Mr. Divabetic hosts this episode of Divabetic’s podcast on tips, advice, and strategies for turning around a Prediabetes or a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis.
Guests include Jill WeisenbergerMS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND, and gospel music recording artist, Pat Lacy. Jill Weisenberger is recognized internationally for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes, and prediabetes. She worked as a nutrition counselor, diabetes educator, and health coach in hospitals, research, and private practice settings. Jill helps leverage resources, recipes, and scientific insights to find better ways to improve eating and smart living, reduce the risk of mismanaged diabetes health-related complications and support better health.
Jill is the author of Prediabetes: A Complete Guide, 2nd edition, Diabetes Weight Loss Week By Week, 21 Things You Need to Know About Diabetesand Your Heart, and The Overworked Person’s Guide To Better Nutrition. Additionally, she offers the Prediabetes Meal PlanningCrash Course, Prediabetes Turnaround, Type 2 EatingGuide, and a Stick With ItVideo Course.
Vocalist Pat Lacy, who has worked with The Sounds of Blacknessand Luther Vandross, shares her experience of ignoring a prediabetes diagnosis, initially denying living with type 2 diabetes, and then how she turned her attitude and health around. This podcast features music from Pat Lacy’s upcoming gospel album, I’m Taking You To Church.
Take this 1-minute testto find out your risk for prediabetes. Now is the time to take action. The CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program helps people with prediabetes make lasting lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
Working with a trained coach, you’ll learn to eat healthy, add physical activity to your life, and manage stress. With other participants, you’ll celebrate successes and work to overcome challenges. Click HERE to learn more.
On this episode of Divabetic’s podcast, we pay tribute to Doris Day. Her music, films, glamour, and perkiness are sources of happiness for many people.
Doris Day was the queen of early ’60s comedies, coyly flirtatious films filled with sexual innuendo and double entendres. The most famous of these, Pillow Talk (1959), the first of three that co-starred Rock Hudson, established her persona as an independent and successful career woman, as comfortable in the board room as she was in jazz clubs. Like her other roles, her character didn’t see herself as incomplete without a husband—an idea still quite revolutionary at the time. She got on with her life. Her characters often had chic apartments, exciting jobs, and smashing wardrobes. In most of her films, Doris showcased a spunky, can-do personality and jaunty independence.
Doris Day experienced many professional and personal ups and downs in real life, but nothing seemed to dim her dazzle. She said, “No matter what happens if I get pushed down, I’m going to come right back up.”
Often Doris Day credited her pets for their support during hard times. She was a lifelong animal lover and advocate who used her celebrity status to make a difference for animals.
Pets can help their owners overcome depression through their companionship and unconditional love. They possess the natural ability to help you relax and enjoy life more. Pets can also help when you experience times of loneliness. They can also help lower blood pressure; if trained, they can alert their owners to dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Pets can also help you improve your lifestyle. Eric O’Grey’s weight had ballooned to 320 pounds, and he was spending more than $1,000 a month on medications for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol when his naturopathic doctor suggested he adopt a shelter dog.
Eric took that advice, heading to the Humane Society, and adopted an obese middle-aged dog named Peety.
Together, Eric and Peety started walking for at least a half-hour a day. Eric also adopted a plant-based diet. Ultimately Eric lost 140 pounds, and Peety lost 25 pounds.
Hear Eric’s interview on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast.
Another book, Elle & Coach: Diabetes, the Fight for My Daughter’s Life, and the Dog Who Changed Everything, describes how a trained diabetes alert dog can help alert its owner to low blood sugar levels. It’s the true story of a Type-A mom struggling to care for a daughter with Type 1 diabetes and of an incredible service dog who changes their lives for the better.
Listen to our interview with Elle & Coach author Mark Dagostino about his book on this podcast:
Our Doris Day Tribute Podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDCES, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, Best-Selling Author and Romance Psychology Expert Rachel Van Dyken and Marguerite van Reenen from South Africa.
Since its inception, Broadway Barks has helped thousands of NYC shelter animals find permanent homes.
The event prompted me to revisit a past Divabetic podcast with guest, Walking With Peety: The Dog Who Saved My LifeAuthor Eric O’Grey, who turned his type 2 diabetes diagnosis around after adopting a rescue dog.
Eric O’Grey’s weight had ballooned to 320 pounds, and he was spending more than $1,000 a month on medications for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol when his naturopathic doctor suggested he adopt a shelter dog.
Eric took that advice, heading to the Humane Society, and adopted an obese middle-aged dog named Peety.
Together, Eric and Peety started walking for at least a half-hour a day. Eric also adopted a plant-based diet. Ultimately Eric lost 140 pounds, and Peety lost 25 pounds.
Hear Eric’s interview on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast.
Podcast guests include Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog, and Scent Detection Expert Debby Kay, Walking with PeetyAuthor Eric O’Grey, Poet Lorraine Brooks, ‘Yoga for Diabetes’ Author Rachel Zinman, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.
Throughout the podcast, we will feature songs from P!nk’s Beautiful Trauma album courtesy of SONY Music.
This year, I’m starting my Halloween decorations early. I’m using different kinds of candy to decorate my paper mache sculptures to be displayed on New York City’s most iconic Halloween Street on the Upper Westside. I’m attempting to be more crafty.
My goal is to encourage people to indulge in the creativity associated with Halloween instead of candy.
We’re talking about ‘THE SWEETEST TABOO’ aka ‘SUGAR’ with musical inspiration from Sade on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast. Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Tameka Milline, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Kathy Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’, and Stephanie MacKendree.
Halloween’s record-breaking sugar consumption and its detrimental effects on overall health are scarier than any ghost story. It’s been reported that consumers gobbled up a record $36.9 billion in candy, gum, mints, chocolate, and other confections in 2021. High intakes of dietary sugars in a worldwide pandemic of obesity and cardiovascular disease have heightened concerns about the adverse effects of excessive consumption of sugars.
The American Heart Association suggests limiting adding sugars to 100 calories per day (about 6 teaspoons or 24 grams) for most adult women and no more than 150 calories per day (about 9 teaspoons or 36 grams of sugar) for most men.
Last year, I used paper mache for the first time to make several sculptures. I was told that the street’s theme was ‘ghosts,’ which proved untrue. Unfortunately, I didn’t learn the truth until completing all my displays.
One of my sculptures was the Ghost of Lily, the Central Park Zoo PolarBear(1987- 2004). Lily was the beloved companion of Gus, a 700-pound polarbearthat mesmerized tourists. He swam lap after lap in figure-eight patterns, pawing his way through the water with powerful backstrokes. He did this for as many as 12 hours a day. Every day. Every week. Every month. Lily would grin and bear it as she watched and waited for her partner to finish.
This year, I’m using paper mache again to create my sculptures. Although I’m not sharing what my sculptures will be, I have been working on different decorating techniques using candy.
Candy is bright, fun, and festive. Candy colors like yellow, red, orange, and green are eye-catching. Candy corn seems to be the candy most commonly associated with Halloween. The various variations of two and three-color combinations lend themselves to floral designs.
But working with candy, especially in the Summer heat, is challenging. It’s sticky and melts quickly. I’m storing various types of candy in my refrigerator to keep them from distorting their shape. Using a hot glue gun to affix candy to various materials, such as cardboard and paper, is painful. It doesn’t work. So now, I’m using Elmer’s glue which presents its own set of problems.
Janet and Rosetta Van der Voort, born in the 1800s, were two wealthy sisters whose father rarely let them leave the house unaccompanied. The one place they were allowed to visit was Central Park’s Wollman Rink, where they went ice skating in the winter. The two sisters never married were lifelong best friends, and died a few months apart. Since their death, their ghostly spirits have been seen periodically skating together on the Central Park Pond, wearing the same red and purple outfits they wore over 100 years ago.
Divabetic pays tribute to Central Park’s infamous Victorian ghost sisters, Janet and Rosetta Van der Voort, in this short video.
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, plays his food game, ‘Serve, Taste or Trash,’ at the fifth annual Summer Streets – NYC. Here’s how you play: Mr. Divabetic lists 3 fruits and vegetables. Among the three food options, you must choose which one you’d serve, which you’d taste, and which you’d be willing to trash.
For this food game, the choices are melon, red pepper, and eggplant.
Nearly seven miles of New York City’s streets, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, will be opened up for everyone to play, run, walk, and bike.
Mr. Divabetic is a 2011 WEGO Health Activist Award finalist and the happy healthcare host of Diva TalkRadio. Diva TalkRadio is Divabetic’s dynamic free online and mobile podcast channel where tens of thousands of fans, followers, and listeners turn to laugh a little and learn a lot. The channel features a line-up of live and archived programs and specials. Guests include healthcare professionals, beauty, image/style, fitness experts, entertainment industry leaders, and VIPs: women and men living with, at risk of, and being affected by diabetes.
Learn how to become your own ‘Diabetes Bodyguard’ on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast with musical inspiration from one our all-time favorite divas, Whitney Houston.
Enjoy an exclusive first listen of “Whitney Houston – I Wish You Love: More From ‘The Bodyguard’” before the album’s release date courtesy of SONY Music. This 25th anniversary of The Bodyguardsoundtrack album features the hit song, I’m Every Woman, echoing the recent statistics that 1 in 10 women are now living with diabetes.
Throughout the podcast, we will talk to experts about ways to safeguard you and your family from experiencing diabetes health-related complications such as stroke, blindness, and amputation.
Guests include Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE, Constance Brown Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Mindy Bartleson, T1D, blogger at “There’s More to the Story”, and author, Hairstylist & Salon Owner, Karline Ricketts, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’.
Over 37 million Americans have diabetes, and 96 million have prediabetes. This includes people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQAI+). About 25% of gay or bisexual men and 14% of lesbian or bisexual women have been diagnosed with diabetes, compared to about 10% of the general population.
If you’re a member of the LGBTQAI+ community, learn about factors that may put you at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Divabetic can help you take charge of your health. You are not alone; we see and hear you.
Mr. Divabetic is an openly cisgender gay man who advocates for diabetes. He sees similarities between accepting your sexual identity and accepting a diabetes diagnosis. Both identities seem steeped in shame and blame by the general public. Coming to terms with who you are and/or your health status is a powerful journey in self-love and self-acceptance.
“My coming out journey transformed my life,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “It was a powerful act of courage, self-love, and acceptance. Not everyone chooses to do it, and that’s okay. I traveled across the country to California to seek my truth. I needed that much distance from friends and relatives to feel safe. At the time, I felt I could resume my life on the East Coast if no one knew what happened on the West Coast. However, I realized once I kissed another man that I was gay and began the lifelong process of coming out to my friends, my family, my co-workers, and acquaintances. There were many difficult and awkward conversations. I have been shamed and have lost work because of it, but I don’t regret it. Coming out is a lifelong process because every time I meet and become friends with someone new, there’s a feeling inside me urging me to speak my truth. Keeping my sexuality a secret feels toxic.”
Poet Lorraine Brooks shares this beautiful poem, Out Gay & Here, to celebrate Pride Month.
Out Gay And Here by Lorraine Brooks
so tell me what it meant to you
in all your human glory
the fears, the chance, the honesty,
the day you told your story.
was shame the thing that kept you from
revealing your true wants?
were you afraid of hearing
all the ridicule and taunts?
or did you hold your head up, high
defying any doubt…
and did you shout with confidence
I’m here, I’m gay, I’m OUT?!?
did parents, friends, and foes alike
recoil in true disgust,
or did your people smile and say
we thank you for, your trust?
did you feel better having said
what some already knew,
and were you now beginning to
explore a better “you”?
is being out the best thing
that you’ve ever done so far?
or were you left with wondering
why you are who you are?
is life a bit more happy now
that you have said the word?
has anybody turned away
and left your voice unheard?
have you been embraced by
a community of peers?
and have you now acknowledged
that you’re one of all the queers?
you’re here, you’re out, you’re satisfied.
you’re lesbian, you’re gay.
you’re trans, you’re bi, you’re curious…
but mostly, YOU’RE OK!!
you’ve partnered with,
you’ve broken up,
you’ve shut your mouth,
you’ve spoken up.
you’ve bagged it up,
you’ve not complained,
you’ve used a whip,
you’ve been restrained.
you’ve doggy-styled,
you’ve been on top,
you’ve started it,
you’ve made it stop.
you’ve been alone,
you’ve been in pairs,
you’ve shaved it or,
you’ve cut its hairs.
you’ve used your tongue,
you’ve used your hands,
you’ve tied it up
with rubber bands.
you’ve worked it in,
you’ve done without,
you’ve muzzled it,
you’ve made it shout.
but in the end
you’ve all declared…
in voices loud and clear…
this is who,you are and now…
YOU’RE OUT AND GAY AND HERE!!!
The newly redesigned rainbow flag ensures inclusivity is at the heart of the LGBTQ+ movement. The new design incorporated intersex people into the movement and was led by Valentino Vecchietti.
On this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast, Mr. Divabetic spotlights LGBTQAI+ people living with, affected by, and at risk of diabetes with music from Indigo Girls.
Research shows that LGBTQAI+ people have unique health disparities and worse health outcomes than their heterosexual counterparts regarding diabetes care and education.
Mr. Divabetic stops by the Gay Pride March in New York to raise awareness for diabetes in a fun, new way. The first March was held in 1970 and has since become an annual civil rights demonstration. Over the years its purpose has broadened to include recognition of the fight against AIDS and to remember those we have lost to illness, violence, and neglect.
Mr. Divabetic plays his food game, Serve, Taste or Trash! with participants and crowd goers to help encourage people to read nutritional labels. You might be surprised by the facts. In the game, you are given three choices of popular snack foods: a Kit Kat White Chocolate bar, a Balance Bar (Yogurt Honey Peanut), and a Vita Coco Pure Coconut Water with Orange, 11. 1 fl oz. To play, you must decide which item you’d serve, which you’d taste, and which you’d trash. Can you tell which one contains the most sugar? Kit Kat White Chocolate bar contains and the Balance Bar (Yogurt Honey Peanut) both contain 18 grams of sugar and a Vita Coco Pure Coconut Water with Orange, 11. 1 fl oz. Contains 20 grams of sugar.
We’re talking about ‘Diabetes & Pride’ on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast with musical and identity inspiration from Ricky Martin.
Since Ricky Martin came out in 2010, he’s been a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. and his native Puerto Rico. Ricky Martin said, “I just wanna be free,” upon receiving GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award, which honors gay entertainers who promote equal rights. Martin opened up his life to Vanity Fair in its April 2012 issue and spoke candidly about his twins, Matteo and Valentino, and his longtime partner, Carlos Gonzalez.
As an openly gay man, Mr. Divabetic is honored to shine the spotlight on members of the LGBTQ+ community living with diabetes. Guests include Stephen Bernstein, Greg Rubin, Maria Salazar, Maya James, 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.”
Poet Lorraine Brooks shares her poem about habits on Divabetic‘s Healthy Swaps podcast. We’re offering simple ideas to help you live your best diabetes life on our podcast.
We understand many people deal with diabetes distress and feel overwhelmed by the rentlessness of diabetes.
Feeling this way about your diabetes is understandable and it’s a natural reaction for anyone that’s been diagnosed with a long-term health condition.
Lots of people feel like this sometimes but it’s important you get help. If you don’t get support to help you cope, you’re more likely to reach burnout and that can be really serious. Please let us join you on the journey.
Habits by Lorraine Brooks
To do somethig once
Doesn’t make a habit yet
You have to repeat
Some habits are good
Like eating our vegetables
And counting our carbs
Bad habits die hard.
Our chooices become lifestyles.
And sometimes are poor
What is a habit
A behavior that binds us
But you can break free
To age with kindness
Cmes from having good habits
From when we are young.
I dont mind aging
Because I have formed habits\
That serve e well now
I’m aging like wine
Rich and mellow and sparkling
My habits paid off
I know I’m OK
I have worked hard to get here
And I will not quit
Be Kind To Yourself
Try to manage your expectations about your blood sugar levels and A1c test results and set smaller, more realistic goals.
It also helps to stop using phrases like ‘good’ or ‘bad’ blood sugar – as this can constantly feel like you’ve done something wrong. Talk about high or low blood sugar instead.
Taking time for yourself, like booking a massage or setting an evening aside for a long bath can help you relax.
We’re sharing healthy swap ideas on this episode of Divabetic‘s podcast. With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.
Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly. Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat? If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.
Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and MamaRose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.
Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin in this YouTube video. Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.
This year marks two decades since the release of Luther‘s soulful and emotional ballad “Dance with My Father.” It’s also the twentieth anniversary of Luther’s devastating stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Luther suffered a stroke at age 52.
I found Luther on the floor of his Fifth Avenue apartment after he suffered a stroke. Many have speculated that Luther experienced the stroke several hours before my arrival. Sadly, his stroke damaged Luther’s motor skills and mental abilities, leaving him unable to perform on stage again.
At the time, I had no idea that mismanaged diabetes could cause such tragic health outcomes even though, I had a family history of diabetes. When the media reported that Luther suffered a stroke but failed to mention it’s linked to diabetes, I felt was angry. I wanted to warn Luther fans about the connection so they could avoid a similar fate. Luther’s stroke changed the course of my life. I became Lutehr’s caregiver, a passionate diabetes advocate, and the founder of the nonprofit, Divabetic. Every day I strive to help inspire and empower people with diabetes to take charge of their diabetes health. I know it’s not easy. Some days are more challenging than others, mainly when unexpected setbacks occur. But ignoring your diabetes is not the answer.
“Dance With My Father” is a testament to the power of mismanaged diabetes to decimate a family tree. Luther lost his father at a tender age due to mismanaged diabetes too.
I lost my father four years ago to bone cancer. I am grateful for the many years my father and I spent together working on Divabetic outreach. We saw the power of educating the generations in families to prevent diabetes health complications from occurring.
“Dance With My Father” is co-written by Luther Vandross and GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Richard Marx, and resonated with millions of listeners worldwide, touching hearts and earning Vandross a posthumous GRAMMY for Song of the Year in 2004.
https://youtu.be/OiNSRU-smNI
To honor Luther’s enduring music legacy, Primary Wave Music, The Luther Vandross Estate, and Legacy Recordings/Sony Music have released the song in high-resolution Dolby Atmos for an enhanced audio experience that fans can stream and download from several platforms.
Visit LutherVandross.com to create and share personally customized Father’s Day memories using the ‘What My Father Taught Me’ meme generator with the hashtag #DanceWithMyFather20. Additionally, on the site, you can purchase items from a limited edition gift guide, encapsulating the soul of this unforgettable song. Commemorate Father’s Day and Black Music Month by celebrating this iconic piece of Black music history. Let’s unite as fans, saluting Luther Vandross’ lasting legacy and the special connection between fathers and their children.
I will take every opportunity to raise awareness for diabetes and diabetes health-related complications such as stroke.
Senior Writer and Editor of Jet Magazine, Clarence Waldron, talks about his stroke and its recovery.
Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.
Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation. You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery.
Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.
This is what happens when you serve Grilled Asparagus prepared on an Outdoor Grill – they’re gone within minutes!
I have an intense dislike of peas, but I love asparagus. It’s a good thing, too, because asparagus is rich in minerals and vitamins A, C, and folic acid. It’s a fibrous vegetable that may support a healthy gut, as well as help lower blood pressure.
So easy to make too. Clean, cut, and trim asparagus spears. I like to cut off the white ends – they’re dense and hard to chew. On some pencil-thine spears (harder to manage on the grill), the white woody ends may not tenderize once cooked. On larger stalks, those same ends never soften. However, it’s not necessary to trim asparagus.
The night before, tossed them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Then grill the asparagus for 8-10 minutes over medium flame until soft, and add lemon zest before serving. Delicious!
We’re sharing a few simple swaps to help you live your best life while managing your diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast. Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and MamaRose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.
This podcast features music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right and Who’s Zooming Who albums courtesy of SONY Music
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic stops by the 10th annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party at Madison Square Park in New York City. Hear how everyday people stay on track with their health goals while indulging in summertime fun.
