Paula Abdul Doesn’t Let Osteoarthritis Stop Her From Dancing!

Paula Abdul says that as a performer, she never lets anything get in her way, and certainly not arthritis.

Five years ago, Abdul’s doctor told her she had osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that can cause stiffness and pain, reports PEOPLE magazine. The common condition common affects more than 32.5 million adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The diagnosis came as a relief to Abdul.

“I kept thinking, at least it wasn’t something in my head,” she tells PEOPLE. “There was a reason attached to what I was feeling.”

Teaming up with Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for the launch of its over-the-counter offering, Abdul says she uses the gel on her ankles, knees and other joints when they feel tight.

“I’m not going to let pain keep me down,” she says.

The singer also encourages other arthritis patients to stay active and says she likes to mix up her workout routine with low-impact strength exercises and online Zumba classes.

“Every day I try to wake up and think, ‘What can I do today that’s going to make me happy?’ ” she says.

“Walking is very underrated. I’ll put on my AirPods and listen to Stevie Wonder, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake — and just sing at the top of my lungs and swing to the beat.”

Help Divabetic Bring ‘Sexy’ Back!

How’s your sex life?

If it’s not great – chances are you could be dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes, especially if you’re a man.

Recent statistics estimate 1 in 5 men who are 20 years and older have severe Erectile Dysfuction (ED), and another 25 percent have moderate ED.

Erectile dysfunction— the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex — is common in men who have diabetes, especially those with type 2 diabetes. It can stem from damage to nerves and blood vessels caused by poor long-term blood sugar control.

Poorly managed diabetes can lead to erectile dysfunction due to its effects on the bloodstream which can damage the blood supply to the penis and the nerves that control an erection.

Erectile dysfunction can also be linked to other conditions common in men with diabetes, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Erectile dysfunction might occur earlier in men with diabetes than in men without the disease. Difficulty maintaining an erection might even precede the diabetes diagnosis.

Having erectile dysfunction can be a real challenge. It can leave you and your partner feeling frustrated and discouraged. Take steps to cope with erectile dysfunction — and get your sex life back on track.

In case you’re wondering … a large percentage of men with diabetes and erectile dysfunction who do not respond to Viagra.

Erectile Dysfunction doesn’t have to hamper your love life. With a little creativity and communication, couples can enjoy intimacy and sex even when dealing with erectile problems.

Divabetic (divabetic.org) is committed to raising awareness for the sexual health issues related to both men and women living with diabetes.  Our friends at 5=10 Underwear are donating a % of their sales to Divabetic. Your support will help fund ongoing diabetes outreach programming focused on the link between Erectile Dysfunction & Diabetes. BUY NOW

 

Don’t miss Diabetes Late Nite on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Kathy Gold  RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Glucose Delivery Necklace co-creator Kris Maynard, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC=ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Maria Sakowitz, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, Type 2 Diabetes What To Know FB Community moderator Nick Zevgolis, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Kelly Clarkson’s “Wrapped In Red” courtesy of SONY Music. TUNE IN