Good things happen when you push yourself out of your comfort zone. For the Luther Vandross: Never Too Much Celebration in April, I challenged myself to design two wedding dresses out of unconventional materials.
One dress featured a cardboard corset and a newspaper skirt, while the other was crafted from bubble wrap, discarded foam FedEx envelopes, and a Dollar Store silver shelf liner.
My friend Verna served as my dress form, and Pam Lewis, head of Luther’s Wardrobe department, provided guidance via FaceTime. Despite facing frustration and a lack of expertise, I persevered and was rewarded when two amazing models, Amy and Alicia, agreed to wear my dresses at the show.
After the event, Amy wore the bubble wrap skirt to the Mermaid Parade, which was incredibly rewarding for me.
Witnessing my designs alongside numerous other creative outfits at the parade was inspiring. The Mermaid Parade is filled with artistry, creativity, and wonder.
Another gorgeous morning in East Hampton, NY, is another reason to show my home state pride. When I was growing up in Rochester, my mother told me lilacs were the official New York State bush, but they weren’t designated as such until 2006.
Checking your blood sugar in the morning, known as fasting glucose, can help you assess your diabetes self-care plan. This measurement shows how well your body manages your blood sugar overnight. If you take insulin, a morning test can also help you determine how much to take before a meal.
In people with prediabetes or diabetes, morning blood sugar can remain high as the body becomes less sensitive to insulin or produces smaller amounts. This is known as the “dawn phenomenon.”
Some researchers believe the overnight release of certain hormones naturally increases insulin resistance. That causes blood sugar to rise. The hormones are called counter-regulatory hormones because they have an effect that opposes the effect of insulin. They include growth hormone, cortisol, glucagon, and epinephrine.
High blood sugar in the morning may be caused by:
Not getting enough insulin the night before.
Not getting the right dose of diabetes medicine the night before.
Eating a snack with carbohydrates in it at bedtime.
Talk to your healthcare collaborators if your blood sugar is consistently higher than it should be in the morning.
According to Greek mythology, Pan, the god of fields and forests, fell hopelessly in love with the nymph Syringa. After endless advances from Pan, Syringa turns herself into a lilac shrub to protect and disguise herself from him, proving once again how some guys don’t get the message.
I’ve spent most of my life with the label of “plus”,
The truth is that labels aren’t good for any of us.
Let’s labels shelves, and file cabinet drawers,
And signs on the ladies and mens bathroom doors.
A label is good if I need to explore
Where your office is located on the 5th floor.
And I need a label when I’m shopping for food
To know if tomatoes are pureed or stewed.
But don’t label me and my body, I ask,
And don’t make me wear this invisible mask…
Put labels on envelopes with return address,
Or telling me which one is lettuce, and which watercress.
Because in the end, I’m the same as you are,
And labels work better on bottles and jars.
But even if I am not your cup of tea
Don’t put labels on people…and please, not on me
Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek and poet Lorraine Brooks revisit her groundbreaking poem “Beauty & The Beach,” which premiered over thirteen years ago on Divabetic’s Roundtable podcast. The poem was inspired by Esther Williams and resonated deeply with podcast listeners and Diabetic blog readers. Since then, there have been numerous requests to have Lorraine share the poem again on subsequent podcasts or repost her words on the blog.
During this Divabetic podcast short take, Lorraine shares how her opinions about her body and wearing a swimsuit have changed over the past decade, but her feelings about her diabetes diagnosis have not. She emphasizes the time, effort, and care she has put into her diabetes management, which has helped her remain free of diabetes-related complications. The discussion also touches on how negative self-talk can hinder us from living life to the fullest. Lorraine has agreed to revisit the theme of the beach and swimwear at our request and has written a new poem, “Summer Skin,” for an upcoming podcast about the 42nd Annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island.
Although “Summer Skin” is not a cheerful poem about exposing more skin during the summer, we are still honored to share it with the audience. We hope you know our community welcomes you to share your thoughts, feelings, apprehensions, struggles, and successes regarding living with diabetes.
I’ve tried, please believe me, To listen to those Who tell me It’s OK To take off my clothes.
Then I look at others And what comes to mind? I sense they are judging me And being unkind.
I wish I was comfortable, I wish I fit in… I wish I was normal. I wish I was thin.
I wish people saw me For more than my weight… I wish that I had
A much different fate. So, hats off to Esther Who swam like a fish… Who by all accounts Was a beautiful “dish”.
But I am not Esther. I’m all I can be… And sometimes I struggle Just being me.
One more small thing, I must say it out loud – If I had a body Of which I was proud
If tank tops and 2-pieces Were within my reach I’d be more than happy To join you at the beach.
Poet Lorraine Brooks will join us for Divabetic’s upcoming Mermaid Parade-themed podcast with Coney Island USA Artistic Director Adam Rinn. She’ll share her newest poem, “Summer Skin,” which tackles many of the same themes in her popular poem, “Beauty & The Beach.”
Lorraine admitted in our recent pre-interview that she initially hesitated to share’ Beauty & The Beach’ with our listeners because she felt it didn’t match Divabetic’s predominant upbeat ‘Glam More, Fear Less’ attitude.
Ultimately, she read it on Divabetic’s Roundtable podcast, inspired by Esther Williams in 2013. We are so glad she did. The positive response from listeners and blog readers was overwhelming. Her words struck a chord with our Divabetic community in a powerful and meaningful way. Many commented on how much they identified with Lorraine’s feelings in her poem.
With the Summer months approaching, we decided to share it once again. Whoever you are, wherever you are, however you feel about your body, know that you are not alone.
Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. Was it an accident or foul play?
Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, a gypsy fortune teller, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic overcome his green pea phobia in time to prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea? Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his nosey Italian mother and friends. Along the way to revealing the murderer’s identity, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.
FEATURING Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, We Are Diabetes Founder Asha Brown, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Mama Rose Marie, and Seveda Williams. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.
Divabetic® (divabetic.org) is a national nonprofit diabetes outreach organization committed to changing attitudes in people at risk, affected by and living with diabetes. We strive to encourage prevention, early action, and above all, education. Check out our free monthly podcasts (available on i-Tunes and BlogTalkRadio) and our free Zoom outreach programs.
I’m excited to interview Coney Island USA’s Artistic Director, Adam Rinn, today about the 42nd Annual Mermaid Parade on Saturday, June 22, 2024, on our Divabetic podcast.
The Mermaid Parade, the nation’s largest art parade, brings together creative minds in art and fashion and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Brooklyn’s amusement district.
The Mermaid Parade originated to help preserve the tradition of Mardi-Gras-type events that were popular in Coney Island between 1903 and 1954.
Painter, performer, and sideshow historian Joe Coleman will be King Neptune and Queen Mermaid this year with his wife and muse, artist/photographer Whitney Ward. They will officially open the beaches for the beginning of summer and celebrate the sun, sand, sea, and salt air.
In addition to talking to Adam about the history and spectacle of the Annual Mermaid Parade, we will share Summer diabetes care tips and advice with prominent healthcare collaborators on the podcast.
Adam is a Coney Island native who has worked as a sword swallower, strongman, and variety performer for the past 20 years, so this should be a fun interview!
When you have diabetes, high blood sugars over time can lead to structural changes in the eye’s lens, accelerating the development of cataracts.
You may not notice cataracts since symptoms can be minor until clouding affects the center of the eye, then cataracts can progress rapidly. Other causes of cataracts:
Family history
Eye injury
Eye surgery
Repeated eye injections
Spending a lot of time in the sun without UV sunglasses
Using certain medications, such as corticosteroids
Know the Symptoms
Cloudy or blurry vision
Seeing double in one eye
Seeing halos around lights
Being extra sensitive to light and glare
Having trouble seeing well at night
Bright colors seem faded
How to Prevent Cataracts
Wear sunglasses with UV protection
Do not smoke—and if you currently do, quit!
Thankfully, cataract surgery can help reverse a cataract caused by diabetes. This short outpatient procedure involves removing and replacing a damaged lens with a healthy artificial lens.
We’re sharing ideas on lifestyle adjustments that can help you live your best life while managing your diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.
Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly. Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat? If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.
Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and MamaRose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.
The main themes of Divabetic’s diabetes mystery podcast Gypsies, Tramps & Peas are positive body image and summertime diabetes self-care tips.
Here’s a quick synopsis: Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic, finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fish. Was it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?
Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids, and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie, and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure.
This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.
Mermaids of nearly every imaginable description (Swedish Fish singing ABBAand Mime-Maids) lined Surf Avenue in Coney Island for the 41st Mermaid Parade.
It was an incredible display of art, body positivity, cleverness, and creativity.
This year’s parade is billed as the nation’s largest arts parade. Hip-hop legend Kool Keith was its king, and city Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo was its queen.
The main goal of the parade is to spread positivity and fun, and it continues to do so year after year.
The Mermaid Parade is all about body positivity. Body positivity is a movement that promotes acceptance of all bodies, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, gender, and physical abilities.
According to the Office on Women’s Health, a healthy body image means feeling good about looking and feeling comfortable in one’s body. Conversely, they report that having a negative body image can put one at a higher risk for mental health conditions, including eating disorders.
The true meaning of being positive about your body is self-acceptance and learning what is healthy specifically for you.
It’s a gathering of scantily clad folks who aren’t afraid to wear sequins, bare midriffs, fins, and sea-inspired costumes in broad daylight, with thousands of people watching.
The Mermaid Parade allows women to dress up as Drag Queens.
“Just like the Halloween parade — it’s all authentic New Yorkers. And this is an authentic New York event, she said.
The parade has been held nearly every year since 1983 but went virtual in 2020 and was canceled in 2021 because of the COVID pandemic.
The Mermaid Parade is a chance to get made up, express yourself, hear live music, see classic cars, and enjoy the creative spirit of New Yorkers.
Organizers estimate hundreds of thousands of people come out each year.
A ceremony on the beach also marks the start of the official summer swimming season on Coney Island.
Check out Divabetic’s Mystery podcast, Gypsies, Tramps & Peas.
Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer in Coney Island. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fish. Was it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand.
Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?
Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids, and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic,’ Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay MEd, NDTR, Mama Rose Marie, and Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit-clad sleuth in this seaside adventure.
Divabetic Mysteries podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.
I was thrilled to be a guest on my friend, Chef Robert Lewis, The Happy Diabetic‘s Kitchen Podcast. I had the chance to reflect on my twentieth anniversary of presenting diabetes outreach diva-style.
Several years after graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in 1976, Chef Robert Lewis was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes. His love of food and cooking motivated to alter his recipes to achieve diabetes wellness.
“I suspected that my days of good eating were over; yet as I worked through my ups and downs, I came to realize that the selection of foods I could and should eat was vast and included many of my favorites,” he says. “This motivated me to attempt to create delicious, diabetic-friendly dishes that were also easy to prepare.”
As a nationally recognized author, public speaker, and spokesperson for all people affected with diabetes, he travels the country, speaking on the benefits of healthy eating not only for people affected with diabetes but also for anyone who would like to eat well and live a healthy lifestyle.
The Happy Diabetic’s Oven Roasted Salmon with Fruit Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
1⁄4 Cup of Fresh Mango diced (or use canned)
1⁄4 Cup of Fresh Pineapple diced (or use canned)
2 Fresh Strawberries diced
1 Kiwi peeled and diced
1 Teaspoon fresh lime juice
1 Tablespoon leaf fresh cilantro chopped
4-5- 6 oz salmon filets
2 Tablespoon of Splenda
Ground Pepper
Balsamic Glaze
Directions
Peel and dice the mango, strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple. Place them into a bowl. Add the lime juice and cilantro. Set aside.
Season the salmon with cracked pepper and a dusting of Splenda. Place the fish into a non-stick oven pan lightly coated with canola oil on med heat (heat the pan first).
Place the salmon in a preheated 425-degree oven. Roast the tuna for about 10-12 minutes. The cooked fish will be firm to the touch, and the internal temperature will be about 140 degrees.
Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for 2-3 min. Place the fish on the plate. Top with fruit salsa.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 196 Fat: 4.31 g Sugar: 18.53 Fiber: 5.81 g Protein: 12.97 g
The Happy Diabetic Kitchen Podcast: A Conversation with Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek LISTEN NOW
Are you a Picky Eater? The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic plays his food game, Serve, Taste or Trash! at Central Farm Market in Bethesda, MD.
Chef Robert Lewis, The Happy Diabetic, stars with Mr. Divabetic in Divabetic Mysteries: Gypsies, Tramps & Peas podcast. Tune in to find out if Mr. Divabetic can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his nosey Italian mother and friends. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.
Mr. Divabetic returns tonight in another high-spirited Divabetic mystery podcast, Gypsies, Tramps & Peas. Click HEREto listen starting at 6 PM, EST.
Your favorite diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer in Coney Island. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. Was it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?
Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids, and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka The Happy Diabetic, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay MEd, NDTR, Mama Rose Marie, and Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit-clad sleuth in this seaside adventure.
Divabetic Mysteries podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Back by popular demand! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, hosts this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with our special guest, Stacey Harris, aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom.
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!
“I love so many elements in this show starting with the soundtrack which has so many great songs and the setting, historic Coney Island,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “Add to that, Catherine Schuller’s wacky nutrition fortune teller character, “Nutrina” from Divabetic’s popular Broomstick Bash healthy Halloween outreach program making an appearance. I also put a lot more of myself into this script. I was on my high school team and I have disliked peas since childhood. As much as I like to think I’m different from my character, ‘Mr. Divabetic’, we are basically one in the same!”
Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. What it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?
Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure. Gypsies, Tramps & Peas features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.
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
