Give Me The Reason (To Lose Weight) on April’s Luther Vandross Tribute Podcast

“It’s the most awful, dark feeling in the world,” Divabetic Icon Luther Vandross said when he put back on 100 pounds. “It feels like you’re wearing an 80-pound hat and a coat that weighs 300 pounds … You feel like it’s always dark and gloomy.”

We’re spotlighting Luther’s album, Give Me The Reason on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast, scheduled for Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 6 -7:30 PM, EST. 

Luther Vandross had become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties when he recorded his fifth album, Give Me the Reason, in 1986. The album comprised nine tracks, including the hits: So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love, and Give Me The Reason

He also was a weight loss success story! He appeared slim on the album’s cover in 1985, when he dieted below 200 pounds. 

Three short years later, Luther’s weight ballooned to more than 300 pounds. A pattern that he repeated several more times in his lifetime.

The next time he lost a significant amount of weight, he credited it to a six-month liquid diet program, used by Oprah Winfrey, in 1989.

While many people with type 2 diabetes struggle with weight fluctuations, Luther’s yo-yo relationship with food was displayed before millions of fans.

Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast hopes to shed light on how doctors put overweight patients, with type 2 diabetes, on a path to failure by focusing on shedding pounds.

“Luther beat himself up about his weight fluctuations,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, host of Diabetes Late Nite

“His weight issues seemed to overshadow his success. He achieved and sustained incredible success in his career as a songwriter, producer, and singer, yet, on the flip side, fought a losing battle with his health.”

Our cultural obsession with appearance may bleed over into the exam room, leading doctors to disproportionately focus on weight and to interact with fat patients differently from thin ones. 

“It makes it very hard,” Luther said. “You wear it externally so the minute you walk through the door, everybody knows ‘Luther’s not winning his battle with his demon.'”

He often referred to his relationship with food as an addiction: “An alcoholic can’t have half a martini, and you know, I can’t have bread.”

Obesity is a health risk. Excess weight increases the risk of various health conditions, including high blood pressurediabetesheart disease, and stroke.

But medical professionals disagree about how they should address weight management with patients or whether they should address weight loss at all. 

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Chuck Flowers, and Kitt Vordeaux. 

Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reason album courtesy of SONY Music.

He added, “I can’t have sugar, and I can’t have carbohydrates … but I can sing the mess out of a ballad.”

Does Diabetes Cause Baldness?

Sometimes the mirror reflects issues in diabetes self-care.

Did you know that diabetes may cause hair thinning and hair loss?

People with diabetes are more likely to have a condition called alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune skin disease, causing hair loss on the scalp, face and sometimes on other areas of the body.

With alopecia, the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss on the head and on other parts of the body. People with type 1 diabetes are more likely than people without this condition to develop alopecia areata.

Diabetes itself can lead to hair loss reports Healthline.  The stress of living with a chronic illness may also cause hair loss, or the medicines you take to treat your diabetes. Some people with diabetes also have thyroid disease, which can contribute to hair loss.

Some people with diabetes can slow or stop hair loss by maintaining tighter blood sugar levels and managing stress.

READ MORE

 

Mr. Divabetic takes a ’50 Shades of Gray’ approach to talking about diabetes and aging during this lively hour of diabetes education and empowerment on this Divabetic podcast. Guests include Dr. Andrea Chisholm MD, FACOG, OB-GYN, “How To Fight FATflammation!”, Author Lori Shemek PhD, “The Secrets to Living and Loving With Diabetes” and “Sex and Diabetes: For Him & For Her” Janis Roszler, MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND 2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE), Humorist and Author The Sweet Blessing: My Adventures in Diabetes” Trisha Porretti RN, BSN, CDE.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected songs from Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas album courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic presents a unique series of videos debunking diabetes myths that we hope gets you to smile.

Divabetic Remembers Barry White

Let Barry White’s legacy inspire you to take your blood pressure seriously

Barry White battled chronic high-blood pressure for years. Unfortunately most people don’t even know they have high blood pressure because  high blood pressure (HBP, or hypertension) has no obvious symptoms to indicate that something is wrong.

Barry White was twice admitted to the hospital after suffering from hypertension – once in 1995 and again in 1998.

Before his passing in 2003, Barry White announced that he was on dialysis and searching for a kidney donor.

“Doctors confirm that Barry White has a history of hypertension [high blood pressure], which has led to a decline of kidney function,” a statement from Island Def Jam Music Group said reports NME.

UnfortunatelyBarry White died at age 58 while waiting for kidney transplant.

How Is High Blood Pressure Related to Kidney Disease?

When the blood vessels become damaged, the nephrons that filter your blood don’t receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function well. This is why high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) is the second leading cause of kidney failure reports the American Heart Association. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden. These damaged arteries are not able to deliver enough blood to the kidney tissue.

Damaged Kidneys Can’t Regulate Blood Pressure

Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called aldosterone to help the body regulate blood pressure.but as more arteries become blocked and stop functioning, the kidneys eventually fail.

Learn how you can limit your risk by managing your blood pressure.

Over a four-decade career, White sold more than 100 million records, earned dozens of gold and platinum albums and won two Grammy Awards. His buttery baritone was musical Viagra and he reveled in his reputation as the Godfather of Love, never apologizing for his shamelessly romantic material.

The best ways to protect yourself are being aware of the risks and making changes that matter.

 

We’re talking about the symptoms, causes and prevention of stroke with musical inspiration from Angela Bofill. on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the US. As many as 5 to 14 percent of stroke survivors have a second stroke within one year.

With her strong, distinctive alto, Angela Bofill carved a niche as an outstanding interpreter of soul ballads and became a mainstay on the Quiet Storm radio format.

Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit. After she lost the ability to sing, she returned to the stage for “The Angela Bofill Experience” in which she skillfully narrated her life story, while her band and other singers .

Podcast guests include Angela Bofill, Catherine Schuller, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Neva White DNP, CRNP- BC, CDE, and Rose Hall from Tessie’s Teas.

Throughout the podcast we will feature music from Angela Bofill’s albums Angie and Angel of the Night courtesy of SONY Music.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, virtual diabetes support event with style. Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes empowerment meeting features a Hat & Face Mask Fashion Show and a Diabetes Educational Group Activity and Discussion on Thursday, February 4, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

FREE REGISTRATION 

Low Carb Easy Pizza Mini Peppers Recipe

These easy to make pizza mini peppers are filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni then broiled until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It’s the perfect low carb appetizer for your holiday celebrations!

Easy Pizza Mini Peppers – Low Carb Recipe

Ingredients

You’ll only need 5 simple ingredients to make pizza mini peppers.  Here’s an overview of what you’ll need:

Bell Peppers: grab diffferent colors for a more festive looking appetizer

Pizza or spaghetti sauce: right out of the jar! Look for one lower in sodium

Shredded Mozzarella or Provolone cheese: shredded is great!

Pepperoni or small meatballs 

Directions

Start by cutting the peppers in half lengthwise and removing the membranes and the seeds.

Stuff the peppers with a little pizza sauce, ome cheese and pepperoni, then spray them with olive oil.

Broil the peppers until the cheese is melted. Keep a close eye on them so that they don’t burn!

 

We’re talking about staying healthy during the holiday season with musical inspiration from Harry Connick, Jr. on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

The holiday season can present problems for those living with diabetes. Add a global pandemic, and it’s even more challenging.Continuous care and support are important to staying on track with your diabetes wellness goals throughout the holidays.

Podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Dan Houdeshell, Pendulum Glucose Control‘s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Orville Kolterman and Diabetes Meal Planning Made Easy, Author Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Harry For The Holidays album courtesy of SONY Music.

I Eat ‘NO’ for Breakfast!

Don’t let anyone talk you out of your goals. Your diabetes wellness journey is yours alone. Brush off the negativity and surround yourself with people who will lift you up rather than pull you down.

 

Back in 2003 when I started Divabetic (Divabetic.Org) I was laughed at, shamed, belittled and told I was wrong by so many people for focusing on women living with, at risk and affected by diabetes. Vice President Elect, Kamala Harris’s words on today’s CBS Sunday Morning Show program spoke to my heart. I’m sitting down at my table and taking a big bite of ‘NO’ this morning.

Get a daily dose of positivity, encouragement, empowement from the real Divabetic. Tune into our free monthly podcasts, Diabetes Late Nite, available on blog talk radio and i-Tunes. Since 2005, Divabetic has been promoting attitude and advocacy to further your diabetes wellness.

 

 

 

We’re talking about a ‘New Year, New You‘ attitude about living with diabetes with musical inspiration from Aaliyah on January’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.

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.

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.

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.

diaTribethe 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.

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.

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.

LEARN MORE

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

 

 

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.