Gabriela Hearst: Advocate for Sustainability In Fashion

My New York Fashion Week festivities began with the 92Y’s Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis and Gabriela Hearst. Coming directly from  New York City Mayor Eric Adams’  fashion event at Gracie Mansion appeared to knock Fern off her game, but Gabriella Hearst sparkled when she hit the stage. 

Gabriela Hearst wears multiple hats. She is the founder and creative director of her namesake fashion brand, creative director of Chloé, and is a wife and mother. She’s also the leading advocate for sustainability in fashion.  Her website states her line is committed to making the highest quality possible product with the lowest impact on our environment.
 
 But she works in a luxury business where clothes and handbags pay bills and salaries. Balancing the books between the environmental and business bottom lines can be challenging. 
 
One of the keys to her success, she admitted to Fern, is that she rarely listens to advice from men. She feels women will find the solutions for climate change. 
 
Gabriela believes less is more. Galvanizing metal, like silver and gold, to produce the hardware on Chloe’s luxury bags creates a lot of toxic waste. Her solution? Cut back on the amount of different metals being used. She and Chloe use only one gold and one silver to produce their handbags.
 
Additionally, 60% of fabrics used are “lower impact” materials, and Under Chloé no longer sells cotton T-shirts, to avoid the water-intensive production of that fabric.

Cashmere has been replaced by recycled cashmere, and denim by circular denim, made of a mix of recycled cotton and hemp or linen.

Gabriela Hearst was born in Uruguay, where she learned a commitment to sustainability working on her family’s ranch. She applied what she learned to fashion.  She started her signature clothing line with an environmentalist approach.  However, she doesn’t believe “vegan” leather is an environmentally friendly choice. “For as long as we are eating meat, leather is a byproduct of that,” she told the Guardian. “So it is a good fabric to use. When I go home to my ranch in Uruguay, they ask me – what’s happening in the north? They are having to burn leather, because people want to wear polyester instead. The idea that vegan shoes are helping the environment is just good marketing.”

Earlier this week, the Museum of FIT honored Gabriela Hearst with the 2023 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion.
She told WWD that winning the 2023 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashionmeans to her, “It’s a recognition for the team. I feel that we’re moving in the right direction,” she said.
Dr. Joyce F. Brown, president of FIT, said, “The industry is moving toward collections with a conscience. Gabriela is a role model for designers who are embracing their responsibility to reduce and prevent climate change. She leads by example using deadstock fabric, eliminating plastic in her work, and she even created the first carbon-neutral runway show.”

Over the next two weeks, she will present her Gabriela Hearst collection in New York and show her final Chloé collection on Sept. 28 during Paris Fashion Week. As reported, Gabriela Hearst is stepping down as creative director of Chloé this fall after a three-year collaboration.

Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller is a passionate advocate for sustainably in fashion. Catherine shares how ‘Cloth Swaps’ are helping fashionistas get their fix without harming our environment 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 BrooksPatricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic presents a diva-style approach to diabetes empowerment on this podcast for fashion lovers. We’re playing our Buy, Borrow, or Burn! fashion game features plus-size swimwear and iconic swimsuits worn by Halle Berry, Farrah Fawcett, and Annette Funicello.

Plus, get the scoop on what Hemoglobin A1 C is on ‘Sexy Little Numbers’ with Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES.

Guest include Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Kendra Charisse Porter body expert, style architect, and founder of Honor You ( image consulting agency), Dalia Strum, consumer and business strategic digital media expert and fashion-related social media shopping consultant and special guest, Alexis living with type 1 diabetes from New York City.

Divabetic Healthy Swaps Podcast Coming In June

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.

Our friend and podcast guest, Dr. Lisa Young, shares some great suggestions for smart swaps for a healthy heart in this Video. Dr. Young, PhD, RDN, CDN is an internationally recognized nutritionist in private practice and offers counseling to adults and children.

Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.


Please feel free to call-in comments at 1-347-215-8551. Diva TalkRadio’s signature show is one you want to hear live every month.

Fern Mallis Interviews Legendary Fashion Writer Mary Lou Luther

Last night Fern  Mallis, the host of the 92nd StreetY’s Fashion Icons series, interviewed legendary fashion writer Mary Lou Luther as several of the New York fashion industry’s heavyweights listened in, including Fashion Designer Norma Kamali.

Fern Mallis is primarily credited with transforming New York Fashion Week into one of the significant fashion events on the international circuit. Her guest, Mary Lou Luther, is credited with making designers like Derek Lamb a household name and helping reporters gain access to seeing new fashions at the same time as most buyers.

Marylou Luther’s unparalleled 70-year career, which included stints with the Des Moines RegisterThe Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, the LA Times Syndicate, and Fashion Group International, afforded her access to the most influential designers. Her new book, Be-spoke, Revelations from the World’s Most Important Fashion Designers, published by Rizzoli, features quotes from her interviews with 72 designers, from Christian Dior in 1957 to Kirby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss and colorful illustrations by Ruben Toledo

Here are a few fun takeaways from this enchanting evening of oral history on fashion:

Costume Designer Edith Head kept her eight Acamady Awards on display everywhere she went, including in her trailer while on film locations. She once said, “I’ve designed films I’ve never seen. If it is a Paramount film, I probably designed it.” But apparently, her unparalleled success did not make her immune to criticism. She thought it was important to remind new upstart designers who she was and her numerous accomplishments. According to Mary Lou, Edith Head kept young designers waiting in her trailer, staring at her shelf of Oscars to curb their enthusiasm for offering their advice to her on set.

Coco Chanel sat at the top of her stairs and watched the audience react to her clothes and fashion show at her atelier at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris. MarMarylou’svorite quote is from Coco Chanel in an article she wrote for the LA Times, “Fa” he fades. Only style remains the same. Only those with no memory insist on their originality. Yves Saint Laurent has excellent taste. The more he copies me, the better like he displays.”

Karl Lagerfeld was a genius with fabric, color, and silhouette and a wizard in set design. According to Mary Lou Luther, Karl Lagerfeld turned fashion shows into spectacles. She recalled how he went to great lengths to design and build elaborate sets for his runway shows.

New York Times’ legendary Fashion Photographer, Bill Cunningham,  a friend of Luther’s, was one of the most honest people she knew. At 93, she seems to agree wholeheartedly with his work ethic of never stopping. A decade ago, she started writing the syndicated column Clotheslines, which deals with whatever fashion-related topics her readers want to ask. Five million people read her column weekly. Her answers come from her “long history of hearing similar questions” and from what she learns during her trips to the semi-annual fashion openings, trips she has been making since 1969.

Her no-nonsense, objective approach to reporting on fashion has earned legions of readers and people like designer Todd Oldham. The designer describes Mary Lou’s writing style: “She can make fashion writing interesting to a truck driver.”

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, presents a diva-style approach to diabetes empowerment on this podcast for fashion lovers.

Get the scoop on what Hemoglobin A1 C is on ‘Sexy Little Numbers’ related to diabetes health with the help of Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES. The A1C  reflects your average blood sugar level over a two to three-month period.

Leading fashion experts dish on the latest trends before playing the fun fashion game, ‘Buy, Borrow or Burn! with our special guest, Alexis, living with type 1 diabetes.

How To Tie A Scarf on Divabetic’s Zoom Outreach

Fashion Curator, Plus Model and Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller demonstrates different ways to wear a scarf.

Silk scarves date back to 1300 BC where Ancient Noble and Royal Egyptians wore them according to FelicityB. Queen Nefertiti was frequently depicted wearing scarves around her iconic headdress.

A beautiful scarf worn on wrist, neck, waist or even on your head can easily transform an outfit. All you have to do is learn those scarf tying techniques and memorize them for a lifetime, since scarves never go out of style.

 

We’re talking about the symptoms, causes and prevention of stroke with Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller and musical inspiration from Angela Bofill.

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.

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 .

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

 

Divabetic promotes “wellness with a wow” to change attitudes and to encourage prevention, early action, and education to manage diabetes and diabetes-related complications. Through innovative programs, virtual outreach events, and online communities, Divabetic is a circle of care and support, providing a link between patients and their healthcare teams, translation of clinical speak, and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence. We meet the challenges and opportunities of diabetes care and concerns with a “Glam More, Fear Less” philosophy so that no one has to struggle alone or in silence.

At Divabetic, we want to empower you to stay healthy and positive about diabetes self-care management AND to do it in a bold and sassy way. Visit: divabetic.org

Diva-Style Face Masks To Stay Safe And Stylish

For over 20 years, our friend, Evetta Petty has designed hats in her uptown New York studio, Harlem’s Heaven Hat Shop. Her hats have captured worldwide attention and have been worn to the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot in England. Recently, she’s put her design skills to work making fabulous, functional face masks. 

Q: Tell us about your face mask collection. What colors and styles do they come in? Are they for both women and men?

Evetta Petty: My mask collection is functional and fun. Its for ladies and gentlemen. I use the same high quality textiles for my masks that I use for my hats which makes them very special. I’m using beautiful brocades In rich jewel tones and rhinestone embellishments for the couture mask collection. 

Q: What inspires you?

Evetta Petty: I’m inspired by my world travels. What comes to mind is my trip to India. The beautiful buildings and the colors of the spices in the marketplace. I bought beautiful fabrics and trimmings that I use for the masks. 

Q: How has your life changed living in New York City and you’re living with type 2 diabetes since the pandemic? 

Evetta Petty: Being quarantined at home during this pandemic is very challenging with Type 2 diabetes. I’m really being careful not to overeat because food is too available. The good thing is that I can do some healthy cooking and try new dishes that I normally would not have the time do. 

Q: How do you cope with the stress and anxiety?

Evetta Petty: Being busy making masks and adding new items to my website has given me a great since of accomplishment. I really have been able to keep the stress level down by concentrating on daily tasks and limiting my time watching the News.  I realized early on that when I watched the News all day, it gave me too much anxiety. 

Q: You also amazing design hats! What are some of your favorite designs for Summer?

Evetta Petty: My favorite Summer hats are super wide brims with floral trim. You get ultimate Sun protection as well as high style. I’m pairing them with matching masks. 

Q: What fashion advice can you offer for wearing a hat with a mask?

Evetta Petty: Masks are the new accessory and should be coordinated with your hat for a very cohesive ensemble. It’s a great look. 

Q: How can people purchase your hats and masks? 

Evetta Petty: You can purchase my hats and masks on my website www.harlemsheaven.com and we will promptly ship them out. My Hat shop up in Harlem has been closed during this pandemic and will reopen as soon as the law allows. 

Harlem’s Heaven Hat Shop is located 2538 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.   (@W.147) New York, NY 10039. Phone:  212-491-7706. Store hours: 12PM to 6PM. Closed Sunday & Monday. Appointments available after hours

Hat Designer, Evetta Petty

See hat desginer, Evetta Petty’s sensational hat designs sweeping across the New York Fashion Week runway. Evetta who attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City was inspired by the exhuberance of the Poppy Flower for this unique collection. Her hat designs are fierce!

We’re talking about Secrets to Longevity & Diabetes with musical inspiration from Dionne Warwick on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. Guests include The Lager Queen of Minnesota and Kitchens of the Great Midwest Author J. Ryan Stradal, Deborah Greenwood PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Fonzi Thornton, Rachel Stahl MS, RD, CDN, CDE, and Lorraine Brooks. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Dionne Warwick’s ‘Dionne’ album featuring I’ll Never Love This Way Again and Deja Vu courtesy of SONY Music.

Versace Is Making Sneakers Inspired by Jennifer Lopez’s Iconic Green Dress

The sexy Versace dress which Lopez wore to the Grammy Awards in 2000, is getting the sneaker treatment in a collaboration between the fashion house and clothing brand, Concepts.

Renowned retailer Concepts has teamed up with Versace to use the green, jungle-print on the upper of the brand’s beloved Chain Reaction sneaker. The bold emerald green look is available now in men’s and women’s sizing via the boutique’s website. The sneaker’s tongue is nude to replicate the daringly low front of Jennifer Lopez’s dress. The sneakers retail for $1,075.

Diabetes Late Nite

Enjoy Divabetic’s 9th Year Anniversary of Diabetes Late NitePodcasting with musical inspiration from P!nk. Guests include Beyond Type 2’s T’ara Smith, Catherine Lawrence , Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece PHARMD, CDE, BC-ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Glamazon Beauty owner Kim Baker, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Hosted by the happiest health care “MC,” Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek. 

LISTEN NOW

Sunlight, Diabetes & Your Eyes: What’s A Diva to Do?

Taking care of your diabetes health doesn’t have to cramp your style! The stunning Gucci Cruise 2019 collection proves that you can still make a fashion statement while taking care of your diabetes health!

The sun releases UV radiation which can damage our skin and eyes, particularly when the sun is strong. When the sun is out, all of us should take certain precautions to limit over exposure to the sun.

Diabetes can also raise the risk of diabetic retinopathy and so those of us with diabetes should protect our eyes from the sun to avoid any additional damage to the retina occurring.

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.

Mr. Divabetic talks about Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) on this episode of Diabetes Late Nite with Diabetic Macular Edema patient Maryanne Kass and Artist Bryce Chisholm.

Protect yourself from UV rays and your eyes will thank you! Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light increases your risk of developing cataracts.  To reduce your exposure, wear a wide brimmed hat when spending time outdoors and always keep sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection close at hand.

When picking suitable sunglasses, the National Health Services (NHS) advises picking sunglasses with a ‘CE mark’, marked as UV 400 or that provide 100% UV protection.

Statement Sunglasses

From extra-large frames, to two-toned models and couture accessories covered in crystals, sunglasses were the key statement accessory for this Gucci Cruise 2019 show, designed to be worn both night and day. Photo: Getty Images

Don’t miss Divabetic’s 8th Year Anniversary Diabetes Podcast Special with Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros’, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.  Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music. TUNE IN on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, 6 PM, EST

Divabetic presents Collar Greens Wellness Day & Dog Parade  featuring Health Screenings, Cooking Demonstrations, Healthy Food Tours, Service Dog Demonstrations, Scavenger Hunts,  Poetry Readings, Plate Poetry Project Displays & More on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Mosaic Central Farm Market in Fairfax, VA

 

 

If Transparent Pricing Works for Handbags, Then Why Can’t it Work for Health Care?

High-end retailers now flaunt their exorbitant price markups for products without experiencing dips in sales so why doesn’t our healthcare system?

According to the New York Times‘ article, ‘Revealing Costs to Make Sales’ the leather goods company,  Oliver Cabell posts the cost breakdown of all its products on its website so customers can see exactly what they are playing for and how much the manufacturer is charging them on top of its cost of production.

For the record, Oliver Cabell spends $16.02 on canvas, $11.58 on leather, $5.68 on lining and 78 cents on webbing and $4.27 for the zipper.

This practice, known as transparent pricing, has been gaining hold among a select group of retailers, who say that it appeals in particular to millennials – who often want to know exactly what they’re paying for. Guess what? So do the rest of us!

I’m confident that most ‘divabetics’  would also like to know why the fashion industry’s transparent pricing isn’t available in our healthcare system especially since the costs of meds (like insulin), doctor’s visits and/or equipment keep rising. 

Seriously, wouldn’t it be great to see the price tag for a treatment ahead of time and determine how much you’re willing to pay out-of-pocket before receiving care?

“Pricing transparency and stories behind the scenes help the shopper navigate the decision to pay for a more expensive product,” said Natalie Grillon, founder of Project Just, which collects ethics and sustainability date on fashion brands.

Find out What’s Behind the Rising Price Tag for Insulin

I’m sure I’m not the only one who would like to know what’s behind the rising prices of insulin prices  — increases that mean some people are spending as much on monthly diabetes-related expenses as their mortgage payment.

As of May 2, the list price of Humalog, a short-acting insulin, is $274.70 for a 10 ml bottle, an increase of 7.8% from what the list price had been since July 2016. On May 2, Lilly also took a 7.8% list price increase to Humulin, an older form of insulin. Novo Nordisk, which also makes a short-acting insulin, increased its prices to the drug in 2017. In February, the drugmaker raised its price to $275.58 for a 10 ml bottle, up 7.9% from what the list price had been since July 2016. In December, Novo Nordisk committed to limiting all future drug list price increases from the company to single digit percentages.

Over the last decade, the list prices of the two drugs have increased by 290%.  READ MORE

Apparently most Americans want greater price transparency and would compare health care prices if given the option according to Public Agenda.

The historical opacity of health care prices is widely believed to be a major factor inhibiting the more efficient functioning of the delivery system,” according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “Health economists and other experts are convinced that significant cost containment cannot occur without widespread and sustained transparency in provider prices.”

Unfortunately, ore than half of Americans say they have tried unsuccessfully to find out about the price of health care before getting care according to Public Agenda.

The vast majority of people believe that more expensive care does not equate to better care. This demonstrates the demand for transparency among consumers, and the recognition among consumers that price variation in health care is often an arbitrary divide that does not necessarily reflect quality of care.

With  health premiums increasing, families have to make more educated purchasing decisions in the health marketplace to save money, especially those families with higher deductibles. But accurate price information is hard to come by considering the default price opacity in most states. The Healthcare Financial Management Association cites a recent report where the U.S. Government Accountability Office asked dozens of health care providers about their price for a knee replacement. The estimates given ranged from $33,000 to $101,000. This wide range in prices is difficult to account for, and without more comprehensive price transparency, consumers face a difficult time choosing the most cost-efficient option.

One way you can help your state government combat price opacity is by contacting your elected officials to request providers and insurance personnel to talk about pricing, as well as guiding people toward reliable price information and explaining to them how prices vary across providers.  READ MORE

How to Make the Most of Your Next Doctor’s Visit

If you really want to take full advantage of your doctor visit, plan in advance. Here are two key points from One Drop will make for a very informed doctor’s visit:

Check out your blood glucose (BG) stats from for the past month before heading to the doctor. What’s your average BG level? % high, % low? How does your food intake affect these numbers? Do you have lots of high BGs (“hypers”) or lows BGs (“hypos”)? If so, are they occurring often? Are you finding trends or patterns? How severe are they? Can you feel the early signs of a low and take action before it becomes too severe? What do you eat/drink to treat them? How quickly does your body respond? When do you get the most severe highs (highest glucose levels)? Is that associated with food, medications, activity, all three, or other factors (stress, illness)? Any idea what may be causing these highs and lows?

(Pro Tip ⭐️ : if you’re taking insulin, One Drop provides the average total daily insulin and the breakdown into %basal and %bolus insulin.) What’s your average daily activity, and how does that seem to be affecting BG numbers?

Discuss your mood! A topic often overlooked at doctor’s appointments, mental health is something that should take tip-top-priority on your talking points list. How are you doing psychologically? How does diabetes affect you mentally? Are your major highs/lows taking a toll on you psychologically?

Remember, this is your time. Don’t be bashful with your questions. Come prepared, and you’ll be able to make any and all necessary changes. READ MORE

TUNE IN: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 for Diabetes Late Nite with music by Maxwell. We’re talking about Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) with musical inspiration from Maxwell.   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.

Diabetes ‘Workout with A Wow!’ for Winter

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Do you dread your workouts? Catch yourself counting down every minute you’re at the gym? Your mind plays a big role in each of your workouts, and if you find an activity you really enjoy–you’ll stick to it and have fun.

We get it — and it’s totally OK to skip a workout every once in awhile. But, sometimes, you need to sweat, whether that’s to actually get you to the gym, motivate you in the middle of a tough workout, or snap you out of a rut.

Let Divabetic help inspire you to take your workouts into the limelight in 2017.

Since color plays such a critical role in energy levels we chose a vibrant color to jump start your workout routine … Lime Green!

Did you know that color creates psychological and physiological responses in people and the color of your gym can affect your workout?

According to Old Earth website the color Lime Green brings Manifesting and Getting What You are Due. Lime Green brings you rewards for your labors and striving and an end to stress.

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Instead of wearing black or gray baggy clothes to your next workout, add some will dazzle with lime green! The color green makes people think of nature, fresh starts, spring and youth(!) The Germanic roots of the word mean “to grow.”

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Motivate yourself to workout with a little fitness fashion show. Playing dress-up helps many women (including personal trainers)  get motivated to move their bodies.

Or add some dazzle to your shoes! This Nike Women’s Air Max Thea Running Shoes will help you stand out among the crowd. Made of mesh and pylon materials, these shoes bring the durability and comfort whenever you wear. For the outsole, this visible air-sole was made of the premium rubber which support individuals in every movements.

70dd91f70902727f8258acef0e91e736If dressing in head-to-toe lime green scares you then why not make it an accent color? Like most colors, lime green looks good with a crisp white or black. Greens are almost universally positive.

Lime can be used as a substitute for lemon because these two types of fruit have sour taste and similar vitamin and mineral content including potassium. Potassium is important for maintaining nerve function and healthy blood pressure levels. The fruit is also linked to antioxidants and bioflavonoids that researchers believe could lower the likelihood of cancer.

Fun is another big motivational factor too. If you associate your workouts with excitement, exercise will become an enjoyable part of your everyday life. Here are three ideas that are sure to spice up your routine and make your workouts fun.

outfits-with-green-shoesJust ‘sexy enough designs’ to choose from that you might want to ditch the heels and step out in sneakers on for Date Nite. Many running shoes use of high-end fabrics and come in fabulous color palettes making them perfectly acceptable across all facets of life, from Saturday brunch to the Wedding Day!  And with more design houses and celebrities jumping on the trend we will be seeing a lot more running shoes in late nightclubs.

Divabetic ‘Workout with A Wow’ Tip: Exercise, eat, and take your medicines at the same time each day to prevent low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia.

A great way to kick start  your fitness routine is to crank up the tunes. A great playlist can motivate you to get moving and keep moving. Music can improve performance and even make you think the strenuous activity is easier than you otherwise might.

Variety is the key to enjoying your workout. Why not rotate power-walking, running, and lifting weights? Get inspired by the iconic 90’s NYC nightclub, ‘The Limelight’ to create different music playlists for each specific workout.

Right now, I’m listening to the ‘La La Land’ soundtrack including my absolute favorite song, ”Another Day of Sun,” I doubt anyone can sit still after hearing the first few notes of the exuberant song.

Why not grab Alicia Keys’ new album, “Here” on SONY Music? We will be featuring selected cuts from the album on January’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 6 PM, EST.

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Trying to lose weight?  Why do it alone? Today  there are plenty of tech-y support to help motivate and encourage you to be your reach your ideal weight like mobile apps that do everything from decoding the back of a snack box to breaking down which produce is worth buying.

Lose It! is a mobile app that helps out with a range of wellness targets, like tracking food and exercise, hydration, and blood pressure. It works with your weight and fitness goals to help you stay on track and keep you accountable.

How does diabetes affect your workout?

The affect physical activity has on your blood glucose will vary depending on how long you are active and many other factors.  According to the American Diabetes Association physical activity can lower your blood glucose up to 24 hours or more after your work out by making your body more sensitive to insulin.

You should become familiar with how your blood glucose responds to exercise. Checking your blood glucose level frequently before and after exercise can help you see the benefits of activity. You also can use the results of your blood glucose checks to see how your body to reacts to different activities. Understanding these patterns can help you prevent your blood glucose from going too high or too low.

Use the ‘Rule of 15’ when you are working out:

If you experience hypoglycemia during or after exercise, treat it immediately. Use the same process as you would any other time of the day:

Have at least 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate (sports drinks, regular soda, or glucose tabs are all good ideas).

Wait 15-20 minutes and check your blood glucose again.

If it is still low and your symptoms of hypoglycemia don’t go away, repeat the treatment.

After you feel better, be sure to eat regular meals and snacks as planned to keep your blood glucose level up.

If you want to continue your workout, you will usually need to take a break to treat your low blood glucose, depending on what activity you are doing and how much insulin you have circulating in your bloodstream. If you do stop exercising, check to make sure your blood glucose has come back up above 100 mg/dl before starting to exercise again.

60880-onetouch-ultramini-meter1The OneTouch UltraMini Blood Glucose Meter has all the features you need to test your blood sugar plus it’s small enough to fit into a clutch. A simple testing process provides accurate results in just five seconds.

Divabetic  ‘Workout with A Wow’ Tip: Go public. Tell your personal trainer, workout buddie(s) that you are living with diabetes and educate them about how they can help you if you are experiencing a low blood sugar.

Exercise beginners are often terrified of boot-camp style workouts, and experienced gym-goers sometimes write off bodyweight training as not challenging enough. Fortunately there are so many options and variations that you can make them as easy or as difficult as you need right in your home without changing your clothes. There’s a reason they call it housework! 

Did you know the average 125 pound person will burn 128 calories per hour while ironing? 128 calories per hour while washing dishes? 150 calories per hour while cooking? 150 calories per hour putting away groceries? 165 calories per hour doing general housework?

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Of course, just because you mopped the floors today doesn’t mean you can skip your workout.

One of our favorite cleaners is LIME-A-WAY® Toilet Bowl Cleaner. It removes all soap scum and buildup on the glass shower doors. Works like a charm every time. The ingredients found in LIME-A-WAY® aid in the dissolving of limescale and calcium deposits and hard water mineral build-ups.

Divabetic ‘Workout with A Wow’ Tip: Work out with someone who knows you have diabetes and knows what to do if your blood sugar gets too low.

One way we keep ourselves in the zone is by setting up healthy rewards to celebrate hitting specific fitness goals or milestones.

Many women believe that the only way to lose weight is to do cardiovascular (aerobic exercise). So they jog or take aerobics classes five times a week. Eventually, though, they notice that while their bodies are a little smaller, there are still a lot of flabby and jiggly bits. Sound familiar? Aerobic exercise is important for good health, but for a lean body, weight training is essential. If you avoid pumping iron because you’re afraid of getting “bulky,” then you’re missing out on one of the best fat-burning methods around.

How much does your purse weigh? Chances are you’re lugging around an extra 10 to 15 pounds of weight everyday!  Why not add some weight training to your fitness routine and grab a pair of lime green dumbbells?

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Weight training can slim you down, create new curves, and help avoid the “middle-age spread.” Dropping only 3 percent of your body fat could translate into a total loss of 3 inches off your hips and thighs. And no, you won’t bulk up—women don’t have enough muscle-building hormones to gain a lot of mass like men do.

Researchers at Tufts University found that when overweight women lifted heavy weights twice a week, they lost an average of 14.6 pounds of fat and gained 1.4 pounds of muscle. The control group, women who dieted but didn’t lift weights, lost only 9.2 pounds of fat and gained no muscle. When you do an intense weight-training program, your metabolism stays elevated and you continue to burn fat for several hours afterward. During regular cardio exercise, you stop burning fat shortly after the workout.

Why not indulge yourself with a safe manicure or pedicure? If you have diabetes, you’ll have more peace of mind if you take precautions to avoid nicks or cuts on your skin at the spa or salon. You’ll also lower your odds of getting an infection.

In general, it’s safe to get manicures or pedicures at a spa or nail salon if you have diabetes that’s well-controlled, says Fred Williams, MD. He’s a clinical endocrinologist in Louisville, KY. But choose carefully before you get services somewhere.

0b3d3fc62cf35d2fcef04275a8b1d6cb“The general rule of thumb is that there are really good places to get a pedicure and there are bad places,” Williams says. “Talk to someone you know who has been to that particular spa. Make sure they practice good hygiene, that their soaking solutions are changed frequently, and their instruments sterilized before each use. If the salon doesn’t seem quite right or doesn’t look clean, don’t go back.”

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Always tell your nail technician that you have diabetes. This lets them know to use extra care while pampering you, even if you don’t feel anything is wrong, says Brent Bauer, MD. He is the medical director of the International Spa Association.

Unfortunately not all nail polishes are designed with environmentally friendly formulas. Make sure your manicure is free of harmful chemicals with polish brands that pride themselves on providing nontoxic tips.

We love fresh-squeezed lime taste so much that we wanted to enjoy it wherever we go so we made True Lime®.

Hydrating before, during and after your workout is very important. Need some motivation to stay hydrated?  There’s now a free Dally Water app on i-Tunes to help you set personalized objectives and stick to them by keeping track of each glass of water chugged per day (the recommended eight glasses of water a day).

One online review of the Daily Water app said, “I’ve tired all the drink water reminder apps out there, and this by far is THE one to install; simple, precise, and keeps me on track to staying hydrated.”

600-0016To help you determine the amount of fluid you lose during exercise, you can weigh yourself before and after exercise. For each pound lost during activity, drink 24 oz. of fluid. If your body weight increased, you have overhydrated and you should drink less fluid in future exercise sessions.

After a practice or competition, drink to quench your thirst and then drink some more. Because the thirst mechanism is an inaccurate indicator of dehydration, you’ll have to monitor your urine to determine whether or not you’ve had enough.

Sometimes  you want to quench your thirst something with a little more ‘zing’ than  water.   Our Winter ‘Workout with A Wow’ beverage of choice is True Lime. True Lime is a low calorie (0 -10 calories) way to add fresh-squeezed lime taste to your water, tea or recipes. Each packet equals the taste of 1 lime wedge and is made with only 3 ingredients and contains no artificial flavors, no preservatives and is gluten free. It’s also great for seasoning and recipes that call for lime juice.

9d12edbd-2876-437d-bade-48da482ac27a_2.984c3886e2b0ed4a46e9ed7ae772bb9fIndulge in a healthy snack. Key Lime Low-Fat Yogurt with Graham Crackers and White Chocolate.  Made with only natural, non-GMO ingredients.This means that ingredients like sugar are sourced from sugar cane, and not beets, which are genetically modified.  The concept behind Chobani Flip isn’t new: sell a yogurt product with two compartments. The first is for “wet” ingredients, and the second is for the dry ones.  So is this a healthy snack? According to the Fooducate website it’s certainly healthier than a candy bar, especially due to the healthy probiotics (live and active cultures). However, a better choice would be plain yogurt to which you can add fruit, nuts, and a much less sweet.

Now with 20 varieties of Chobani “Flip”™, one container has 200 calories and 25 grams of carbohydrates. Ingredients: Lowfat Yogurt (Cultured Pasteurized Nonfat Milk, Cream), Evaporated Cane Sugar, Water, Wheat Flour, Brown Sugar, Sugar, Soybean Oil, Key Lime Puree, Cocoa Butter, Key Lime Juice Concentrate, Milk, Key Lime Peel, Skim Milk, Fruit Pectin, Locust Bean Gum, Guar Gum, Natural Flavors, Salt, Honey, Baking Soda, Cinnamon, White Vinegar, Organic Soy Lecithin, Fruit Juice Concentrate And Turmeric (For Color), Lemon Juice Concentrate. Contains Milk, Wheat And Soy. Manufactured On A Line That Also Handles Tree Nuts And Peanuts. Contains Live And Active Cultures: S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus And L. Casei.

Everyone who exercises knows how great it feels post-workout–that natural high you feel when you’ve gone for a satisfying swim or finished up your training run. Did you know this feeling is actually scientific–exercise releases endorphins which produce a natural high. That feeling is what gets a lot of people off the couch and into the gym, pool or court.