can anyone breathe by Lorraine Brooks

with a foot on their neck

or a knife in their back

or a gun in their face

or a chain on their feet

can anyone breathe

who cannot be taught to read

who cannot congregate in groups

who receive inferior healthcare

and who die in the streets

can anyone breathe

who earns less than their peers

or must live only where they are allowed

and cannot marry who they please

and thrown crumbs to eat?

can anyone breathe

when the government fails

and the men are in jails

and when chaos prevails

and the president tweets

but new breath is coming

new air in our lungs

a country suffocated by its own hatred

gasping and dying

is now on life support

building walls around itself

when the real poison is in its own veins.

can anyone breathe?

In the words of the greatest president of our lives…yes we can.

This Divabetic podcast is in solidarity with and dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice. We are making time to reflect, share our feelings, listen and identify ways in which to fight for real and meaningful change. Guests include Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Keith Anthony Fluitt, Leisa Chester Weir, and Jeff James.

Please consider donating to these organizations:

Campaign Zero, which is dedicated to ending police brutality in America through research-based strategies. LEARN MORE

Color of Change, which works to move decision makers in corporations and government to be more responsive to racial disparities. LEARN MORE

Equal Justice Initiative, which provides legal services to people who have been wrongly convicted, denied a fair trial, or abused in state jails and prisons. LEARN MORE

06/02/202006/02/2020

Diabetes Late Nite Podcast Inspired by Indigo Girls

We’re talking about how to open up with friends, co-workers and family members about your diagnosis and self-care needs with musical inspiration from Indigo Girls on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on Tueday, June 9, 2020, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. TUNE IN

Opening up to people and explaining how diabetes affects your daily life can be a game changer – for everyone. Sharing your diabetes life and explaining your needs will help you feel less alone with your diabetes.

“Just hearing the words out loud can help you process your thoughts. It can stop you feeling locked in a cycle of worry and make you less anxious,” states Diabetes U.K.

“When talking about your diabetes, reassure your friend or family member that they’re fine to come back to you with anything else they might want to talk about,” state our friends at Diabetes U.K. “Allow them to think about what you’ve told them before talking again.”

The downside of telling friends, co-workers, lovers and family members about your condition is the barrage of unwelcome comments like ‘should you be eating that?’ at holidays, social events, date nights and meetings. “This can be annoying or hurtful, but more often than not the intention comes from a good place,” states Diabetes U.K. “Just politely remind them that it’s your diabetes, and you know how to look after yourself.”

It’s important to know that emotional and psychological support are an essential part of any and every diabetes wellness program. It’s ok to seek out and/or ask for this kind of support from your healthcare team.

Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have been making music as the folk-rock duo Indigo Girls for over 25 years. Three of their 16 albums have gone gold, four have gone platinum, and they’ve been nominated for seven Grammys.

Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Indigo Girls

Guests include Dr. Andrea Chisholm (OBGYN), ‘The Flood Girls’ Author Richard Fifield, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, BETTY Band Member, Singer, Songwriter Amy Ziff, ‘Open Up Your Bag’ Diabetes Picture Book Author Mike Lawson, and Poet Lorraine Brooks.

05/27/202005/27/2020

Billie Eilish Shares Powerful Short Film About Body Shaming

Billie Eilish is hitting back at body-shamers in a new short film.

The 18-year-old Grammy winner shared her message in a new spoken word short film called “Not My Responsibility” on YouTube.

The video first depicts the pop star in her usual baggy threads, wading through what looks like a pool of tar as she strips her garments. Over a moody, ambient soundtrack, Eilish almost entirely removes her jet black tank top near the end — but obscures her body in the inky liquid instead.

Last year, she explained in a Calvin Klein ad that the reason she wears baggy clothes is to avoid body shaming. “I never want the world to know everything about me,” she said as reported in Buzzfeed. “I mean, that’s why I wear big baggy clothes: Nobody can have an opinion, because they haven’t seen what’s underneath, you know?”

She also discussed struggling with body image issues in an interview with Vogue. “I just hated my body. I would have done anything to be in a different one,” she explained. “I really wanted to be a model, really bad, and I was chubby and short.”

Billie Eilish – NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY – a short film

Home Diva TalkRadio October’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast

Diabetes Late Nite Podcast on Body Image & Diabetes

We’re talking about BODY IMAGE & DIABETES with musical inspiration from superstar Meghan Trainor on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Think about it. Have you considered if your body image impacts your diabetes?

For people with diabetes, these attitudes may be very healthy which actually helps them manage their diabetes or they may be unhealthy which may lead to blood glucose values that are damaging.

People with a healthy body image see themselves as they really are and are happy with the way they feel and look.

For people that do not have a healthy body image, the term body dysmorphic disorder is sometimes used.

One of the biggest hits of last year, Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” isn’t your typical pop song.

“My producer and I wanted to do a fun song, so we thought why not do a song about loving yourself and loving your body, because I don’t think girls love themselves as much as they should,” Trainor says.

Guests include Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE) Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected songs from Meghan Trainor’s “Thank You” album courtesy of SONY Music.

05/20/202005/20/2020

Divabetic Puzzle: Wheel Of Fortune #1

Can you solve the puzzle?

Divabetic is celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary of podcasting in July 2020 with a series of games, trivia questions and virtual outreach events to help you ‘GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS’ and prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring. Make sure to check out our full calendar at divabetic.org for updates.

Win the chance to appear in Divabetic’s Annual Mystery podcast on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 6 PM, EST when you fill out our quick Podcast Listener Survey. Share your opinions on what topics, experts and music choices you’d like us to present over the next year.

Puzzle answer: Low Blood Sugar

What is Hypoglycemia or a low blood sugar? Hypoglycemia is a condition in which your blood sugar (glucose) level is lower than normal. Too much insulin or other diabetes medications may cause your blood sugar level to drop too low, causing hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can also occur if you eat less than usual after taking diabetes medication, or if you exercise more than you normally do.

Typical symptoms of hypoglycemia may include: Increased thirst and/or hunger. Frequent urination. Sugar in your urine. Talk to your doctor about how to treat low blood sugars.

Listen to Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcasts for diabetes information, expert advice, real-life testimonials and music from your favorite artists. This month, we’re talking to 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 and featuring music from Dionne Warwick.

05/14/202005/20/2020

Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Indigo Girls

We’re talking about opening up about your diagnosis with musical inspiration from Indigo Girls on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2020, 8 6 – 7:30 PM, EST.

They’re known for their social activism on and off-stage. They see music as a continuum of human existence, intertwined with spiritual life in a way that can’t be pinned down.

Guests include Dr. Andrea Chisholm (OBGYN), The Floor Girls and The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton Author Richard Fifield, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mike Lawson, and Poet Lorraine Brooks.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from the Indigo Girls’ album. Indigo Girls, courtesy of SONY Music.

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.

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. President Barak Obama, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter have acknowledged Divabetic for its dedication and determination on behalf of the diabetes community. Visit Divabetic on the web: www.divabetic.org.

TUNE IN

05/13/202005/20/2020

what’s it all about? by Lorraine Brooks

ls it just for the moment we live?

Or shall we plan for what’s ahead?

Shall we look to stay empowered

Choosing hope instead of dread?

Diabetes notwithstanding,

We can choose the healthy way.

And we can say a little prayer

To get us going every day.

l’ll turn my house into a home

And look my illness in the eye

I want to make my choices count

To walk and hold my head up high.

For me it’s almost 40 years

l’ve dealt with diabetes now,

So far l’m doing very well

In keeping numbers nice and low.

Anyone who had a heart

Would understand the struggles faced

And anyone who wants to help

Is welcomed in my private space.

l never want to walk on by

And miss the pleasures to enjoy

I want to reach a ripe old age

So, healthy measures l employ.

Exercise is fun and good,

Vegetables and fruits and meat

Taking all my insulin

Covers all the foods l eat.

I thrive with my community

l’ve lived to 68 and more.

I couldn’t do it by myself,

l’m grateful, that’s what friends are for!

Listen to Lorraine Brooks read her poem, ‘what’s it all about?’ on May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast CLICK HERE.

Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Dionne Warwick

We’re talking about Secrets to Longevity & Diabetes with musical inspiration from Dionne Warwick on May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Living longer and increasing your life expectancy with diabetes doesn’t have to be a chore. From flossing your teeth daily to getting a good night’s sleep, there are simple things you can do to help you live long, happy and healthy life.

Dionne Warwick has enjoyed a tremendously long career as a singer. She ranks second to Aretha Franklin as the most charted female vocalist with 69 singles making the Billboard Hot 100 during the rock era (1955–1999).

Dionne Warwick once explained her longevity to Jet magazine, saying, “I really attribute it to remaining who I am and not jumping ship, being completely cognizant of what the people … are accustomed to hearing from me.”

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.

LISTEN NOW

05/12/202005/12/2020

Join Us Tonight For Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast

Join us tonight for May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on blog talk radio. We’re talking about ‘Longevity and Diabetes’ with musical inspiration from Dionne Warwick.

Dionne Warwick has enjoyed a tremendously long career as a singer. She ranks second to Aretha Franklin as the most charted female vocalist with 69 singles making the Billboard Hot 100 during the rock era (1955–1999).

Dionne Warwick once explained her longevity to Jet magazine, saying, “I really attribute it to remaining who I am and not jumping ship, being completely cognizant of what the people … are accustomed to hearing from me.”

Guests include ‘The Lager Queen of Minnesota’ and ‘Kitchens of the Great Midwest’ Author J. Ryan Stradal, Diabetes Tech Expert Deborah Greenwood PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Singer, Songwriter Fonzi Thornton, Dietitian Rachel Stahl MS, RD, CDN, CDE, and Poet Lorraine Brooks.

TUNE IN

https://youtu.be/dMFzio2LzjQ

05/09/202005/20/2020

What The Heck is Diabetes Technology?

Speaker, Author, Researcher in diabetes and digital health, Deborah Greenwood PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES joins us to talk about diabetes techonlogy and digital health on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, 6 PM, EST.

There’s seems like no better time to discuss Diabetes Technology and Digital Health than right now during the panepidemic.

Doctors and hospitals are use telehealth tools for routine appointments without the burden of traditional barriers, such as reimbursement and privacy restrictions.

Big health insurance organizations are relaxing rules on early prescription refills and prior authorization requirements to allow patients to preorder and store medications and supplies.

What does it mean for you?

Well, here’s Deb’s answer to probably the most basic question about Diabetes Technology and Digital Health prior to our interview on Tuesday.

Q: What the Heck is Diabetes Technology?

Deborah Greenwood (DG): “That is a great question because I think there is some confusion out there. Many people, when they hear the term diabetes technology, think about diabetes “devices” like pumps and continuous glucose montiors (CGMs) and meters, but in reality diabetes technology is so much more.

It is really a system that we like to call “technology-enabled care and education” that includes 4 key elements:

1. Communication between the people with diabetes (PWD) and the healthcare team (in many different forms including text or phone or videochat or patient portal)

2. The use of patient-generated health data, from diabetes devices we’ve discussed and from fitness trackers or other forms

3. The use of data to identify how both education and care can be tailored to the individual

4. Feedback provided and discussed with the care team so changes can be made like medication, or activity plans or eating plans etc.”

Deborah Greenwood PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES is a diabetes care and education specialist who focuses on digital health. she is owner of Deborah Greenwood Consulting and recently started working as a Medical Science Liaison at Dexcom. She was the 2015 president of AADE.

We’re talking about ‘Secrets to Longevity & Diabetes’ with musical inspiration from Dionne Warwick on May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

Dionne Warwick has enjoyed a tremendously long career as a singer. She ranks second to Aretha Franklin as the most charted female vocalist with 69 singles making the Billboard Hot 100 during the rock era (1955–1999).

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.

Mr. Divabetic at the NYC Easter Parade

05/04/202005/04/2020

Gypsies, Tramps & Peas Mystery Podcast

Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer in Divabetic’s Mystery podcast, ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’.

. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. What it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?

Will he sink or swim?

Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.

Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie & Lorraine Brooks star in Divabetic’s ‘Gypsies, Tramp & Peas’ Mystery Podcast

LISTEN ON DEMAND

Mr. Divabetic at the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island

04/15/202004/15/2020

Alone In The Kitchen by Lorraine Brooks

ALONE IN THE KITCHEN by Poet Lorraine Brooks

I went to the kitchen to get me a snack,

And then I thought, no, better put the chips back.

I’m home in the morning, home all the day,

And I can’t keep on eating and eating this way.

I’ve got to stay healthy, in spite of the news,

Because food and drink are so easy to abuse.

I’m bored, and I’m worried, as all of us are,

I’m eating my Skippy right out of the jar.

But I didn’t give up, or succumb to defeat,

And I started cooking good foods I can eat.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes and beans,

Broccoli, carrots, and cabbage, and greens.

I made a quiche, but it wasn’t high-fat,

I learned how to substitute this for that.

I made a cheesecake with Splenda instead,

And there was no sugar in my banana bread.

I made a stew, and some soup, and some fish,

Without adding butter or oils to my dish.

I’m doing my best, I‘m not perfect, but still…

Instead of much salt, I use spices, like dill.

And I’m doing Zumba online, for an hour

So I don’t lose all of strength and my power.

So I would suggest, while this quarantine goes,

Get out of your jammies and put on some clothes.

Do something healthy, creative, and such

And the time spent alone won’t bother you as much.

For me that was cooking, for you maybe not,

But let’s take advantage of all that we’ve got.

One day this all will be part of the past,

And we can enjoy all our freedoms, at last.

Hear Lorraine Brooks read her poem, ‘Alone In the Kitchen’ on April’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. CLICK HERE. Guests include: Author of the Noodle Shop Mysteries: Vivien Chien, Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport PhD, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Alexis Gray and Poet Lorraine Brooks. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Maren Morris’s Girl album courtesy of SONY Music.