Drinking 2 or more Diet Drinks a Day linked to High Risk of Stroke, Heart Attacks

Drinking two or more of any kind ofartificially sweetened drinks a day is linked to an increased risk of clot-based strokes, heart attacks and early death in women over 50, according to a new study by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.The risks were highest for women with no history of heart disease or diabetes and women who were obese or African-American.

Previous studies have focused on the bigger picture of cardiovascular disease,” said lead study author Yasmin Mossavar-Rahmani, an associate professor of clinical epidemiology and population health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. “Our study focused on the most common type of stroke, ischemic stroke and its subtypes, one of which was small-vessel blockage. The other interesting thing about our study is that we looked at who is more vulnerable.”

After controlling for lifestyle factors, the study found that women who consumed two or more artificially sweetened beverages each day were 31% more likely to have a clot-based stroke, 29% more likely to have heart disease and 16% more likely to die from any causethan women who drank diet beverages less than once a week or not at all.

The analysis then looked at women with no history of heart disease and diabetes, which are key risk factors for stroke. The risks rose dramatically if those women were obese or African-American.

“We should be drinking more water and natural beverages, such as unsweetened herbal teas,” Mossavar-Rahmani said. “We can’t just go all day drinking diet soda. Unlimited amounts are not harmless.”

Clued Inn: Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Rooms

Join us for Clued Inn Escape Room, the first-ever, free Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience on National Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019, 5- 10PM in New York City. Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Space Limited.  BOOK NOW 

Get Clued Inn About Your Shape

Divabetic hosts a sneak peek of Clued Inn: The First-Ever Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience at Hale Organic Salon in New York City scheduled for National Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Guest presenters: Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN FAADE, Catherine Schuller and Joe Murray will be discussing how your body shape relates to your risk for heart disease.

Does your Body Shape signal Heart Problems?

Having an apple shaped body – one where too much fat is stored around the middle (waist) –  may be a warning sign that you are at risk for heart disease and other health problems, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer states Dr. Tony Hampton, an obesity expert at Advocate Trinity Hospital in Chicago and a member of the Obesity Medicine Association.

A clue to your risk is where your body stores excess fat. So, paying attention to the size of your waistline may be a more effective strategy for good health than focusing strictly on your Body Mass Index (BMI), or your overall weight.

Body types shaped like a carrot, a pear or an hour glass tend to carry lower risk for heart disease, even when carrying extra fat.Divabetic’s Sneak Peek for Clued Inn: Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room features Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE (author of MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Men with Diabetes and MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Women with Diabetes), Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN FAADE (author of The Complete Diabetes Organizer, Diabetes: 365 Tips for Living Well) Hale Organic Salon owner and Master Stylist Joe Murray. The program is hosted by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.

Don’t miss Clued Inn, the first-time Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience scheduled for Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in New York City sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Free Admission. Space Limited. BOOK NOW

Heart Healthy Food Swaps #1

February’s Diabetes Late Nite guest Lisa Young PhD, RDN, CDN  is sharing heart hearty nutrition tips in partnership with Smart Lifebites in honor of American Heart Month (February).

“Heart disease can often be prevented with some simple healthy lifestyle modifications and smart food choices,” says Dr. Lisa Young.

Divabetic’s Heart Healthy Food Swap #1: Swap Your Hamburger for a Black Bean Burger

“Replacing meat with legumes is a simple swap which may contribute to a healthy heart,” says Dr. Lisa Young. “Legumes—including black beans, lentils, and split peas–are a terrific plant based protein option and also a good source of soluble fiber. Unlike a hamburger, bean burgers are also low in saturated fat which the American Heart Association and Dietary Guidelines recommend we limit. So, try going meatless, for at least a few days, this February.”

Dr. Lisa Young PhD, RDN, CDN is an internationally recognized nutritionist and portion control expert. She’s the the author of Finally Full, Finally Thin: 30 Days to Permanent Weight loss One Portion at a Time (Center Street/ Hachette Book Group) and The Portion Teller Plan: Eating, Cheating, and Losing Weight Permanently (Crown 2005) which was named one of six best health books by The Wall Street Journal and O, The Oprah Magazine.

Read more of Dr. Lisa Young’s some simple healthy lifestyle modifications and smart food choices for a heathy heart. 

Listen to Mr. Divabetic’s full interview with Dr. Lisa Young PhD, RDN on February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Dolly Parton.  LISTEN NOW

Do you that Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. with 1 in 4 deaths caused by heart disease each year?

Don’t miss Clued Inn:https://cluedinn.org/ Escape Room, the first-ever Escape Room Experience with a Heart Health twist on on National Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019, 5- 10PM in New York City. BOOK NOW

#Cluesday

Does you have what it takes to Escape the Room?

Register now for Clued Inn, the first-ever diabetes and heart disease escape room experience presented by Divabetic on National Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 from 5 -10pm in New York City, NY.  

“My experience of working as Luther Vandross’s personal assistant unexpectedly thrust me into a diabetes health crisis with limited knowledge of the disease.  I’ll never forget the moment when the admitting doctor told me Luther’s stroke could have been avoided,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.  “I realized then, as I do now, how essential it is for friends, family members and yes, even co-workers to be informed and involved in someone’s diabetes self-care. So, Divabetic’s outreach projects like Clued Inn aim to appeal to people living with diabetes and their circle of friends and family members.”

Clued Inn is totally FREE, and you’re encouraged to bring your friends and family members. After taking either the Diabetes Risk Test or Heart IQ Quiz on https://cluedinn.org/  you can choose your adventure from 6 popular escape room themes at NYC’s #1 escape room venue. Plus, special giveaways for teams who solve the diabetes and heart diabetes puzzles.

Space limited. Register now!

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.