows for a smooth ride.

Need help reaching the top shelf?

Researchers at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna have created an advanced prototype of a wheelchair that raises the user up to a standing position so they can have access to out-of-reach items. Plus it adapts allowing the wheelchair user to climb stairs and slopes easily.allows It also allows the user to have easy access to the toilet via a trap door.

Looking for something sleek and stylish?

02GEN futuristic concept wheelchair is designed to enrich the lifestyles of wheelchair users. The design concept merges the functionality of an electric wheelchair with a sleek modern design that encourages good sitting posture. The wheelchair user will be able to control the wheelchair easily as it adapts to the needs of the user.

Let’s not forget that back in 2013, Lady Gaga to turn a wheelchair into an accessory! Left with limited mobility after undergoing surgery on her hip, Golden Globe winning actress was never going to be limping around on scruffy old crutches. Instead she is using a 24k gold plated vehicle specially created for her by Ken Borochov of luxury brand Mordekai.

Her one of a kind chair comes with a black tufted calf leather seat, a removable leather canopy, vintage wheels, a padded leg rest and even gold-plated brakes.

Designer Borochov said in a statement that he created the ‘chariot’ in a week and took inspiration from a throne.

‘I certainly wasn’t expecting that phone call and have never done a wheelchair but am always up for a challenge and was thrilled to create it.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Ella Fitzgerald. Guests include the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN) Poet Lorraine Brooks, Ansley Dalbo, Best-Selling Author Anna J. Stewart, Leola and Cornelia,and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be playing songs from Columbia Jazz: Ella Fitzgerald’s Live album courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”

03/31/2017

What the ‘Golden Girls’ Can Teach You About Diabetes Self-Care

While the women exchange quips and get into fights, the overarching message of the show focuses on the importance of chosen family, and women supporting other women. Further, we see the women enjoying life after marriage.

Whether you identify with Blanche, Dorothy, Rose or Sophia, I think the ‘Golden Girls’ can help inspire you to improve your diabetes self-care. Over the years, I have hosted 3 podcasts loosely inspired by the ‘Golden Girls’ and a ‘Golden Girls’ inspired diabetes outreach program presented in Pittsburgh, PA, New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA.

Why?

Let’s face it managing diabetes for women like the ‘Golden Girls’ presents a variety of challenges, ranging from increased insulin resistance and weight gain to sexual health issues and depression. As you age, you may be most aware of your new gray hairs and wrinkles, but aging causes changes throughout the entire body.

It used to be said that having diabetes aged people an additional 20 years. Today, thanks to better tools for managing diabetes and preventing and treating its complications, people with diabetes have the opportunity to live longer than ever before.

However, managing diabetes in the golden years presents a variety of challenges, ranging from increased insulin resistance and weight gain to sexual health issues and depression.

LISTEN NOW: Mr. Divabetic takes a ’50 Shades of Gray’ approach to talking about diabetes and aging during this lively hour of diabetes education and empowerment.

My guests include Dr. Andrea Chisholm MD, FACOG, OB-GYN, “How To Fight FATflammation!”, Author Lori Shemek PhD, “The Secrets to Living and Loving With Diabetes” and “Sex and Diabetes” Janis Roszler, MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND 2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE), Humorist and Author “The Sweet Blessing: My Adventures in Diabetes” Trisha Porretti RN, BSN, CDE.

LISTEN: GOLDEN GIRLS podcast about ‘Diabetes & Food Choices’ as we Age. Guest, Jessica Issler, RD, CDE, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, offers the golden rules of diabetes care with a focus on food. Using the original Golden Girls – Blanche, Sophia, Rose and Dorothy – as inspiration, Jessica reviews healthy food options for a variety of palates (including cheesecake!) and shares advice on counting carbohydrates.

“I had to write ‘Golden Girls’…I’ve never gotten excited about a network idea before, but this was compelling. I could write grown-ups.” — Susan Harris, creator of ‘The Golden Girls,’ September 1985

LISTEN NOW: Studio d podcast on the Golden Rules of Style based on the ‘Golden Girls’ with Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP. Let the four iconic ‘Golden Girls’ characters inspire you to embrace your inner diva with the style! Catherine provides practical style advice to help you achieve a Glam More, Fear Less mindset in your diabetes life.

03/30/2017

Diabetes Mystery Update on: Gypsies, Tramps & Peas

After a shaking first rehearsal and numerous rewrites we’re gearing up for the second rehearsal of September’s Diabetes Mystery podcast entitled “Gypsies, Tramps and Peas”.

What I learned from the first rehearsal was that the dialogue needs to be punched up, scenes need to be edited, and several Coney Island character need to be developed. But, all in all, I was happy with the diabetes education tips and the mystery’s storyline.

Once again the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic (that’s me) finds himself mixed up in a murder mystery investigation when he arrives in Coney Island to attend the 35th Annual Mermaid Parade.

My character experiences a change of heart in the ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ storyline from past episodes. Believe it or not, Mr. Divabetic willfully decides to get involved in a murder investigation because it involved my high school swim coach, Ted Rockow.

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, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure. Healthy delicious recipes provided by Chef Robert Lewis and Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’. Plus our mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Don’t miss Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Lang Lang on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, 6- 7:30 PM. Guests include Grammy Award winning singer, Lisa Fischer, podiatrist Dr. Michele Summers Colon DPM, diabetes advocate Eugenia, Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach and Mama Rose Marie. TUNE IN

03/29/2017

Beauty & The Beast

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,

And that it was going to get her.

But with education her courage increased,

And she knew she was going to get better.

READ: ‘Beauty & The Beast’ by Lorraine Brooks in its entirety here

03/28/2017

Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show Coming in June

I’m thrilled to announce that I will be hosting A Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show with Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer and Author Debby Kay from Chilbrook Kennels, and certified diabetes educator Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE at Mosaic Central Farm Market on Sunday, June 4, 11 AM – 1 PM.

My interest in diabetes alert dogs has been steadily growing since I interviewed ‘Elle & Coach’ Author Mark Dagostino on Diabetes Late Nite several years ago.

Elle and Coach is the endearing true story of a Type-A mom struggling to care for a daughter who has Type 1 diabetes–and the incredible service dog who changes their lives for the better.

Dog expert, Debby Kay was also a guest on the show that night. Since then, Debby Kay has been working as a expert advisor on several of my Diabetes Mystery podcasts including ‘Suspect Boulevard’ and next year’s ‘Hedda Lettuce Horseman’. The main character, Marjorie Melbourne Blaze, in ‘Suspect Boulevard’ has a diabetes and dementia alert dog. Debby advised me on numerous issues regarding Marjorie’s dog including breed, identification and the different ways he or she can help their owner.

Our upcoming Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show will feature dogs of all breeds dressed to the nines followed by a Diabetic Alert Dogs presentation from Debby Kay and certified diabetes educator, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE.

Did you know Diabetes Alert Dogs are trained to alert owners with diabetes in advance of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events before they become dangerous? That way their handlers can take steps to return their blood sugar to normal such as using glucose sweets or taking insulin.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to teach your dog to sense your oncoming low blood sugars and actually alert you to them?

Renowned dog expert Debby Kay provides an overview of the basics of dog training and dog care and details how your dog can sense your blood sugars and respond in different ways depending on whether your blood sugar is high or low. Respected diabetes educator Kathy Gold shares information on treating hypoglycemia and/or high hyperglycemia for people living with diabetes.

Mosaic Central Farm Market opened in the heart of the vibrant Mosaic District in Fairfax, Virginia. The market features over 60 vendors during the April-December season.

Mosaic Central Farm Market

2910 District Avenue

Fairfax, VA 22031

LISTEN NOW: Author Mark Dagostino guests on Diabetes Late Nite inspired by the Isley Brothers. Professional Animal Trainer, Debby Kay, who specializes in scent detection work with dogs talks about the power of the human-animal connection along with Terri Seidman and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected songs from The Isley Brothers: The RCA Victor and T-Neck Album Masters (1959-1983), a monumental 23-disc box set collection chronicling the sonic evolution and abiding achievements of the unprecedented R&B ensemble courtesy of SONY MUSIC. This box set follows The Isley Brothers through their transformation from a 1950’s doo-wop/gospel vocal group into the world’s preeminent R&B rock ‘n’ soul powerhouse party band.

03/27/201703/27/2017

Amazing Socks Can Detect Foot Injuries Early to Avoid Ulcers

Siren Care, located in San Francisco, has created digital Smart Socks to help with early detection of diabetic foot ulcers.

Smart Socks are made with smart textiles that can detect changes in temperature in different areas of the foot that could indicate that a potential problem.

Skin inflammation is accompanied by temperature rise and potentially is a life-threatening foot ulcer. Siren Smart Socks monitor foot temperature to catch injuries early before they turn into an ulcer.

The makers embed electronics directly inside of yarn to create smart textiles that are flexible, washable, and seamless; and, importantly, can be produced on standard weaving machines. By incorporating an integrated human touch sensor into the socks, they can know when you put them on. They turn themselves on and then search for your phone to begin monitoring your feet via the Siren app. When an injury occurs, the body mounts an inflammatory response that generates heat. By scanning the feet for hot or warm spots, injuries can be detected early in people with neuropathy who are unable to feel pain.

The Siren Smart Socks have undergone informal clinical testing at University of California, San Francisco, and the company is in the process of conducting a small, 30-patient trial right now.

Siren Smart Socks will be shipped starting in mid-2017! They are available for pre-order at www.siren.care.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by the diabetes life and music of Ella Fitzgerald. Guests include Ansley Dalbo, Susan Weiner MS, CDN, RD, CDE, Mama Rose Marie, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach and Poet Lorraine Brooks.

03/25/2017

Not All Calories Are Created Equal

“A calorie is a calorie IS a calorie,” they say … but is it true?

No.

The truth is that the way the body breaks down carbohydrates, protein and fat, the three main sources of calories in our diet (four if you count alcohol), and the effect they have on our bodies differ vastly.

So your body knows whether you eat a 100 calories of candy or broccoli because different foods go through different biochemical pathways, some of which are inefficient and cause energy (calories) to be lost as heat.

Even more important is the fact that different foods and macronutrients have a major effect on the hormones and brain centers that control hunger and eating behavior.

For example, fats slow digestion, deliver important fat-soluble vitamins to the body, and provide important building blocks for every one of our cells.

Protein also keeps us feeling fuller for longer by slowing digestion, but its primary role in the body is to maintain and build new cells.

Our bodies use the different types of carbohydrates (such as fiber, starch and sugar) in very different ways. Fiber is considered a high-quality carbohydrate since it slows digestion (thus making you feel fuller, longer) and can moderate the absorption of other nutrients, like sugar.

A few years ago Weight Watchers eliminated the company’s popular “Points” system, which encouraged dieters to lose weight by eating any foods as long as they kept the portions small for this very reason.

David Kirchhoff, President and CEO of Weight Watchers International, explains their decision to change their hallmark system, ”we needed a program that recognized that calories are most definitely not created equal.

The new system tries to encourage dieters to consume more natural, less processed food.

“You’re not going to get healthier, even if you manage to shed pounds, by eating fewer cookies than you did before. If you really want to lose weight and improve your health, then you must replace empty calories and denatured foods with nutrients!,” says Kirchhoff.

As you can see, a calorie of carbohydrate is not the same as a calorie from fat or protein, nor are all carbohydrate calories created equal.

03/24/2017

Double Chocolate RICOTTA CRÈME by ‘The Decadent Diabetic’

It was a thrill to welcome Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’ as a first-time guest to our free monthly podcast, Diabetes Late Nite this past February.

Like me, he’s determined to show the world that you can lead a ‘glamorous and delicious’ life with diabetes without jeopardizing your health.

I think we’re both passionate diabetes advocates because of we share similar family histories of diabetes and have seen many of our loved ones suffer from diabetes health-related complications.

“My family has a sad history of diabetes. My father was dead by the time he was 67 from complications of the disease. Two of his sisters have had amputations,” says Ward Alper. “Both my brother and sister were diabetic, and died in part because of not taking care of the disease.”

For me, my former boss, Luther Vandross’s stroke related to type 2 diabetes became the catalyst for my desire to create diabetes education with dazzle.

Together Chef Ward and I would like to inspire you to manage diabetes and still eat decadently.

After all, “a diagnosis of diabetes doesn’t have to mean the end of great eating!”, says the Decadent Diabetic.

Double Chocolate RICOTTA CRÈME by ‘The Decadent Diabetic’

“Before you begin keep in mind that this recipe MUST be made in a food processor or it will be grainy. It will still taste good but the texture will be off,” says Chef Ward Alper.

Note: It takes less time to make the dessert than to clean the machine you make it in.

Make ahead

Ingredients

¾ cup GRANULATED SUGAR SUBSTITUTE

1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1-15 oz. container of ricotta cheese

1 Tablespoon UNSWEETENED HERSHEY’S SPECIAL DARK Cocoa Powder

1 tablespoon Coffee Flavored liquor, Bourbon, or Brandy (you can substitute orange juice or strong dark coffee)

1 Squares PERUGINA Bittersweet chocolate

Toasted, sliced almonds for topping (optional)

Lightly sweetened Raspberries or strawberries (3-5 per plating) (Optional)

Directions

Place GRANULATED SUGAR SUBSTITUTE in the bowl of a food processor. Cut vanilla bean open and scrape seeds into the granulated sugar substitute. Run the processor to make vanilla sugar. (If using vanilla extract you can skip this Step). Add the cocoa powder. Process 30 seconds or so. Add the ricotta cheese and process for two minutes. Scrape down the sides and process for 1-2 minutes more. Add the liquor or coffee or zest and process until blended.

As an extra treat to the palate and the tongue, finely chop (almost pulverize) the squares of Chocolate and fold into the crème. Spoon the mixture into 1 cup white ramekins (for the kids) or Martini or wine glasses. cover and refrigerate 2-4 hours or more.

Top with very lightly sweetened raspberries or strawberries soaked in 1 tablespoon of Trop 50.

2-servings

12 grams carbohydrate

The GOAL of the Decadent Diabetic website is to help people with Diabetes transform what we can or should eat, into what we WANT to eat!

Are you afraid to dress up while you’re cooking? You might even like the idea of an apron, but you’re always halfway through cooking dinner before you remember you wanted to put one on. And you really do want to put one on: Aprons protect your clothes, have pockets to keep utensils handy, and make you look adorable!

Check out Cuisine Couture Apron, $32 at Anthropologie: We want our aprons to be functional, of course, but why can’t they be fashionable, too? This option is both — it looks more like a dress you’d actually wear out in public instead of something you throw on while you’re making chicken cacciatore.

LISTEN NOW: February’s Diabetes Late Nite inspired by George Michael featuring Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’, ‘Rich In Love’ fashion blogger Doris Hobbs, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie

Learning to accept yourself for who you are is the most important step to self-love. Stop comparing yourself to others and learn to embrace the person you are.