Tag: Divabetic

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Don’t Miss Max Szadek On Solar Radio

Wow, Wow, Wow! I’m excited to be a guest on Richard Marzetti‘s upcoming Soul Life program on Solar Radio! I can’t wait to share my memories of working for Luther Vandross.

Growing up, I listened nonstop to Rochester, New York’s WDKX. Sometimes, I pinch myself when I realize I worked for one of R&B’s biggest stars. I owned every Luther album! To this day, it still seems unreal that a kid from Rochester would one day get the opportunity to work for Luther Vandross.

Amazingly, I started working on the Never Let Me Go tour thirty years ago.

Just so you know, I was a big Luther fan, just like the listeners of Solar Radio, before I began working for him. I’m really thankful to his fans for keeping Luther’s music legacy alive and for those new and old fans who strive to prevent mismanaged diabetes complications such as stroke from occurring by managing their diabetes daily to ‘keep their house a home.’

Being featured in the Luther: Never Too Much documentary is an honor, and I feel privileged to represent the hardworking, talented, caring, and supportive people who worked behind the scenes for Luther. Working on a tour in the wardrobe department for Luther was indeed the gold standard.

I’ve been hooked since my friend Mark Love introduced me to the UK’s Solar Radio a few years ago. Their fantastic mix of new and classic R&B, gospel, and dance music is incredible!

It’s been a joy to hear Richard Marzetti feature my music, Mama’s Kitchen Table by Ivan Hampden Jr. and Paulette McWilliams, and Standards by Crystal Penny on previous programs.

Sharing a new unreleased, hidden gem by Luther on this program (thanks to SONY Legacy) and a song by a good friend is just the cherry on top! I hope you can tune in on Friday!! I’ll post a link in the comments section.

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Wonder Woman Day


Today is Wonder Woman Day! It has been 83 years since her debut appearance in 1941. American writer William Moulton Marston and artist Harry G. Peter created this empowering global icon. She is always seen with her Lasso of Truth, indestructible bracelets, and iconic tiara.

Wonder Woman first appeared in All Star Comics #8 on October 21, 1941, in a back-up story meant to test her appeal. She became an instant favorite and soon started headlining her title less than a year later. Her popular 1970s television series introduced her to a new legion of fans, and she has since appeared in animated shows and movies.

The groundbreaking 2017 film “Wonder Woman,” directed by Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot, was the highest-grossing live-action film ever for a female director at the time of its release. The sequel, “Wonder Woman 1984,” premiered on HBO Max and in theaters globally on December 25, 2020.

My Princess Frog version of this iconic character will soon make her debut on West 69th Street, one of New York City’s iconic Halloween streets.

Divavbetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller spotlighted her new jewelry line of heroic adornment, Power Pieces, created to help you shine your inner gifts. Catherine’s passion for sustainability is evident in her creation of power bracelets and trinkets using original comic book scraps and resin.

To meet the growing demand, she collaborates with local artists and interns. Power Pieces honors Catherine”s late husband, Mark Gruenwald’s legacy. Mark was an American comic book writer, editor, and occasional penciler known for his long association with Marvel Comics. Mark wrote, drew, and/or edited many books featuring characters like Quasar, Spider-Woman, the Avengers, Hawkeye, Iron Man, and Captain America, which he wrote for ten years! He was also instrumental in creating “the Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe,” which is the ultimate guide to Marvel’s characters, including their story history, first appearances, and lists of their powers.

Without Mark, these handbooks wouldn’t exist because no one knew more about Marvel’s characters and their history than Mark. Mark eventually became Marvel’s Executive Editor in 1987 and held that position until his untimely death from a heart attack in 1996.

Mark’s legacy continues to live on through his work, the characters he created, and now, through this comic book creation challenge. Mark proved that big dreams can come true even if you’re from a small place. Catherine’s plans include designing power pieces for the cowboy community in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and inviting visiting artist Steven Carrero to contribute to her collection.

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The Palace and America’s Most Beautiful Historic Theaters

Throughout the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to visit several stunning historic theaters across the country. Some of my favorite theaters include the Carpenter Theater in Richmond, the Temple Theatre in Saginaw, the Granada Theater in Santa Barbara, and the Palace Theater in Waterbury. While many may not consider touring theaters when visiting cities, these venues offer a remarkable insight into entertainment history. Most of these theaters were constructed in the 1920s, initially serving as vaudeville houses before transitioning into movie theaters with Wurlitzer organs accompanying silent films and eventually returning to hosting live performances.

The Palace Theater, with its luxurious tomato-red velvet curtain, has hosted a myriad of iconic performers over the years, from Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Jackie Gleason to Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, and the Grateful Dead.

In 1924, during a performance by magician Harry Houdini, a crew had to cut an 8-foot-wide hole in the stage floor for a trap door. The hole was later patched up. Unfortunately, when Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus visited, an elephant named Shirley fell through the patched hole from Houdini’s act several years earlier. Sadly, the management had to put the animal down as they could not rescue it. Shirley, the elephant, is now part of Palace Theater lore as one of the four friendly spirits that supposedly haunt the theater.

In contrast to today’s black box-style theaters designed to accommodate various stage productions, these historic theaters, with their gleaming neon marquees, elegant lobbies, gold detailing, crystal chandeliers, and Art Deco carvings, were solely intended to transport their audiences from the mundane of everyday life to a magical world. The sumptuous plushness of the velvet seats instantly makes you feel like you’re about to experience something extraordinary.

During the pandemic, people stopped attending live shows for health and financial reasons. Still, they continued to stream music, films, and TV in record numbers, proving that entertainment is a necessary commodity. Divabetic’s podcasts, virtual workshops, and YouTube videos also experienced an uptick. There was a prevailing notion that live theater was a luxury. If that notion still holds, creating elaborate, glamorous theater spaces that encourage people to dress up, celebrate, and experience the joys of life is truly invaluable.

Watching performances by Itzhak Perlman and Rohan De Silva in these beautiful settings is a treasure.

We’re talking about movie characters with diabetes, including Steel Magnolias, Soul Food, Mad Money, The Baby-Sitter Club, and Nothing In Common. How realistic are these portrayals? How accurate is information about diabetes and diabetes self-care?  And how do we feel after viewing them?  With all the emotional and physical complications comes drama, making characters with the condition a good plot point on the silver screen.

Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Glucose SOS founder Pamela Heyward, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Kent Gash, Jessica Clark, and Muniq Gut Health Shakes Founder Marc Washington.  

Throughout this podcast, we will feature music from the album Score by 2Cellos, courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk, and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their healthcare providers, a translator of clinical speak, and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence.

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with diabetes and its related complications. 

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Relationships And Diabetes: Who Do You Tell?

Living with diabetes can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to your relationships. That’s why it’s essential to talk to your loved ones about your diabetes diagnosis and how it affects your life. It can help you surround yourself with a more supportive and encouraging environment.

Dr. Janis Roszler, PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, co-authors of Divabetic’s ebook Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes, Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES offer advice on discussing your diabetes diagnosis as well as issues related to intimacy, fertility, and menopause with the people you care about the most. 

Thank you for helping us to better understand your unique experiences and struggles with diabetes by participating in our first-ever survey on love and relationships for women with diabetes with Diabetes Sisters . This survey, titled Love Across All Life Stages of Diabetes, allowed you to share your thoughts and experiences with us so we can create more meaningful programming and resources to serve you.

For the past 64 years. Barbie has been a part of our lives, a cultural touchstone, or the quintessential image of what a woman should be but never will be – a sex or beauty object. Greta Gerwig’s big screen makeover and the related marketing blitz are making us revisit and reevaluate Barbie’s impact on our lives, including our sex lives.

After all, if Barbie and Ken are confused about what to do at sleepovers, you might be too, especially if you’re dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. People with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more often than the general public.

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Kitty Litter Sculpture Gets A New Corset

Last year’s Halloween sensation, Kitty Litter‘s new bustier, was my creative twist on French designer Thierry Mugler‘s futuristic designs, using a $0.99 roasting pan from my local Dollar Store. 

Thierry Mugler not only created fashion and couture, but he also invented perfumes, photographed his creations, and worked as a director, costume, and spectacle designer.

According to Madame Faction, Thierry Mugler’s fashion is – first and foremost – intrinsically linked to the aesthetic of the 1980s and 90s: The hyper-feminine, body-hugging silhouettes, narrow waists, extremely broad shoulders, bold colors, and the vital power dressing aspect breathe the Zeitgeist of 80s and 90s fashion

Unfortunately, last year’s candy-encrusted bustier didn’t survive the intense summer heat and the rat infestation of ’23 (I still have nightmares about it).

Kitty Litter was my response to people’s upsetting claims on social media that only certain types of people can be mermaids following the release of the live-action Little Mermaid movie. I believe anyone can be a mermaid, so I made a sculpture depicting a cat as a mermaid to prove my point. 

Personally, I loved watching singer and actress Halle Bailey in the title role in Disney’s live-action Little Mermaid.

I also wanted to raise awareness for single-use plastic consumption. Over two months, I collected my single-use plastics, including water bottles, take-out food containers, cups, straws, and food packages, which really opened my eyes to the staggering amount of trash I contribute to the environmental crisis. 

Single-use plastic is as prevalent as added sugar in our food and drinks. It’s easy to consume too much without realizing it. Most people know that added sugar is in soda, sweetened tea and coffee, energy drinks, fruit drinks, candy, ice cream, sweetened yogurts, flavored and/or sweetened milk, breakfast cereals, and bars. But added sugar is found in bread, condiments, dairy-based foods, nut butter, salad dressings, sauces, and even some “healthy” cereal.

The average American consumes more than 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily, more than the recommended amount. Consuming too much-added sugar can lead to health problems such as tooth decay, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

I took a break from writing Divabetic’s Annual Mystery podcasts to focus on my Halloween displays and the related book, Once Upon A Slime.

This year, Kitty Litter’s final appearance will be on Halloween Street at West 69th Street in New York City.

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Menopause And Diabetes

Half of the human population goes through a significant hormonal shift, yet few people are willing to talk about it, and many suffer alone. 


I was walking through the airport when I spotted O Magazine’s Straight Talk About Menopause magazine. Instantly, I was reminded of Divabetic’s Menopause and Diabetes workshops, podcasts, and YouTube videos. 


Both O Magazine and Divabetic offer expert advice on recognizing and treating symptoms and weathering mental and emotional storms. 

Oprah has spoken about her own experiences with menopause, including having trouble concentrating, heart palpitations, and feeling muted. She also shared that she started taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and said, “I got my first click of estrogen, and I was like, the sky is bluer!”.

Oprah Daily launched a menopause guide with discussions, classes, tools, and expert advice on navigating menopause.

Menopausal symptoms include heavy bleeding, weight gain, joint pain, and mental health symptoms. But only 17% of OB-GYNs are trained to treat menopause.


However, Divabetic tackles the topic of menopause from a diabetes perspective. Our panel featured Dr. Julianne Arena and Donna Rice and was moderated by Catherine Schuller. According to research, hormone levels (most notably estrogen and progesterone) fall dramatically during menopause. Changes to our hormones can affect our blood sugar levels and make managing diabetes more difficult.

Dr Julianne Arena is a double board-certified physician, a board-certified OBGYN who applies traditional, integrative methods and a multi-layered approach to helping women with sexual health and intimacy issues. She’s also a practitioner of Cliovana, the only treatment available that improves long-term clitoral stimulation with proven sound wave technology. Her goal is to help women create optimal and vibrant lives. 

Donna Rice is a registered nurse and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She is a national and international thought leader and author of four books, including Divabetic’s ebook Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love And Intimacy With Diabetes. She is a Past President of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists and the Past President of the  Diabetes Health and Wellness Institute for Baylor Health Care Systems in Dallas, Texas.   Donna is the Chief Operating Officer for DiabetesSisters and The Chief  Evangelist for Call-ai, working on voice-driven AI for diabetes care and education. 

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Luther Vandross Documentary Opens Coming To Theaters In November 2024

Luther Vandross’s Never Too Much documentary opens in theaters starting November 1st!

I’ve seen it thrice and walked away with a different insight each time. One of the things I enjoy most is seeing Luther’s discipline, drive, and determination to succeed. It’s easy to think Luther had no trouble getting signed to a record deal, but the opposite is true. He spent his own money, earned from singing jiggles, to finance his demo and was rejected by several labels.

I never met anyone with his convictions. He taught me to believe in myself and my ideas and to invest in them.

The documentary relives the many stunning moments of Luther’s musical career while exploring his personal life, health struggles related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, and a lifelong battle to earn the respect his music deserved.

Using a wealth of rarely seen archives, Luther tells his story with assistance from his closest friends, ME (!), and musical collaborators, including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack.

It’s strange to see yourself on screen and share such a traumatic experience. I am grateful to everyone who has supported, participated, and partnered with me with my diabetes nonprofit organization, Divabetic.

After Luther’s stroke, I could have left his side and found work supporting another musical artist. Instead, I chose a different path. I educated myself about diabetes (I have a family history of type 1 and type 2 diabetes) and helped educate and empower others so that we could all keep our house a home.

I still believe that’s the best way to honor Luther’s legacy.

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Divabetic Mystery Podcast: Suspect Boulevard

After writing and producing ten mystery podcasts, I can say that our Suspect Boulevard podcast is my favorite.

One reason is that the format loosely follows Billy Wilder’s iconic Sunset Boulevard film. Praised by many critics when first released, Sunset Boulevard was nominated for 11 Academy Awards.

  I tell the story of mystery, diabetes, and intrigue from backward to forward, and the setting is a gilded mansion in Beverly Hills.

My main characters, two famous sisters, author Marjorie Melbourne Blaze and her actress sister Marjorie Melbourne, elude to Jackie and Joan Collins.

Diabetes alert dogs are one of the many diabetes health topics in this podcast. I interviewed my friend Debby Kay, a diabetes alert dog trainer, scent detection expert, and author, about them, their skills, and the training required.

Having a dog that reliably alerts to blood sugar levels can help individuals regain their independence in daily life. This degree of detection by your side gives many people with diabetes the confidence to return to activities they love.

Here’s a quick synopsis of Sunset Boulevard: On a bright sunny morning, our happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, arrives at the resplendent Beverly Hills estate of NYT Best-Selling Author and Socialite Marjorie Melbourne Blaze. He’s here to deliver the keynote address at the Annual Heart of the Diva Gala on diabetes and women.

But he soon learns that a roomful of rich and famous faces is full of way more drama than he had ever expected . . . and now murder.

So, can Max and our team find the killer before this red-carpet event is covered in blood?

Divabetic’s story of diabetes mystery and intrigue stresses why it can be deadly to blame others for your heart’s misfortunes.

FEATURING Max “Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, Lorraine Brooks, We Are Diabetes Founder Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic,’ USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES and Mama Rose Marie. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.

One way to help prevent complications is to take a team approach to managing your diabetes and involve your friends, family, co-workers, and healthcare professionals in your self-care. Showing close friends where you keep your supplies and informing them of what you need when experiencing a low is a great way to safeguard against a health crisis. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Divabetic® (divabetic.org) is a national nonprofit diabetes outreach organization committed to changing attitudes in people at risk, affected by and living with diabetes.

We strive to encourage prevention, early action, and education. Check out our free monthly podcasts (available on iTunes and BlogTalkRadio) and our Zoom outreach programs.

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Apthropologie’s Holiday House In New York City

Decor, Design, and Diabetes

As I strolled down the street in September, I was taken aback by a brownstone adorned with holiday decorations, two months ahead of schedule!

Seeing the lavish garlands adorning the exterior stair railing piqued my curiosity, prompting me to dash up the stairs to unravel the mystery behind Christmas’s early arrival in the Upper West Side of New York City.

Upon stepping through the magnificent oak doors, I found myself in the Anthropologie Holiday House in collaboration with Terrain. This free four-story holiday extravaganza was a dream come true for holiday enthusiasts.

The immersive experience offered a plethora of festive decor available for purchase. It was truly a sight to behold, a treat for the eyes!

For individuals managing diabetes who often perceive the holidays as a time of deprivation, this experience was a game-changer.

The guilt-free enjoyment of holiday decor and decorations was a delightful revelation. It offered a way to savor the holiday spirit without the concerns of excess fat, alcohol, calories, and salt. After all, it’s not the plate but what you serve on it that causes unexpected highs and lows in blood pressure and blood sugar.

One of the most striking sights was the floating holiday tree on one of the upper floors, a truly unique and captivating display.

The checkerboard cabinet in the kitchen caught my eye with its playful design and practicality. It provided a clever solution for concealing a second set of plates and dishware.

The luxurious sheets, lush throws, and comfy duvet covers were irresistible to the touch.

They boasted exquisite designs and unparalleled softness that would complement any bedroom in the house.

The whimsical Christmas tree decorations were equally enchanting.

They featured vibrant colored glass ornaments that breathed life into any home during the holiday season.

Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, the co-authors of Divabetic’s new e-book, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, offer advice on managing diabetes sexual-health related issues in the bedroom.

The dining room tablescape was a masterpiece for those with a more refined taste.

Anthropologie had collaborated with the MET Museum to create a one-of-a-kind Gilded Age-inspired collection of dishware and crystal.

The design team meticulously studied historical flatware and dishware at the MET, infusing the museum’s cherished pieces with a distinctive Anthropologie sensibility.

The result was a tablescape that set the stage for the entire Holiday House experience.

Set your table in truly artistic fashion with timeless tableware from Apthropologie’s conversation pieces in a variety of modern and classic styles.

Pattern Management is a skill that can help you manage your diabetes like a diva! The happy healthcare host is Mr. Divabetic, and Neva White, PhD, RN, CCRN, CNE, the leader of the Divabetic Club—Philadelphia. These two advocates discuss the basics and benefits of Pattern Management.

Dviabetic Club was a free monthly diabetes wellness program presented in New York, NY, Cleveland, OH, and Philadelphia, PA, that boasted 75-100 participants monthly. Our unique mixture of traditional diabetes education, motivation support, beauty and style tips, and hobby demonstrations offered something for everyone.

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Itzhak Perlman Peforms Back-To-Back Performances in Richmond, Virginia

This past weekend, Richmond, VA’s historic Carpenter Theater, built in 1926, was ablaze with back-to-back performances by Itzhak Perlman.

The legendary violinist has been a long-standing advocate for accessibility after being diagnosed with polio. I chose to seek employment working for Mr. Perlman after experiencing Luther Vandross‘s difficulties using a wheelchair after suffering a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.

I discuss finding Luther after his stroke in the Luther: Never Too Much documentary, which will be released on streaming platforms in January 2025.

I decided that if I returned to personal assistant work, I would prefer to work with an entertainer who requires my help beyond picking out the green M&Ms from a bowl in the dressing room. Mr. Perlman’s ongoing issues related to accessibility in travel and hotel accommodations piqued my interest. Helping a legendary performer of Mr. Perlman’s stature do what they love, like performing live for an audience, brings me joy.

His first performance, “Cinema Serenade,” featured film scores by John Williams, Ennio Morricone, and Erich Wolfgang Korngold.

Valentina Peleggi conducted this survey of cinema’s most moving melodies from iconic films such as Casablanca, Cinema Paradiso, Out of Africa, and many others.

Sunday’s “Afternoon with Itzhak Perlman” had the legendary violinist sharing childhood memories, telling jokes, and recalling career highlights interspersed between musical selections encompassing his phenomenal career. Itzhak Perlman’s back-to-back performances closed the Richmond Symphony‘s spectacular Strad Fest.

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