Spinning Around in The Soul Train Dance Line at the Luther Vandross Celebration in Harlem

Just wanted to share this amazing experience from Thursday night’s Soul Train Tribute to Luther Vandross at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, NY.

We kicked off the free outdoor screening of the Luther: Never Too Much documentary with a Soul Train Dance Line, and it was genuinely heartwarming to see so many people, including those using mobility devices, participating with such an upbeat attitude and joyful spirit.

It’s reported that as high as 80% of non-traumatic lower limb amputations happen due to mismanaged diabetes. Regardless of how or why someone experiences a lower limb amputation, it can stop them from wanting to take care of themselves and their diabetes self-care in the future. Allowing these people to still participate in social events and gatherings could boost their morale.

Moments like these remind me of the incredible resilience and determination of people facing challenges. Witnessing someone joining the Soul Train Dance Line on her scooter made me smile and brought back many beautiful memories of our past events.

We can’t wait to return to more outreach events soon to spread positivity and help everyone glamorize good health!

Happy Birthday Ella Fitzgerald!

Happy Birthday Ella Fitzgerald, on her 106th birthday!

Ella Fitzgerald was living with type 2 diabetes. Sadly, she had both of her legs amputated. But losing her limbs didn’t stop her from performing on stage. I think that’s a great testament to her strong will and determination.

There are still so many obstacles blocking people with disabilities from living their best life. I’m sure Ella Fitzgerald encountered many of them, from the smallest stair to the pity and scorn in people’s eyes. Week after week, traveling on the road from city to city to perform at night makes it difficult to maintain and sustain a health regimen, especially diabetes self-care. As someone who has traveled on the road supporting musician, I can easily understand how the rigors of touring can take a toll on your physical and mental health.

It’s easy for someone to write her off for not taking care of herself because it’s harder to admit how easy it is to ignore your diabetes. The number of people who don’t manage their diabetes dramatically outnumbers those who do.

Sadly,  ignoring your diabetes leads to disastrous consequences. Mismanaged diabetes can lead to amputations, usually of the toes, feet, or legs. Causes include reduced blood flow or peripheral neuropathy. Managing your blood sugar is one way to help prevent it.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)Trusted Source, about 130,000 people in the United States who have diabetes have amputations yearly.

Better diabetes management and foot care have caused lower limb amputations over the past 20 years. However, 2018 research suggests that young and middle-aged adults in the United States are experiencing an uptick in diabetes-related amputations.

With ongoing diabetes management, foot care, and wound care, many people with diabetes can limit their risk of amputation or prevent it entirely. Education is crucial.

We proudly celebrate the First Lady of Song and raise awareness for the greater need for diabetes education on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast with Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, CDN, Lorraine Brooks, Ansley Dalbo, Anna J. Stewart, and Leola and Cornelia.

Divabetic Remembers Biz Markie

Rapper Biz Markie has died. He was 57 years old.

Markie, whose real name was Marcel Theo Hall, was a rapper, producer, and DJ in his career but will forever be known for his quirky 1989 single “Just a Friend.”

The rapper was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2011, but said in 2014 that he lost 140 pounds since the diagnosis due to healthy lifestyle changes.

“I wanted to live,” Markie told ABC News at the time. “Since I have to be a diabetic, If I didn’t make the changes, it was going to make the diabetes worse. I’m trying to get off [diabetes medications]. The way you gotta do it is lose the weight. I’m off half my meds, I just got to get off the rest.”

“They said I could lose my feet,” he added. “They said I could lose body parts. A lot of things could happen.”

Mr. Divabetic talks with entertainer Keith Anthony Fluitt and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES about DJ Frankie Knuckles’s foot amputation and lower limb amputations related to diabetes on July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. 

‘Just A Friend’ was Biz Markie’s only song to chart in the top 100, but it cemented his legacy in hip-hop forever. The song’s video, which featured the rapper don a powder-white wig as he played the piano and belted out the classic chorus: “You, you’ve got what I need/ but you say he’s just a friend/ and you say he’s just a friend/ oh baby, you, you’ve got what I need.” helped to make the tune iconic.

Biz Markie also appeared in several films and TV shows, including “Men in Black II,” as a narrator on the adult puppet show “Crank Yankers,” and on the children’s series “Yo Gabba Gabba!” with his “Biz’s Beat of the Day.”

“The weirdest thing about my fame is that when I’m thinking that it’s almost over, it just sparks back up,” Biz Markie told the Post. “I made ‘Just a Friend’ in ’89. Some people’s records die — it sprouts up. Now it’s 30 years later, and it’s sprouted up again in commercials. They’re not letting me die. The public, the fans, they like me around.”

“I’m going to be Biz Markie until I die,” he said. “Even after I die, I’m going to be Biz Markie.

Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest also passed away from the same complications back in 2016. The iconic rapper and lyricist passed away at the age of 45 after facing a battle with his diabetes diagnosis.

We’re focusing on ‘KIDNEYS and DIABETES’ on this episode of Diabetes Late Nite with musical inspiration from A Tribe Called Quest.

LISTEN NOW

Phife Dawg, born Malik Taylor, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in May of 1990. Experiencing constant thirst and bathroom visits, his grandmother, a nurse, tested him for diabetes after a performance in Connecticut. Initially, Phife admitted he did not take his diagnosis seriously and maintained the same lifestyle.

“It’s really a sickness,” Taylor said in Beats, Rhymes & Life, Michael Rapaport’s candid 2011 documentary on the group. “Like straight-up drugs. I’m just addicted to sugar.”

Phife’s initial resistance to treatment made it necessary for him to go on dialysis followed by a kidney transplant in 2008.  This past March he died at age 45.

“When you learn you have diabetes, the first word you have to learn is acceptance,” he said during an interview with dLife TV hoping to encourage others to learn from his mistakes.

June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include MaryAnn Nicolay DTR, Dr. Braxton Cosby, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Funny Man Mike, Arnon Krongrad, MD, Catherine Lawrence, and Mama Rose Marie.

We will be featuring selected songs from their first album, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, released in 1990, courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

 

Hip Hop Pioneer, Yo! MTV Raps Host Andre “Doctor Dré” Brown Loses His Leg

An accidental fall kickstarted a dangerous new phase of MTV Raps Host Andre “Doctor Dré” Brown’s diabetes life. He badly misjudged the location of a railing and fell down a flight of stairs. His son Arahmus jumped over the railing to prevent the 56-year-old from hitting his head. While Doctor Dré damaged his right ankle, he laughed off the unfortunate slip as just another embarrassing moment.

According to an article in Rolling Stone magazine the physician who was treating his ankle noticed an infection forming and told Doctor Dré to go to the hospital. “The infection that was in my feet had started eating away at my bones,” he says. “If I had waited another day, I’d have been septic, and I could’ve died.” Doctors soon amputated his leg below the calf and Brown was fitted with a prosthetic and underwent months of rigorous physical therapy. Still, the trailblazer doesn’t want your pity.

READ MORE

One of the most serious long-term complications of diabetes is lower extremity amputation. Patients with diabetes account for the majority of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations. Black men are 1.7 times more likely to undergo primary and repeat amputation than any other racial group. READ MORE

If you have diabetes, your doctor has likely recommended that you check your feet each day, but you may not have known why.  Poorly managed diabetes can lead to peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD causes your blood vessels to narrow and reduces blood flow to your legs and feet. It may also cause nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy. This could prevent you from feeling pain. READ MORE

Enjoy an exclusive interview with “Doctor Dré” on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.

We’re celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as vision loss) on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.

Diabetic eye disease, caused by diabetes, is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss. Because of the high risk for eye disease, all people with type 2 diabetes should receive an annual dilated eye exam.

A 2019 Vision Source study of 1,000 U.S. consumers found that more than 50% had issues with their vision in the past year, and 34% did not go for a professional eye exam. The major barriers to having an annual eye exam included not thinking they needed one (33%), unsure of where to go (25%), lack of insurance, (22%) and expense (22%).

Comprehensive eye exams are key to overall wellness and preserving a high quality of life. In addition to evaluating vision, annual eye exams can detect serious health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, and even cancer.

Guests include Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr., Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, ‘The Night I Fell In Love’ courtesy of SONY Music.

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Twenty Five

Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!

On Day 25, we’re spotlighting Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Whitney Houston from November 2017.

Learn how to become your own ‘Diabetes Bodyguard’ ! Our team of experts share ways to safeguard you and your family from experiencing diabetes health-related complications including

  • Heart disease and stroke: People with diabetes are two times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke as people without diabetes
  • Blindness and other eye problems:
    • Damage to blood vessels in the retina (diabetic retinopathy)
    • Clouding of the lens (cataract)
    • Increase in fluid pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
  • Kidney disease: High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys and cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) pdf icon[PDF – 1.08 MB]. If not treated, CKD can lead to kidney failure. A person with kidney failure needs regular dialysis (a treatment that filters the blood) or a kidney transplant to survive. About 1 in 3 adults with diabetes has CKD. You won’t know if you have CKD unless your doctor tests you for it.
  • Nerve damage (neuropathy): One of the most common diabetes complications, nerve damage can cause numbness and pain. Nerve damage most often affects the feet and legs but can also affect your digestion, blood vessels, and heart.
  • Amputations: Diabetes-related damage to blood vessels and nerves, especially in the feet, can lead to serious, hard-to-treat infections. Amputation can be necessary to stop the spread of infection.
  • And more:
    • Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and increased blood sugar, making diabetes harder to manage. Gum disease can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
    • Diabetes increases the risk of depression, and that risk grows as more diabetes-related health problems develop.

Diabetes health-related omplications usually develop over a long time without any symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to make and keep doctor and dentist appointments even if you feel fine. Early treatment can help prevent or delay diabetes-related health conditions and improve your overall health.

Guests include  Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Constance Brown Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Mindy Bartleson, T1D, blogger at “There’s More to the Story”, and author, Hairstylist & Salon Owner, Karline Ricketts, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’.

 

Enjoy an exclusive first listen of “Whitney Houston – I Wish You Love: More From ‘The Bodyguard’” ahead of the album’s release date courtesy of SONY Music. This 25th anniversary of “The Bodyguard” soundtrack album features the hit song, “I’m Every Woman” echoing the recent statistics that 1 in 10 women are now living with diabetes.

Our monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

Nails Salons Opening After the Virus: What You Should Know

UnSplash

We get it—you want to put your best foot forward with Summer approaching. But pampering and pretty polish might not be worth the price for someone living with diabetes.

Too often poor sanitation practices, shared tools, and the work of overzealous nail technicians can result in skin injuries or infections even prior to the panepidemic.

For someone living with diabetes, an infection can raise blood sugar levels, which, in turn, can  increase the risk of serious complications like ulcers or even amputation.

If you choose to go to a nail salon, you should invest in your own nail kit and bring it with you. Let your nail technician know you’re living with diabetes before your mani or pedi begins.

After your mani or pedi is finished, keep an eye on your hands, feet and legs for any signs of redness or infection. If you notice anything unusual, call your doctor right away.

New York State Equipment Requirements for Nail Salons Reopening In June 2020

As of June 15, 2015, nail salons must maintain the following equipment at each workstation and provide it to workers, upon request, and at no cost:

  • A properly fitted N-95 or N-100 respirator, approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, for each individual who uses the workstation. All workers must have access to and be allowed to use these respirators when buffing or filing nails or when using acrylic powder.
  • Protective gloves made of nitrile, or another similar non-permeable material for workers with a sensitivity to nitrile gloves. You must have a sufficient number of gloves available so that each nail technician has access to and is allowed to use a new pair of gloves for each customer. All workers must wear gloves when handling potentially hazardous chemicals or waste and during cleanup, or when performing any nail service that has a risk of breaking the customer’s skin.
  • Protective eye equipment. All workers must have access to and be allowed to wear eye protection when preparing, transferring or pouring potentially hazardous chemicals.

A list of potentially hazardous chemicals commonly found in nail salons can be accessed here

Dr. Michele Summers Colon known as ‘The Holistic Podiatrist’ shares the healthiest height and style for  stilettos, a common dilemma women with diabetes, on April’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

LISTEN NOW

Divabetic Remembers Curtis Mayfield

The great singer-composer-producer Curtis Mayfield died from complications of type 2 diabetes on December 26, 1999, at the North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell, Georgia. He was only 57 years old.  

Curtis Mayfield

Curtis Mayfield made his first recordings at the age 16 in 1958 as a member of the R & B group, The Impressions

In the 1960’s the group remained hot with 14 Top 10 hits featuring Curtis Mayfield as the lead singer, producer and writer. He began to address social issues such as civil rights, inner city poverty, and drug use through his music, a provocative step that turned him into a musical force for change in the Black community. Singer Mavis Staples said, “Curtis wrote some of the best message songs.”

In 1964 The Impressions had its biggest hit to date with the Mayfield song, “Keep on Pushing” and other “anthems” followed: “People Get Ready,” “We’re A Winner”; all hit songs but with a life away from the charts.

The Impressions

In 1968 he started Curtom Records. He was in control of his recording, song publishing and recording studio. 

His debut solo album from 1970, Curtis, contains some of his most outspoken songs, including “Move On Up,” “The Other Side of Town,” and the solemn masterpiece of self-critique: “We People Who Are Darker Than Blue.”

Shorty after he began adding his soul funk grooves to soundtracks. His  “Super Fly” album became an instant classic of 1970s soul and funk, a rare example of a soundtrack outselling the movie and, along with Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, Movie work now took up much of Mayfield’s time – Gladys Knight and the Pips (the film “Claudine”), Aretha Franklin (“Sparkle”), Staple Singers (“Let’s Do It Again”), Mavis Staples (“A Piece of the Action”). “Short Eyes” had a 1977 hit for Mayfield himself.

In 1990 CurtisMayfield was paralyzed from the neck down when a light tower fell on him during an outdoor concert in Brooklyn. 

Curtis Mayfield

Returning home from the hospital, he faced the greatest challenge of his life — learning to live without a body. It forced him to give up all control. In addition, there was the pain. He suffered from phantom hands — an agonizing sensation he compared to thrusting his arms in a bucket of writhing snakes. Atrophy set upon his muscles, and his feet began to curve downward from lack of use. Diabetes became a serious problem too, and the fingers that once effused elegant guitar licks now served solely as pincushions, caked in dried blood and wrapped in bandages from constant blood-sugar tests. His right leg was amputated. On top of that, he suffered perennial urinary-tract infections as a result of his ever-present catheter.

His death was attributed to type 2 diabetes, but he suffered for nine years after that accident. And he actually produced one album in 1996 called “New World Order.” He recorded one line of a song at a time, lying on his back to allow his diaphragm to work and breath to get into his lungs.

Following his death, any number of tributes were mounted, accolades given. But the real tribute lay in the lasting power of the work he left behind, still being discovered and played by each new generation.

https://youtu.be/8USz7gb2RGQ

An Amputee Saves the Day in ‘Skyscraper’

With an amputee action hero as the main character, the film, ‘Skyscraper’ is a surprising source of inspiration to a growing sector of members in the Divabetic community.

Let’s be clear, Dwayne Johnson’s character’s amputation is not related to diabetes. The character, Will, was actually inspired by the thousands of disabled US veterans and war heroes. To prepare for this role, Johnson spent a considerable amount of time not only with the world’s top skyscraper architects, but also with US war veterans who have experienced an amputation.

That said, the film’s trailer makes it clear that Will was able to get through the challenges of “amputee life” by turning to his family for support which is a powerful message. 

Lower limb amputation related to diabetes poses challenges on many levels: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, financial and may temporarily one’s ability to think clearly and maintain their diabetes self-care management.

Over half of limb amputations (about 67 percent) in the United States are attributable to diabetes and related complications. The majority of limb amputations are performed on the lower extremities.

People with diabetes can have 4 different kinds of amputations of the lower limbs, or legs. Per 1,000 people, 2.6 have an amputation of the toe, and 0.8 have an amputation of the foot. 1.6 will have a below the knee amputation, and 0.8 will have an above the knee amputation.

How people respond to their amputation depends upon their previous life experiences, their support systems, and the meaning they give to their amputation which is why seeing Dwayne Johnson’s character on the big screen use it to his advantage is so inspiring. The movie strives to show everyone that what seems like a physical setback is not enough reason to sit back and watch the bad guys win.

Many people with diabetes have coped with amputation, finding ways to be active and to participate in life the way they wish to. You can too!

LISTEN NOW: Hear what happens when Mr. Divabetic puts all of his guests inlcuding The Betes Bros, Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle and Mama Rose Marie in the HOT SEAT for Divabetic’s 8th Year Anniversary Podcast Special

Divabetic Remembers Rock n’Roll Hall of Famer, LaVern Baker

Our ‘beyond the music’ series continues exploring the diabetes hardships experienced by beloved musicians who have passed away to help you ‘keep your house a home’ by learning  how diabetes health-related complications from occur.

In many instances their obituaries make little mention of their diabetes diagnosis and/or diabetes health-related complications which results in the general public’s continued ignorance about the subject.

LaVern Baker, whose hits such as “Tweedle-Dee” and “Jim Dandy” put her at the top of the rhythm and blues charts in the 1950s and earned her a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

LaVern Baker figured that she was living with type 2 diabetes for about five or six years before she was diagnosed. She received the news soon after completing an triumphant run in “Black and Blue” that marked her return to the United States after two decades living in the Philippines, where she performed on a military base.

She suffered a stroke in the early 1990’s, and then was forced to withdraw from the spotlight in 1994 when her right leg was removed. Initially her doctors thought that only part of her left foot would have to be removed, but a few days after that operation, it became necessary to amputate the entire leg. Ultimately, both of her legs had to be amputated.

“I lost my legs,” Baker, 65, announces. “But I didn’t lose my mind. I’m tired of just sittin’. I want to do something. God gave me a talent and I can still use it. I can still go out and sing.”

And that’s precisely what she did. LaVern Baker returned to performing in 1996 with an undiminished voice and an indomitable spirit. Her repertory  include 12 to 15 songs spanning her career around the world. Her shows included the ’50s–songs like “Tweedle Dee,” “Jim Dandy” and “I Cried a Tear”–to numbers from the 1990 Broadway revue “Black and Blue” and from her most recent album, 1992’s “Woke Up This Mornin’ “–a collection of pop and blues standards.

“We’re planning for LaVern to have a motorized wheelchair,” her manager said. “So she’ll make her entrance by herself, rather than being pushed on. You know, I can’t think of anybody in the history of show business who has performed with two legs amputated. Some people think audiences will be squeamish, but aside from her spirit, LaVern’s got great showmanship. And she’s kept her sense of humor, even though her life has been such a roller coaster.”

LaVern Baker, whose original name was Delores Williams, was born in Chicago; an aunt was the blues singer Memphis Minnie. Ms. Baker sang gospel in church, and in the mid-1940’s she worked as a blues singer, calling herself Little Miss Sharecropper and Bea Baker.

She became the second woman signed to Atlantic Records–right after Ruth Brown, who coincidentally originated the role in “Black and Blue”. In 1955, Baker scored her first R&B hit for Atlantic, “Tweedle Dee”–though, in a move typical of that period, it was a re-recorded version by white artist Georgia Gibbs that took it to the pop charts.

More than a dozen R&B hits followed, and–eventually–even some crossover success. Her crowning achievement came in 1958 with the ballad “I Cried a Tear,” a No. 6 pop hit.

But as new divas like Gladys Knight and Atlantic’s own Aretha Franklin started to emerge, Baker’s star was falling. She left Atlantic in 1964. By the end of that decade, her second marriage (to comic Slappy White) had also fallen on troubled times.

Baker was inducted into the rock hall of fame in 1991, telling the audience, “Regardless of how old you are when you get this, it’s still good, baby.”

Why Do People Suffer Double Amputations?

In people with diabetes, a trifecta of trouble can set the stage for amputations: Numbness in the feet due to diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) can make people less aware of injuries and foot ulcers. These ulcers may fail to heal, which can in turn lead to serious infections.

Over half of limb amputations (about 67 percent) in the United States are attributable to diabetes and related complications. The majority of limb amputations are performed on the lower extremities.

Nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy causes decreased feeling, and a person with diabetes cannot feel it when they get a tack in their foot, or injure their limb

Skin changes from diabetes causes skin to break down, and this combined with diabetic nerve damage and poor circulation leads to non-healing ulcers

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. Enjoy an interactive Panel Discussion featuring Luther Vandross’s former musical director, Nat Adderley Jr., singer-songwriter Fonzi Thornton, vocalists Alfa Anderson, Robin Clark, and Tawatha Agee, Luther Vandross historian Leon Petrossian and more. Tickets are on sale now (50% Off). Get your ticket now by clicking the link below for the inaugural Fandross Festival on Saturday, May 12, 2018, 6:30 -8:30 PM at SVA Theater at 333 West 23rd Street, NY, NY 10011.  Please join us! BUY TICKETS 

5 Fabulous Walkers for People With Diabetes

Are you searching for a walker for yourself or a loved one but are not sure where to start?

Limited mobility and balance issues affect many people with diabetes. But reduced mobility doesn’t need to keep you stuck in the house! A good walker can help prevent falls, provide seating, offer carrybags, and more importantly give a ‘divabetic’ their life and independence back! 

Though many different options are available, the best walkers are safe, durable, comfortable, and easy to use. There are several types of walkers; standard, front-wheeled walkers, and 4-wheeled walkers. Here are four of our favorite 3 and 4-wheeled walker options:

Rollator Walker by Drive Medical

Euro-style black rollator is made of lightweight aluminum for easy maneuvering and large front wheels are great for home or outdoors. If you’re concerned about safety, the built-in brake cable is a reassuring feature. A comfortable nylon seat and handle height adjustability provide universal relief that feels customized Price: $242

Elite Rollator Walker with Seat by Hugo Mobility

This rollator walker caught our eye because of its storage space. The height-adjustable seat includes an under-seat storage bag, while the handlebar features an additional saddle bag. Another great feature is the ergonomic hand grips. The extra-large wheels make it stable and reliable. Colors: Blue or Red. Price: $144

Drive Medical RTL Nitro Euro-Style Rollator Walker

This sleek looking walker is made of lightweight aluminum so it’s easy to maneuver. The strong frame is perfect to support any body type. For maximum safety, the brake cable is built into the frame so the cables are not visible and are entirely out of the way.  The sling style seat is made of a thick nylon, and the backrest is removable and height adjustable. The walker easily collapses into an ultra-compact size via pulling the seat grip up. The walker supports 300 pounds, and weighs 17 pounds.  $186

Most reviewers said, “the Nitro is the Little Red Corvette of walkers.” People were very impressed with how well the 10-inch front wheels rolled over gravel or grass, and how light and easy the walker is to fold and stow in their car. 

Lightweight Rollator Walker by Medline

Medline’s Freedom model weighs 11 pounds and has wheels that can support up to 250 pounds. It folds flat for easy stowage. The 6-inch wheels work well on smooth surfaces but are not good for outdoors. $93

The Winnie Lite Supreme Aluminum Rollator

The tan plaid carry pouch attached under the handgrips might have had us at ‘Hello’ but that’s not the only feature that stands out. This three-wheeled lightweight maneuverable walker is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.  The caster style rubber tires are 7.5 inches wide and give a smooth ride.  The walker can be folded by pulling back on the locking handle, and pushing the sides of the walker together.  The walker supports up to 300 pounds, and weighs 9 pounds.

Most reviewers said, “Winnie offers more support than a cane and is less obtrusive than a 4-wheeled rollator.”

 

Tune in to Diabetes Late Nite on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.  We’re talking about spouses living with diabetes with musical inspiration from Country Music superstars, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jaye O’Grey, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be playing selected songs from Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s ‘Rest Of Our Lives’ album courtesy of SONY Music. This podcast is part of Diabetes Podcast Week to help raise awareness and funds for the International Diabetes Federation’s Spare A Rose, Life for A Child campaign. We’re encouraging you to buy one fewer rose for Valentine’s Day and instead donate the value of that flower to help children with diabetes have access to insulin and testing equipment. Donate now at: lifeforachildusa.org/sparearose