Divabetic – Page 134 – Wellness with a Wow

09/05/201609/15/2016

Suspect Boulevard with Lorraine Brooks

Poet Lorraine Brooks returns in the role of ‘The Narrator’ in this year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

Lorraine’s part as ‘The Narrator’ is pivotal in our mystery podcast because she guides the listeners through the madcap adventures and helps to reinforce key messages in diabetes self-care.

Although Lorraine’s been a Diabetes late Nite cast member for over three years, time has not diminished my appreciation or gratitude for her work. She helps personalize our monthly podcast themes with insightful, thoughtful and funny commentary about her diabetes life.

Lorraine Brooks’ Riding the Wave” book of poetry is an undeniable reason for women to celebrate. Lorraine Brooks takes an earthy, often wildly comic and unembarrassed look at life’s frailties; from natural disasters to lusty encounters. Her words denote a simple bravery of style. BUY NOW

DON’T MISS: Suspect Boulevard on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST. Our third annual Diabetes Mystery Theater Podcast, ‘Suspect Boulevard’ revolves around dogs, dementia, diamonds and diabetes. This special mystery theater production is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s film, Sunset Boulevard. Guests include: 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, ‘Good Like This’ Author Peter Arpesella and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

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09/04/201609/15/2016

Suspect Boulevard with Asha Brown

Diabetes Advocate and ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder and executive director, Asha Brown plays the character, ‘Primrose Crump’ in this year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

It was such an honor to work with Asha on last year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “Phantom of the Okra”that I begged her to return again this year! Her passion for diabetes advocacy inspires me to GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS!

Asha was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 5 years old. Throughout her childhood, diabetes was simply a way of life because her father had type 1 most of his life as well. She didn’t mind being a little different than her friends and never had a problem explaining type 1 diabetes to anyone who had questions. In fact, diabetes never created an obstacle in Asha’s life until she was old enough to understand that her weight and body size were not completely under her own control. As a dancer, actress and a fitness instructor by the time she was 17, Asha lived for movement and her body’s ability to feel good in its own skin. After reading many articles and books that gave a daunting account of weight gain associated with insulin resistance and diabetes, Asha felt the first stirring of resentment towards a disease she felt was dooming her to an inability to have the physical strength and shape that she knew she deserved and could achieve. And so she started to omit insulin occasionally when it was “necessary” to get things done.

The obsession with maintaining a healthy size and weight while coping with multiple autoimmune disorders (hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as type 1 diabetes) became a full-time job for Asha during high school and college. The lack of support for type 1 diabetics was also disheartening as most of the information discussed in the media dealt with type 2 diabetes. Asha began to omit insulin for the purpose of weight control. She also started to rely on the numbing effect of ommission to drown out the daily anxieties that people with chronic illness often battle against. She felt it was a cruel joke to have such a passion for dance and performing and to have to constantly “take it easy” due to her low blood sugars, or worry that she would have one when she was on stage. Skipping her insulin shots, or taking less than required to cover a meal, became second nature to her, and for years she struggled with the cycles of omitting insulin, binging, restricting and swearing never to do it again.

Asha wrestled, off and on, with symptoms of diabulimia beginning in her sophomore year of high school, but it began to truly take over her life in her freshman year of college. By then, it dramatically affected every single choice she made in her life, her relationships and her daily routines. The effort to keep her eating disorder a secret became all-encompassing. It wasn’t until she met the love of her life and was married that she began to consider the idea of seeking treatment for her eating disorder. For years, Asha continued to tell herself that she would stop her dangerous secretive behaviors once she was at her perfect weight. The problem with that, of course, is that there’s no such thing as a perfect weight or a perfect body — and, therefore, no end in sight. Asha soon realized she had no idea how to live without her eating disorder. And she knew she could never be the wife and life partner to her wonderful husband or truly follow her dreams of performing until she let go of her destructive behaviors.

Asha took her first step towards living fully in her life again when she had an initial assessment made at the Park Nicollet Melrose Center in 2009. She was strongly encouraged to check into the inpatient treatment program that very day due to the severity and danger of her out-of-control diabetes. And with that, she surrendered. She went through a year of treatment, starting with two weeks of inpatient care and then moving to weekly outpatient appointments, and finally monthly. Along with the wonderful support she received from the staff at the Melrose Center, she realized how supportive her family and friends could be once she finally shared her difficulties with them. Her life began to churn once again with passion, discovery and joy.

Asha’s life today is new and very different after finally coming to terms with her disorder. She is no longer imprisoned by the numbers on the scale or the fear of food. After receiving treatment, she returned to teaching yoga, a passion she had enjoyed years ago before her diabulimia took top priority. She performs often in theaters in the Minneapolis area, and delights in exploring and cooking new recipes and foods. She lives very happily with her beloved husband who has been her grounding source of support and continues to give her the courage to fight the odds associated with her type 1 diabetes, her recovery, and reminds her of so many reasons to never give up.

Asha works with families, patients, and health professionals across the USA. She uses her personal experiences with ED-DMT1 to offer hope and support to those still struggling. She also establishes relationships with eating disorder facilities and diabetes organizations across the county to help connect people to appropriate care. Asha has presented at NEDA, AADE, and JDRF, among others. She writes for Diabetes Health, Diabetes Daily, Glu, Insulin Nation, dlife, DiabetesMine, and other websites. She was a member of the ADA Woman and Diabetes Subcommittee and is a member of Diabetes Advocates and BEDA.

We Are Diabetes is an organization primarily devoted to promoting support and awareness for type 1 diabetics who suffer from eating disorders. We are dedicated to providing guidance, hope and resources to those who may be struggling, as well as to their families and loved ones.

We Are Diabetes also advocates for living well and living strong with type 1 diabetes. The daily challenges of living with this disease, as well as the emotional and financial toll it takes, can oftentimes result in a sense of defeat or isolation. We help those who feel alone in their chronic illness find hope and courage to live healthy, happy lives!

Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

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09/03/201609/10/2016

Luther Vandross Tribute Brunch

This year marks the 35th Anniversary of Luther Vandross’s debut album, “Never Too Much.” Please join us for a special celebration, “Luther Vandross Tribute Brunch” at Toshi’s Living Room at 1141 at 26th Street,New York, NY on Saturday, October 15, 2016, 10 – 5 PM.

Enjoy Luther Trivia, Prize Giveaways courtesy of SONY Music, Drink Specials and more! Plus, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP presents an 1980’s Fashion Show.

Why Divabetic is celebrating this epic release?

In late 1980 Luther Vandross began shopping his songs around several record company executives including then-senior vice president of CBS Records Larkin Arnold and record executive Jerome Gasper who jumped at the opportunity to sign him to the subsidiary label, Epic Records, after hearing one song from a two-song demo tape Vandross saved his money to record. That song was “Never Too Much.” The gamble was over and all bets were off—a legend was on the cusp of being born. Luther Vandross, the solo extraordinaire, had finally arrived. He was thirty years old.

Luther’s 1981 debut album Never Too Much, captures his musical vision, weaving lush tapestries of soul, funk, post-disco, and jazz influences to create a subtle modern soul edge that would go on to become not only Vandross’ signature sound, but the defining sound of adult contemporary soul.

We are asking for a $5.00 donation at the door to go towards our ongoing efforts in diabetes education and empowerment programming.

Divabetic® was inspired by the late R & B legend, Luther Vandross, and created and founded by his long-time assistant, Max Szadek. ‘Divabetic’, a combination of the word ‘diabetic’ and the letter ‘V’ for Vandross, evokes feelings of power and positive attitude associated with the great DIVAS Luther loved like Ms. Patti LaBelle.

Divabetic® encourages every woman affected by diabetes to take on a diva’s bold sassy personae and posture to help improve the quality of her life. We believe, if we empower the DIVA within you to manage your diabetes properly, you will strive to live life at your best. You may even feel glamorous!

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09/02/201609/15/2016

Suspect Boulevard with Tonya Kappes

USA Today bestselling author, Tonya Kappes returns for another madcap diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

“I never knew meeting Max Szadek in NYC while at Book Expo of America, it would turn into an acting gig,” says Tonya.

Three years ago, I introduced myself to Tonya at the Book Expo. At the time I was networking to meet Romance Writers to participate on our ongoing series of ‘Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance’ podcasts to raise awareness for sexual dysfunction in the diabetes community. When Tonya told me that she was a mystery author I was initially stumped on how we might be able to work together. A few days later, I had an idea to create a mystery theater podcast. Since I’m not a mystery writer or even a writer I called Tonya and asked her if she would coach me throughout the writing process.

“My father is diabetic so it was a no brainer to help spread the word about diabetes and how to GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS!!,” says Tonya.

Two years later and I’m still shocked and delighted that she said ‘yes’. Not only did Tonya help me with my mystery script she also agreed to play herself on our first diabetes mystery podcast she has also readily agreed to return again (for last year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “The Phantom of the Okra”)and again ( for this year’s diabetes mystery podcast,“Suspect Boulevard”).

I am forever grateful to Tonya for making the time to help me educate people about diabetes and diabetes self-care in a new and interesting way. I appreciate the way she guided and mentored me throughout the writing process. Her enthusiasm and kindness gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and try something new; mystery writing.

Learn more about Tonya Kappes:

For years, USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes has been publishing numerous mystery and romance titles with unprecedented success. She is famous not only for her hilarious plot lines and quirky characters, but her tremendous marketing efforts that have earned her thousands of followers and a devoted street team of fans.

“I want to transport my readers to my small towns where they are wrapped around in a blanket of comfort whether it’s a mystery or romance,” says Tonya. “When you read one of my books my goal is to tickle your funny bone, drain your tear ducts, and steal your heart.

PINKK.001 — Diabetes Late Nite Mystery Radio

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Mystery Theater inspired by the Pink Panther. Show synopsis: When a murder takes place in the Divabetic studios the primary suspect becomes the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic. Our fruit suit clad amateur sleuth sets out to prove his innocence with the help of USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes. As they try to solve the crime, Mr. Divabetic and the Diabetes Late Nite cast discover the harmful side effects of dietary supplements for people with diabetes.

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09/01/201609/15/2016

Diabetes Games: Sodium Shocker

While most people already know it’s best to steer clear of high-salt foods like movie-theater popcorn and French fries, you also need to be on the lookout for less obvious foods that are loaded with sodium.

Which one of these foods contains the most amount of sodium:

A.) Hot Dogs

B.) Corn flakes (one cup)

C. Soy Sauce (one tablespoon)

Answer: SOY SAUCE. One cup of cornflakes can have more than 200 mg of sodium per serving, which can add up quickly if you aren’t measuring portion sizes. A. hot dog can contain up to 700 mg of sodium. However, soy sauce can pack a whopping 1,000 mg of sodium per tablespoon!!

According to the Harvard School of Public Health excess sodium increases your blood volume and with it, the strain on your heart and blood vessels so how much sodium can you safely eat each day?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that people with diabetes consume less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day. That’s because a high salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease, which both worsen diabetes symptoms.

Although many people avoid using the saltshaker, they don’t realize that the main sources of sodium are actually packaged foods with added salt. An easy way to cut back on sodium is to rinse off canned veggies before cooking to wash away any residual sodium that may be used as a preservative.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by A Tribe Called Quest and featuring our Sodium Shocker game with expert advice.

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08/30/201609/14/2016

Suspect Boulevard Diabetes Mystery Podcast

One of Divabetic’s goals is to make learning about diabetes and diabetes self-care management fun and entertaining. Our 3rd Annual Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” mixes diabetes education with madcap adventures, suspense, humor and glamour.

This year’s mystery involves diamonds, diabetes, dementia and dogs and is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s classic film, ‘Sunset Boulevard.’

Superstar sisters, Joan and Jackie Collins are the inspiration for two of the main characters, Best-Selling author, Marjorie Melbourne Blaze and her sister, Actress Marlena Melbourne, in this year’s caper.

Although neither Joan nor Jackie Collins is or was living with diabetes their sensational lives and complicated relationship sparked enough interest in me to want to write about it.

The only thing better than one diva is two, right???!!!

Our annual diabetes mystery podcast hopes to encourage listeners to approach those troublesome and worrisome unexpected blood sugar high’s and low’s like a detective; search for clues, look for patterns and above all, talk to the proper authorities (your healthcare team) about your symptoms. Many of our favorite detectives including “Cagney & Lacey”, “Sherlock Holmes and Watson”, “Charlie’s Angels” and “Scoopy-Doo & Freddy, Daphne, Velma an Shaggy” worked with partners or teams – you should too! One way to help prevent complications is to take on a ‘team’ approach to managing your diabetes and involve your friends, family, co-workers and healthcare professionals in your self-care.

“Suspect Boulevard” stars Mr. Divabetic, Best-Selling Tonya Kappes, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Actor and Author (“The Good This”) Peter Arpesella, We Are Diabetes organization founder, Asha Brown, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be playing the classic film scores by Franz Waxman courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

TUNE IN: Suspect Boulevard on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST

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08/29/201609/08/2016

Snow White

Snow White

You’ve got seven people who help you to grow. And we cannot do it alone, this I know! Who’s on your health team, please tell us Snow White please tell us tonight!

Read Snow White in its entirety here.

08/28/201609/15/2016

Joan and Jackie Collins Inspire Diabetes Mystery Podcast

Superstar sisters, Joan and Jackie Collins inspire this year’s Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast entitled “Suspect Boulevard” which debuts on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6 -7 PM, EST.

Although neither Joan or Jackie is or was living with diabetes their sensational lives and complicated relationship sparked enough interest in me to want to write about it.

Early on in my research I learned that Joan was responsible for introducing Jackie to Hollywood. While living in the hills above Sunset Boulevard, Jackie collected the knowledge and experience to write her most commercially successful novel, Hollywood Wives (1983), which hit The New York Times best-seller list at number one. Marketed as a “scandalous exposé”, the novel sold over 15 million copies and placed Collins in a powerful position, making her a celebrity of near equal status to her sister Joan, whose own career had taken an upwards direction with her role in the television drama Dynasty.

It’s interesting to note that Jackie, in turn, is credited for reigniting Joan’s acting career in the late ’70’s.

“I was happy to pay her back because she looked after me when I came to Hollywood,” said Jackie Collins.

Joan starred in two softcore pornographic films based on best-selling novels by her younger sister Jackie Collins: The Stud (1978) and its sequel The Bitch (1979). Her work in these films reportedly moved her name to the top of Aaron Spelling’s list when he was casting the role of Alexis Carrington Colby, the vengeful ex-wife of John Forsythe‘s character, in the 1980s television soap opera Dynasty.

Recently Joan Collins has opened up to the Daily Mail about her complicated relationship with her sister Jackie following her death from breast cancer . Although Jackie battled breast cancer for six years, her older sister only learned of her sister’s illness three weeks before she died.

The actress said their relationship at one point had been ‘estranged’ – but quickly changed her choice of words and said they had simply not been as close. She put their distance down to her relationship with a man who Jackie had ‘loathed’!!!

I don’t know about you but I feel there’s more than enough romance, glamour and jealously in the Collins bloodlines with an added dash of diabetes self-care advice to fill an delicious hour of podcasting!

TUNE IN: Suspect Boulevard on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST starring Mr. Divabetic. Also featuring USA Today Best-Selling author, Tonya Kappes, Catherine Schuller, Asha Brown, Peter Arpesella, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Mama Rose Marie and Lorraine Brooks.

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08/25/201609/15/2016

Diabetes Games: Cholesterol

Can you guess the correct answer?

Diabetes tends to lower “good” cholesterol levels and raise triglyceride and “bad” cholesterol levels, which increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. This common condition is called diabetic dyslipidemia. Diabetic dyslipidemia means your lipid profile is going in the wrong direction.

Your total cholesterol score is calculated using the following equation: HDL + LDL + 20 percent of your triglyceride level. With HDL (good) cholesterol, higher levels are better. A low LDL (bad) cholesterol level is considered good for your heart health. Triglyceride is a form of fat.

High cholesterol levels put you at risk for atherosclerosis (fatty buildups of plaque in artery walls). These deposits can contribute to blocking the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle and cause a heart attack. A high LDL level indicates an increased risk of heart disease. Atherosclerosis in arteries in or leading to the brain can result in stroke.

LISTEN NOW: What makes you ANGRY? on Diabetes Late Nite with music by Evelyn “Champagne King” with guests Dr. Lori Shemek PhD, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

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08/24/201609/08/2016

Snow White by Poet Lorraine Brooks

Who helps you manage your diabetes?

Do you think ‘Seven Dwarfs’ would be helpful?

Poet Lorraine Brooks shares her diabetes twist on the popular ‘Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs’ fairy tale.You’ll quickly see that Snow White is like every other famous Diva; she has an entourage to help her manage her diabetes. Enjoy!

Snow White by Lorraine Brooks

You’ve got seven people who help you to grow

And we cannot do it alone, this I know!

Who’s on your health team, please tell us Snow White please tell us tonight!

“My endocrinologist keeps my numbers tight.”

And who else does help you with what’s on your plate?

“A nutritionist helps me plan meals that taste great.”

And what for your eyes, so your vision is clear?

“My ophthalmologist treats my eyes with care.”

We all need some feedback sooner or later –

“I work with a diabetes educator!”

Sometimes emotions can make us feel low.

“It’s OK to talk to my therapist though.”

You have to stay active so you’ll be complete.

“Podiatrists work to take care of my feet!”

Snow White, even with diabetes, you rock!

“I pay regular visits to my family doc!”

Let’s take a lesson from Snow White and her team –

Diabetes can’t stop you from living your dream!

Who should be on your Diabetes Team?

According to the American Diabetes Association finding the right team of skilled health professionals will help you manage your diabetes and get the most out of the healthcare system.

A doctor with special training (and usually certification) in diseases such as diabetes is called an endocrinologist. If you do not see an endocrinologist, look for a primary doctor, family practice doctor or an internist who has cared for many people with diabetes. Your primary care doctor may also be the one who refers you to specialists or other team members.

A registered dietitian (RD) is trained in nutrition and has passed a national exam. An RD may also have a master’s degree or may be a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). You want to be sure to work with an RD who has training and experience with diabetes. If your doctor does not work with a dietitian, ask him to refer you to one.

A CDE is a certified diabetes educator. CDEs may be nurses, dietitians, doctors, pharmacists, podiatrists, counselors, or exercise physiologists.

Your eye doctor, an ophthalmologist or an optometrist, is another key member of your health care team, because diabetes can affect the blood vessels in the eyes. When eye problems are caught early, there are very good treatments.

Mental health professionals, psychologists, social workers, and marriage therapists, and psychiatrists, help with the personal and emotional side of living with diabetes.

Podiatrists have a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from a college of podiatry.

Pharmacists are highly trained professionals who must know about the chemistry of the products they dispense and what effects, both good and bad, medications have on the body. Therefore, they can also give advice on whether and how any medication you take for your diabetes or other conditions could or will affect your blood glucose levels.

People with diabetes are at somewhat greater risk for gum disease. The excess blood sugar in your mouth makes it a good home for bacteria, which leads to infection. See your dentist every six months. Be sure to tell your dentist that you have diabetes.

For eight years Divabetic presented diabetes education and empowerment in the Divabetic Pavilion at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Expo in Pittsburgh, PA. Every year we would choose a different theme for our outreach presentation to make learning about diabetes more fun and enjoyable. Our themes ranged from the ‘Golden Girls’ and ‘Gillian’s Island’ to Diabetes Time Machine and ‘Diabetes Fairy Tales’.

One of our most popular presentations was ‘Diabetes Fairy Tales.’ Its quite possible that I stumbled upon this idea after watching too many episodes of ABC’s ‘Once Upon A Time’ television series.

Thankfully Lorraine Brooks agreed to write nine wonderful Diabetes Fairy Tales featuring popular fairy tale characters and diabetes self-care advice for our Expo show. Our concept was to partner popular fairy tales characters with successful diabetes self-care behaviors. For example, Snow White doesn’t try to manage her diabetes alone. She uses a ‘team approach’ to achieve optimum health!

Our ‘Diabetes Fairy Tales’ program featured an outstanding group of local Pittsburgh healthcare professionals, CDE’s, RN’s and MD’s who provided expert advice on different topics such as food, fitness and managing medications with a little magic from the land of make believe.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Fairytales podcast featuring Connie Frazier RD, CDE, Lori Bednarz RN, CDE, Makeup Artist and Esthetician Sue Perez, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Lorraine Starsky RN and Neva White CRNP, CD.

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