Enjoy this poem, Buttons, by Lorraine Brooks, whose monthly poetry contributions on Divabetic’s podcast help inform and enlighten our listeners. Over the years, Lorraine has helped me champion a weight-neutral approach to managing diabetes. She has shown me and countless others how focusing solely on the number you see on the scale can harm your diabetes health.
Taking a weight-neutral approach involves working outside the confines of weight loss as the primary goal for managing your diabetes. The goal is to respect the body and learn how to cultivate healthy habits. Unlike traditional approaches to weight loss, weight is not used as an indicator of health. The focus is on size acceptance, consistent self-care behaviors, and diabetes care. You can be healthy at every size.
BUTTONS by Lorraine Brooks
I’ve never had buttons
On top of my jeans
I’ve only been able
To wear size of “queens”.
Elastic has often been
Something I needed
In clothing that made me feel
Somewhat defeated.
I longed for the feeling
Of putting on pants
Not worrying if people
Looked at me
Askance.
No more stretch fabric
And no more a “plus”,
And seeing my booty
As big as a bus.
I’m tucking my shirt in,
I’m wearing no sleeves,
My body is freedom
My body believes.
The old grey sweatshirt
That I used to dread
I’m wearing a cardigan sweater
Instead.
I know that this “victory”
Might not seem much
And that I am not “perfect” or
Gorgeous and such.
But trust me and listen
When I have to say
I buttoned my jeans today…
Hip, hip hooray!
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic plays the food game, Serve, Taste or Trash! at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York.
Can you complete our Divabetic Mystery Phrase below?
If you’re struggling to cope with the stress, and anxiety of daily diabetes self-care: try repeating positive affirmations to yourself each morning to steer your mood in the right direction. This way of thinking can be helpful when the mental and emotional burden of coping with daily diabetes self-care gets tough. We also encourage you to seek out a therapist to help you adjust to life with diabetes.
As you age and experience certain life changes, it’s important to be proactive about making adjustments to your diabetes self-care and lifestyle. The progression of type 2 diabetes will likely require adjusting your management plan with help with your doctor. And being diagnosed with another health condition or experiencing new physical limitations can affect your diabetes. too. Positive affirmations can help you to approach these changes with a positive outlook rather than a negative one. We believe in you!
How do you keep on track with your diabetes wellness without losing a beat?
Experts agree that the best strategy is to focus on small, achievable changes to improve quality of your diabetes life. Talk to your doctor about setting achievable goals that both of you can get behind.
Understanding the Mystery of Your A1C
Many people wonder how their hba1c number relates to their blood sugar levels. After all, daily diabetes self-care management can be a jumble of numbers: weight, blood sugar levels, carbohydrate counts, fat grams, serving sizes, etc. Hopefully, this handy chart will provide some clarification.
When it comes to the numbers, there’s no one-size-fits-all target. A1C target levels can vary by each person’s age and other factors, and your target may be different from someone else’s. If you feel your hbA1C number is on a higher side, say over 7 or 8%, do not worry! Knowledge is power. You can lower your hbA1C by creating your own personal self-care plan with your healthcare professional.
Daily diabetes self-care can be emotionally taxing, but reframing your mind-set can have powerful results.
Self-help books often promote the power of positive affirmations. If you’ve never tried them before, the idea can seem incredibly awkward to tell yourself how awesome you are.
Positive affirmations help to re-program your thought patterns and change the way you think and feel about things like your body and diabetes health. They are short positive statements that can help you focus on goals, get rid of negative, self-defeating beliefs and program your subconscious mind.
And yes, there is genuine theory and a fair amount of neuroscience behind this practice.
If you’re struggling to cope with your diabetes diagnosis: try repeating positive affirmations to yourself each morning to steer your mood in the right direction. This way of thinking can be helpful when the mental burden of daily self-care gets tough.
Mystery Phrase #6
Enjoy Divabetic’s 6th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast, Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes starring the happy healthcare host and amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic.
Divabetic’s Diabetes Mystery Podcast
Enjoy Divabetic’s 6th Annual Diabetes Mystery Podcast, Gingerbread Men Prefer Blondes. The mystery is set in the fictitiously decadent world-renowned Gingerbread Men Cookie Baking Competition in New York’s Central Park Zoo. Mr. Divabetic’s healthy 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), The Happy Diabetic Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, Coach The Cure’s Trisha Artman, Jillian Walsh, Wendy Radford, Dave Jones, Lorraine Brooks and Max Szadek.
Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from the original Broadway cast recording of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes courtesy of SONY MUSIC.
Slow and steady wins the race. Baby steps should set the pace. There’s no need to rush to win, Enjoy the journey that you’re in.
Things don’t happen overnight. It takes time to get things right. Sometimes it may seem too slow To get to where you need to go.
Dealing with a chronic ill, May seem like it’s all uphill. Getting better from a stroke Makes you feel like a slowpoke.
Lowering your a1c May seem like an eternity. Trying hard to lose some weight Happens at a sluggish rate.
Changes that we make today Won’t make a difference right away. But if we practice patiently, We’ll see results eventually.
Inch by inch the goal gets near Even if it takes a year. So don’t stop when you’re halfway there. Set your sights, and persevere.
Slow and steady, inch by inch - Do not blink and do not flinch. It won’t happen instantly... But in the end, you’ll win - you’ll see!
Hear Poet Lorraine Brooks read her poem, Inch by Inch, aloud on January’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. Throughout the podcast we’re talking about ways to proceed with ‘CAUTION’ in 2019 with musical inspiration from the iconic Mariah Carey 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.
Diabetes Late Nite guests include: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner, MS RDN CDE FAADE, Mama Rose Marie, WeAreEatNeat.com’s Lloyd Owens, Type 2 Diabetes – What To Know Community member Nick Zevgolis, Yoga For Diabetes Director and Author Rachel Zinman 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 free and totally thrilling Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease Escape Room Experience, Clued Inn,on National Diabetes Alert Day (Tuesday, March 26, 2019) in New York City sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. BOOK NOW
We’re excited to announce our December edition of Diabetes Late Nite. Kathleen Gold, RN, MSN, CDE, will stop by the studio to share her experience working with homeless people and Kelly Clarkson will provide musical inspiration from her holiday album, Wrapped in Red. Join us here on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 from 6 – 7:30 PM.
One of the Diabetes Late Nite featured songs this month is Kelly Clarkson’s “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” This is a poignant inspiration song to gain perspective from Kathy prior to our podcast interview on the biggest obstacles homeless people face who are living with diabetes.
As a diabetes advocate for over 20 years at Unity Health Care Clinicat the Community for Creative Nonviolence, a shelter in Washington, D.C., Kathy helped homeless people check blood glucose logs, made referrals to specialists, and discussed ways to best manage their health. “What I try to do is spend as much time with them as they need,” Gold said in an interview for Diabetes Forecast. “We touch on other issues, not just diabetes: food, food stamps, depression. … They really are very motivated, and they try to make good choices.”
Q: I would think that for homeless people with diabetes the stress of living with so much uncertainty every day must play a big factor in managing their diabetes. What do you advise?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: Yes, this is a major problem. They frequently don’t know when or if they will get their next meal or where they may be sleeping that night. I first try to address their living situation. Locating a shelter and a place to receive meals on a consistent basis is the main priority. Until these needs are met you can’t address their diabetes or their healthcare needs.
Q: What type of meal planning advice do you give to homeless people with diabetes who are relying on food stamps, the kindness of others, and prepackaged foods to carry them through the day?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: I connect them with various food kitchens and food banks, so they know where to access food. Also, we discuss options for how to spend their food stamp dollars wisely. I help them create a shopping list of non-perishable items they could always have available. We also discuss portion control. I encourage them always to choose vegetables, whole grains and fruit if available. In DC the primary food bank offers a “diabetes meal” which provided an extra serving of vegetables.
Q: How do you advise homeless people with diabetes to create and/or adhere to a daily diabetes management routine if they don’t have a set schedule?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: This is a big struggle as the timing of meals is such a difficult thing to predict. It is important to use medications cautiously if the individual does not have access to meals at a predictable time. Oatmeal is always a lifesaver because all they need is a cup of hot water and they have instant nourishment. Educating the homeless about how and when their medications work to avoid a low blood sugar reaction is very important and ties in with the appropriate use of food stamps. The newer insulins make a huge difference in controlling blood glucose levels as they can be taken with meals. It is much more difficult if individuals are forced to use the older insulins where there is little flexibility.
Q: What kind of medical services and supplies are available to homeless people with diabetes?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: A lot depends on where they live and if and how they are covered under Medicaid. Not all Medicaid plans cover the newer medications. In DC we are fortunate that all patients could have a meter and strips to test their blood glucose and our medication formulary was quite extensive. This is not the case in all states. Education is key. I found that if patients were educated, their expenses dropped, and the risk of complications greatly decreased. At the Homeless Shelter we saw significant savings and complication reductions but not everyone has access and that’s sad.
Q: Do you feel homeless people with diabetes are more likely to develop health-related complications? If so, can you share some insight into the types of health complications homeless people with diabetes are more likely to develop.
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: Many homeless individuals have a history of alcohol or drug abuse which places them at risk of many health issues besides diabetes. Kidney disease is a major complication, since many individuals also suffer from hypertension. Mental illness is widespread, and it is difficult to manage these individuals because they frequently don’t take their medications. Diabetic neuropathy, depression and feeling overwhelmed are very prevalent in this population. Hypoglycemia is also a frequent complication because of their inability to eat on time, which can cause them to be unresponsive, confused and/or disoriented. Severe hyperglycemia, if they stop taking their medications, can lead to ketoacidosis or a very elevated blood glucose level. It is necessary to deal with these health issues first, so they can manage their diabetes.
I found that people who overcame with addictions were very successful in managing their diabetes because they had the tools to make behavior change.
Q: I have read that homeless people with diabetes may sell their supplies in order to afford basic living needs. What’s your experience?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: There is a black market for strips and meters. In DC these supplies were provided, so we didn’t see as much of it. But there were some people who constantly “lost” their meters and they may have been selling them. People get desperate.
Q: How can our Diabetes Late Nite listeners help?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: If you donate food, please stick to healthy foods such as vegetables and fresh fruit. Volunteer at a homeless shelter and prepare healthy meals. Whole grain cereals, oatmeal, peanut butter for protein and nuts for a good snack are good options. Avoid sugared cereals, processed foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat. Arrange with local restaurants or farmers markets to donate their foods to a homeless shelter. Offer to teach a simple cooking class at a food bank or a shelter. Donate brown rice instead of white rice and include some recipes that use foods you donated. Donate to the National Health Care for the Homeless Councilhttps://www.nhchc.org/
Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music from Kelly Clarkson’s Wrapped In Red album courtesy of SONY Music on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 6 PM, EST.
Kelly Clarkson’s inspiring us to lend our ‘voice’ to topics such as the link between HIV medications and type 2 diabetes, how the homeless manage diabetes, great gift ideas for loved ones with diabetes, and how you can lose weight during holidays (!). Plus, one lucky listener tries their luck during Mr. Divabetic’s ‘Wrapped In Red’ Health Game challenge. 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, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.
Diabetes Late Niteis a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”
The Queen of Soul’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 Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong’s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup”Author Suzanne Perez, Jessica Clark, Coach the Cure Trisha Artman, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.
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.”
Divabetic presents Collar Greens Wellness Day at Mosaic Central Farm Marketto help families and their pets to stay healthy and happy on Sunday, September 16, 2018.
It’s our biggest diabetes outreach event of the year and it’s totally free!
Do you want the freshest, most flavorful food available in your area? In that case, consider taking regular trips to Central Farm Market. According to statistics from the Farmers Market Coalition, more than 85% of vendors at your local farmers’ market have traveled less than 50 miles to sell their products and produce. In comparison, produce found in chain supermarkets has often traveled on average more than 1,200 miles before reaching your local shelves.
Did you know that Journal of Physical Activity & Health found that dog owners are more likely to reach their fitness goals than those without canine companions?
Researchers at Michigan State University found that dog owners are 34 percent more likely to fit in 150 minutes of walking per week than non-dog owners. The study also found that owning a dog promotes health and fitness even after you take your pup for a stroll, increasing leisure-time physical activity by 69 percent.
Collar Greens Wellness Day & Dog Parade features:
A Fabulous Dog Parade hosted by Mr. Divabetic and Scent Detection Expert Debby Kay. See all breeds dressed to the nines with prize awards compliments of Mosaic Central Farm Market vendors
Healthy Food Tours: Buy foods and see how they fit with ChooseMyPlate. Visit different booths to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.
A Live Cooking Demonstrations with Chef Jonathan Bardzik aka “Farm Market Hero”. Jonathan employs stories and food to bring people together, building connections at farm markets and dinner tables, in board rooms and at conferences – everybody eats! Jonathan’s cooking demonstrations, teaching dinners, corporate and non-profit team building events and conference presentations have been enjoyed by audiences across the country.
A Family-friendly Scavenger Hunt of the Farmers Market. Our Scavenger Hunts gives people hands-on experience in learning about seasonal produce.
Poetry Readings: Diabetes Late Nite podcast cast member, Poet Lorraine Brooks reads some of her most popular diabetes empowerment poems to lift your spirits.
Free Sight & Hearing Screenings for Adults & Children (until 12 PM). Lions Club District 24ASight and Hearing Van will host free sight (including glaucoma) and hearing screenings for all visitors (men, women, and children). They will also offer a paper screening test for diabetes and blood pressure testing.
A Service Dogs Demonstration & Talk:Have you ever wondered what it takes to teach your dog to sense your oncoming low blood sugars and actually alert you to them? Internationally known Scent Detection Expert Debby Kayhas 40 years of experience as a canine professional and pioneered many firsts in canine scent work. Enjoy an overview of the basics of dog training and dog care and details how your dog can sense your blood sugars and respond in different ways depending on whether your blood sugar is high or low.
Plate Poetry Project On Display: What’s Eating You? Fine Artist Susan McCalsin’s Plate Poetry Project explores the conversations that people have with themselves while eating. Divabetic volunteers help adults and kids to express their mealtime thoughts and concern after reading aloud several of her poems.
Acoustic Blues Musician and Songwriter, Rick Franklin will be performing throughout at Diabetes Awareness Day. Rick’s musical style of blues is known as the “Piedmont” style identified with such legendary players as Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller and William Moore along with players and friends like “Bowling Green” John Cephas, John Jackson, and Archie Edwards.
LISTEN NOW: Hear what happens when Mr. Divabetic puts all of his guests inlcuding The Betes Bros, Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle and Mama Rose Marie in the HOT SEAT for Divabetic’s 8th Year Anniversary Podcast Special
are you sure that it’s ok
to eat that Chinese food?
Yes, it is, and I can say
I think you’re being rude.
I do not want to be observed
With everything I eat.
The food that I prepared and served
Is savory, and sweet.
What you don’t see is how I count
My carbs, my fats, my fruit.
To,make sure that the right amount
Is what I did compute.
So please believe that I do know
Exactly what I’m doing
And even if it doesn’t show
I’m sure what I’m pursuing.
If you see some onion rings
Or maybe eggs and bacon
Trust that I’m aware of things
And that I’m not mistaken.
Sometimes I eat pasta too
And pizza topped with cheese.
I do not need advice from you
So do not give it, please.
We people who have diabetes
Eat all kinds of food.
From oatmeal, grits and even Wheaties
And chicken, barbequed.
It’s ok to ask a question
To better comprehend.
But remember it’s just your impression.
And I do not have to defend.
So you eat yours, And I’ll eat mine
And we’ll enjoy our dinners.
Just realize where to draw the line,
And we’ll all come out winners!
LISTEN: Poet Lorraine Brooks reads ‘Don’t Hate My Plate’ on July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Patti Austin. We’re celebrating our 8th Year Podcasting Anniversary talking about ‘I Know What You ATE Last Summer’ with Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music.
What words do you bring to the table? Fine Artist Susan McCaslin’s Plate Poetry Project will be on display at Mosaic Central Farm Market on Sunday, September 16, 2018 as part of Divabetic’s Collar Greens Wellness Day & Dog Parade outreach program.
Je ne regrette rien by Lorraine Brooks
The where and the why and the when.
If I have a need that is pressing
I never find that it’s distressing.
Like pricking my finger for testing
Or foods that I may be ingesting.
I do not regret when they stare…
Or that I receive Medicare.
I take stock of all of my needs
And all that I need to proceed.
Why regret what makes me feel better?
Maybe its ME that’s the trend-setter!
I spend no time feeling regret.
Or that some might think me “heavy set”.
Life is too short for that worry.
So I’ll order that Indian curry.
As long as I’m smart and stay mindful
There’s no reason not to be prideful.
Pack up your cares and remorse.
And stay on your self-caring course.
Kick that regret to the curb.
And start living the life you deserve.
LISTEN NOW: Poet Lorraine Brooks reads her poem, ‘Je ne regrette rien’ on June’s Diabetes Late Nite. We’re talking about having ‘NO REGRETS’ with musical inspiration from Edith Piaf.
We all have regrets. It is part of human nature. However, hanging onto regrets takes up space and keeps us from enjoying the present moment. The stress factor plays havoc on the cells of the body. It affects our blood pressure, energy levels, hormones and immune response. It also affects the mind. Our thinking process becomes clouded, mistakes are made and poor choices lead to increased stress. All of these things can affect our diabetes wellness. For the things we regret doing, if we look carefully enough, we will see that they hold a lesson and if we learn from our regrets then the regret has served us well.
Born in Paris in 1915, Edith Piaf become the voice of France. She began her singing career on the streets, and her only musical apprenticeship came from listening to singers on the capital’s popular radio stations. But Piaf’s ability to sing from the heart, as very few can, soon enchanted audiences beyond Paris. Her songs touch one’s heart and spirit, even if one cannot understand the words themselves.
Edith Piaf is helping us sing your praises! We applaud the determination, persistence and efforts to stay healthy and upbeat about your daily self-care. Together, we are changing the way people learn to live with diabetes.
Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Best-Selling Author and Weight Loss Expert, Dr. Lori Shemek PhD, Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Cindy Lou from the ‘Diabetes What To Know’ community, and Mama Rose Marie.
Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from ‘EDITH PIAF TOP 40’ album courtesy of SONY Music
