‘Homeless With Diabetes’ On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast

We’re excited to announce our December edition of Diabetes Late Nite. Kathleen Gold, RN, MSN, CDE, will stop by the studio to share her experience working with homeless people and Kelly Clarkson will provide musical inspiration from her holiday album, Wrapped in Red.  Join us here on Tuesday, December 4, 2018  from 6 – 7:30 PM.

One of the Diabetes Late Nite featured songs this month is Kelly Clarkson’s “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” This is a poignant inspiration song to gain perspective from Kathy prior to our podcast interview on the biggest obstacles homeless people face who are living with diabetes.

As a diabetes advocate for over 20 years at Unity Health Care Clinic at the Community for Creative Nonviolence, a shelter in Washington, D.C., Kathy helped homeless people check blood glucose logs, made referrals to specialists, and discussed ways to best manage their health. “What I try to do is spend as much time with them as they need,” Gold said in an interview for Diabetes Forecast. “We touch on other issues, not just diabetes: food, food stamps, depression. … They really are very motivated, and they try to make good choices.”

Q: I would think that for homeless people with diabetes the stress of living with so much uncertainty every day must play a big factor in managing their diabetes. What do you advise?

Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: Yes, this is a major problem. They frequently don’t know when or if they will get their next meal or where they may be sleeping that night. I first try to address their living situation. Locating a shelter and a place to receive meals on a consistent basis is the main priority. Until these needs are met you can’t address their diabetes or their healthcare needs.

Q: What type of meal planning advice do you give to homeless people with diabetes who are relying on food stamps, the kindness of others, and prepackaged foods to carry them through the day?

Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: I connect them with various food kitchens and food banks, so they know where to access food. Also, we discuss options for how to spend their food stamp dollars wisely. I help them create a shopping list of non-perishable items they could always have available. We also discuss portion control. I encourage them always to choose vegetables, whole grains and fruit if available. In DC the primary food bank offers a “diabetes meal” which provided an extra serving of vegetables.

Q: How do you advise homeless people with diabetes to create and/or adhere to a daily diabetes management routine if they don’t have a set schedule? 

Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: This is a big struggle as the timing of meals is such a difficult thing to predict. It is important to use medications cautiously if the individual does not have access to meals at a predictable time. Oatmeal is always a lifesaver because all they need is a cup of hot water and they have instant nourishment. Educating the homeless about how and when their medications work to avoid a low blood sugar reaction is very important and ties in with the appropriate use of food stamps. The newer insulins make a huge difference in controlling blood glucose levels as they can be taken with meals. It is much more difficult if individuals are forced to use the older insulins where there is little flexibility.

Q: What kind of medical services and supplies are available to homeless people with diabetes?

Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: A lot depends on where they live and if and how they are covered under Medicaid. Not all Medicaid plans cover the newer medications. In DC we are fortunate that all patients could have a meter and strips to test their blood glucose and our medication formulary was quite extensive. This is not the case in all states. Education is key. I found that if patients were educated, their expenses dropped, and the risk of complications greatly decreased. At the Homeless Shelter we saw significant savings and complication reductions but not everyone has access and that’s sad.

Q: Do you feel homeless people with diabetes are more likely to develop health-related complications? If so, can you share some insight into the types of health complications homeless people with diabetes are more likely to develop.

Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: Many homeless individuals have a history of alcohol or drug abuse which places them at risk of many health issues besides diabetes. Kidney disease is a major complication, since many individuals also suffer from hypertension. Mental illness is widespread, and it is difficult to manage these individuals because they frequently don’t take their medications. Diabetic neuropathy, depression and feeling overwhelmed are very prevalent in this population. Hypoglycemia is also a frequent complication because of their inability to eat on time, which can cause them to be unresponsive, confused and/or disoriented. Severe hyperglycemia, if they stop taking their medications, can lead to ketoacidosis or a very elevated blood glucose level. It is necessary to deal with these health issues first, so they can manage their diabetes.

I found that people who overcame with addictions were very successful in managing their diabetes because they had the tools to make behavior change.

Q: I have read that homeless people with diabetes may sell their supplies in order to afford basic living needs. What’s your experience? 

Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: There is a black market for strips and meters. In DC these supplies were provided, so we didn’t see as much of it. But there were some people who constantly “lost” their meters and they may have been selling them. People get desperate.

Q: How can our Diabetes Late Nite listeners help?

Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: If you donate food, please stick to healthy foods such as vegetables and fresh fruit. Volunteer at a homeless shelter and prepare healthy meals. Whole grain cereals, oatmeal, peanut butter for protein and nuts for a good snack are good options. Avoid sugared cereals, processed foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat.  Arrange with local restaurants or farmers markets to donate their foods to a homeless shelter. Offer to teach a simple cooking class at a food bank or a shelter. Donate brown rice instead of white rice and include some recipes that use foods you donated. Donate to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council https://www.nhchc.org/

Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music from Kelly Clarkson’s Wrapped In Red album courtesy of SONY Music on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 6 PM, EST.

Kelly Clarkson’s inspiring us to lend our ‘voice’ to  topics such as the link between HIV medications and type 2 diabetes, how the homeless manage diabetes, great gift ideas for loved ones with diabetes, and how you can lose weight during holidays (!). Plus, one lucky listener tries their luck during Mr. Divabetic’s ‘Wrapped In Red’ Health Game challenge. 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, Mama Rose Marie 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.”

Collar Greens Wellness Day & Dog Parade Coming To Fairfax VA in September

Divabetic presents Collar Greens Wellness Day at Mosaic Central Farm Market to help families and their pets to stay healthy and happy on Sunday, September 16, 2018.

It’s our biggest diabetes outreach event of the year and it’s totally free!

Do you want the freshest, most flavorful food available in your area? In that case, consider taking regular trips to Central Farm Market. According to statistics from the Farmers Market Coalition, more than 85% of vendors at your local farmers’ market have traveled less than 50 miles to sell their products and produce. In comparison, produce found in chain supermarkets has often traveled on average more than 1,200 miles before reaching your local shelves.

Did you know that Journal of Physical Activity & Health found that dog owners are more likely to reach their fitness goals than those without canine companions?

Researchers at Michigan State University found that dog owners are 34 percent more likely to fit in 150 minutes of walking per week than non-dog owners. The study also found that owning a dog promotes health and fitness even after you take your pup for a stroll, increasing leisure-time physical activity by 69 percent.

Collar Greens Wellness Day & Dog Parade features:

A Fabulous Dog Parade hosted by Mr. Divabetic and Scent Detection Expert Debby Kay. See all breeds dressed to the nines with prize awards compliments of Mosaic Central Farm Market vendors

Healthy Food Tours: Buy foods and see how they fit with ChooseMyPlate. Visit different booths to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

A Live Cooking Demonstrations with Chef Jonathan Bardzik aka “Farm Market Hero”.  Jonathan employs stories and food to bring people together, building connections at farm markets and dinner tables, in board rooms and at conferences – everybody eats! Jonathan’s cooking demonstrations, teaching dinners, corporate and non-profit team building events and conference presentations have been enjoyed by audiences across the country.

A Family-friendly Scavenger Hunt of the Farmers Market. Our Scavenger Hunts gives people hands-on experience in learning about seasonal produce.

Poetry Readings: Diabetes Late Nite podcast cast member, Poet Lorraine Brooks reads some of her most popular diabetes empowerment poems to lift your spirits.

Free Sight & Hearing Screenings for Adults & Children (until 12 PM). Lions Club District 24A Sight and Hearing Van will host free sight (including glaucoma) and hearing screenings for all visitors (men, women, and children). They will also offer a paper screening test for diabetes and blood pressure testing.

A Service Dogs Demonstration & Talk: Have you ever wondered what it takes to teach your dog to sense your oncoming low blood sugars and actually alert you to them? Internationally known Scent Detection Expert Debby Kay has 40 years of experience as a canine professional and pioneered many firsts in canine scent work. Enjoy an overview of the basics of dog training and dog care and details how your dog can sense your blood sugars and respond in different ways depending on whether your blood sugar is high or low.

Plate Poetry Project On Display: What’s Eating You? Fine Artist Susan McCalsin’s Plate Poetry Project explores the conversations that people have with themselves while eating. Divabetic volunteers help adults and kids to express their mealtime thoughts and concern after reading aloud several of her poems.

Acoustic Blues Musician and SongwriterRick Franklin will be performing throughout at Diabetes Awareness Day. Rick’s musical style of blues is known as the “Piedmont” style identified with such legendary players as Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller and William Moore along with players and friends like “Bowling Green” John Cephas, John Jackson, and Archie Edwards.

LISTEN NOW: Hear what happens when Mr. Divabetic puts all of his guests inlcuding The Betes Bros, Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle and Mama Rose Marie in the HOT SEAT for Divabetic’s 8th Year Anniversary Podcast Special

Divabetic’s Diabetes Awareness Day Postponed

Divabetic’s Diabetes Awareness Dayoutreach program at Mosaic Central Farm Market on Sunday, June 3, 2018 has been postponed due to weather.

Our biggest diabetes outreach event of the year, Diabetes Awareness Day features a colorful Dog Fashion Show, Health Screenings, Healthy Food Tours, Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstrations & Discussion, Plate Poetry Project Art Displays, and Live Folk Music with Rick Franklin at Mosaic Central Farm Market in Fairfax, VA.

Here’s a complete listing of Diabetes Awareness Day Events & Activities at Mosaic Central Farm Market which we will be rescheduling:

9:30 AM Lions Free Sight & Hearing Screenings for Adults & Children (until 12 PM): Lions Club District 24A Sight and Hearing Van will also offer a paper screening test for diabetes and blood pressure testing.

10 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

10:30 AM Dog Fashion Show Registration & Rehearsal: Dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome to compete on the red carpet for fabulous prize awards compliments of Mosaic Central Farm Market vendors. REGISTER NOW: https://goo.gl/forms/WWxkBrs7ugpfK38P2 

10:45 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Dietitian Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

11:30 AM Dog Fashion Show: See the best dressed dogs pose on the Red Carpet at our 2ndAnnual Dog Fashion Show. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic:

12 PM Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstration & Talk: Find out how dogs help people manage their blood sugar high’s and low’s, answer your questions and share resources for purchasing a diabetes alert dog and/or training your own pet. Presented by internationally known Scent Detection Dog Expert, Debby Kay and Health Educator, Kathy Gold RN, CDE

1 PM Plate Poetry Project & Workshop: What’s Eating You? Fine Artist Susan McCalsin’s Plate Poetry Project explores the conversations that people have with themselves while eating. Divabetic volunteers help adults and kids to express their mealtime thoughts and concern after reading aloud several of her poems.

Acoustic Blues Musician and songwriter, Rick Franklin will be performing throughout at Diabetes Awareness Day. Rick’s musical style of blues is known as the “Piedmont” style identified with such legendary players as Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller and William Moore along with players and friends like “Bowling Green” John Cephas, John Jackson, and Archie Edwards.

Tune in to Divabetic’s 8th Year Anniversary podcast, Diabetes Late Nite featuring music by Edith Piaf on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, 6 PM, EST.  Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Dr. Lori Shemek PhD, Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Cindy Lou from the ‘Diabetes What To Know’ community, and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from ‘EDITH PIAF TOP 40’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

What’s On Your Plate?: The Plate Poetry Project Depicts Emotional Eating & Diabetes

Fine Artist Susan McCaslin’s Plate Poetry Project will be on display at Mosaic Central Farm Market on Sunday, June 3, 2018 as part of Divabetic’s Diabetes Awareness Day outreach program.

What words do you bring to the table?

Emotions can influence what, when, and how much we eat. For example, you have probably heard that some people eat to cope with stress. Others eat to preoccupy themselves when they feel bored.

When you eat based on your emotions, it can hinder your diabetes wellness management. Often, situations that trigger certain negative emotions prompt eating.

If you have recently eaten and find yourself craving food again, do a quick emotional check. Do you want food because you are hungry—or to fill an emotional need? 
Eating is such a central part of our lives that food becomes associated with almost everything we do. If we’re happy, sad, angry, celebrating, grieving, lonely, or bored, we eat. Emotions become connected with food.
Each Plate Poetry Project place setting (5 pieces) has a complete statement written on it depicting a conversation that someone had while eating. 
Visitors are encouraged to interact with the table and take apart the place settings to read each statement.
The eight Plate Poetry Project statements are: 
“She says I am always eating too much”
“Be happy and eat joyfully for good health”
” You always help me when I need it the most”

“Love is my drug of choice not food” 

It hurts when you say I am too heavy”
“How dare you step on my dreams”
“He helps me face illness with lots of love”  
“So tough when I hear you cry at night!”
The Plate Poetry Project is made possible thanks in part to the generous donation from OniedaOneida offers the largest selection of flatware and a great assortment of dinnerware, serveware, cookware, bakeware, and more.

An important component of diabetes self-management, but often unaddressed, is the topic of emotional well being.

If you are having a hard time, reach out for help. Involve family members and friends to help support your weight loss efforts. Support groups, therapy, and members of your health care team can also help.

Our Plate Poetry Project video series aims to assess the emotions associated with managing diabetes and the underlying reasons attributed to those emotions.

Divabetic presents Diabetes Awareness Day featuring a Dog Fashion Show, Health Screenings, Healthy Food Tours, Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstrations, Poetry Readings, Art Displays & More at Mosaic Central Farm Market in Fairfax, VA on Sunday, June 3, 2018, 9:30 AM – 2 PM.

RAIN OR SHINE: Here’s a complete listing of Diabetes Awareness Day Events & Activities at Mosaic Central Farm Market:

9:30 AM Lions Free Sight & Hearing Screenings for Adults & Children (until 12 PM): Lions Club District 24A Sight and Hearing Van will also offer a paper screening test for diabetes and blood pressure testing.

10 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

10:30 AM Dog Fashion Show Registration & Rehearsal: Dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome to compete on the red carpet for fabulous prize awards compliments of Mosaic Central Farm Market vendors. REGISTER NOW: https://goo.gl/forms/WWxkBrs7ugpfK38P2 

10:45 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Dietitian Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

11:30 AM Dog Fashion Show: See the best dressed dogs pose on the Red Carpet at our 2ndAnnual Dog Fashion Show. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic:

12 PM Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstration & Talk: Find out how dogs help people manage their blood sugar high’s and low’s, answer your questions and share resources for purchasing a diabetes alert dog and/or training your own pet. Presented by internationally known Scent Detection Dog Expert, Debby Kay and Health Educator, Kathy Gold RN, CDE

1 PM Plate Poetry Project & Workshop: What’s Eating You? Fine Artist Susan McCalsin’s Plate Poetry Project explores the conversations that people have with themselves while eating. Divabetic volunteers help adults and kids to express their mealtime thoughts and concern after reading aloud several of her poems.

Acoustic Blues Musician and songwriter, Rick Franklin will be performing throughout at Diabetes Awareness Day. Rick’s musical style of blues is known as the “Piedmont” style identified with such legendary players as Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller and William Moore along with players and friends like “Bowling Green” John Cephas, John Jackson, and Archie Edwards.

Stop by the Capital Jazz Fest featuring Luther Vandross’ longtime collaborator, renowned bassist, producer and songwriter Marcus Miller.  Marcus Miller hosts the  Late-Night Jam Session on Friday, June 1, 2018, 11:30 PM – 2 AM. The Capital Jazz Fest takes place at Merriweather Post Pavilion, located at 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia, Maryland. The venue is 28 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. and 18 miles southwest of Baltimore.

Founded in 2005, Divabetic promotes diabetes wellness. We take diabetes education out of the clinical setting and combine it with art, music, and fashion to broaden the appeal of diabetes outreach. Join us!

Patriotic Cookies Recipe by the Diabetic Pastry Chef

Memorial Day festivities are times to gather together with family and friends and celebrate the beginning of the summer season while also remembering lots of U.S. citizens who were drafted and who were required to fight far away from home and loved ones. They can also become ways to commit to healthy living and activity to avoid diabetes health-related complications.

The Diabetic Pastry Chef Stacey Harris is helping Divabetic encourage you to celebrate the holidays without compromising your diabetes wellness.

When Stacey Harris was studying to become a pastry chef, she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Rather than give up her chosen profession, she began creating more diabetic-friendly desserts. By using blended flours and a combination of sugar and sugar substitutes, reducing milk carbohydrates, and eliminating trans fats,  Stacey Harris has transformed more than 200 desserts into diabetic-friendly delights.

 

Patriotic Cookies Recipe by the Diabetic Pastry Chef 

Cookie Dough Ingredients 

1 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 stick butter, sliced

1 large egg

1/2 cup granulated sugar substitute such as Swerve

Directions:

Sift together flour, baking powder and baking soda. Cut in butter until crumbly.

Beat together the remaining ingredients with mixer until well blended; add to dry mixture.  Divide dough in half and chill for several hours.

Roll out the dough on a floured board 1/4 at a time. Cut into star shapes with floured cookie cutter. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees until cookies are a pale golden color. Remove from oven and cool cookies on a baking rack. Once cool, frost with icing and decorate with tubes of red and blue decorating gel.

Swerve Icing Ingredients 

1 stick butter, softened

1/3 to 1/2 cup Swerve Confectioners

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 Tbsp milK

Directions:

With mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy. Add Swerve and beat for 5 minutes. Add vanilla and milk and beat for an additional 5 minutes.

Divabetic presents Diabetes Awareness Day featuring a Dog Fashion Show, Health Screenings, Healthy Food Tours, Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstrations, Poetry Readings, Art Displays & More on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Mosaic Central Farm Market in Fairfax, VA

Here’s a complete listing of Events & Activities:

9AM -12 PM Lions Free Sight & Hearing Screenings for Adults & Children: Lions Club District 24A Sight and Hearing Van hosts free sight (including glaucoma) and hearing screenings for all visitors (men, women, and children). They will also offer a paper screening test for diabetes and blood pressure testing.

10 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

10:30 AM Dog Fashion Show Registration & Rehearsal: Dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome to compete on the red carpet for fabulous prize awards compliments of Mosaic Central Farm Market vendors. REGISTER NOW: https://goo.gl/forms/WWxkBrs7ugpfK38P2 

10:45 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Dietitian Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

11:30 AM Dog Fashion Show: See the best dressed dogs pose on the red carpet at our 2ndAnnual Dog Fashion Show. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic:

12 PM Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstration & Talk: Find out how dogs help people manage their blood sugar high’s and low’s, answer your questions and share resources for purchasing a diabetes alert dog and/or training your own pet. Presented by internationally known Scent Detection Dog Expert, Debby Kay and Health Educator, Kathy Gold RN, CDE

1 PM Plate Poetry Project & Workshop: What’s Eating You? Fine Artist Susan McCaslin’s Plate Poetry Project explores the conversations that people have with themselves while eating. Our Divabetic volunteers help adults and kids to express their mealtime thoughts and concern after reading aloud several of her poems. Generous donation provided by Onieda.

Don’t miss the Capital Jazz Fest featuring Luther Vandross’ longtime collaborator, renowned bassist, producer and songwriter Marcus Miller.  Marcus Miller hosts the  Late-Night Jam Session on Friday, June 1, 2018, 11:30 PM – 2 AM. The Capital Jazz Fest takes place at Merriweather Post Pavilion, located at 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia, Maryland. The venue is 28 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. and 18 miles southwest of Baltimore.

One of Divabetic’s favorite Marcus Miller and Luther Vandross tunes is “Never Too Much” featured on Luther’s platinum album, ‘Never Too Much‘. 

‘I’ve Got A Secret’ by Lorraine Brooks

We’re only as sick as our secrets, it’s true.

There’s dozens of things that I’m not telling you.

Some of my secrets are not to be shared,

Some are about being angry or scared.

 

Some are just things I don’t want you to know

But aren’t that important, as far as things go.

Some are not secrets, but just information,

Like where I’ll be going on my next vacation.

 

Some things are personal, and this is OK,

Like who you just voted for, or how much you weigh.

But there are some times when a secret can hurt.

And those times it’s better if you can assert.

 

Secrets can harm, ‘cause if no one’s aware,

You may not get help if you need something there.

Take diabetes, and if no one knows,

You might not be able to treat your own lows.

 

Or maybe you’re having a symptom or feeling

That doctors can deal with, if you’re not concealing.

Maybe just talking can help you with stuff

That maybe you thought weren’t important enough.

 

Maybe disclosing your troubles and strife

Can one day be helpful in saving your life.

So don’t be afraid to be clear and be strong

That you have diabetes, but there’s nothing wrong.

 

One day that honesty may just be the way

You get help if you need it. So please don’t downplay.

Don’t hold THIS secret, don’t hide THIS well.

Make diabetes the “secret” you TELL!

LISTEN NOW: Poet Lorraine Brooks reads her ‘I’ve Got A Secret’ aloud on May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. Podcast guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, PCOS Diva founder Amy Medling, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM- PCOM, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Jeff James and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout this podcast we will feature songs from ‘Stone Hits: The Very Best of Angie Stone’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic presents Diabetes Awareness Day featuring a Dog Fashion Show, Health Screenings, Healthy Food Tours, Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstrations, Poetry Readings, Art Displays & More on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Mosaic Central Farm Market in Fairfax, VA

Here’s a complete listing of Diabetes Awareness Day Events & Activities at Mosaic Central Farm Market:

9AM Lions Free Sight & Hearing Screenings for Adults & Children (until 12 PM): Lions Club District 24A Sight and Hearing Van hosts free sight (including glaucoma) and hearing screenings for all visitors (men, women, and children). They will also offer a paper screening test for diabetes and blood pressure testing.

10 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

10:30 AM Dog Fashion Show Registration & Rehearsal: Dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome to compete on the red carpet for fabulous prize awards compliments of Mosaic Central Farm Market vendors. REGISTER NOW: https://goo.gl/forms/WWxkBrs7ugpfK38P2 

10:45 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Dietitian Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

11:30 AM Dog Fashion Show: See the best dressed dogs pose on the Red Carpet at our 2ndAnnual Dog Fashion Show. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic:

12 PM Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstration & Talk: Find out how dogs help people manage their blood sugar high’s and low’s, answer your questions and share resources for purchasing a diabetes alert dog and/or training your own pet. Presented by internationally known Scent Detection Dog Expert, Debby Kay and Health Educator, Kathy Gold RN, CDE

1 PM Plate Poetry Project & Workshop: What’s Eating You? Fine Artist Susan McCalsin’s Plate Poetry Project explores the conservations that people have with themselves while eating. Poet Lorraine Brooks helps adults and kids to express their mealtime thoughts and concern after reading aloud several of her poems.

Don’t miss the Capital Jazz Fest featuring Luther Vandross’ longtime collaborator, renowned bassist, producer and songwriter Marcus Miller.  Marcus Miller hosts the  Late-Night Jam Session on Friday, June 1, 2018, 11:30 PM – 2 AM. The Capital Jazz Fest takes place at Merriweather Post Pavilion, located at 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia, Maryland. The venue is 28 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. and 18 miles southwest of Baltimore.

One of Divabetic’s favorite Marcus Miller and Luther Vandross tunes is “Til My Baby Comes Home” featured on Luther’s platinum album The Night I Fell in Love.

 

Happy Diabetic’s Grilled Veggie Kabobs of Love Recipe

Memorial Day feels like the unofficial beginning of summer. It means lots of socializing, get-togethers with friends, picnics, sunshine, barbecues, and outdoor activities.

It’s also the beginning of the season of fresh, locally grown ingredients, so there’s no better time to invigorate those Memorial Day barbecue and picnic spreads with locally sourced items from surrounding farms and farmers markets.

If you’re thinking of serving food that’s  ‘Lean & Green’ for Memorial Day, this veggie recipe from our good friend, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ is for you!

Happy Diabetic’s ‘Grilled Veggie Kabobs of Love’ Recipe

The Veggies-

  • 12 Grape tomatoes
  • 12 white button mushrooms
  • 2 red onions cut in quarters
  • 2 yellow peppers, cut in 1inch squares
  • 12 slices yellow squash
  • 12 slices  zucchini
  • Bamboo skewers soaked in water so they will not burn.
The only MARINADE you will ever need-

1/4 to 1/2 cup good quality olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

2-3 cloves chopped garlic

Sea salt to taste

Fresh cracked pepper to taste

½ fresh lemon juice- slice the lemon after juicing and add to the marinade

½ fresh lime juice- slice the lime after juicing and add to the marinade

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Let’s Put It Together!

  1. MARINADE: Mix all ingredients together in in a glass bowl.
  2. Arrange vegetables on skewers and place in a large zip lock storage bag. Pour the marinade into the bag with the veggie skewers and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
  3. Preheat a grill on medium high flame or an oven at 375 degrees. While cooking turn and brush with marinade for 10 minutes or until cooked tender and slightly charred.

In a recent profile on the Everyday Diabetes website, Chef Robert Lewis admitted that he feared the worst for his own love of great food following his diagnosis with Type 2 Diabetes in 1998.

“I suspected that my days of good eating were over,” Lewis writes on his blog. “Yet, as I worked through my ups and downs, I came to realize that the selection of foods I could and should eat was vast and included many of my favorites. This motivated me to attempt to create delicious, diabetic-friendly dishes that were also easy to prepare.

Today he’s a man on the go! is a man on the go. When he’s not working as a director of training for 60 restaurants in the Midwest, he’s  traveling around the country as a keynote speaker for Taking Control of Your Diabetes and/or hosting his own podcast, ‘The Happy Diabetic Kitchen Podcast’! Read more about Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ in Diabetes Health Monitor magazine.

 

A vegetarian diet has been shown through research to promote weight loss and lower A1C. This was done without carbohydrate and calorie restrictions, so it may be that a vegetarian diet may be just the one for you. As always, check with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your lifestyle to find out what the potential impacts (whether positive or negative) may be on your health.

Shift away from meats on the barbecue grill by injecting recipes with beans and grains. They help to drop the risk of type 2 diabetes by one-quarter, according to Harvard researchers. Whip up a whole-grain pasta salad with an assortment of slivered or chopped carrots, celery, scallions, red bell peppers, and yellow squash. Or try an Asian Noodle Salad for a yummy twist on a classic.

Divabetic presents Diabetes Awareness Day featuring a Dog Fashion Show, Health Screenings, Healthy Food Tours, Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstrations, Poetry Readings, Art Displays & More on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Mosaic Central Farm Market in Fairfax, VA

Here’s a complete listing of Events & Activities:

9AM Lions Free Sight & Hearing Screenings for Adults & Children (until 12 PM): Lions Club District 24A Sight and Hearing Van hosts free sight (including glaucoma) and hearing screenings for all visitors (men, women, and children). They will also offer a paper screening test for diabetes and blood pressure testing.

10 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

10:30 AM Dog Fashion Show Registration & Rehearsal: Dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome to compete on the red carpet for fabulous prize awards compliments of Mosaic Central Farm Market vendors. REGISTER NOW: https://goo.gl/forms/WWxkBrs7ugpfK38P2 

10:45 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Dietitian Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

11:30 AM Dog Fashion Show: See the best dressed dogs pose on the red carpet at our 2ndAnnual Dog Fashion Show. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic:

12 PM Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstration & Talk: Find out how dogs help people manage their blood sugar high’s and low’s, answer your questions and share resources for purchasing a diabetes alert dog and/or training your own pet. Presented by internationally known Scent Detection Dog Expert, Debby Kay and Health Educator, Kathy Gold RN, CDE

1 PM Plate Poetry Project & Workshop: What’s Eating You? Fine Artist Susan McCalsin’s Plate Poetry Project explores the conservations that people have with themselves while eating. Poet Lorraine Brooks helps adults and kids to express their mealtime thoughts and concern after reading aloud several of her poems.

Don’t miss the Capital Jazz Fest featuring Luther Vandross’ longtime collaborator, Marcus Miller.

Capital Jazz Fest will take place at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland and will feature over 25 national acts on two big stages!

Diabetes Awareness Day at Mosaic Central Farm Market

Divabetic presents Diabetes Awareness Day at Mosaic Central Farm Market featuring a Dog Fashion Show, Healthy Food Tours, Free Sight & Hearing Screenings, Plate Poetry Project Display, a Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstration and Live Folk Music by Rick Franklin on Sunday, June 3, 2018.

8:30 AM  Lions Free Sight & Hearing Screenings for Adults & Children (until 12 PM). Lions Club District 24A Sight and Hearing Van will host free sight (including glaucoma) and hearing screenings for all visitors (men, women, and children). They will also offer a paper screening test for diabetes and blood pressure testing.
10 AM  Healthy Food Tour  with Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center. Buy foods and see how they fit with ChooseMyPlate. Visit different booths to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.
10:30 AM Dog Fashion Show Registration & Rehearsal
10:45 AM Healthy Food Tour with Dietitian Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center. Buy foods and see how they fit with ChooseMyPlate. Visit different booths to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.
11:30 AM  Dog Fashion Show hosted by Mr. Divabetic. Mr. Divabetic hosts a ‘GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS’ fashion show featuring dogs of all breeds dressed to the nines with prize awards compliments of Mosaic Central Farm Market vendors. REGISTER NOWhttps://goo.gl/forms/WWxkBrs7ugpfK38P2
12 PM  Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstration & Talk with Internationally Known Scent Detection Dog Expert, Debby Kay, Nationally Known Healthy Educator, Kathy Gold  RN, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mr. Divabetic.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to teach your dog to sense your oncoming low blood sugars and actually alert you to them?

Renowned dog expert Debby Kay provides an overview of the basics of dog training and dog care and details how your dog can sense your blood sugars and respond in different ways depending on whether your blood sugar is high or low.

Debby Kay has 40 years of experience as a canine professional and pioneered many firsts in canine scent work. She left her position as a research scientist for the Federal Government to become Training Director of International Detector Dogs Ltd., training the first toxic waste detection dog. She was an early pioneer in training dogs to help ecologists, geologists and field biologists find targeted specimens for their research. Debby trained some of the first classes of dogs and instructors for the ATF explosive dog program in Virginia.

Respected diabetes educator Kathy Gold RN, CDE  joins Debby Kay to share expert advice for treating hypoglycemia and/or high hyperglycemia for people living with diabetes.

1 PM Plate Poetry Project & Workshop: What’s Eating You? Fine Artist Susan McCalsin’s Plate Poetry Project explores the conversations that people have with themselves while eating. Divabetic volunteers help adults and kids to express their mealtime thoughts and concern after reading aloud several of her poems.

Acoustic Blues Musician and SongwriterRick Franklin will be performing throughout at Diabetes Awareness Day. Rick’s musical style of blues is known as the “Piedmont” style identified with such legendary players as Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller and William Moore along with players and friends like “Bowling Green” John Cephas, John Jackson, and Archie Edwards.

Can you Recognize the Warning Signs for Diabetes in Your Pet?

 
Our dazzling brand of diabetes advocacy is going to ‘the dogs’ in honor of our upcoming Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show event on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at Mosaic Central Farm Markets.
Diabetes is a real health issue for pets, so make sure your pet gets – and stays – on the road to a healthy and happy life by knowing these warning signs for diabetes:

Increased thirst and urination: Blood sugar levels can get so high outside of the body’s cells that it spills into the urine, increasing urine production. You might notice your dog or cat is urinating more frequently or is having accidents in the house. Increased thirst is also a common sign of diabetes in dogs and cats. Animals with diabetes produce large volumes of urine more frequently and so they drink more water to compensate for the fluids lost through urination. An increase in thirst and urination are also signs of other serious health problems, so these symptoms should always trigger a call to the vet.

Increased appetite: Hunger is caused by the lack of amino acids inside the cells. Diabetes might be a cause for concern if your pet is eating more but still losing weight. This is because the brain’s satiety center reads sugar levels: the more sugar that enters the satiety center, the less the brain feels hunger. When insulin does not allow sugar to enter the satiety center, the body’s cells are not fueled, resulting in hunger and weight loss.

Tiredness and lack of energy: Lethargy and sleepiness are typical in animals suffering from diabetes. When the body’s cells lack blood sugar, then running, taking a walk, or playing lose priority for pets. Eventually, animals may develop a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, which is caused by the body using fat instead of sugar for energy. This results in the production and buildup of toxic acids, called ketones, in the blood.

The older a pet gets, the more likely it may develop diabetes. Share these signs with a fellow pet owner who may be concerned that their pet may have diabetes.

Don’t miss our free ‘Dog Fashionista for Diabetes’ Outreach Event at Mosaic Central Farms on Sunday, June 4, 2017
This weekend the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic raises awareness for diabetes alert dogs with the free outreach event “Dog Fashionistas for Diabetes” at Mosaic Central Fam Markets in Fairfax, VA on Sunday, June 4th from 10:30am-12pm.

This free diabetes outreach event will bring awareness to diabetes, healthy eating and diabetes alert dogs who are often in the news for warning their owners about dangerous glycemic lows.

We will also feature scent detection pioneer, Debby Kay and her ‘Super Sniffer Diabetes’ alert dogs and certified diabetes educator,  Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE.
“Managing Type 1 Diabetes on a daily basis is exhausting, frustrating, and terrifying, especially when managing it in a young child. Through her amazing dogs and training program, Debby Kay has given us hope in the midst of chaos. My daughter has a new best friend, a faithful companion, and a loving guardian,” says Allison Herod.
“The breadth of  Debby Kay’s knowledge and experience make her a tremendous resource for anyone who wants to work with their dogs on scent training.” says Ann R. Howie, LICSW, ACSW, Human-Animal Solutions, LLC.
During our Dog Fashion Show owners will show off their pet’s fashionable designs, and three winners will be presented with prizes. The fashion show is free to enter and is open to the public.
Why this fabulous and free diabetes outreach event and why at a Farm Market? Along with giving you access to great fresh food, Central Farm Markets is also committed to providing information about healthy living. Hosting an event like this brings awareness to an important topic, provides fun nutrition programs for the kids and invites in community minded non-profit organizations. Plus, for the past 12 years Mr. Divabetic has been committed to raising awareness for diabetes  making diabetes education and empowerment more accessible to our local communities.
What’s Your Opinion on These Hot Topics about Service Dogs in the News? 

Student’s service dog gets his own photo in Virginia high school yearbook! Stafford High School junior Andrew “AJ” Schalk has Type 1 Diabetes and his dog, Alpha can alert him if his blood sugar is too high or low. Schalk told BuzzFeed that Alpha has saved his life multiple times. He’s been accompanying AJ to school since last year and has been popular among the school community. Alpha even has his own school ID.READ MORE

UNC’s baseball team has a secret weapon — a service dog that helps players recovering from surgery. While Remington’s main duty is to help struggling teammates regain their strength and confidence, the dog helps wherever he can on the field. For instance, according to
Rucinski, Remington carries balls in a bucket out to the umpire before games. He also holds a hat or glove in his mouth for the national anthem. And while Remington can’t open a bottle of Gatorade, he can open the fridge allowing players easy access. READ MORE

Get more Diabetes News Headlines, Food & Fashion Trends and Daily Inspiration on Divabetic’s Facebook page!

 

Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show Coming in June

I’m thrilled to announce that I will be hosting A Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show with Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer and Author Debby Kay from Chilbrook Kennels, and certified diabetes educator Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE at Mosaic Central Farm Market on Sunday, June 4, 11 AM – 1 PM. 

My interest in diabetes alert dogs has been steadily growing since I interviewed ‘Elle & Coach’ Author Mark Dagostino on Diabetes Late Nite several years ago.

Elle and Coach is the endearing true story of a Type-A mom struggling to care for a daughter who has Type 1 diabetes–and the incredible service dog who changes their lives for the better.

Dog expert, Debby Kay was also a guest on the show that night. Since then, Debby Kay has been working as a expert advisor on several of my Diabetes Mystery podcasts including ‘Suspect Boulevard’ and next year’s ‘Hedda Lettuce Horseman’. The main character, Marjorie Melbourne Blaze,  in ‘Suspect Boulevard’ has a diabetes and dementia alert dog. Debby advised me on numerous issues regarding Marjorie’s dog including breed, identification and the different ways he or she can help their owner.

Our upcoming Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show will  feature dogs of all breeds dressed to the nines followed by a Diabetic Alert Dogs presentation from Debby Kay and certified diabetes educator, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE.

Did you know Diabetes Alert Dogs are trained to alert owners with diabetes in advance of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events before they become dangerous? That way their handlers can take steps to return their blood sugar to normal such as using glucose sweets or taking insulin.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to teach your dog to sense your oncoming low blood sugars and actually alert you to them?

Renowned dog expert Debby Kay provides an overview of the basics of dog training and dog care and details how your dog can sense your blood sugars and respond in different ways depending on whether your blood sugar is high or low. Respected diabetes educator Kathy Gold shares information on treating hypoglycemia and/or high hyperglycemia for people living with diabetes.

Mosaic Central Farm Market opened in the heart of the vibrant Mosaic District in Fairfax, Virginia. The market features over 60 vendors during the April-December season.

Mosaic Central Farm Market

2910 District Avenue

Fairfax, VA 22031

LISTEN NOW: Author Mark Dagostino guests on Diabetes Late Nite inspired by the Isley Brothers. Professional Animal Trainer, Debby Kay, who specializes in scent detection work with dogs talks about the power of the human-animal connection along with Terri Seidman and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected songs from The Isley Brothers: The RCA Victor and T-Neck Album Masters (1959-1983), a monumental 23-disc box set collection chronicling the sonic evolution and abiding achievements of the unprecedented R&B ensemble courtesy of SONY MUSIC. This box set follows The Isley Brothers through their transformation from a 1950’s doo-wop/gospel vocal group into the world’s preeminent R&B rock ‘n’ soul powerhouse party band.