Tag: Charlie’s Angels of Outreach

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Berry Parfait Recipe by Cookbook Author Holly Clegg

Over the past 20 years of Divabetic outreach, I have had the good fortune to meet so many sensational women. One of my favorite collaborators was  Cookbook Author Holly Clegg. Holly was a guest on several Divabetic podcasts and regularly contributed recipes to our Divabetic Holiday Entertaining guides. She was kind, gracious, and enthusiastic about our Divabetic outreach programming.

Sadly, Holly passed away from a long battle with cancer in 2019. She had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in August 2018. She was 64.

The best-selling cookbook author entered hospice care in June after her team of doctors at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston advised against continued treatment.

Beloved Advocate food columnist Holly Clegg to transition to hospice care amid cancer battle

During her cancer fight, Holly used her high profile to educate others on gastric cancers and, with her family, created the Holly Clegg Gastric Cancer Research Fund at MD Anderson to raise awareness of gastric cancers.

Her highly successful “trim & TERRIFIC” and “Eating Well” cookbook series have sold over 1.5 million copies.

She worked with experts at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, the American Heart Association, and the American Diabetes Association, writing as part of the series books on “Diabetic Cooking” and “Eating Well to Fight Arthritis.”

Approaching menopause, Holly enlisted friends to help test facial products made with everyday food. The winners are included in her “trim & TERRIFIC: Too Hot in the Kitchen” cookbook. It also had some “spicy advice” showcasing Holly’s infectious humor.

I smiled when I came across one of Holly’s recipes the other day. Below is one of Holly’s popular recipes she shared with us over the years.

Berry Parfait Recipe by Cookbook Author Holly Clegg

Light and delightful, strawberries or your favorite berries layered with a luscious cream cheese layer and ladyfingers.

Ingredients

2/3 cup seedless sugar-free raspberry preserves

1/4 cup orange juice

6 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (8-ounce) container of fat-free whipped topping, thawed, divided

2 (3-ounce) packages of ladyfingers, split in half (24)

1 1/2 cups strawberries, stemmed and sliced

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix preserves and orange juice.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until light. Mix in whipped topping, reserving 1/2 cup for topping.

3. Line the bottom of an oblong small dish with split ladyfingers. Layer with preserves mixture, cream cheese layer, and top with strawberries. Repeat layers with remaining ladyfingers, preserves, and cream cheese layer.

4. Carefully top with a thin layer of remaining whipped topping. Top with remaining strawberries. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

Makes 16 (1/2-cup) servings

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 128, Calories from fat (%) 24, Fat (g) 3, Saturated Fat (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 9, Sodium (mg) 79, Carbohydrate (g) 23, Dietary Fiber (g) 1, Sugars (g) 11, Protein (g) 2, Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 carbohydrate, 1/2 fat

Holly’s Tip: Use raspberries so you don’t have to cut the strawberries. This recipe works well in individual servings. Holly used to cut this parfait into fourths, so you have extra the next day and make four.

Mr. Divabetic shines the spotlight on author and chef Holly Clegg, in this half-hour special edition of Divabetic’s podcast. This fun-filled food frenzy will feature expert advice on quick, flavorful and healthy eating from Holly’s latest book, Too Hot in the Kitchen:  Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age. In addition to this women’s lifestyle cookbook, Holly has authored many others, including Holly Clegg’s Trim & Terrific Diabetic Cooking.  With nearly 1 million books sold, Holly reigns supreme when it comes to helping today’s busy person cook fast meals and fit into an overall healthy lifestyle.  Known as the “Queen of Quick,” Holly’s recipes are time, user and pantry-friendly. As a mother, wife, and published cookbook author, Holly appreciates the ability to create a tasty dish that is both convenient and healthy.

Cookbook Author Holly Clegg shares ways to ‘SPICE UP’ your meal plan with musical inspiration from the “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz.

Celia Cruz was one of the most accomplished singers of the 20th century.   She was known for her powerful voice and her rhythm-centric musical style. Hailing from humble beginnings in the poor neighborhood of Santos Suarez in Havana, Cuba, her mother knew immediately that she was destined to be a singer.

Celia Cruz’s husband was a former lead trumpet player for Cuba’s legendary band La Sonora Matancera. He suffered from complications of type 2 diabetes and had a series of strokes before his death.

Podcast guests include Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDCES CDN, and Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Throughout the podcast, we will play music from Celia Cruz’s The Absolute Collection 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.”

 

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31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts: Day Four

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!

You can’t really call yourself ‘Diva Talk Radio’ without paying homage to Cher. And on Divabetic’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast from March 2011 we did just that with our self-proclaimed ‘Cher-Spectacular’. Cher certainly is a woman that was born for show business. But even though she has been successful now for over sixty years, her fame never went to her head. Described as a humble and heart-warming person by her colleagues, the singer, actress and perfume maker has time and time again proved that to be a real icon, a beautiful surface is not enough.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Ht0ulBrua/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The ‘Queen of Reinvention’ refuses to accept the word “age-appropriate”

Inspired by the iconic Goddess of Pop, Mr. Divabetic orchestrates an ensemble of fabulous guests on Divabetic’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast including Divabetic’s Charlie’s Angels of Diabetes Outreach in a discussion of hot topics, red carpet beauty tips from celebrity makeup artist, LA-based,Jeff Jones, self-care tips from Divabetic’s Mama Rose Marie and top “pop” picks from Stan the Announcer Man.

Plus, we’re dining with a dietitian at IHOP in a menu review of healthy food choices and Mr. Divabetic reflects on his obsessions with Cher.

Tune in and call in to get inspired, to give a shout-out or to play Divabetic’s Diabetes Numerology game featuring divalicious gifts. On this show, our Charlie’s Angels include dynamic certified diabetes educators, Jessica Issler, RD, CDE from Norfolk, VA, Judi Wilcox, RD, CDE from Hollywood, FL and Debra Norman, RN, CDE from Woodland Hills, CA.

 

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

 

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31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts: Day One

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!

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

 

Divabetic’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast from August 2010 centers around our Diabetes Numerology game puzzle. Diabetes Numerology Game puzzles pair random blood glucose values with real-life situations to help you brush up on your problem-solving skills and test your Divabetic IQ. Always check with your doctor to find out what your specific game plan should be for any given diabetes self-care situation. 

On this episode, three of the smartest and friendliest diabetes educators from around the world aka ‘Charlie’s Angels of Outreach’ make their debut. Our dynamic certified diabetes educators featured are:  Jessica Issler RD, CDE from Norfolk, VA,  Judi Wilcox RD, CDE from Hollywood, FL and Lori Bednarz RN, CDE from Pennsylvania, PA.

Help us to learn more about our community! It’ll only take a minute … and you could win the chance to make your acting debut in our Annual Mystery podcast in September 2020! 

PODCAST SURVEY

 

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Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes Mystery Podcast Debuts on 9/10/19

Don’t miss Divabetic’s 6th Annual Diabetes Mystery Podcast, Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, 6 -7 PM, EST.

This year’s Divabetic Mystery Podcast takes place at the fictitiously decadent world-renowned Gingerbread Men Cookie Baking Competition in New York’s Central Park Zoo. Mr. Divabetic’s culinary misadventures continue in this year’s escapade as he enters the competition with headless cookies and pureed kale hot cocoa for the judges to sample. As if this dreadful combination wasn’t bad enough to land him at the bottom of the throwdown, his mother, Mama Rose Marie, is accused of poisoning one of the celebrity judges. Things go from bad to worse when the snake phobic Mr. Divabetic hears about the giant python’s escape. 

Now, the happy healthcare host must decide to face his fear of snakes and recipe rejection or throw in his apron and risk getting caught up in another murder investigation. Can Mr. Divabetic and his team of amateur sleuths hunt down the real killer and get Mama Rose Marie out of jail? Will he be the next murder victim? Can he ever create an edible recipe?

The cast of Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes features Mama Rose Marie, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and MaryAnn Nicolay BA, DTR), Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Dave Jones, Lorraine Brooks and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from the original Broadway cast recording of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes featuring the iconic Carol Channing courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

TUNE IN

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How Much Salt Are You Eating?

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend the average adult consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium or about one teaspoon — over the course of a day. 

An even lower daily limit of 1,500 milligrams a day is suggested for people who:

– Have high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease.
– Are 50 or older.
– Are African American; this population has higher rates of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. 

Alternatively, aiming to at least lower your sodium intake by at least 1,000 mg also can help. 

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Divabetic’s 6th Annual Diabetes Mystery Podcast

Divabetic presents their 6th Annual Diabetes Mystery Podcast, “Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes,” which takes place at the fictitiously decadent world-renowned Gingerbread Men Cookie Baking Competition in New York’s Central Park Zoo. Mr. Divabetic’s culinary misadventures continue in this year’s escapade as he enters the competition with headless cookies and pureed kale hot cocoa for the judges to sample. As if this dreadful combination wasn’t bad enough to land him at the bottom of the throwdown, his mother, Mama Rose Marie, is accused of poisoning one of the celebrity judges. Things go from bad to worse when the snake phobic Mr. Divabetic hears about the giant python’s escape.         

Now, the happy healthcare host must decide to face his fear of snakes and recipe rejection or throw in his apron and risk getting caught up in another murder investigation. Can Mr. Divabetic and his team of amateur sleuths hunt down the real killer and get Mama Rose Marie out of jail? Will he be the next murder victim? Can he ever create an edible recipe?

The cast of Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes features Mama Rose Marie, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and MaryAnn Nicolay BA, DTR), Asha Brown, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Dave Jones and Lorraine Brooks.

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from the original Broadway cast recording of ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

TUNE IN

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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 8th 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.

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Join us for December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast

We’re talking about celebrating the holidays without compromising our diabetes wellness with musical inspiration from Kelly Clarkson on December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 6 PM, EST. TUNE IN

Kelly’s fabulous Wrapped in Red album hasquickly become a gift to our holiday music playlist with an eclectic mix of classic carols and original songs co-written by the singer.

Kelly Clarkson also inspires us to give ‘voice’ to topics such as the HIV Medication link to Type 2 Diabetes, Homeless & Diabetes, Heart Healthy tips, and Holiday Weight Loss Secrets on this podcast.

We’re challenging one lucky listener’s ‘Diabetes Health IQ’ during Mr. Divabetic’s ‘Wrapped In Red’ Game segment.

 

Can’t wait until Tuesday to test your ‘Diabetes Health IQ’? Then, try your luck at this question before Tuesday’s podcast:

Additinally, Mr. Divabetic shares his top picks from Divabetic’s Wrapped In Red Gift Guide. Enjoy great gift suggestions from our team of contributors including Yoga for Diabetes founder Rachel Zinman , Diabetes Strong’s Christel Oerum, Mary Kay’s Taryn Mcquain Bentaous, Chef Jonathan Bardzik and more!

December’s Diabetes  Late Nite guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Kathy Gold  RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Glucose Delivery Necklace co-creator Kris Maynard, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC=ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Maria Sakowitz, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, Type 2 Diabetes – What To Know FB Community moderator Nick Zevgolis and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. TUNE IN

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Kelly Clarkson’s “Wrapped In Red” 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.”

ANSWER: 4 chambers. The heart has four chambers: two atria and two ventricles. The right atrium receives oxygen-poor blood from the body and pumps it to the right ventricle.  The right ventricle pumps the oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. The left atrium receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and pumps it to the left ventricle.

 

 

TUNE IN

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How To Feel ‘Diabetes Strong’ with Christel Oerum

We’re excited to announce our special line-up for Divabetic’s World Diabetes Day edition of Diabetes Late Nite. Diabetes Strong founder, Christel Oerum will stop by the studio to share her experience thriving with type 1 diabetes and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin will provide musical inspiration. Join us here on Wednesday, November 14 from 6 – 7:30 PM.

Christel is a certified personal trainer, diabetes writer and advocate. She has been living with type 1 diabetes since 1997, and lives by the motto “there’s nothing you can’t do with diabetes.” With a wonderful life motto like that, we had to ask Christel to share some advice and guidance on staying strong with diabetes prior to our podcast interview.  

Q: You posted on Diabetes Strong that when you first started to work out that you didn’t understand the difference between being ‘skinny’ and being ‘fit’. Can you explain how this impacted your fitness goals?

Christel Oerum: It shifted my whole approach to health and the way I structure my workouts and nutrition. While “skinny” can easily become an endless chase to “lose weight”, being fit and strong is more tangible. My focus is now more on increasing strength and eating to ensure my body can perform. I find strength incredibly empowering and I never go to the gym for “punishment” or to lose anything. I go because I like it and when I leave, I feel accomplished.

Q: Most women don’t want to lift weights because they’re afraid of looking ‘too bulky’ – what’s your opinion? 

Christel Oerum: Building muscle is surprisingly hard, especially for women, so I don’t think women have to fear that. To “bulk up”, you have to consistently (we’re talking years) lift heavy and eat enough to support muscle gain. I’ve done that, and I don’t think I look “bulky” but that I look strong.  

Q: What does your saying ‘forget about “toning” and focus on “building” mean?

Christel Oerum: “Toning” is such a weird term. Toning indicates that you lean out (aka reduce your body fat) to reveal your muscle tone. Well, you need to build muscle first in order to show it off. I think a lot of people (especially women) become frustrated when they lose weight and still don’t have the “toned” body they want.

Obviously, we all carry muscle even if we never lifted a dumbbell, but if you really want to “tone”, you’re probably also interested in having a little more muscle tone to show off.

Q: How do you deal with blood sugar fluctuations before, after and during your workout?

Christel Oerum: I limit the fluctuations by having a good understanding of how different workouts most likely will affect my blood sugar and by knowing which blood sugar management strategies are optimal to implement. I’ve written several articles on that on Diabetes Strong because it’s something many struggle with, and it takes time and effort to figure out what works for the individual.

But gaining that knowledge is golden. By knowing which types of exercise most likely will increase blood sugar and which won’t, we can adjust our medication and food accordingly and just enjoy exercise more.

Q: How do you feel that knowing how many calories you’re eating and what kind of calories you’re eating is important? 

Christel Oerum: I don’t think it’s always important to know your calorie intake. I definitely don’t track what I eat all the time. However, if you do want to gain or lose weight, it’s important to know how much you’re consuming compared to how much you should be consuming. And the most efficient way to determine that is by tracking your food for a while. There are different methods for that and I always recommend people choose the right method for them. If tracking calories result in unwanted eating pattern and eating disorder behavior, I highly recommend a different method.

Q: How can others living with diabetes learn how to make peace with their obstacles and find ways to turn them into something positive? 

Christel Oerum: I truly believe in finding your way through joy and support. We all have obstacles we need to tackle, and if they’re not approached with some level of positive outlook, they will become practically impossible to work your way out of. Diabetes is an obstacle, but it’s also an opportunity to become extremely aware of how your body works and responds to pretty much anything you do. And you’re not alone in this journey. There is a vast diabetes community online that you can tap into. We’re in group chats, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and in person at meet-ups around the world, you just need to reach out.  

Q: We’ve read that you often advise people living with diabetes who are interested in starting a fitness routine to do ‘what gives them energy’ what does that mean? Can you explain? 

Christel Oerum: I find that when we enjoy something, when we have fun, it makes us happy and gives us energy. If you love to dance, you might be smiling all the way through that favorite song of yours, and you’ll probably have a smile on your face or in your heart even after the song is over, even if you are out of breath and covered in sweat. That’s how I feel about resistance training. I might not always want to go, but I pretty much always feel amazing afterward. I feel energized and happy.

Do what you like and what makes you happy – not what someone else says is the “best” way to exercise.

We’re celebrating World Diabetes Day with a special Diabetes Late Nite musical inspiration from Aretha Franklin on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 6 – 7:30 PM.

There are many reasons that Aretha Franklin is the legend of legends, a groundbreaking singer with the fortitude to transcend race and genre, using that tremulous voice as the bulldozer to break down every barrier set up in her way.

Aretha’s own health journey is sparking a discussion about the uncertain connection between pancreatic cancer and diabetes. Long-standing diabetes can be considered a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It causes a modest increase in risk of 1.5- to two-fold. Some of the other risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), family history of pancreatic cancer, obesity and certain genetic syndromes.

Guests include Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong‘s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup”Author Suzanne Perez, Jessica Clark, Trisha Artman and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s ‘Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’ courtesy of SONY Music.

FREE  DIVABETIC  GIVEAWAY: We’re giving away a copy of Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport and Dr. Sandra Neshin Bernstein’s Friendship Matters: Memoir, Life Lessons, Laughter on November’s Diabetes Late Nite. Tune in (using this link to win! 

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.

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Stress of a Diabetic Diva by Eugenia Wells-Bassillio

As many of you may know I am a ‘PWD Type 1’ (person living with type 1 diabetes), I have been living type 1 diabetes since 2014. I have been a diabetic since 2005. Being a diabetic is hard since you must be on top of your disease at all times.  You don’t get a day off. I always have to check my blood sugars and carry my diabetes kit with me at all times to make sure that I’m prepared for anything. For example, I carry test strips, meter, alcohol swabs, lancet device, lancets, insulin – fast acting. Insulin – long acting ( in case I don’t get back home in time for my afternoon dose or since I’m at work before my morning dose), pen needles, glucose for lows, snacks, ice pack for summer time  in my purse before I head out the door. 

Managing my diabetes also means dealing stress. Stress is probably the hardest thing for me to manage! There’s always something to stress out about in daily life.  I mean how do you go through life stress free? Daily struggles are always there from family and kids to jobs and loads of bills that must be paid. The list goes on and on. I get stressed just thinking about ‘stress’, LOL.

On June 16, 2017, I was informed by my employer that my job of 8 years had been eliminated; this meant that I would lose my benefits on June 30th. This rocked my world! What was I going to do? I needed my meds, supplies and lifesaving insulin. Over the next few weeks my husband and I sat down and tried to decide what to do. We had no choice except to put me on his health insurance. This meant that we’d lose a good chuck of his check since he works for a small company. But what else could we do? Talk about stress! My blood sugars during those weeks and the following months have been out of control. Some mornings I’ve woken up with sugars over 250 and I’ve had to take more insulin to correct. This is, of course,  all due to stress.

People just don’t realize what a diabetic goes through. The highs/lows and everything in between are very tough on the body, spirit and family unit. I have tried to remain positive but it is very hard. I have been to two job interviews. I hope that one of them will pay off. In the meantime, I wake up every day and tell myself that I am priceless. That any employer will be glad to get me.  When I leave the house I make sure to fix my hair and put on my makeup. I grab a different color of lipstick and tell myself that today I will be in control. 

I guess I said all of this to just let someone out there struggling with depression, stress, uncontrolled sugars or whatever you are going through, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We all face different things and that diabetes is hard. But remember this, God only gives his toughest battles to his strongest warriors! And believe me if you are diabetic, you are a warrior! Whatever seen or unseen battle you are fighting you are not alone.  

Pick yourself up, straighten your crown, and stomp that runway called life.

*Editor’s Note: Eugenia Wells-Bassillio is the founder of the ‘Diabetic Divas Unite’ Facebook page. She also recently started working at Baptist Hospital in Oxford, MS

Share your experience living with diabetes on the Divabetic blog. E-mail Max Szadek at: mrdivabetic@gmail.com

Tune in to Divabetic’s 4th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast, ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’ and learn how to manage your diabetes like a detective! LISTEN NOW

Don’t miss October’s Diabetes Late Nite with music by Old Dominion on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Dr. Andrea Chisholm, Dr. Michele Summers Colon, and Mama Rose Marie.

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Love Your Diabetes Health with a Divabetic’s Valentine’s Day Celebration

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This year we’re encouraging you to ‘sparkle’ not just survive the holidays if you’re living with diabetes. From feeling deprived about what you can eat to feeling embarrassed about living a sexual health related complication, diabetes can make it difficult at times to get in the spirit!

Coming soon our favorite experts, Stacey Harris aka the Diabetic Pastry Chef, ‘The Decadent Diabetic‘ aka Chef Ward Alper, Wine & Spirits Expert Samantha Shaken Baker, Certified Diabetes Educators, Patrica Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND and Rich In Love Fashion style Blogger, Published Writer, Diabetes Advocate, and Spokesmodel, Doris Hobbs share their advice on loving the holiday without compromising your diabetes health.

Look for our Diabetic Valentine’s Day Celebration’s diabetes self-care advice, healthy and delicious recipes, beauty and fashion tips and favorite love songs on this blog and our upcoming February Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by George Michael on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, 6-7 PM, EST. 

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Did you know that Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400?

The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

Did you know that Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s?

In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as “scrap.” Today, according to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year!

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TUNE IN: February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by George Michael on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, 6-7 PM, ESt. Guests include Chef Ward Alper aka ‘The Decadent Diabetic’, Rich In Love style blogger Doris Hobbs, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

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