My three brothers all have gout. I have psorasis and one brother is also living with type 1 diabetes. Is there any connection?
Gout is a type of arthritis that happens when a substance called uric acid builds up in your blood. It causes joint pain, especially in the big toe
Gout and diabetes are two different health problems, but if you have one, you’re more likely to get the other.
People with type 2 diabetes often have high levels of uric acid in their blood, which could be due to extra fat. If you’re overweight, your body creates more insulin. That makes it harder for your kidneys get rid of uric acid, which may lead to gout.
There’s also a link exists between gout and heart problems and the new findings show the need for people to talk to their doctors about added risks.
Two reasons for why gout might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease are increased oxidative stress and inflammation.
Enjoy expert advice on diabetes health, fabulous fashion and beauty news and real talk about eating disorders related to diabetes.
Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Catherine Schuller, Mama Rose Marie, @WeAreDiabetes founder, Asha Brown, Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN & Lorraine Brooks guest on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from #JenniferLopez.
Don’t miss Divabetic’s free Clued Inn: Diabetes & Heart Escape Rooms on Diabetes Alert Day on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 in New York City. Registration opens soon.
Mariah Carey’s iconic holiday song, ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ might be at the top of the music charts but ‘SEX’ is at the bottom of Santa’s list for women with diabetes this season.
https://youtu.be/qLyQdJQNhSQ
Vaginal dryness is the most common sexual issue for women who have diabetes and one of the reasons they choose not to have sex during the holidays. High blood sugar levels can harden the blood vessels in the vaginal wall. That can affect lubrication and make sex uncomfortable.
High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage throughout the body can affect a woman’s ability to experience sexual stimulation and arousal.
Janis Roszler RD, CDE, LDN, the author of ‘SEX and Diabetes’answers your most asked questions about intimacy and diabetes including ‘Can I Lose Sensation in My Clitoris’ and ‘Why Viagra and Cigarettes Don’t Mix’ on December’s Diabetes Late Nite with music from Yolanda Adams.
Having diabetes and being in a relationship can prove to be a very complicated and delicate situation. Even if your relationship is strong, it can be stressful to deal with the complication. Janis Roszler and Donna Rice’s team up together to guide you on having an active, healthy sex life while having diabetes in ‘SEX and Diabetes’.
You’re not alone. The link between guilt and diabetes may derive from the social stigma and common misconception that diabetes is an easily preventable condition. Many Americans still believe type 1 is caused by eating too much sugar and that the sole cause of type 2 is obesity.
“It’s natural for people to feel like they’ve done something to bring it on,” says Susan Guzman, PhD, director of clinical education at the Behavioral Diabetes Institute in San Diego. “It’s common for people to look inward for some sort of causal event because it makes them feel more in control. But when it comes to diabetes, there are a lot of things out of our control.”
We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 8 Year Anniversary of Diabetes podcasting with musical inspiration from Patti Austin.
Grammy Award-winning Singer Patti Austin is in constant demand globally for live performances, thanks to a legacy of recordings that started in 1955, continued through the ‘60s with success as a teenage R&B star before establishing herself as a mainstay among jazz and soul audiences through her ‘70s recordings. By the ‘80s, Austin became known to the wider international audience as a result of the Grammy-nominated “Baby Come To Me” and “How Do You Keep The Music Playing”, her early ‘80s classic duets with James Ingram.
In New York, they referred to Patti as the “Queen of Studio” for her singing abilities. When she arrived on set to work for Randy and Michael Brecker, Patti met Luther Vandross for the first time. The moment created a lasting friendship.
“Another thing (besides music) that bonded me to Luther was our weight issues,” she said. The two dialed each other often. “When touring, if we were in the same city, we attended movies together.” “He would usually pick some silly movie like [Scary Movie]” she said, expanding on the personal side of their relationship in a loving, humorous way.
“I had type 2 diabetes,” says the former 285- pound singing sensation. “I had obesity-driven diabetes,” continued the now 140-pound Austin. To reach her new weight, Patti Austin had gastric bypass surgery and the result has been remarkable.
Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.
Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music.
Heart attack, panic attack, and hypoglycemic reaction (low blood glucose) have symptoms which are common to all three conditions. However, treatment for all three are very different.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack:
Shortness of breath
Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to you neck, jaw, shoulder, or upper back. (Note: women may have a heart attack without chest pain.)
Indigestion, heartburn or abdominal discomfort
Nausea or vomiting
Cold sweat
Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
Unusual fatigue
Symptoms of a Panic Attack:
Sensations of shortness of breath or being smothered
Over-breathing (hyperventilating)
Nausea or abdominal distress
Dry heaving and/or gagging
Sweating
Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded or faint
Feeling of choking
Palpitations and/or accelerated heart rate
Chills or hot flushes
Trembling or shaking
Numbness or tingling sensations
Fear of losing control or going insane
Feeling that death is imminent
Symptoms of a Hypoglycemic Reaction (Low Blood Glucose):
Rapid heartbeat
Blurry vision
Sudden nervousness
Unexplained fatigue
Pale skin
Headache
Hunger
Shaking
Dizziness
Skin tingling
Sudden mood changes
Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating
Loss of consciousness, seizure, coma
What You Should Know About a Heart Attack
Heart disease is the most common cause of death for both women and men in the United States. However, of the nearly 500,000 heart attack deaths that occur each year, more than 239,000 are in women. Women’s symptoms may occur more often when women are resting. Mental stress may trigger heart attack symptoms in women. Sweating is typical for a heart attack, as is nausea, especially for women. Women of all ages should take heart health seriously. Women under the age of 65, and especially those with a family history of heart disease, need to pay close attention to heart disease risk factors. A heart attack is dangerous, and requires prompt medical attention.
You can’t deep-breathe your way out of a heart attack, but you can deep-breathe your way through a panic attack. If you feel your heart is racing, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth several times in a row. If it helps, you’re probably just panicking. If it’s a heart attack, that deep-breathing is going to hurt.
What You Should Know About a Panic Attack
A panic attack is very sudden in onset and includes an intense fear and anxiety. Panic attacks will be over within 10 minutes (and often less), while heart attacks can last much longer. During a panic attack your body goes into fight or flight mode – your breathing rate increase, muscles tense, and heart rate quicken. A panic attack imposes no immediate danger; it is not going to cause a heart attack. Though it can feel like it, a panic attack won’t kill you.
What You Should Know About a Hypoglycemic Reaction (also known as an Insulin Reaction)
The American Diabetes Association defines hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, in terms of two levels. Level 1 is when the blood glucose level is lower than 70 mg/dL. Level 2, known as severe hypoglycemia, is when the blood glucose level is lower than 54 mg/dL and requires the assistance from another person to treat. Severe hypoglycemia is classed as a diabetes emergency. If you experience any of the symptoms of hypoglycemia, even if you suspect anxiety, you should check your blood glucose. If you have low blood glucose and it causes symptoms, do not ignore it. Low blood glucose can be potentially life-threatening.
How to Treat a Heart Attack:
Call 911 or your local emergency number. Whenever you’re in doubt about your symptoms, seek care without delay. Only medical tests can rule out the possibility of a heart attack.
Chew and swallow an aspirin, unless you are allergic to aspirin or have been told by your doctor never to take aspirin.
Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed.
Begin CPR if the person is unconscious.
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease:
Quit or don’t smoke.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat a healthy diet that includes whole grains, a variety of fruits and vegetables, low fat or fat-free dairy products, and lean meats. Avoid saturated or trans fat, added sugars, and high amounts of salt.
How to Treat a Panic Attack:
Use deep breathing. While hyperventilating is a symptom of panic attacks that can increase fear, deep breathing can reduce symptoms of panic during an attack.
Close your eyes. Some panic attacks come from triggers that overwhelm you. To reduce the stimuli, close your eyes during your panic attack. This can block out any extra stimuli and make it easier to focus on your breathing.
Find a focus object. Some people find it helpful to find a single object to focus all of their attention on during a panic attack. Pick one object in clear sight and consciously note everything about it.
Picture your happy place. What’s the most relaxing place in the world that you can think of and picture yourself there; try to focus on the details as much as possible. This place should be quiet, calm, and relaxing.
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Panic Symptoms:
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs. All of these can trigger or worsen panic attacks.
Practice stress management and relaxation techniques. For example, yoga, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation may be helpful.
Get physically active. Aerobic activity may have a calming effect on your mood.
How to Treat a Hypoglycemic Reaction:
Early symptoms can usually be treated by following the 15-15 rule. Eat or drink 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate. Fast-acting carbohydrates are foods that are easily converted to sugar in the body, such as glucose tablets or gel, fruit juice, or regular soda (not diet soda).
Check your blood glucose again in 15 minutes. If it is still low (below 70 mg/dL) repeat the step above.
If your next meal is more than an hour away, you will need to eat one carbohydrate choice as a snack (along with protein) to keep your blood glucose from going low again.
If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood glucose drops too low, you may pass out. If you do, a drug called glucagon should be injected into your skin, like you do with insulin This can be done by a family member or friend who has been taught how to do it. Since glucagon may cause you to vomit, you should be placed on your side when the injection is given. If no one knows how to give the injection, you should be taken to a hospital. You need a prescription for a glucagon kit. You should awaken about 10 minutes after the glucagon is injected. If you do not, you should be taken to a hospital at once.
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Blood Glucose:
Pay attention to feelings of hunger and give your body what it needs to function properly.
Always carry a fast-acting carbohydrate with you in case you need to treat an insulin reaction.
If you can’t figure out why you have low blood glucose, call your healthcare provider, as your medicine may need to be adjusted.
Understanding the symptoms for heart attack, panic attack, and hypoglycemia is important so you can receive the right treatment. In addition, it’s also important to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of heart attack, manage panic symptoms, and manage blood glucose.
Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE
Dr. Beverly S. Adler, aka “Dr. Bev”, is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator with a private practice in Baldwin, NY. She was honored in 2016 with the “Certified Diabetes Educator Entrepreneur of the Year Award.”
She is the author/editor of two diabetes self-help books which include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes. She has published articles in print and online about diabetes management – always with the focus on emotional adjustment. Dr. Bev has been quoted in numerous magazines and contributed to a monthly diabetes advice column online. She is a frequent contributor to the Divabetic Diabetes Daily Wire, where she blogs about diabetes topics from the psychological perspective.
Dr. Bev has lived successfully with type 1 diabetes for 42 years. You can connect with her on her website www.AskDrBev.com and on Twitter @AskDrBev.
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
“Figure out who you are and do it on purpose” – Dolly Parton
This month’s Diabetes Late Nitepodcast talks about self-acceptance and diabetes. Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek focuses attention onJulie Murphy’s book Dumplin’and spotlighting the music of Dolly Parton who helped make the soundtrack for the Netflix movie. To summarize (and simplify) the story, it’s about a plus-size teenageddaughter of a former beauty queen, who learns how to accept her body and feel proud of who she is.
Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
Self-acceptance can be an emotional struggle for many people, especially for women who judge their appearance critically. You fill in the blank: “I am too ______” short, tall, fat, skinny, young or old, etc. Let’s remember not to judge a book by its cover! Plus-size people can be superficially judged by their body type instead of what’s on the inside. It’s unfair, but you can’t change what others think. Try to remember to be yourself. People don’t have to like you, but you don’t have to care.
Some people are judged critically for having diabetes. It is assumed, and they are unfairly blamed and shamed, that they lead an unhealthy lifestyle (i.e. eating too many sweets, and being lazy). It’s hurtful to be so harshly judged, especially with no evidence to support those accusations. You know in your heart of hearts what is true and what is untrue. Remember that the most important relationship in your life is the one you have with yourself.
Benefits of Self-Acceptance
Self-acceptance is necessary for good mental health. A person who scores high on self-acceptance has a positive, non-judging attitude. A person treats themselves kindly, rather than harshly. A person allows themselves to be human, to make mistakes and learn from them. Know that as humans we are not perfect, nor should we be expected to act flawlessly.
Psychological benefits of self-acceptance include a decrease in depressive symptoms and an increase in positive emotions. Positive benefits include an increase in feelings of self-worth and self-esteem, and more self-kindness when mistakes occur. Self-acceptance is associated with more optimism and better recovery from stress. Other psychological benefits are a decrease in fear of failure, less desire to win the approval of others, and less self-criticism. Physical benefits include lower levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (a marker for glucose levels/insulin resistance).
Tips for Self-Acceptance
Use self-talk to encourage yourself. Tell yourself to keep trying and focus on positive aspects of what you did.
Forgive yourself. You have to accept your humanness and the fact that you are not perfect. If you hurt yourself through addictive behavior, avoidance, or otherwise behaving unwisely, make a coping plan for the next time you are in a similar situation so that you can begin to act differently. Remember, there are no failures, if you have learned and grown from your mistakes; there are only lessons learned.
Become mindful. Know what you think, feel and want. When you are mindful you can act on this knowledge rather than on what others want for you.
Practice good self-care. You can accept yourself more, when you take better care of your basic needs. Nourish yourself daily through healthy activities, like choosing healthful food choices, physical activity, sleep, intimacy, and healthy social interactions.
Final Thoughts
Challenge your negative thoughts about yourself. The underlying message of Dumplin is to figure out who you are and do it on purpose. Treat yourself with self-compassion. Tolerate yourself to be imperfect in some parts. We are deserving of love and respect just the way we are. Value yourself and all the things that make you unique. We are all works in progress.
Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE
Dr. Beverly S. Adler, aka “Dr. Bev”, is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator with a private practice in Baldwin, NY. She was honored in 2016 with the “Certified Diabetes Educator Entrepreneur of the Year Award.”
She is the author/editor of two diabetes self-help books which include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes. She has published articles in print and online about diabetes management – always with the focus on emotional adjustment. Dr. Bev has been quoted in numerous magazines and contributed to a monthly diabetes advice column online. She is a frequent contributor to the Divabetic Diabetes Daily Wire, where she blogs about diabetes topics from the psychological perspective.
Dr. Bev has lived successfully with type 1 diabetes for 42 years. You can connect with her on her website www.AskDrBev.com and on Twitter @AskDrBev.
Don’t miss February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast in support of the ‘Spare A Rose, Save A Child’campaign on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. We’re talking about ‘SELF ACCEPTANCE & DIABETES’with musical inspiration from Country Superstar, Dolly Parton. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr.Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Lisa R Young, PhD, RDN and more. Enjoy selected songs from Dolly Parton’s new album Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack courtesy of SONY Music. TUNE IN
The holidays are depressing times for some people. We think everyone else is partying with a loving family, while we don’t have family, or don’t like them, or they are far away. Diabetes doesn’t help.
You might feel the weight of diabetes more at this time, because you can’t let go and celebrate like everyone else. Or maybe you do let go and then beat yourself up over it.
Need some inspiration and advice to stay on track with your diabetes wellness goals this holiday season?
Additionally, Emmy Award winning Producer Linda Bracero Morel, who is living with type 2 diabetes, shares her remarkable weight loss journey, Poet Lorraine Brooks provides wordy wisdom and Mama Rose Marie offers some motherly adivce.
One of Mama Rose Marie’s helpful tips is to start visiting neighbors, former co-workers, and older family members who are shut in during the holiday season. Help someone shop, escort them to doctors appointments (and take notes) and/or drive them to social activies like bridge. Please open your heart and share love and companionship to a population that is in need.
Enjoy Diabetes Late Nite featuring holiday music from Leona Lewis courtesy of SONY MUSIC. LISTEN NOW
Instead of a frozen strawberry daiquiri, drink water!
Most of us would sooner roll our eyes than adhere to this helpful, overzealous healthy eating advice. But does that mean we’re not taking our diabetes seriously? Or are we a bad person?
Although water is the obvious healthier option, the two choices aren’t even comparable which doesn’t seem to bother our well-intentioned friends, co-workers and family members aka ‘The Food Police’. They like to share stringent suggestions while strictly adhering to a ‘do as I say, not as I do’ code of conduct at family gatherings or celebrations. But our their good intentions helpful or hurtful?
The ‘Food Police’ is the topic of July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast entitled ‘I Know What You Ate Last Summer’ on Tuesday, July 12, 2018, 6 PM, EST. Those well meaning friends, family members and co-workers in your life who like to imply you’re good or bad for choosing a certain food. Their ‘helpfulness’ can lead to guilt and shame over food choices and make you loathe your diabetes self-care. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros’ Foundation, and Mama Rose Marie.
Confused about Food?
If you are, you’re not alone. When you go online to seek advice you’ll find a dozen different ideas on the right way to eat to manage your blood sugars and they all contradict each other. It is very confusing, but it will all fall into place eventually, especially if you connect with a Registered Dietitian(RD) who’s a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). You can find such a person at EatRight.org.
A Registered Dietitian (RD) can help you to create a personalized nutrition care plan to help manage your blood sugar levels throughout the day, prevent further health complications, and feel your best,
Have you got a blood glucose meter? If not, we recommend that you get one. You can use it to test out your meals by check before you eat then again 2 hours after your first bite. The difference in the readings will show you how that meal affected your blood sugar levels. You may have some shocks, and you may have some nice surprises, but it is the only way to learn. Our bodies are all different. We are all on different (or no) medications, at different stages of the disease, so what is right for one may not be right for another.
What’s a healthy alternative to a Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri?
1. Make your own Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri at home. Most home-cooked meals have less calories, sugar, and fat than meals out and the same holds true for stay at home cocktails. The main ingredients are frozen strawberries, lime juice, lemon juice and a bit of sugar or honey. And, if you opt for alcohol you can decide how much rum to use. Don’t forget that a frozen strawberry daiquiri, made from strawberry schnapps, rum, lime juice, sugar and strawberries, contains about 220 calories and 34 grams of carbohydrates. If you’re trying to lose weight than drinking a few of these isn’t the best option.
2. Opt for a nonalcoholic version. You won’t save many calories but you will cut down on the added sugars from the liqueurs.
3. Alternate between a frozen strawberry daiquiri and a glass of water. As an added bonus, drinking plenty of water at the bar will likely reduce the chance of waking up with a hangover.
Keep in mind, while moderate amounts of alcohol may cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level — sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels, especially for people with type 1 diabetes. Alcohol can interfere with the positive effects of oral diabetes medicines or insulin.
What’s moderate alcohol consumption?
Moderate alcohol consumption is considered 2 drinks/day for men; 1 for women. One drink contains 14 grams of alcohol meaning: one 12 oz beer (5% alcohol), one 5 oz glass of wine (12%) or one 1.5 oz of hard liquor (40% or 80 proof). It does appear that alcohol itself, and not the source, is responsible for the benefits.
We’re going ‘beyond the music’ to explore the chronic health hardships experienced by beloved musicians giving hope to others struggling with the same issues.
Singer and actress, Phyllis Hyman was best known for her soulful music during the late–1970s through the early–1990s including the songs; “You Know How to Love Me” (1979), “Living All Alone” (1986) and “Old Friend” (1991). Phyllis Hyman also performed on Broadway in the 1981 musical based on the music of Duke Ellington, Sophisticated Ladies, which ran from 1981 until 1983.
Let’s be clear, Phyllis Hyman was not living with diabetes but she was battling depression and other mental health issues throughout her life.
People with diabetes tend to suffer higher rates of depression according to research.As many as one in five people with diabetes think about suicide, some on a daily basis. People considering suicide don’t always advertise their plans, but those with diabetes might be doing so by neglecting their diabetes management.And suicide or suicide attempts using insulin or other diabetes medications that lower blood sugar levels may not always be an easy-to-spot attempt at self-harm, they added.
Born in Pittsburgh in 1950, Phyllis Hyman was the eldest of seven children. She grew up in Philadelphia listening to a wide range of music from James Brown to Nina Simone via Karen Carpenter and Minnie Ripperton.
Her big break came when she gained the attention of the jazz drummer Norman Connors, who had something of a reputation for discovering female vocalists (including Jean Carne). In 1976, Phyllis Hyman’s sultry rendition of The Stylistics’ “Betcha By Golly Wow” proved a favorite on the R & B radio stations in the United States.
She then signed to the New-York-based Buddha record label and cut several fine tracks which became staple fare on an emerging radio format, the “quiet storm” – soul ballads played late into the night.
When she should have been soaring like the gifted songbird she was, Phyllis Hyman’s mental health issues took control of her life. She committed suicide a few days before her 45th birthday, a few hours before she was due to appear at the Apollo Theatre, in Harlem.
“Phyllis had a philosophy about life, death and her body. Simply, she felt that because it was her life, it was also her death. Because it was her body, she had the right to do with it as she chose, including leaving it behind when she was ready to.
Although she was not a member of the Hemlock Society, she was very clear that suicide was indeed an option for those whose lives could not be managed successfully because there was just too much pain : emotionally, physically and spiritually.
About ten years earlier, Phyllis was diagnosed as being “bi-polar”, a medical term for someone who suffers from the dis-ease of manic-depression. As she got older, her disease became more and more difficult for her to manage. She elected not to use pharmaceutical medication. She elected to self medicate. Her self medication distorted her disease more and more, until she felt helpless about ever being able to recover from it.
It is important to note that she had attempted suicide twice before she actually committed suicide. Because she and I talked about suicide as an option to living a painful life, I was not surprised by her death. I was and am still very sorrowful that she actually made the decision to ascend June 30, 1995.“
“As an artist, she sang her desperation. “She has a song that is a soundtrack of her entire life, ‘You Just Don’t Know What I’ve Been Going Through,’ ” said Frank Sheffield, Hyman’s long-time friend who managed the jazz station at Hampton (Va.) University, where Hyman often appeared.
The connection point between diabetes and suicide is depression. About 16 percent of the general population experience depression, but the percentage is nearly doubled among those with diabetes.
In Everyday Health Ed Cook, who was diagnosed with diabetes 38 years ago gradually lost his vision and then his driver’s license, his business, and most recently, one toe to amputation, depression infiltrated his life. A religious person, he struggled against thoughts of suicide and sought help.
“The complications led me to severe depression,” Cook admitted. He entered treatment, which included anti-depressants for a time, and he now regularly attends both therapy and support groups. “It helps to know I am not alone,” he said. “Diabetes is not the end of the world.”
But Cook also acknowledges that his battle is not over. Periodically, he still feels some despair as he continues to face the screenings and health assessments, such as vascular checkups, that are intended to catch complications before they do too much damage. Still, through prayer and therapy, he said, he’s come to see that even now he has a role and a purpose. “I try to be an encouragement to people,” he said.
Are You Feeling Suicidal?
No matter how much pain you’re experiencing right now, you’re not alone. Some of the finest, most admired, needed, and talented people have been where you are now. Feeling suicidal is not a character defect, and it doesn’t mean that you are crazy, or weak, or flawed. It only means that you have more pain than you can cope with right now.
The pain of depression can be treated and hope can be renewed. No matter what your situation, there are people who need you, places where you can make a difference, and experiences that can remind you that life is worth living. It takes real courage to face death and step back from the brink. You can use that courage to face life, to learn coping skills for overcoming depression, and for finding the strength to keep going. Remember:
Your emotions are not fixed – they are constantly changing. How you feel today may not be the same as how you felt yesterday or how you’ll feel tomorrow or next week.
Your absense would create grief and anguish in the lives of friends and loved ones.
There are many things you can still accomplish in your life.
There are sights, sounds, and experiences in life that have the ability to delight and lift you – and that you would miss.
Your ability to experience pleasurable emotions is equal to your ability to experience distressing emotions.
Mental health conditions such as depression, and bipolar disorder are treatable with changes in lifestyle, therapy, and medication. Most people who seek help can improve their situation and recover.
Take these immediate steps: Promise not to do anything right now, avoid drugs and alchohol, make your home safe, and don’t keep these suicidal feelings to yourself.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. 1-800273-8255
Off-Off Broadway Soul Divas Night Out Presents Strength of a Woman: A Phyllis Hyman Tribute Experience Starring Queen Diva is an intimate 75 minute concert that is a celebration of Phyllis Hyman’s musical legacy. Featuring Sonja Elise Freeman, ASCAP Singer/Songwriter, Author, Teacher, Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Advocate will sing her favorite songs to celebrate the life and musical legacy of the Legendary Songstress Phyllis Linda Hyman. BUY TICKETS
Join us for the inaugural Fandross Festival presented by the Vandross Family Estate and Divabetic celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for the prevention of diabetes health-related complications such as stroke on Saturday, May 12, 2018, 6:30 -9:30 PM at SVA Theater. BUY TICKETS
We’re talking about ‘Diabetes, Sleep & Mental Health Issues’ on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from the iconic Phyllis Hyman. Guests include Alyson Williams, Queen Diva, Patricia Farrell PhD, Kristina Wolfe, ‘Tabouli: The Story of a Heart-Driven Diabetes Alert Dog’ Author Matt Pelicano, Elizabeth Vaughan Gallagher, Stacie Shonkwiler, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach with Patricia Addie-Gentle. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from ‘The Essential Phyllis Hyman’ album courtesy of SONY Music.
Earlier this week a seasonal version of the iconic American snack cake — Hostess Twinkies — joined dozens of other foods as a victim of a secondary recall because of Salmonella contamination at a powdered milk plant. What should you do if you’re living with diabetes and you experience food poisoning?
I spoke with one of the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE about this topic and the best ways to avoid food poisoning on January’s Diabetes Late podcast.
Hostess Brands LLC of Kansas City, MO, initiated a nationwide recall of its “Holiday White Peppermint Twinkies” because of the confectionary coating.
Hostess peppermint Twinkies Valley Milk“The confectionary coating contains milk powder ingredients recalled by Valley Milk Products LLC due to a concern of Salmonella contamination. No illnesses have been reported to date, and none of the confectionary coating sampled has tested positive for Salmonella.
Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the possible exposure to the pathogen.
Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections.
Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.
Listen to my full interview with Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE by clicking HERE
Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Alicia Keys. Guests include: America’s #1 Fat Loss Expert and Author of ‘How to Fight FATflammation! Dr. Lori L. Shemek, PhD, Mary Ann Hodorowicz RD, LDN, MBA, CDE, CED, The Charlie’s Angels of Outreach and Mama Rose Marie.
Our INSTANT WINNER Prize Package features gifts courtesy of my sugr, Nu Naturals, Dr. Greenfield’s Diabetes Hand, Body & Foot Creams and Cabot Cheese. Throughout the podcast enjoy selected songs from Alicia Keys’ sixth studio album,“Here” courtesy of SONY Music. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic
