Tag: diabetes podcast

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Are Two Masks Better Than One?

The trend of double or triple masking has quickly caught on. President-elect Joe Biden, sportspersons and many experts have added another level of ‘protection’, many are also opting to choose to don a face shield over a face mask.

What’s going on?

On Thursday night I watched Fox News host Laura Ingraham’s take on this topic.  For the record, I periodically watch Fox News to understand how people, with opinions that differ from mine, view the world.

Laura Ingraham reported that wearing two masks instead of one was not effective. Her guest, who she identified as a doctor, corroborate her theory. They mentioned many reports to support their opinions which infers that wearing two masks is ridiculous.

Not only did I nod along in agreement with their assessments, but I questioned the logic behind doubling up on masks. The next day I even shared Laura Ingraham’s opinion with friends on a Zoom call.

Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

This news caught my attention because multiple members of my family contracted COVID over the holidays. They were tested before gathering, wore masks and still contracted COVID. Collectively they have spent days, nights and weeks wondering and worrying how they contracted COVID and which family members is responsible for the spread. I also have several friends who double up on masks every time they walk out the door.

This is why I decided to do my own research and google the effectiveness of wearing two masks instead of one. Basically, there’s plenty of research that supports this concept which is disheartening to me. There are also stories stating that Fox News Host Laura Ingraham incorrectly interprets data for her own purposes.

Here’s what I found to support and question the effectiveness of doubling up on face masks:

advisory.Com reports research has led some to begin layering masks for extra protection. If you start layering masks, “you start achieving pretty high efficiencies,” Marr said. She explained, “The air has to follow this torturous path. The big things it’s carrying are not going to be able to follow those twists and turns” through the obstacle course created by the mask fibers.

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On December 18, 2020, CNN reported that ‘Researchers reject Fox News Host Laura Ingraham’s misuse of their studies to support mask denialism in a story by Oliver Darcy. The story clearly states that authors from two studies reject how (Laura) Ingraham and other mask doubters have portrayed their work. Each of them told CNN Business that they fully support the recommendation from health experts that people wear face masks while out in public.

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The Times of India reports that the only people who should consider using more masks than one is if you are in a high-risk place are a healthcare worker who faces high exposure or if you experience trouble finding a good quality mask which doesn’t fit you go

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health.Com reports ‘Double the mask, double the protection? Not necessarily’. The article then mentions that one small study directly addresses the benefit of wearing two masks simultaneously, but it hasn’t yet been peer-reviewed (which means the results shouldn’t be used to guide doctors and clinicians yet). In that study, the researchers found that a two-mask “sandwich” might prove better when a higher-functioning mask isn’t available.

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We’re talking about a ‘New Year, New You‘ attitude about living with diabetes with musical inspiration from Aaliyah on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Pendulum Therapeutics CEO and Co-Founder Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph. D., (the maker of Pendulum Glucose Control), Virginia Valentine, APRN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Dr. Darren Wayne from MealBetix and Yoga For Diabetes Author Rachel Zinman.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Aaliyah’s Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number album courtesy of SONY Music.

‘Don’t get down, get DIVA’ about wearing a face mask! Check out our friend, Evetta Petty’s fabulous coordinated hat and mask collection for Harlem’s Heaven Hats.

 

 

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Divabetic’s Carb Kitty Game Videos

Divabetic‘s Carb Kitty game videos make carbohydrate counting fun!

Carbohydrate counting, or “carb counting,” can help you manage your blood glucose levels.

Foods that contain carbohydrates raise your blood glucose values. By monitoring the amount of carbohydrates you eat can help to better understand your blood glucose levels.

Carbohydrates (“carbs”) can be counted 2 ways: by grams or by carb choices.

Remember: 1 carb choice = 15 grams of carbohydrate.

The golden rule of treating hypoglycemia know as ‘15–15 rule’—have 15 grams of carbohydrate to raise your blood sugar and check it after 15 minutes. If it’s still below 70 mg/dL, have another serving. Repeat these steps until your blood sugar is at least 70 mg/dL. Once your blood sugar is back to normal, eat a meal or snack to make sure it doesn’t lower again.

We’re talking about a ‘New Year, New You‘ attitude about living with diabetes with musical inspiration from Aaliyah on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Although Aaliyah died at the age of 22 and had a short music career due to her early passing, the singer’s music helped to redefine R&B, pop, and even hip-hop. And her legacy continues to live on. Her hard work ethic, creativity, and her sweet demeanor have inspired fans over the past two decades.

Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Pendulum Therapeutics CEO and Co-Founder Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph. D., (the maker of Pendulum Glucose Control), Virginia Valentine, APRN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Dr. Darren Wayne from MealBetix and Yoga For Diabetes Author Rachel Zinman.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Aaliyah’s Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number album courtesy of SONY Music.

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Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast Inspired Aaliyah

We’re talking about a ‘New Year, New You‘ attitude about living with diabetes with musical inspiration from Aaliyah on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Although Aaliyah died at the age of 22 and had a short music career due to her early passing, the singer’s music helped to redefine R&B, pop, and even hip-hop. And her legacy continues to live on. Her hard work ethic, creativity, and her sweet demeanor have inspired fans over the past two decades.

January’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Pendulum Therapeutics CEO and Co-Founder Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph. D., (the maker of Pendulum Glucose Control), Virginia Valentine, APRN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Dr. Darren Wayne from MealBetix and Yoga For Diabetes Author Rachel Zinman.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic talks with Rachel Zinman about how yoga and meditation practices can help you to manage the mental health aspects of living with diabetes.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Aaliyah’s Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number album courtesy of SONY Music.

Tune in over 140 Diva TalkRadio podcasts available for free on i-tunes (search ‘Divabetic’).

Get the latest in diva news, diabetes headlines and inspiration by joining our Divabetic facebook page.

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Divabetic Presents Virtual Diabetes Outreach with Dazzle!

Since 2005, Divabetic (Divabetic.Org) has pioneered efforts in outreach to take diabetes education out of the clinical setting and present it in a more appealing and easier to understand ways. Our first national outreach program, Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes, presented personalized diabetes education (loosely based on AADE’s 7 Self-Care Behaviors) with free makeover services (makeup application, safe manicures, and mini massages) in eight major US cities.

Two years ago, we presented diabetes and heart health education in  New York City’s #1 Escape Room experience called Clued Inn on National Diabetes Alert Day.

Nationally Recognized Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Best-Selling Author Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND, CHWC joined us for Divabetic’s recent free virtual Cooking Party on Zoom.

Enjoy some GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS highlights from Divabetic’s recent virtual outreach event featuring Harlem’s Heaven Hats‘ Hats & Masks Fashion Show and Poetry by Diabetes Late Nite podcast contributor Lorraine Brooks.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic talks with Rachel Zinman about how yoga and meditation practices can help you to manage the mental health aspects of living with diabetes.

 

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Pendulum Therapeutics CEO and Co-Founder Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph. D., (the maker of Pendulum Glucose Control), Virginia Valentine, APRN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Dr. Darren Wayne from MealBetix and Yoga For Diabetes Author Rachel Zinman.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Aaliyah’s Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number album courtesy of SONY Music.

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How to Save Money on Diabetes Medications with Prescription Discount Cards

Our friends at diatribe posted these costsavings tips on Instagram:

How to Save Money on Diabetes Medications with Prescription Discount Cards

  • Find a Discount Card for Your Prescription. Search for discounts online, and a pharmacy near you where you can present it
  • Download, Email, Print, Text and/or Screenshot the Discount Card
  • Bring the Card to the Pharmacy the Next Time You Go To Pick Up Your Prescription

Many prescription drug discount cards can’t be combined with insurance benefits, copay cards or any other secondary payer.  However, even if you have insurance, see if you can save by paying 100% out of pocket with an Inside Rx discount card.

diaTribe, the patient-focused online publication, is part of The diaTribe Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of people with diabetes.

diaTribe seeks to empower our readers with useful, actionable information that gives them hope for a better future, and helps them live happier and healthier lives. Our tag line is “Making Sense of Diabetes.”

We’re celebrating National Diabetes Awareness Month with musical inspiration from Angela Bofill.

Singer, songwriter Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit.

Podcast guests: Angela Bofill, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, San Francisco & Palm Springs drag performer Mutha Chucka, and Evetta Petty from Harlem’s Heaven Hats.

Throughout the podcast we will feature music from The Essential Angela Bofill albumcourtesy of SONY Music.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic talks with Rachel Zinman about how yoga and meditation practices can help you to manage the mental health aspects of living with diabetes.
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Don’t Lose Your Sight Because Of The Pandemic

The media’s focus on the risk of COVID-19 among seniors and people with diabetes has resulted in many delaying their eye care visits.

Most eye care services are critical to preserve, prevent loss of, or restore vision. This includes ongoing care for degenerative eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, etc.

Photo by Soroush Karimi on Unsplash

Unfortunately, many eye diseases progress silently or seem tolerable now but can quickly progress into irreversible damage or emergencies if in-person visit are postponed again and again.

To identify these conditions and preserve vision, healthcare providers need to measure the pressure of the eye and get an effective look inside. The only way to do that is with in person visits.

Equipment for patients to allow assessments of the interior eye structure, vision strength, the cornea and the pressure with the eye is not available remotely.

Another important reason not to put off your vision care is that new waves of coronavirus seems inevitable. If numbers continue to spike, ophthalmology services may have to pause again.

Talk to your healthcare providers about how to balance your risks. Don’t regret experiencing vision loss because of unnecesary fears.

We’re talking about diabetic macular edema with musical inspiration from Maxwell on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is an accumulation of fluid in the macula-part of the retina that controls our most detailed vision abilities-due to leaking blood vessels. In order to develop DME, you must first have diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor. Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors. Blindness can occur.

Guests include singer Alfa Anderson, Diabetic Macular Edema patient Maryanne Kass, Artist Bryce Chisholm, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from several of several of Maxwell’s albums courtesy of SONY Music.

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The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom By Stacey Simms

The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom, Real-Life Stories of Parenting a Child with Type 1 Diabetes.

Book orders are now open!

Raising a child with type 1 diabetes is full of challenges, but you are not alone! Join the honest and witty Stacey Simms for real-life stories of T1D parenting. Stacey’s son was diagnosed just before he turned two. He’s now in high school! In her new book, Stacey shares how mistakes and mishaps can actually be a diabetes parent’s secret superpower. Raising a happy and healthy child with type 1 diabetes, as well as any siblings, requires flexibility, planning, and a great sense of humor above all else. It’s a journey full of challenges, but you are not alone!

 

A 2020 Communicator Award Winner!

“Chicken soup for the diabetes mom’s soul. Stacey covers everything diabetes-related in these pages: from the first, scary night home, to managing summer vacations and school trips, to growing up and older with a chronic disease. Stacey reminds us with this eloquent book that yes, diabetes does take up the majority of one’s time, energy, and mental space, but that there is a flow to be found, a beauty in the nuance of navigating life on such a small tightrope. Reaching out to others when you need a hand is OK, and it’s important to keep your child’s diabetes diagnosis in the context of childhood. Blood sugars will drop. Pump sites will fall out. There will be frustration and tears, but life goes on. I loved this book from beginning to end, and I’m ordering copies for all of my D-mom friends who need to know that they’re not alone.” Christine Fallabel, Diabetes Daily

“Sure to become an instant classic for families entering the Diabetes Community. (Stacey’s) new book hits on so many relatable situations for families dealing with T1D. We found ourselves chuckling and nodding our heads in recognition throughout. An important lesson that comes through in more than one chapter of Stacey’s book centers on resilience: how they’ve taught their son to roll with the punches, in life and with diabetes, because you never know what may happen and you must be prepared. That’s a huge lesson that I learned very young, after a T1D diagnosis at age 5, and I think it’s the most important thing for any D-parent to pass along.” Mike Hoskins, Diabetes Mine

“Charmingly relatable.  Stacey is unapologetic and honest about the lessons she has learned as a T1D parent in a way that makes the reader — whether a parent themselves or a person with Type 1 recalling their own early experiences — feel a lot less alone. In this day and age where social media status reigns supreme even in the T1D realm, it is refreshing to read a book that encourages parents, caregivers and T1Ds themselves to resist the pressure to get it right every time. Stacey’s book is hinged on the idea that life is a journey, and that there will be bumps, and that regardless of how many bumps, it is your road to navigate. It’s about the journey.” Alexi Melvin, Beyond Type 1

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Tonight we’re talking about spouses living with diabetes on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Country Music superstars, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jaye O’Grey, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Diabetes Podcast Week founder, Stacey Simms and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout this podcast we will be playing selected songs from Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s ‘Rest Of Our Lives’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

This podcast is part of Diabetes Podcast Week to help raise awareness and funds for the International Diabetes Federation’s Spare A Rose, Life for A Child campaign. We’re encouraging you to buy one fewer rose for Valentine’s Day and instead donate the value of that flower to help children with diabetes have access to insulin and testing equipment. Donate now at: lifeforachildusa.org/sparearose

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour and half of diabetes education, wellness advice, poetry, games and music that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”

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Gospel Singer Tamela Mann’s 50 Pound Weight Loss Began With Walking

Gospel singer Tamela Mann started her  50+ pound weight loss journey by walking, even though walking was a challenge for her. A few months before beginning her amazing weight loss journey last year she had knee replacement surgery.

“During my recovery, physical activity was difficult for me, but I made it a priority to focus on my mental health and nutrition,” she wrote in an Instagram post her procedure.

One month later, Mann recovered enough to begin physical activity again. “Starting to walk without a cane, thank you to everyone for your prayers. The journey continues,” she wrote in the caption on her instagram post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDnTi3FFayk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Her journey grew to include cutting down her portions, using an elliptical machine, and following WW weight loss program . The program sets you up with 24/7 access to a virtual coach and features a “science-based SmartPoints system” that’s personalized for your age, height, weight, and sex. It guides you on what to eat, cook, or choose at restaurants and parties based on your preferences—no food is off-limits. “We can still drink and eat!” Mann wrote in an Instagram caption.

https://youtu.be/2b03pUrQQIk

Tamela Jean Mann is an American gospel singer, and actress. Mann began her career as a singer with the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family. Since starting the WW (Weight Watchers) program she has lost over 50 pounds.

Not even knee replacement surgery or a busy schedule has stopped the star from reaching her fitness goals.

Tamela Mann and her husband, David, are working together on their weight loss reports Prevention. David’s favorite healthy foods during sheltering in include watermelon and eggs.

David has asked Tamela to be his “sugar manager since he was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2013 according to the Praying Woman website.” If David strays too far from his plan (she notes he has a weakness for sugary breakfast cereals), she gently reminds him.

“You don’t realize that we drink a lot of our sugar: in our sodas, our sugary juices,” David says. “I just tell people: Cut back off the juice and sodas.”

Tamela pre-plans her meals and typically starts her day with eggs, toast, and bacon for breakfast. “I’m beginning to eat the eggs without cheese to save SmartPoints,” she said. And her favorite ZeroPoint foods, which you can eat unlimited amounts of on the WW plan? Fruit! “There’s a wide variety of fruit [on the ZeroPoint foods list]—I love that,” she told WW.

https://youtu.be/ZK3Q7lJrzdE

The Grammy award-winning gospel singer and actress admits her husband and 31-year-old daughter Tiffany, who also joined WW, are her biggest inspirations.

“It’s nice to have a family member who’s like-minded on this journey! We both have goals we’re trying to reach,” Mann told WW. “Mama has always led by example—she’s a great wife and mother, and an incredible performer. I’ve found myself looking to her to learn how to take better care of my body because she’s taken off! She is doing so good!” Tiffany said of Mann.

https://youtu.be/YzYVporCGTM

WW and Pre Diabetes

Millions of people are estimated to have prediabetes and don’t even know it. WW’s proven weight-loss program can help people with prediabetes manage their weight. Weight Watchers doesn’t have a system for counting carbs, it does provide guidelines for making smart food choices. The WW SmartPoints® system guides you to foods that are lower in sugar and higher in protein.

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Elliptical machines are easier on the joints and features an uninterrupted circular motion that allows for an impact-free workout. This can be helpful for individuals with knee, ankle, hip or lower back injuries. These allow you to exercise both your arms and your legs.

DISCOUNT ON ELLIPTICAL MACHINES

Gospel superstar, Yolanda Adams is inspiring our conversation about healthy ways to celebrate the holidays on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

This Grammy-winning Gospel/Adult Contemporary artist has one of the most persuasive and popular voices in music and works closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources to ensure that kids in low- income areas receive immunizations. Along with that nationwide program, she lends her energy and commitment to Houston charities such as juvenile diabetes and The Escape Center. ”I’m very involved with kids because after being a teacher for seven years, I just can’t stop loving the kids. I am a teacher forever.”

“I like to listen to Christmas music year-round. It puts a smile on your face, and then it gets you in a spirit heart-wise to give and be gracious,” Yolanda Adams admitted.

December’s podcast guests include Dr. Bart Roep of City of Hope, Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE,  Hint Water‘s Anthony Fiorello, FAND ‘Know Diabetes By Heart’ Ambassador Christina Herrera, Elizabeth Gallagher, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Yolanda Adams’ album,“What A Wonderful Time” courtesy of SONY Music.

 

One of our ‘FAVORITE THINGS’ for Christmas 2020 is a stylish Harlem’ss Heaven Face Mask. Check out their wide assortment and bejeweled and beautiful matching face masks and hats collection.

SHOP NOW

 

 

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Low Calorie Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

This Macaroni & Cheese recipe from BlackDoctor.Org will have you eating more this great dish without the added weight. It feeds 6 and takes only 30 minutes.

Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash

Low Calorie Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

Ingredients 
12 oz fusilli or elbow pasta
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup minced onion
1/4 cup flour
2 cups 2% milk
1 cup vegetable broth
2 cups shredded cheddar
1 cup shredded colby cheese
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
cooking spray
salt and pepper to taste

READ FULL RECIPE 

 

Sodium Doesn’t Just Come From the Salt Shaker

Most of the sodium in our meals comes from packaged foods that contain sodium in a variety of forms, including as a preservative. Reading labels is important because even within a category, there can be huge differences in the sodium content. Many brands have reformulated and call out reduced sodium on the label so that is a good place to start when trying to lower sodium.

Other tips to reduce sodium include:

  • Rinsing canned veggies. Did you know that by draining and rinsing canned beans (a nutrition superstar) you can cut sodium by 40%?
  • Use herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt
  • Choose breads with less sodium

 

Fruits, veggies and dairy foods (all rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium) can help lower blood pressure.

Did you know that nearly half of US adults have hypertension? High blood pressure is extremely common, but here are some ways to lower it?

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Tune in to Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast featuring Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr.,  Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.  Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, ‘The Night I Fell In Love’ courtesy of SONY Music.

 

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