Divabetic – Page 132 – Wellness with a Wow

11/17/2016

Weekly Wow: Glaucoma Quiz

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic enjoys making learning about diabetes fun and entertaining!

Test your Diabetes IQ with our weekly wow challenge questions. This week we’re talking about eye care and diabetes.

Did you know that a common complication of diabetes is diabetic eye disease? Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of sight-threatening eye problems that people with diabetes may develop.

Glaucoma is one of these diseases.

People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma as are non-diabetics, although some current research is beginning to call this into question. Similarly, the likelihood of someone with open-angle glaucoma developing diabetes is higher than that of a person without the eye disease.

Neovascular glaucoma, a rare type of glaucoma, is always associated with other abnormalities, diabetes being the most common. In some cases of diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels on the retina are damaged. The retina manufactures new, abnormal blood vessels.

Neovascular glaucoma can occur if these new blood vessels grow on the iris (the colored part of the eye), closing off the fluid flow in the eye and raising the eye pressure. Neovascular glaucoma is a difficult disease to treat. One option is laser surgery to reduce abnormal blood vessels on the iris and on the retinal surface. Recent studies have also shown some success with the use of drainage implants.

Since eye complications are common with diabetes, it is very important that people with diabetes get their eyes examined on a regular basis. The National Eye Institute recommends that people with diabetes get a dilated eye exam at least once a year.

ANSWER: True. The early stages of open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, usually have no warning signs. However, as the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma may notice his or her side vision gradually failing

LISTEN NOW: Play December’s INSTANT WINNER challenge and win a ‘mySugr giveaway on Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Leona Lewis hosted by Mr. Divabetic. mySugr is a diabetes management company that aims to make life with diabetes suck less. The mySugr is a smart diabetes companion that’s there for you anytime, anywhere and for free. Face the challenges of diabetes with confidence!

11/16/201611/16/2016

Pushing Past the ‘Shame’ Associated with Diabetes

‘What did you do?’

‘You must have eaten something bad!’

These types of condescending and mean-spirited comments are common from family members of people living with diabetes who are experiencing high blood sugar values. From blame to shame, overcoming the stigma of living with diabetes seems to be the biggest roadblock to living well with diabetes. Not only must someone with diabetes cope with the stress of day to day self-care management, they also must contend with the stigma of having a condition that even doctors don’t really understand.

For example, most people with diabetes know that high blood sugars aren’t just a result of what’s on the end of your fork. You can experience high blood sugar values because of a urinary tract infection, or depression, or from a fight with a spouse or children or anxiety over not being able to pay your rent.

A 2014 poll for the diaTribe Foundation reports that most people people with diabetes feel stigmatized by the condition regardless of its origins. And the burden of shame makes it harder to handle the ongoing diabetes self-management required to stay healthy and avoid complications.

“Many people not only feel stigmatized by the disease, but see their diabetes as a character flaw,” says Susan Guzman, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute.

“We try to make people understand that they may have contributed to their diagnosis, but it is not all their doing,” says Divabetic Club – Philly leader, Neva White DNP, CRNP- BC, CDE, as reported in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

“We talk about how we need to rethink having diabetes. How can I use this new information as a catalyst not only to change my lifestyle but maybe to change other things?,” she adds.

“I tell people that your numbers are your power and that they help you make your next move,” says Neva White.

“When you don’t take your blood sugars, it’s like driving a car and not knowing how fast you’re going. You can use the number to see what it is after you go to the gym, not only when you ate chocolate cake.”

What’s behind the number on your glucose meter?

“There are so many variables: stress, financial problems, poor access to health care, inability to pay for medications, someone who is forgetful or not organized, depression and mental illness,” says Susan Guzman, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute reports the Philadelphia Inquirer.

REGISTER NOW: Divabetic Club in Philadelphia, PA. Our next meeting is Thursday, December 15, 2016, 12 PM -1 PM.

LISTEN NOW: November’s Diabetes Late Nite hosted by Mr. Divabetic. We’re talking about overcoming the shame and blame of experiencing a diabetes health-related complication such as lower limb amputation with musical inspiration from Ella Fitzgerald.

11/14/2016

Diabetes What To Know on November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast

November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Ella Fitzgerald features Ansley Dalbo is the Founder and CEO of ‘Diabetes What To Know.’

Diabetes- What To Know is a simple way to learn how to be healthy with diabetes. Currently, she primarily works with diabetes companies on new product launches into the retail pharmacy space, as well as brand enhancement and expansion. Two years ago, Ansley and her husband began developing a website where newly diagnosed type 2 patients and their families could learn the basics about diabetes through an easy-to-use video-based email program.

When you sign up, you’ll get a couple of short emails each week to help you manage your diabetes- what to eat, how to control your blood sugar, how your medications work and how to prevent complications. All it takes is a minute a day!Ansley Dalbo has worked in the diabetes industry for the thirteen years, including eleven years consulting with Walmart Pharmacy while building and sustaining their private label brand, ReliOn (www.ReliOn.com).

Abbott Diabetes Care makes our ReliOn Ultima meter and Arkray makes our ReliOn Confirm, ReliOn micro and ReliOn Prime systems.

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

11/11/2016

How Much Sugar is in Dunkin’ Donuts Vanilla Coffee Creamer?

Everyday I see health headlines warning us about the hazardous heart risks associated with eating too much added sugar. But added sugar seems to be everywhere even in places you don’t expect it! And in some cases there’s even more added sugar in your favorite products than you could imagined.

I spyed added sugar in Dunkin’ Donuts Vanilla flavored coffee creamer. The nutritional label states that a 32 fl oz bottle contains 63 single servings. There are 6 grams of sugar in each serving which means the entire bottle contains 94.5 teaspoons of sugar.

Although no one would probably pour the whole bottle of Coffee Creamer into their coffee, I think it’s safe to say that many of us consume more sugar than we realize. It’s important to be aware of how much sugar you consume because our bodies don’t need sugar to function properly. Added sugars contribute zero nutrients but many added calories that can lead to extra pounds or even obesity, thereby reducing heart health.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting the amount of added sugars you consume to no more than half of your daily discretionary calories allowance. For most American women, that’s no more than 100 calories per day, or about 6 teaspoons of sugar. For men, it’s 150 calories per day, or about 9 teaspoons.

Keep in mind, sugars in your diet can be naturally occurring or added. Naturally occurring sugars are found naturally in foods such as fruit (fructose) and milk (lactose). Added sugars are sugars and syrups put in foods during preparation or processing, or added at the table.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Game Show podcast hosted by Mr. Divabetic. We’re playing diabetes educational games and giving away prize packages courtesy of Dr. Greenfield’s Diabetic Foot, Hand & Body Creams.

11/10/2016

Glam More Fear Less Fashion Show hosted by Catherine Schuller

The fabulous Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP shows that ‘beauty has no size’ with our annual ‘GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS’ fashion show at the upcoming ‘Victory Over Diabetes’ outreach event scheduled for Saturday, November 12, 2016, 11 AM – 3 PM.

Catherine Schuller has been at the center of plus size fashion industry for decades. She was a plus size model for Ford, and an editor at plus size magazine Mode.

I met Catherine at the Ms. Full Figured Beauty pageant in New York City ten years ago and we have been working together ever since to change attitudes to help women live well with diabetes.

Catherine’s not only an incredible pioneer in fashion industry she’s also making strides in women’s health advocacy.

Catherine Schuller had a stroke in November 201o right before our “Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes” outreach event at Riverside Church in New York City.

“I was left immobile on my right side but only for a few weeks (long enough!) and I had an extended month long stay in the hospital recuperating and had to learn to use my right side again,” says Catherine. “The reason it happened was congenital…seems I was a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. I had a hole in my heart, a flap that didn’t close at birth and a clotting gene factor which all functioned to do me in on that fateful day. Between the hole, the flap and the clot…geez, it was like I won the clottery!!! But, hey, its not what happens to you, its your attitude towards it. I cut my losses and got myself to the emergency room that morning a.s.a.p.”

“I have made it my life’s work to give back to the cause of women’s heart issues,” she adds. “Women are 30% more likely to not pay attention to their symptoms could this be a function of them not appreciating their own worth or putting themselves second or, thinking that symptoms will pass, that they aren’t important. I say, Denial’s Not My Style!”

Divabetic – Victory Over Diabetes is our biggest diabetes outreach event of the year on Saturday, November 12, 2016, 11 AM – 3 PM at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA . The annual event hosted by Mr. Divabetic celebrates the fellowship of the Divabetic Club – Philadelphia, PA during National Diabetes Awareness month. Our goal is to comfort, connect and cheer on the members of the Divabetic Club and their loved ones for having a take charge attitude about their diabetes. Come enjoy a keynote address from Author Carol B. Polis (The first Woman Professional Boxing Judge), a live cooking demonstration with Katie Carvuto RD and a GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS Fashion show hosted by Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, free lunch, games and prizes. FREE ADMISSION. Register Now: 1-800-JEFF-NOW

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Game Show podcast with great prize giveaways courtesy of Dr. Greenfield’s Diabetic Foot, Hand & Body Creams. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic

11/08/2016

Weekly Wow: Nutrition Labels

I want to make learning about diabetes fun! That’s why I play games and give away great prizes to help you stay happy and healthy on my monthly podcast, Diabetes Late Nite.

You can be an INSTANT WINNER on our November Diabetes Late podcast scheduled for Tuesday, November 8, 2016, 6 -7 PM, EST. Correctly answer the question below on Divabetic’s FB page and you could win our Prize Giveaways.

The “iconic” look of the nutritional label remains, but we are making important updates to ensure consumers have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about the foods they eat.

ANSWER: These changes include increasing the type size for “Calories,” “servings per container,” and the “Serving size” declaration, and bolding the number of calories and the “Serving size” declaration to highlight this information.

By law, serving sizes must be based on amounts of foods and beverages that people are actually eating, not what they should be eating. How much people eat and drink has changed since the previous serving size requirements were published in 1993. The reference amount used to set a serving of soda is changing from 8 ounces to 12 ounces.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Ella Fitzgerald. Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDN, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

11/07/2016

Carol B. Polis shares her ‘Fighting Spirit’ at ‘Victory Over Diabetes’ outreach event

This year’s keynote speaker will be Carol B. Polis at our upcoming Divabetic – Victory Over Diabetes outreach event of the year on Saturday, November 12, 2016, 11 AM – 3 PM at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA .

Carol B. Polis is the first female professional boxing judge in the world! She was appointed by the then governor of Pennsylvania, Milton Shapp, on February 1st, 1973. Since then, she has gone on to achieve many accomplishments. To date, she has judged title fights throughout the world. She also appeared on the TV show “What’s My Line?” and twice on “To Tell The Truth.” She even made an appearance in “Rocky V” as one of the Judges. She has finished her book with help from her co-author, Rich Herschlag, titled “The Lady is a Champ.”

Carol Polis’s life is one of personal triumph against long odds. Having officiated 27 title fights plus two high-profile non-title heavyweight fights with Mike Tyson and Larry Holmes, Polis, a single parent and recent cancer survivor, has an amazing, historically significant story to tell.

The 1970s were a time of great upheaval for women. There was Roe v. Wade and the Equal Rights Amendment. There were Gloria Steinem, Billie Jean King, Golda Meir, and Carol Polis. In 1971, Carol Polis married a part-time professional boxing referee. Within two years, she went from being a squeamish spectator to a professional boxing judge-the first woman ever to do so. As luck would have it, not only was this period the golden age of women’s rights, it was also the golden age of boxing. Carol Polis had a ringside seat for all of it. Sometimes she was the main event. From cutting her teeth on three-round undercard fights at the gritty Blue Horizon in Philadelphia to finding herself at the center of a riot at Madison Square Garden; from being schooled in Joe Frazier’s sweat drenched gym on North Broad Street to officiating in a Don King tournament and being investigated by the FBI; from following the careers of local fighters like Boogaloo Watts and Willie “the Worm” Monroe to becoming a personal guest of Muhammad Ali; from speaking at the nearby Rotary Club to appearing as a contestant on What’s My Line and To Tell the Truth, five-foot-one, 115-pound Carol Polis, for better or for worse, was treated as an ambassador for all women, a novelty, and even a misfit. Polis was bound by none of these labels. First and foremost, Carol Polis was a mom. When her marriage breaks up in 1977, Polis’s life becomes more a matter of survival than knockouts. It is while keeping a roof over her kids’ heads and later raising her grandson that Polis earns her heavyweight belt.

Divabetic – Victory Over Diabetes is our biggest diabetes outreach event of the year on Saturday, November 12, 2016, 11 AM – 3 PM at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA . This free event hosted by Mr. Divabetic celebrates the fellowship of the Divabetic Club – Philadelphia, PA during National Diabetes Awareness month in November. Our goal is to comfort, connect and cheer on the members of the Divabetic Club and their loved ones for having a take charge attitude about their diabetes. Come enjoy a keynote address from Author Carol B. Polis (The first Woman Professional Boxing Judge), a live cooking demonstration with Katie Cavuto RD, a praise dance performance, a GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS Fashion show hosted by Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, free lunch, games and prizes. FREE ADMISSION. Register Now: 1-800-JEFF-NOW

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Game Show podcast with great prize giveaways courtesy of Dr. Greenfield’s Diabetic Foot, Hand & Body Creams. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic

11/06/2016

Katie Cavuto RD Presents a Live Cooking Demonstration at ‘Victory Over Diabetes’

Katie Cavuto RD joins us for our Divabetic – Victory Over Diabetes outreach event on Saturday, November 12, 2016, 11 AM – 3 PM at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA

TV lovers will recognize Katie as a finalist on Season 5 of “The Next Food Network Star”. She’s also been the dietitian for the Philadelphia Phillies since 2009, worked with the Philadelphia Flyers for over two seasons and is the nutrition advisor for Unite for HER, an organization that educates and empowers woman with breast cancer.

“My food philosophy is rooted in the fact that nutrition and wellness messages are not one-size-fits all. I celebrate whole foods, and our need for simplicity in messages and in life,”says Katie.

Divabetic – Victory Over Diabetes is Divabetic’s biggest diabetes outreach event of the year on Saturday, November 12, 2016, 11 AM – 3 PM at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA . This free event hosted by Mr. Divabetic celebrates the fellowship of the Divabetic Club – Philadelphia, PA during National Diabetes Awareness month. Our goal is to comfort, connect and cheer on the members of the Divabetic Club and their loved ones for having a take charge attitude about their diabetes. Come enjoy a keynote address from Author Carol B. Polis (The first Woman Professional Boxing Judge), a live cooking demonstration with Katie Cavuto RD, a praise dance performance, a GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS Fashion show hosted by Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, free lunch, games and prizes. FREE ADMISSION. Register Now: 1-800-JEFF-NOW

The Divabetic Club is sponsored by Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and the American Diabetes Association (Philadelphia Chapter).

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Game Show podcast with great prize giveaways courtesy of Dr. Greenfield’s Diabetic Foot, Hand & Body Creams. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic

11/05/201611/06/2016

Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance Tips from Author Anna J. Stewart

National & USA Today Bestselling Author of Sweet to Sexy Pulse-Pounding Romance, Anna J. Stewart guests on November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Ella Fitzgerald scheduled for Tuesday, November 8, 2016, 6 PM, EST. This accomplished author is also an incredible diabetes advocate who has helped Author Brenda Novak with her successful diabetes online auction for several years.

This year, Anna contributed her novella, ‘Gingerbread Dreams’ to Brenda’s latest “digital box set for a cure,” ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS. This contemporary romance collection of stories featuring Brenda’s own Rita-nominated novella “A Dundee Christmas” as well as stories by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber and romance favorites Bella Andre, Melody Anne, Violet Duke, Marie Force, Heather Graham, Laurelin Paige & Kayti McGee, Jane Porter, Melanie Shawn, RaeAnne Thayne, Melinda Curtis, Anna J. Stewart and Scarlett York. The set sells for only $9.99 (less than $1/story) and is up for pre-order now wherever e-books are sold. The box will be released November 1st and will only be available through December 31s

In the spirit of National Diabetes Awareness month, I asked Anna to share some of her ‘Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance’ tips to help you add some sparkle to the holidays. Enjoy:

One of the things I enjoy most about the holiday season is the cold, quiet weather. If there’s rain pounding against the window, that’s nice, too. I live in California, so I don’t get a white Christmas. I try to set aside at least an hour each evening, once the sun has set. I turn off all the electrical “stuff”, turn on the tree lights, candles, and simply sit and immerse myself in the peace. It’s a kind of recharge for me and a reminder of what the season is truly about. Doing it together makes it even more special.

Put the focus on your significant other. There really is something to be said for setting yourself aside and paying attention to what your partner needs. Their favorite songs, their favorite holiday movies, their family holiday traditions if you haven’t created new ones of your own yet. This is also a perfect time to pull out all those holiday albums and pictures, reminiscence and remember those who aren’t with you any longer. Celebrate them.

It really is the little things. A love note here and there, a moment where you take to simply hold someone, hug someone, whisper in their ear. Again, those quiet moments can mean so much and small gestures of your affection and love can have lasting effects. There’s so much more to intimacy than simply the physical act of love. Talking about those early times together, when everything, including that rush of attraction, was so new and exciting. Moments like these can help bring them back to the surface.

BUY: All I Want For Christmas (14 Novellas benefiting Diabetes Research) box set benefiting diabetes research

LISTEN NOW: November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Ella Fitzgerald. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic. Guests include Author Anna Stewart, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDN, CDE, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks. “Laugh a little, Learn a lot!”

11/04/201611/05/2016

Oatmeal Cookies by the Diabetic Pastry Chef

The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Stacey Harris’s recipes are featured in this year’s Diabetes Mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” . Our carb counting caper also features Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach and Lorraine Brooks.

Millions of people with, at risk and affected by diabetes read mystery paperbacks and there’s a huge collection of books featuring super indulgent recipes that really bug me. I think it’s high-time someone wrote a mystery featuring healthy and delicious recipes so I asked Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef to contribute some recipes for this year’s diabetes mystery podcast.

Type 2 diabetes doesn’t stop Stacey Harris. From her tasty treats to her outlook on life, this pastry chef keeps things as sweet as can be! Her flavor combinations and attention to detail make Stacey’s treats so craveable, while her soft voice and gentle smile make this pastry chef just so lovable reports Diabetic Living magazine.

Oatmeal Cookies by the Diabetic Pastry Chef Stacey Harris

Ingredients

1 cup raisins

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 eggs, well beaten

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

2/3 cup white whole wheat flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp baking soda

2 cups oats

¾ cup pecans, chopped

1 cup butter or canola butter

2 cups Whey Low D Granular, sifted

1 tbsp. molasses

Directions:

Combine and let stand the raisins, vanilla and eggs.

In separate bowl, sift together the flours, salt, cinnamon and baking soda. Add the oats and pecans.

In mixer bowl, cream together the Whey Low, butter and molasses. Alternately add the egg mixture and the flour mixture to the butter mixture, and beat until incorporated. Drop by tablespoons onto greased baking sheets and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Yield: 22 cookies. Glaze with powdered sugar glaze and pecan halves if desired.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Game Show podcast hosted by Mr. Divabetic. Guests include Dr. Stanley Greenfield PhD and Carlos from the ‘Diabetes What To Know’ website.