Luther Vandross Soul Train Tribute in Harlem

Join me for the upcoming ImageNation’s SOUL TRAIN Tribute to Luther Vandross on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 6 PM, in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, NY.

It’s going to be a sensational night celebrating Luther’s legacy. The night starts with DJ Stormin Norman and a Soul Train Dance Line. Several local performers will perform, including Chandlar and Karen J, Chris Rob, Heshima, Michael Pollydore, and our friend Keith Anthony Fluitt. Keith performed a few of Luther’s iconic hits at Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Music & Style Celebration in April.

After the outdoor screening of the Luther: Never Too Much documentary, Director Dawn Porter and singer and songwriter Fonzi Thornton participate in a Q&A session.
The celebration continues with an AfterParty featuring live bands and a DJ interweaving Luther Tributes in their sets at Shrine World Music Venue, 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd between 133rd & 134th Streets, New York, NY 10030.

Earlier this week, I spoke to one of the event organizers, Joy Enterprises’ Marko S. Nobles, owner of Rhythm and Soul Radio. Marko spent years learning, growing, and becoming an experienced PR, Marketing, Radio, Event Production, and Entertainment professional.

Marko’s Rhythm and Soul Radio played Ivan Hampden Jr. and Paulette McWilliams‘ song “Mama Kitchen Table” last summer. Paulette and I wrote the lyrics to this song, which topped the UK Soul Charts. Marko, a stroke survivor, said Joy Enterprises hosts a Soul Train Tribute every year to celebrate Don Cornelius‘s legacy of Don and the artists who appeared on Soul Train. Past honorees include superstars Stevie Wonder, Prince, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown.

“I grew up on Soul Train,” says Marko. “It was a Saturday morning staple in our households.” When I asked Marko why he chose Luther as this year’s featured artist, he said, “Luther had strong ties to the Apollo, starting with ‘Listen My Brother.'” A teenage Luther Vandross was part of Apollo’s musical ensemble, Listen My Brother, which performed several times on Sesame Street during its early seasons.

Every year, there’s an independent film tied into the celebration, along with multiple mini-concerts featuring local independent artists performing songs by their legends.

“I’ve always been into radio,” adds Marko. His company, Rhythm, and Soul Radio was born from his weekly Tuesday night WHUR radio show on City College, which follows our friend Alyson Williams’ program.

Like the upcoming Luther Celebration in Harlem, Marko’s internet-based Rhythm and Soul Radio channel celebrates independent artists.

On this Divabetic podcast, writer Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.

In the documentary, I discuss the traumatic moment when I discovered Luther after he suffered a stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, Luther’s recovery was short-lived; he passed away in 2005.

Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Clarence and Marko’s stories are excellent reminders of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.

I styled one of Luther’s outfits for the “I Know” album uncredited. At the time, Luther had gained considerable weight and was not interested in clothes or being photographed.

By this time in my tenure with Luther, I knew I had to bring some clothes (in his sizes) to supplement what the stylist had brought to shoots. I found a navy blue Polo Anorak jacket with a white stripe down the sides at Bloomingdale’s that camouflaged his size. Much to Luther’s dismay, the photographer shot Luther on the back of the set piece. It was a bare wood wall. I think I kept the jacket 🙂 George Corsillo, who designed Luther’s album covers starting with the Night I Fell In Love, was involved in the shoot. If I recall, Luther loved the cover design from the first minute he saw it.

09/26/2023

Diabetes And Mental Health

We’re talking about ‘Diabetes, Sleep & Mental Health Issues’ on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast with musical inspiration from the iconic Phyllis Hyman.

People with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have depression than people without diabetes. Don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re struggling with anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health issues.

Phyllis Hyman was a sensational singer-songwriter and actress. Deep-voiced and statuesque, Phyllis Hyman sang with a life-affirming energy and emotional intensity found in a few others.

Unfortunately, Phyllis Hyman died by suicide, leaving a suicide note behind in 1995. Part of the note read, “I’m tired. I’m tired. Those of you that I love know who you are. May God bless you.” It has been reported that she suffered from bipolar disorder and depression and had a history of substance abuse, which involved alcohol and cocaine.

Phyllis teamed up with producer Norman Connors for her stunning cover hit of “Betcha By Golly Wow.”

Phyllis signed with Buddah Records in 1977 and moved to Arista Records in 1979, working with Barry Manilow on Somewhere In My Lifetime.

Podcast guests include Alyson Williams, Queen Diva, Patricia Farrell PhD, Kristina Wolfe, ‘Tabouli: The Story of a Heart-Driven Diabetes Alert Dog’ Author Matt Pelicano, Elizabeth Vaughan Gallagher, Stacie Shonkwiler, and Patricia Addie-Gentle CDCES.

This podcast features music from The Essential Phyllis Hyman album courtesy of SONY Music.

Join us for Divabetic’s Menopause & Diabetes Panel Discussion & SugarFree Baking Demonstration on Zoom in honor of World Menopause Day on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 7 – 8:30 PM.

Catherine Schuller moderates a panel featuring Dr Julianne Arena, MD, FACOG, ABAARM, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love And Intimacy With Diabetes co-author, COO for Diabetes Sisters Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, and photographer, Amparo. Amparo discovered, quite unexpectedly, in the ER, that she has diabetes after doctors told her her glucose level was over 800! Over the past six months, she’s taking charge of managing her diabetes while facing hormonal changes during menopause – it’s a true Divabetic Victory story.

After our panel, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef, demonstrates how to make her popular Sugar-Free Rum Cake Recipe.

One lucky winner will win a Divabetic Prize at the end of the program.

The purpose of World Menopause Day is to raise awareness of menopause and the support options = for improving health and wellness.

FREE – REGISTER NOW

04/03/202304/03/2023

Why Alzheimer’s Is Called Type 3 Diabetes

“80% of people with Alzheimer’s disease have either full-blown diabetes or insulin resistance. The link between insulin resistance and AD is so obvious to some researchers they’ve began calling it diabetes type 3!,” reports registered nutritionist Tim Reed BSc mBANT rCNHC for Medium.

Research has revealed a strong link between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and high blood sugar levels. People with type 2 diabetes who mismanage their blood sugar levels—are two to three times more likely to suffer from the most common form of dementia.

57 Years Of Living With Type 1 Diabetes with FatCatAnna

”I’ve been living with type 1 diabetes for 57 years,” says diabetes advocate, mentor, and blogger FatCatAnna on August’s Divabetic’s podcast. “So I feel like a kid at heart.”

Anna shares what it was like to manage diabetes in the 1960s. “I started with one insulin injection a day. It was pork insulin called NPH.”

It might be hard to imagine that the first insulins developed were from animals. But over the last century, there have been several innovations in insulin therapy, starting with the isolation of insulin and the purification and concentration of animal pancreatic extracts.

The first commercial insulin formulations were made with animal insulins, primarily beef and pork insulins, which had PK and PD properties similar to human insulin. However, a common problem with animal-source insulins was the formation of anti-insulin antibodies, leading to lipoatrophy and insulin resistance in many patients. Processing techniques were developed to purify active insulin. By 2006, the manufacturing of pork insulin (Iletin II) for human use was discontinued.

Today’s insulins include insulin mixtures, concentrated insulins, and insulins with alternate routes of administration, providing a wide array of options for people with diabetes.

Not only have insulin formulations changed over the past fifty years but so has

diabetes self-care management. By the 1960s, the development of urine strips for detecting blood sugars and the single-use syringe allowed faster and easier insulin therapy options. This was still a far cry from today’s self-care tools. Specifically, the invention of the blood glucose monitor for home use, something we take for granted, was still several years away.

“Back then, I just did a jab in the morning,” says Anna. “Then, I had to eat like a soldier at 8 AM, 12 PM, little snacks in between, and so on.”

Fifty-seven years later, her curious mind keeps on top of all the new forms of insulin therapy and technology today.

“I like to learn all kinds of new and different things in technology,” she adds. “Now, I’m using a CGM (continuous glucose monitor). That’s a game-changer for anyone who is on insulin. The fact that gives you insight into what’s happening and warns you when you’re going high or going low helps you use your insulin properly.”

Hear FatCatAnna‘s full interview using this link on Blog Talk Radio using the player below:

Barry Manilow’s classic hit, “I Made It Through The Rain,” sparks real-life confessions about overcoming challenges related to diabetes self-care on this episode of Divabetic’s monthly podcast.

Hear how singer, and songwriter Alyson Williams, who is living with type 2 diabetes, made a triumphant return to the stage after her near-death experience from COVID and “The Rollercoaster Ride Of Diabetes” blogger, FatCatAnna, who is living with type 1 diabetes, opens up about her attempted suicide and managing diabetes in a mental hospital.

08/10/202208/10/2022

Singer Alyson Williams’s Near Death Experience from COVID on Diabetes Late Nite

“The doctors were having trouble bringing me out of my coma due to COVID, so my angel, Valerie Simpson, told them to play my music in my ear,” confesses the First Lady of Def Jam, Alyson Williams, living with type 2 diabetes, on August’s episode of Divabetic’s monthly podcast.

“Sure enough, the nurse downloaded my music I opened my eyes and responded to her,” adds Alyson.

We are thankful to share that our friend, Alyson has made a triumphant return to the stage after a near-death experience from COVID. Currently, she’s touring worldwide with saxophonist and flutist Najee supporting their new rendition of Valentine Love which was first released in 1975 featuring Michael Henderson & Jean Carn.

Hear more of Alyson Williams’s incredible story, her triumphant return to the stage, and “Rollercoaster Ride Of Diabetes” type 1 blogger FatCat Anna‘s account of her attempted suicide and managing diabetes in a mental hospital during the podcast.

Additionally, in August, we’re sharing poetry, an honest, no-filter look at the daily grind of living with diabetes, and practical ways to help you pivot and stay positive.

As part of my research for August’s podcast, I went to see Barry Manilow perform at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it!! He’s an incredible entertainer. What I loved most was how comfortable Barry Manilow is in his skin. He thoroughly enjoyed performing the songs he’s performed over a thousand times for his devoted ‘Fanilow’ fans like it was the first time!

We encourage others with diabetes to live life to the fullest and apply Barry Manilow‘s attitude to their daily lives.

Guests include The First Lady of Def Jam Alyson Williams, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, diabetes advocate, blogger, and mentor Fat Cat Anna. Music from The Essential Barry Manilow courtesy of SONY Music. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

08/04/2022

Diabetes Late Nite Podcast Inspired By Barry Manilow

We love Barry Manilow. His classic hits are part of the soundtrack of our lives. We will be featuring his music on August’s Divabetic podcast scheduled for Thursday, August 11, 2022, 6 PM EST.

“I believe that we are who we choose to be. Nobody is going to come and save you. You’ve got to save yourself. Nobody is going to give you anything. You’ve got to go and fight for it,” says the Grammys, Tony and Emmy award-winning icon who has 50 Top 40 hits, including 12 #1 singles, and sold more than 85 million albums.

https://youtu.be/AiBGva3dEKk

Poet Lorraine Brooks and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES are back with poetry and practical advice! Plus, the lovely and very talented, real-life DIVA-betic, Alyson Williams joins us to talk about her triumphant return to music after a 2-year health struggle.

And diabetes advocate and “The Rollercoaster Ride Of Diabetes” blogger Fat Cat Anna tells it like is about living with type 1 diabetes and hypo-unawareness.

10/20/2021

What’s Eating You?

It happens to most of us now and then, or at least on Thanksgiving. We eat way too much and wind up feeling overly stuffed, bloated, and sleepy.

If you regularly feel these uncomfortable symptoms after an average meal, you may be overeating.

Overeating may occur when food becomes the constant emotional crutch and support. As a result, some of us turn away food during a time of great stress or sadness or use it as a source of comfort.

Mindless eating can be a culprit too. For example, suppose you’re dining while browsing your social media feed. In that case, you could be disconnected from hunger and fullness cues and fullness cues. This type of mindless eating ends in overeating.

Recognize why you overeat – get in touch with your past and handle the feelings that trigger your eating problems. Seek help. We believe in you!

Have you noticed that you reach for food when you’re feeling stressed, bored, lonely, mad, or sad?

When your habit is to use food instead of paying attention to what these emotions are trying to tell you about your underlying needs, those needs go unmet. And of course, those unmet needs will continue to drive emotional eating!

Dr. Michelle May is a doctor, mindful eating expert, and author who helps people to overcome cycles of senseless yo-yo dieting and resolve mindless and emotional eating.

Listen to Dr. Michelle May, author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.

Other guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, R & B Singer Alyson Williams, ‘Here & Now’ Songwriter and Entertainer Terry Steele, Seveda Williams, Luther Vandross Historian Leon Petrossian, and Luther Superfan John Price.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from the album entitled ‘Busy Body’ courtesy of SONY Music. On ‘Busy Body’, Luther Vandross’ third album features ‘Superstar’, ‘For the Sweetness Of Your Love’, and the duet with Dionne Warwick entitled ‘ How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye’.

10/27/2020

KFC is Selling Fireplace Logs That Smell like Fried Chicken

Today Kentucky Fried Chicken announced the return of its fireplace logs which, of course, smell like those 11 secret herbs and spices.

The fan-favorite is exclusively available at Walmart starting today.

“In a year of unpredictability, nothing is more comforting than knowing that you will once again be able to cozy up next to a fried-chicken scented fire while enjoying the mouth-watering taste of KFC’s world-famous fried chicken,” the announcement declares.

The chicken is sold separately, but the logs are a partnership with fireplace-fuel Enviro-Log—and they’re made with recycled materials, for an eco-friendly bent. Walmart’s online store lists the regular price as $19.98 but is offering the logs for only $15.88 apiece.

Studies have shown that taste and smell are closely linked. Food-related odors have also been shown to increase rated appetite, and induce salivation and release of gastric acid and insulin. Not only does the smell of food make you hungry, but it makes you hungry for that specific type of food.

A study from the University of California, Berkeley, and published in Cell Metabolism found that one’s sense of smell is linked to weight gain. The findings suggest that the odor of what we eat may play an important role in how the body deals with calories. If you can’t smell your food, you may burn it rather than store it.

Are you always feeling hungry?

When blood glucose levels remain abnormally high ( hyperglycemia) for long periods of time, glucose from the blood cannot enter the cells – due to either a lack of insulin or insulin resistance – so the body can’t convert the food you eat into energy. This lack of energy causes an increase in hunger.

We’re honored to celebrate Luther Vandross and his musical legacy as well as raise awareness for eating disorders and diabetes health-related complications (such as stroke) on our annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.

Guests include ‘Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes’ Author Dr. Michelle May, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, R & B Singer Alyson Williams, ‘Here & Now’ Songwriter and Entertainer Terry Steele, Seveda Williams, Luther Vandross Historian Leon Petrossian and Luther Superfan John Price.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from the album entitled ‘Busy Body’ courtesy of SONY Music. On ‘Busy Body’, Luther Vandross’ third album features ‘Superstar’, ‘For the Sweetness Of Your Love’, and the duet with Dionne Warwick entitled ‘ How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye’.

12/31/201812/31/2018

Divabetic’s Top 3 Most Popular Podcasts of 2018

How great was 2018? Well it was fabulously great for our Diabetes Late Nite podcast with ground-breaking topics, expert guests, exciting games and trending musical inspiration. Let’s look back at the top 3 most popular podcasts from the past year.

#3: Swan Wake, 5th Annual Diabetes Mystery Podcast from September 2018

Show Synopsis: When the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic heads to the Gotham City Ballet Company’s box office to fix a mix up with his ‘Swan Lake’ tickets he’s faced with a even bigger problem – a MURDER! To make matters worse, one of his latest culinary creations, a gluten free cheesecake, seems to be covering the victim’s face. Could our happy healthcare host’s wacky culinary skills make him an accessory to the crime? Mr. Divabetic and his team must whip a crime-solving recipe before a deadly dash of danger ends his diabetes advocacy and healthy catering career once and for all. Guests included Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, We Are Diabetes organization founder Asha Brown, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mary Ann Nicolay MEd, DTR, Mama Rose Marie, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ and Poet Lorraine Brooks. Throughout the podcast we featured music from Leonard Bernstein’s recording of Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20 in celebration of the centennial of America’s greatest classical composer and conductor courtesy of SONY Music. LISTEN NOW

Behind the scenes of the Broadcast: I am thrilled that this podcast is one of our highest rated of the year! I spent more hours researching, writing and editing this mystery podcast than the previous four mystery podcasts combined. Since a physical injury prevented me from having much of a social life, I had no excuses but to write. My daily mantra: “if you can’t have an active body then, at least have an active mind” helped me when I was dealing with another physical setback.

It’s interesting to note that some dialogue at the very end includes actual quotes from women who are involved in the MeToo movement. I am excited to be working on the next diabetes mystery podcasts scheduled for September 2019 – details soon!

#2: Annual Luther Vandross Tribute Podcast from April 2018

Show synopsis: We’re honored to celebrate Luther Vandross and his musical legacy as well as raise awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as stroke) on our annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast. This podcast presented details of the inaugural Fandross Festival in New York City. In the years since Luther’s passing, one constant has remained to define his life and musical success: the voice. Like any great singer of the past 100 years, Luther Vandross’ voice and distinct singing style led to not only monumental success, but an instant recognition when you hear him singing–through your stereo, car radio, on TV or in a movie. Coupled with that voice was Luther’s unique ability to write and sing about love and the shared emotions we all feel in that search for and enjoyment of love. Through his songs, for the last two generations Luther Vandross became a staple in the most joyous moments of people’s lives. Guests included Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes Author Dr. Michelle May, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, R & B Singer Alyson Williams, “Here & Now” Songwriter and Entertainer Terry Steele, Seveda Williams, Luther Vandross Historian Leon Petrossian and Luther Superfan John Price. Throughout the podcast we featured songs from Luther’s third album, Busy Body courtesy of SONY Music. It featured such hits as “Superstar,” “For the Sweetness Of Your Love” and the duet with Dionne Warwick entitled “How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye.” LISTEN NOW

Behind the scenes of the Broadcast: After we finished the live broadcast of our Annual Luther Tribute podcast in 2017, I thought it would be great to bring a tribute podcast to life! I wanted to connect the fans with Luther’s vocalists, musicians, friends and family members to celebrate his legacy. That’s how our 4 day celebration entitled Fandross was born. Fandross 2018 featured four wonderful events in New York City including a Live Tribute Concert at Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar, Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton in concert at the Blue Note, a Luther Film & Video Presentation and Panel Discussion at SVA Theater and a Luther-themed Brunch, Fashion Show & Dress Auction with Runway the Realway. It was a magical experience to hear Luther’s music performed live by his musicians and vocalists. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.

And now a drumroll for …

#1: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by P!nk from January 2018

Show synopsis: We’re taking about MINDFULNESS with musical inspiration from P!nk. Mindfulness is a technique to be aware of moment-by-moment thoughts, emotions and physical sensations in a non-judgmental way and is increasingly used for eating habits and diabetes management. Research has shown that mindfulness enhances clinical effect of glycemic control. Mindfulness also allows you to accept the way you are feeling rather than constantly battling to try and change it. Guests include Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Walking with Peety Author Eric O’Grey, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Yoga for Diabetes Author, Rachel Zinman, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout the podcast we featured songs from Pink’s Beautiful Trauma album courtesy of SONY Music. LISTEN NOW

Behind the scenes of the Broadcast: I can’t always personally pick the CDs we play on our podcasts. Sometimes the artists and/or albums I want are not available in the SONY catalogue or as in this case, I featured music that SONY recommended. As a P!nk fan, I was welcomed their suggestion. Over the years I’ve come to realized just how big a role the music plays in our monthly podcast. It creates a theme, reinforces a key message, adds excitement to our games and leaves the listener with a beautiful final thought. Several of P!nk’s songs “Beautiful Trauma,” “What About Us” and “Better Life” inspired me to tackle the topics discussed on this podcast. I usually listen to an album about 20 times prior to producing the podcast. I listen to it while I’m developing the show, choosing and booking guests, researching topics and coming up with game ideas. Then, I listen to it one more time about an hour before we broadcast to get in the right frame of mind.

Thanks for being a part of our 8^th year of Diabetes Late Nite and Cheers to you for an inspiring and productive 2019.

Coming in January 2019: Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Mariah Carey

We’re talking about ways to proceed with ‘CAUTION’ in 2019 with musical inspiration from the iconic Mariah Carey on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, 6 PM, EST. TUNE IN

Join us as we talk to experts about the link between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).

Do you know living with type 2 diabetes puts you at greater risk for heart disease and stroke? Unfortunately most people don’t. We want to help you get CLUED INN and make a healthy comeback worthy of Mariah Carey. Music critics agree that Mariah’s latest collection of songs not only maintains her status as one the best singer/songwriters in the game, but also eloquently displays her truth. She opens up about love, loneliness, and self-worth in a cautionary album that reminds us that she is still a force to be reckoned with after nearly three decades in the industry. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, 2015 AADE Diabetes Educator of the Year Susan Weiner, MS RDN CDE FAADE, Mama Rose Marie, WeAreEatNeat.com’s Lloyd Owens, Nick Zevgolis, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Mariah Carey’s “CAUTION” 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.”

Join Mr. Divabetic and cast of Diabetes Late NIte for the first-ever Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease Escape Room Experience, Clued Inn,on National Diabetes Alert Day (March 26, 2019) in New York City sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.

04/14/2018

‘Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat’ on Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Tribute Podcast

Dr. Michelle May, who is a recovered yoyo dieter and the award-winning author of ‘Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle’ joins us to talk about emotional eating on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast on Thursday, April 19, 2018, 6 – 7:30PM, EST.

“Emotional eating only becomes a problem when it’s over-used to cope with or avoid feelings,” says Dr. Michelle May.

Experts define emotional eating as eating as a way to suppress or soothe negative emotions, such as stress, anger, fear, boredom, sadness and loneliness. Major life events or, more commonly, the hassles of daily life can trigger negative emotions that lead to emotional eating and disrupt your weight-loss efforts.

“Over the years, I’ve learned to heal the emotional connection to food that wasn’t serving my highest good”, admits Dr. Michelle May. “I’ve also learned to embrace my healthy emotional relationship with food. When I’m craving chocolate even though I’m not hungry (and sometimes when I am!), I’m probably bored of working at my desk or I’m feeling overwhelmed and in need of a break. I also love the emotional connection of cooking with my chef-husband, dining with my friends and family, and savoring a fabulous piece of chocolate–simply for pleasure!”

Though Luther Vandross enjoyed success after success in his professional life, he was beset by personal struggles with his weight — the cruel cycle of gaining and losing 100 pounds dominated his life. He lost more than 100 pounds over thiriteen times during his lifetime.

“It’s the most awful, dark feeling in the world,” Luther said of the times when he put back on 100 pounds. “It feels like you’re wearing an 80-pound hat and a coat that weighs 300 pounds … You feel like it’s always dark and gloomy.”

While many people struggle with significant weight fluctuations, Luther’s yo-yo relationship with food was displayed before millions of fans.

“It makes it very hard,” he said. “You wear it externally so the minute you walk through the door, everybody knows ‘Luther’s not winning his battle with his demon.'”

Luther Vandross suffered from type 2 diabetes and hypertension, both of which may have been brought on by family genetics as well as lifestyle and nutrition. He had just finished the final vocals for the album ‘Dance With My Father’, when on April 16, 2003 he suffered a severe stroke at his home in New York City. The stroke left him in a coma for nearly two months, during which time he also had to fight both meningitis and pneumonia (which required a tracheotomy). The stroke also left Vandross with noticeable difficulty speaking and singing, as well as confinement to a wheelchair.’

TUNE IN: Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast on Thursday, April 19, 2018, 6 -7:30 PM, EST. Guests include Dr. Michelle May, Alyson Williams, ‘Here & Now’ songwriter and entertainer Terry Steele, Luther Vandross Historian Leon Petrossian and superfan, John Price. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from the album entitled ‘Busy Body’ courtesy of SONY Music. On ‘Busy Body’, Luther Vandross’ third album features ‘Superstar’, ‘For the Sweetness Of Your Love’, and the duet with Dionne Warwick entitled ‘ How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye’.

Join us for the inaugural Fandross Festival presented by the Vandross Family Estate and Divabetic celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for the prevention of diabetes health-related complications such as stroke.

Fandross Calendar of Events: Fandross Kick-Off Party at Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar on 5/10/18, Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton at the Blue Note on 5/11/18, Fandross Festival at SVA Theater on 5/12/18, Fandross Sunday Brunch at Casa de Femme on 5/13/18. All tickets sold separately on Eventbrite.

More event details at Divabetic.org