book club – Divabetic

05/20/202305/20/2023

Let’s Talk About Sex! Book Club: The Next Chapter

Last night I took my mother to see the new film Book Club: The Next Chapter, starring Jane Fonda (85), Candice Bergen (77), Diane Keaton (77), and Mary Steenburgen (70).

I had no idea walking into the theater that this film would resolve any lingering doubts I have about publishing the soon-to-be-released Divabetic’s ebook about intimacy and diabetes for women entitled Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes by two leading experts, Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDCES, FAND and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FAADE. Hollywood’s crude depiction of older women only fueled my desire to provide accurate, honest, and friendly help about this important topic for women with diabetes.

I enjoyed the first film and looked forward to seeing the sequel. The new movie follows the journey of four best friends as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls’ trip they never had. But it wasn’t as good as the first film.

After the movie, we went to a piano bar for dinner. There was a group of eight older women at a nearby table. None of these women resembled the four women we saw on screen. On top of being several dress sizes smaller than the group of piano bar women, the four movie stars were crude, constantly drinking alcohol, and seemed only interested in talking or having sex.

The film’s depiction of older women could have been more realistic. What I hoped would be an empowering big-screen event for a female ensemble cast whose average age is 77 is sadly a letdown. Plus, they barely discussed any books. What made the first film so much fun was seeing these four women find ease and comfort in talking about and experiencing intimacy after reading 50 Shades Of Grey.

The Nex Chapter’s plot focuses on eternally single Vivian (Fonda) getting married, and her best pals Diane (Keaton), Sharon (Bergen), and Carol (Steenburgen) take her on a bachelorette trip to Rome, Venice, where hijinks ensue. The trip’s inspiration comes from 1988’s mystical self-help parable, the Alchemist. The movie’s plot hinges on the book’s central theme of fate versus taking control of your destiny.

Unfortunately, Hollywood thinks America’s idea of entertainment is seeing old ladies misbehaving or talking dirty. This is why I feel it’s essential to publish our book and help women of a certain age living with diabetes get honest advice about sexual health issues.

Jane Fonda’s roles lately are all crude women with filthy mouths, just like Diane Keaton’s characters are all as cooky as her wardrobe on and off-screen.

Her dialogue consists of double-entendres such as, ‘Give him his credit, he’s 2,000 years old, and he’s still hard as a rock,’ when she looks at a Roman statue.

In reality, men with diabetes are three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED). Getting older doesn’t cause ED, but it does increase your chance of getting it. It would have been interesting to see her character, Vivian, find creative solutions to coping with her lover, Don Johnson’s issues if he had ED in the bedroom.

As an older actress, she seems determined to show people that women over a certain age are still sexually active singlehandedly. Her film roles, Book Club, Book Club: The Next Chapter, and 80 For Brady, seem to exist for this sole purpose. I admire her work in the TV series Grace and Frankie for how she and her co-star, Lily Tomlin, handle this subject.

But on the big screen, Jane Fonda’s characters miss the mark. Candice Bergen, whose face and shape are the most realistic depiction of actual older women, seems unconvincingly comfortable having a one-night stand in a Venetian gondola.

On the one hand, I want to say, “Good for her,” but on the other hand, I want to point out how unrealistic and irresponsible this scene is. For one thing, there’s no mention of condoms. As a gay man living in San Francisco during the height of the AIDS crisis, I was constantly told by friends and strangers to use protection. Sadly, people who gave me the advice seem to not heed it for themselves.

Statistics published in 2018 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have shown that the number of new HIV infections is growing faster in individuals over 50 than in people 40 years and under,and HIV may be the tip of the iceberg.

Older Women and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

The aging process also puts older adults at greater risk for STDs. The immune system declines as people age, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases.

After menopause, women’s vaginal tissues thin, and natural lubrication decreases. This can increase the risk of micro-tears and sexual transmission of certain diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

Secondly, the lack of natural lubrication, often called ‘vaginal dryness’ in older women, is common. This is especially true for women with diabetes. If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, then sex will be painful, regardless if you’re in a bed or on a gondola.

Hollywood’s constant stream of unrealistic portrayals of real-life older women is more reason for accurate, friendly information about intimacy for women with diabetes. Hopefully, when it’s available, you will download a copy of Divabetic’s upcoming ebook, Sweet Romance, on Amazon.

Can’t wait for the book to come out? Need advice now?

Tune in to this Divabetic podcast; Mr. Divabetic explores issues of love, intimacy, and diabetes on this special one-hour podcast. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to sexual health complications, including vaginal dryness, sensation, and performance. Up to 50% of men and 25% of women may experience some sexual problem or a loss of sex drive.

Don’t equate sexual performance with love or a fulfilling relationship; focus on letting your partner know you care and want to give pleasure as part of your relationship.

Mr. Divabetic’s Guests include Best-Selling Author Lisa Eugene, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories (the makers of Wet Lubricants), and Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDCES, FAND (2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).

Suppose you or your partner is experiencing sexual difficulties. In that case, you may find it helpful to meet with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, marriage counselor, or sex therapist. These professionals can help you learn how to reduce stress and change behaviors and attitudes, mainly when impotence is caused by stress or other mental health issues.

GLAM MORE FEAR LESS: Join Divabetic’s growing Facebook and Twitter communities. We’re celebrating almost 20 years of presenting diabetes educational outreach that dazzles!

10/30/2021

Prosecco & Pumpkins Party

After lying low during the pandemic, my friends were getting restless for Halloween. So for the past few years, I have hosted an adult pumpkin carving party that I like to call ‘Prosecco & Pumpkins’. It’s the perfect way to kick off fall and get excited about the upcoming holidays. Even better, it’s a low-key, easy kind of party to throw, busy schedule and all.

Of course, I had to decorate my apartment to get everyone in the mood. I made this gigantic tarantula! It was easy! I used my co-workers black tights and a hefty garbage bag, stuffed with assorted paper and plastic grocery bags.

This year I bought smaller-sized pumpkins because I’ve learned that larger-size pumpkins translate into more post-party cleanup. And smaller-sized pumpkins require less time to carve and design, so it’s not a super late night for your guests.

My party started with cocktail hour. I made my first charcuterie board using tips from Brenda Novak‘s online Book Club party and YouTube. We also had some excellent Gotham Volleyball Sangria Showdown-worthy Sangria made by my friend, Jeannie. If you’re living with diabetes and enjoy an occasional cocktail check out this Divabetic podcast featuring expert advice on the subject.

I made Chef Robert Lewis, aka The Happy Diabetic‘s Iowa- Style Apricot and Onion Pork Chops, a big hit for dinner! My sides included roasted Brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes.

Then, we got down to the main event, Prosecco and Pumpkin carving. Again, everyone was quiet, sipping on bubbly as they focused on their designs.

Here’s my pumpkin design! Judging by the smile on my pumpkin’s face, you can tell I was in a good mood after spending time with friends and celebrating again!

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic plays his newest nutrition game, ‘Serve, Taste or Trash’ with everyday people at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, PA.

Here’s how you play: Mr. Divabetic lists 3 fruits and vegetables. Among the three choices, you have to choose which one you’d serve, which one you’d taste, and which one you’d be willing to trash. Your options are cantaloupe, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts.

Get inspired to eat more fruits and vegetables. Mr. Divabetic is the host of the free monthly podcast, Diva TalkRadio: Diabetes Roundtable. Diva TalkRadio is Divabetic’s dynamic free online and mobile podcast channel where tens of thousands of fans, followers, and listeners turn to laugh a little and learn a lot. The channel features a line-up of live and archived programs and specials. Guests include health care professionals, beauty, image/style, and fitness experts, entertainment industry leaders, and VIPs: women and men living with, at risk of, and affected by diabetes.

01/05/2021

Sir Phillip With Love: Corsets & Clinical Depression

Divabetic’s Blue Stocking Book Club pick is New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn‘s fifth book in her popular Bridgerton series, To Sir Phillip, With Love.

The story sheds light on society’s view of what is now known as clinical depression compounded with postpartum depression in the 1800’s.

The Bridgerton Series is a collection of eight novels, each featuring one of the eight children of the late Viscount Bridgerton: Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth.

What is so appealing about To Sir Phillip, With Love is that the story sheds light on society’s view of what is now known as clinical depression compounded with postpartum depression in the 1800’s.

When Sir Phillip Crane loses his wife to severe, chronic depression he feels like a failure as a husband because he is unable to make his wife feel happy.

Although Sir Phillip’s feelings of inadequacy as a caregiver are still common today, our views about depression and its treatment have changed. Back in the 18th and 19th centuries people believed that depression, which was referred to as melancholy, was as a weakness in temperament that was inherited and could not be changed. The result of these beliefs was that people with depression should be shunned or locked up.

Thankfully, that’t’s not the case today. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Researchers estimate that more than 1 in 4 U.S. adults are reporting symptoms of depression during the pandemic. There are many supports, services and treatment options available.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

We’re talking about issues of love, intimacy and diabetes on this Divabetic podcast. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to sexual health complications including vaginal dryness, sensation and performance. Up to 50% of men and 25% of women may experience some kind of sexual problem or a loss of sex drive.

Don’t equate sexual performance with love or a fulfilling relationship; focus on letting your partner know you care and want to give pleasure as part of your relationship

Podcast Guests include Best-Selling Author Lisa Eugene, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories (the makers of Wet Lubricants) and Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND (2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).

If you or your partner is experiencing sexual difficulties, you may find it helpful to meet with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, marriage counselor or sex therapist. These professionals can help you learn how to reduce stress and change behaviors and attitudes, particularly when impotence is caused by stress or other mental health issues.

06/05/202006/05/2020

Divabetic Bookshelf: Kitchens of Great Midwest

Looking for a good read?

I encourage you to pick up J. Ryan Stradal’s Kitchens of Great Midwest.

Kitchens of the Great Midwest is a novel about a young woman with a once-in-a-generation palate who becomes the iconic chef behind the country’s most coveted dinner reservation.

When Lars Thorvald’s wife, Cynthia, falls in love with wine—and a dashing sommelier—he’s left to raise their baby, Eva, on his own. He’s determined to pass on his love of food to his daughter—starting with puréed pork shoulder. As Eva grows, she finds her solace and salvation in the flavors of her native Minnesota. From Scandinavian lutefisk to hydroponic chocolate habaneros, each ingredient represents one part of Eva’s journey as she becomes the star chef behind a legendary and secretive pop-up supper club, culminating in an opulent and emotional feast that’s a testament to her spirit and resilience.

How you ‘sneak’ vegetables in treats ? Try these amazing Plant Strong Beet Cookies from Two Vegans Mission with us!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAlIprkj3SE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

**Diabetes Late Nite Podcast with music from Dionne Warwick**

We’re talking about ‘Secrets to Longevity & Diabetes’ with musical inspiration from Dionne Warwick.

Living longer and increasing your life expectancy with diabetes doesn’t have to be a chore. From flossing your teeth daily to getting a good night’s sleep, there are simple things you can do to help you live long, happy and healthy life.

Guests include The Lager Queen of Minnesota and Kitchens of the Great Midwest Author J. Ryan Stradal, Deborah Greenwood PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Fonzi Thornton, Rachel Stahl MS, RD, CDN, CDE, and Lorraine Brooks. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Dionne Warwick’s ‘Dionne’ album featuring I’ll Never Love This Way Again and Deja Vu courtesy of SONY Music.

03/23/202003/23/2020

Noodle Shop Mysteries Author Vivien Chien Guests on April’s Diabetes Late Nite

Author of the Noodle Shop Mysteries Vivien Chien guests on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2020, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.

Vivien Chien first started writing simple stories about adventures with her classmates when she was in elementary school. As she grew up, her love of books and the written word increased, leading to the attempt of her first novel at age 16. After many struggled beginnings and several different genres, she found her passion in the mystery world. She currently lives in Cleveland where she is hard at work on the fifth book in her Noodle Shop series and writes side-by-side with her toy fox terrier.

Author Vivien Chien

Speaking of noodles … you’ll find glass noodles on the menu at many popular Asian restaurants. Glass noodles are known by different names including cellophane noodles, mung bean threads, and mung bean noodles. While glass noodles seem lighter than other types of pasta, they have about the same amount of carbs as regular spaghetti and more than whole-wheat spaghetti. It takes about 54 grams of dehydrated noodles to yield a 1-cup serving of prepared glass noodles. This portion contains 47 grams of total carbohydrates, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Because the recommended dietary allowance for carbohydrates is 130 grams daily, you’ll get 36 percent of your daily carbs from one serving of glass noodles.

Glass noodles are gluten free, fat free and a 1/2 cup serving dishes up 8% of your daily requirement for iron.

If you have diabetes, you can still enjoy glass noodles. Just be sure to keep an eye on your portions.

Murder Lo Mein (A Noodle Shop Mystery Book 3) by Vivien Chien

Lana Lee’s stake in her family’s Chinese restaurant is higher than ever now that she’s been made manager. So when she enters Ho-Lee into Cleveland’s Best Noodle Contest, Lana makes it her business to win—at all costs. But when a local food critic receives a threatening note in a fortune cookie and is later found dead, face-down in a bowl of lo mein, all bets are off. . .

BUY NOW

Country’s brightest star, Maren Morris inspires talk about coping with the coronavirus and diabetes on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2020, 6 PM, EST. Guests include Author of the Noodle Shop Mysteries: Vivien Chien, Lorraine Brooks, Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport PhD, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Alexis Gray.

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Maren Morris’s Girl album courtesy of SONY Music.

Tag: book club