Tag: diabetes poetry

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Alone In The Kitchen by Lorraine Brooks

ALONE IN THE KITCHEN by Poet Lorraine Brooks

I went to the kitchen to get me a snack,

And then I thought, no, better put the chips back.

I’m home in the morning, home all the day,

And I can’t keep on eating and eating this way.

I’ve got to stay healthy, in spite of the news,

Because food and drink are so easy to abuse.

I’m bored, and I’m worried, as all of us are,

I’m eating my Skippy right out of the jar.

But I didn’t give up, or succumb to defeat,

And I started cooking good foods I can eat.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes and beans,

Broccoli, carrots, and cabbage, and greens.

I made a quiche, but it wasn’t high-fat,

I learned how to substitute this for that.

I made a cheesecake with Splenda instead,

And there was no sugar in my banana bread.

I made a stew, and some soup, and some fish,

Without adding butter or oils to my dish.

I’m doing my best, I‘m not perfect, but still…

Instead of much salt, I use spices, like dill.

And I’m doing Zumba online, for an hour

So I don’t lose all of strength and my power.

So I would suggest, while this quarantine goes,

Get out of your jammies and put on some clothes.

Do something healthy, creative, and such

And the time spent alone won’t bother you as much.

For me that was cooking, for you maybe not,

But let’s take advantage of all that we’ve got.

One day this all will be part of the past,

And we can enjoy all our freedoms, at last.

Hear Lorraine Brooks read her poem, ‘Alone In the Kitchen’ on April’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. CLICK HERE. Guests include: Author of the Noodle Shop Mysteries: Vivien Chien, Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport PhD, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Alexis Gray and Poet Lorraine Brooks. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Maren Morris’s Girl album courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Maren Morris

LISTEN

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‘Inch By Inch’ Poem By Lorraine Brooks

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

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Don’t Let Diabetes Dim Your Dazzle this Holiday Season!

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?

Tune in to Divabetic’s free Diabetes Late Nite podcast available on demand featuring holiday music by the sensational singer, Leona Lewis. Our podcast guests include Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer & Scent Detection Expert Debby Kay, Mindful Eating Expert Megrette Fletcher RD CDE, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, and ‘The Secrets to Living & Loving With Diabetes’ Author Janis Roszler RD, CDE, LDN.

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

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‘The World is Ours Today’ by Poet Lorraine Brooks

‘The World is Ours Today’ by Poet Lorraine Brooks

the world gives us a day
but for us it’s every day.
Diabetes affects us all in each and every way.

The world has not a clue.
The world assesses you.
Diabetes makes our world feel sad and lonely too.
The world says this and that
The world tells us we’re fat
We know they don’t know exactly what they’re looking at.
The world can’t understand
The needs and the demands
The pains and stress that diabetics often do withstand.
But our worlds are alright
We keep our numbers tight.
And in our world we stay prepared in case we have to fight.
Our world is very real
So listen to how we feel.
We aren’t trying to be perfect or ideal.
Our world has ups and downs.
A lot of smiles and frowns.
We do have setbacks, big and small, but we do rebound.
On World Diabetes day
Our worlds are bight and gay.
We thank the world for taking time to help us be OK.
But please make sure that you’re
A help to us for sure.
And stick by us not just one day, but ‘till there is a cure.

Enjoy Divabetic’s special World Diabetes Day celebration with musical inspiration from Aretha Franklin on Diabetes Late Nite.

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.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s ‘Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’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.”

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‘Don’t Hate My Plate’ by Poet Lorraine Brooks

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.

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‘Je ne regrette rien’ by Poet Lorraine Brooks

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

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‘Live with Me, Love with Me’ by Poet Lorraine Brooks

Sometimes I’m angry, sometimes I’m sad,
Sometimes I cry at the day that I’ve had.
Often I’m happy, but sometimes I’m not,
Sometimes I fear the disease that I’ve got.

Sometimes I need to eat, sometimes I don’t.
Sometimes my meds will work, sometimes they won’t.
Sometimes my mood is good, happy and gay,
Sometimes it’s hard just to get through the day.

It’s hard to explain, and I don’t have a clue
As to why at some times I behave as I do.
But trust me, I’m trying…I’m doing my best
But this disease just doesn’t give you a rest.

So try to be gentle and do understand,
That I’m just trying to play all,the cards in my hand.
To manage is crucial, and I need support
With planning, and cooking, and things of that sort.

Help me to live with this, and watch what I do,
And know that I because you’re my mate, I need you.
We’re both on this journey, we travel this road
And we”ll both appreciate the seeds that we’ve sowed.

Parttners in everything, shoulders to lean,
All for each other, and no in-between.
That’s what I want and I know you’ll exceed
In giving me all the support that I need!

LISTEN to Lorraine Brooks read her poem, ‘Live With Me, Love With Me’ on February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music from Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s ‘Rest Of Our Lives’ album courtesy of SONY Music. ‘Rest Of Our Lives’ is described as a cozy, inoffensive depiction of an American marriage, with tender ballads and handsome up-tempo numbers preaching the gospel of devotion by Mikael Wood for the Los Angeles Times. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jaye O’Grey, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and Mama Rose Marie.

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Blue Christmas by Poet Lorraine Brooks

Enjoy this original poem, ‘Blue Christmas’ by Lorraine  Brooks written for December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Blue Christmas by Lorraine Brooks 

Thinking about the holidays and all the endless cheer
Carols, lights and Christmas trees, and ringing in the year…
Friends and folks and families all gather in the home
We look around at all the hope, but sometimes feel alone.

While others eat and drink and dine enjoying foods we make
I’m calculating insulin, and how much I should take.
If I want pie or something sweet, I have to stop and think.
But other people can just eat, and never have to blink.

If I am honest and up front, I have to just admit
That all the food around me sometimes makes me want to quit.
The holidays can make me sad with all thats going on
I wish that I could just be glad, and sing a happy song.

Its better to be pleasant though, and think of all I’ve got
And if I can remember it, I know I’ve got a lot.
This time of year can be so blue, we have to just remember
It’s only one month of the year…only the month of December.

There’s lots of colors that I want to be, and I choose not to be blue.
I’d rather be gold or purple or pink, and maybe lavender too.
i’m not gonna stress about all,the treats, I’ll try to be sensible though.
And after I eat maybe I’ll go outside for a walk in the snow.

So,I will have a holiday that’s full of fun and cheer
And I’ll be happy and give thanks that I made another year…
and I’ll enjoy my Christmas day, and I will make it right.
And I will have a Christmas that’s the way it should be – white.

On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re celebrating a Blue Christmas. I chose this theme in December because ‘Blue’ is the color that I feel is most closely associated with diabetes and more importantly, it gives us an opportunity to raise awareness for the mental health issues related to diabetes. Guests include Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Rachel Zinman, Dr. Mandy Reece PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” album courtesy of SONY Music. The album brings together Elvis Presley’s best-loved yuletide performances from “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (1957) and “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” (1971) re-imagined with sublime and exquisite new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Are you feeling ‘blue’ this holiday season?

If so, you’re not alone. While it’s true that sadness and/or depression at holiday time can be a reaction to the stresses and demands of the season, people with diabetes are more likely to be depressed than others states David Spero BSN, RN for Diabetes Self-Management.

Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may worsen symptoms of depression. Depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes.

The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. And effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

If you think you might be depressed, seek help right away. Your doctor or diabetes educator can refer you to a mental health professional.

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‘Making Friends With Fear’ by Lorraine Brooks

What scares me about diabetes in me?

There’s so many things I could mention

From finding out “sugar free”  isn’t so free…

To dealing with my hypertension.

On some days there isn’t much that I can do

To keep from experiencing highs

And some days no matter which foods I pursue

My blood sugars are a surprise.

I’m fearful that this is affecting my heart

And maybe my eyesight will fade

There’s so many things I don’t know where to start

But I won’t spend my life being afraid.

On Halloween night I might have me a treat

And I promise myself not to feel guilt

I won’t overdo it, I won’t overeat

But I’ll enjoy life to the hilt.

See, here’s my philosophy, here’s what I know

And here’s how I do this disease

I don’t let fear stop me from letting me grow

And I won’t live in parentheses.

Make your own choices, make you own way

And get good professional care

Take care of your health each and every day

And take all your supplies everywhere.

So yes, I get frightened and yes, I’m concerned

And yes I can sometimes get weary

But when I apply all the things that I’ve learned

Diabetes gets less and less scary.

LISTEN NOW: On October’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast we’re talking about what scares us most about diabetes with musical inspiration from the chart-topping band, Old Dominion.

Does diabetes and it’s health-related complications scare you? How does fear of diabetes affect your life and your daily self-care, and more importantly, what do you do about it?

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Michele Summers Colon DPM, Dr. Andrea Chisholm MD,OB-GYN, Diabetes – What To Know founder & CEO Ansley Dalbo, Diabetes Advocate Cindy Lou, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, newly diagnosed Diva living with diabetes, Jackie, and Dr. Lori Shemek PhD.

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