Remembering Luther Vandross

Today I’m thinking of my boss, Luther Vandross, on the anniversary of his passing.  Luther changed my life twice. First, he hired me to be his assistant, and then his stroke, related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, made me a diabetes advocate.

In 1995, he moved me from San Francisco (where I worked in Regional Theater) to New York City to become his full-time assistant.  It was two years after I worked on my first Luther tour, Never Let Me Go, in 1993.

It was a dream come true for a kid who loves soul music from Rochester, NY (I was a diehard WDKX listener) without professional connections. In 2003, I became his caregiver after he suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes which led me on a path as a diabetes advocate.

My lack of knowledge regarding my grandmother’s diabetes and self-care dismissed concerns I might have had that mismanaged diabetes could destroy someone’s quality of life and health until it was too late. Calling diabetes ‘a touch of sugar’ is like saying a Great White shark is a Goldfish.

Luther was a generous, kind, funny, and hugely talented man. But sadly, I witnessed him struggle with food addiction. In reflection, I feel Luther’s behavior was similar to other addicts. He was either sober, abstaining from carbohydrates, or using, binge eating. No one talks about food addiction as they discuss or glorify drug use. But in my opinion, Luther was wrestling with a monster just as powerful and seductive as cocaine. Unfortunately, he lost the battle. He felt trapped in his body, and it caused him physical, mental, and emotional heartache.

But that’s not the whole story. Luther was a complex, multi-dimensional man, just like a multi-dimensional artist who was a successful songwriter, producer, vocal arranger, and vocalist. On many of his biggest hits, he showcases all of these skills.

The first time I met him, the sheer magnitude of his talent blew me away. He embodied the American Dream to me. He never had a Plan B because he felt if he did, then he wouldn’t pursue his dream. His bravery has influenced my life decisions and given me the strength to pursue my dreams.

Every July 1st, I renew my desire to help those at risk, affected by, and living with diabetes to ‘keep their house a home’ by learning to delay or prevent a mismanaged diabetes complication such as stroke.

Enjoy Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast guests, including Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, and Chuck Flowers.

By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album, Give Me the Reason, in 1986; he’d become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties. His four previous albums have been either certified platinum or double-platinum in America.

Luther Vandross’s fifth album, Give Me the Reason, comprised nine tracks, including the hits: So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love and Give Me The Reason. We chose to spotlight this album because this is the first time Luther showcased his 100-pound weight loss on the album’s cover. He was not able to maintain or sustain the weight loss. Luther lost and gained at least a hundred pounds more than eight times while I worked for him. We’re discussing yo-yo dieting, self-love, and the power of positive talk can help you overcome feelings of failing or self-loathing related to body shape and size.

Today, I continue to present diabetes outreach with dazzle! Divabetic’s robust schedule includes newsletters, blog posts, virtual programs, and podcasts. I also work full-time for violinist Itzhak Perlman. Since Mr. Perlman, who has polio, uses a motorized scooter, I spend most days dealing with accessibility issues regarding air and ground travel and hotel accommodations. Mr. Perlman’s exuberance for life, humor and kindness, not to mention talent, make it all worthwhile. Although soul music and Rhythm and Blues will always be my first love, I’ve learned to appreciate classical music.

Itzhak Perlman is truly amazing! And yes, Mr. Perlman has listened to and enjoyed Luther’s music.

Over the past 20 years since Luther’s stroke, I have lost none of my passion for helping others at risk, affected by and living with avoid a similar fate to Luther’s. I am still keenly interested in eradicating the shame and blame associated with type 2 diabetes and elevating the conversation surrounding food addiction.

Throughout the podcast, we will feature music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reason album courtesy of SONY Music.

Love Won’t Let Me Wait If You’re Having Stroke

Luther Vandross’s song, Love Won’t Let Me Wait, is my call to action to encourage you not to wait if you or a loved one is experiencing the signs and symptoms of a stroke.
Luther’s lovely rendition of Love Won’t Let Me Wait appears on his Any Love album featuring a classic blend of Vandross romance and melancholy.
 
Sadly, twenty years ago this April, I found Luther after he suffered a stroke due to mismanagement of type 2 diabetes.
How does diabetes cause stroke?
Mismanaged diabetes causes glucose (sugar) to build up in your blood. Over time, high glucose levels can damage the body’s blood vessels, increasing the chance of stroke. High blood sugar levels can: Make blood vessels become stiff.
High blood pressure can also cause the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain to burst or be blocked, causing a stroke.
A person loses 2 million nerve cells every minute they don’t receive medical treatment during a stroke, so getting to the hospital early can be a lifesaver.
Unfortunately, there were several hours between when he had the stroke, and I arrived to rush him to the hospital. I think the time lapse is why Luther’s stroke was so debilitating.

At the time, I didn’t know the link between mismanaged diabetes and stroke. Nor did I understand the importance of acting quickly. Today, I do, so I’d like to remind you that some critical stroke treatments are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms.

My friend, Catherine, who suffered a stroke on the morning of Divabetic’s last ‘Divabetic- Makeover Your Diabetes’ program, acted quickly and received tPA, the “Clot Buster” drug. Her recovery is a testament to why you don’t want to wait. I’m happy that Catherine is living her best life because of it.

If you think you or someone you love is having a stroke, remember this F.A.S.T. test:

F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T – Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately!

If you love listening to Luther’s voice, let his life inspire you to act quickly to help yourself or others experiencing a stroke. His sax-fueled cover of Love Won’t Let Me Wait is all the inspiration I need to help someone regain their health after a stroke.

Give Me The Reason For Yo Yo Dieting

A much thinner image of Luther Vandross appears on the Give Me The Reason album cover than his fans have previously seen. We are discussing the perils of yo-yo dieting, the music industry’s fat-shaming ideology, and the myths surrounding type 2 diabetes on this year’s Luther Tribute podcast.  

By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album Give Me the Reason in 1986, he’d become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties. His four previous albums have been either certified platinum or double-platinum in America.

For Luther Vandross’ fifth album Give Me the Reason, the album comprised nine tracks including the hits: So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love, and Give Me The Reason.

Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Tribute podcast guests include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Chuck Flowers. 

 

Cellulitis & Diabetes: What To Know

We’re blogging about cellulitis and diabetes after one of our good friends and Luther fans sent us photos from a clinic being treated for cellulitis with a back drain. Their healthcare provider mentioned that high blood sugars were feeding their infection.

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. It occurs when bacteria enter through a crack or break in your skin. The affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch.

It may contain blisters exuding clear or yellow fluid or pus. Cellulitis can occur on any part of the body but is most common on the lower legs or feet.

Cellulitis & Diabetes: What’s the Connection?

Research shows that diabetes predisposes a person to common infections, such as cellulitis and pneumonia. Poor glycemic management was linked to the development of cellulitis.

Elevated blood sugars can increase the risk of skin infection and that the infection could also raise blood sugars. Additionally, the reduced blood flow from vascular problems could increase the risk of infection. This is why people with diabetes and those with poor circulation need to take extra precautions to prevent skin injury.

Foot and skincare are extremely important when you have diabetes especially when blood sugars are out of control. Visit your physician and podiatrist on a regular basis and request a full foot and leg exam.

Cellulitis can be prevented with diligent attention and care. Know what to look for and take active steps to make sure you do not end up with this unnecessary and possibly disastrous problem!

 

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, virtual diabetes support event with style. Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes program features ‘What To Wear When Nothing Fits for Summer’ presented by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller and ‘How To Master The Menu at The Cookout’ presented by MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST

FREE REGISTRATION – REGISTER NOW 

Dining Out Advice At Your Favorite Mexican Restaurant

At Divabetic’s recent free Zoom outreach program, we dined out virtually at a Mexican Restaurant with MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR. MaryAnn shared what terms to look for and which terms to avoid when making our menu selections. Most of us can’t change the menu, but we can change what we eat and how much we eat.

 

Join us for Divabetic’s Zoom Program: ‘No Judgements’ on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 7-8 PM. Mr. Divabetic hosts this free, virtual diabetes support program featuring ‘What To Wear When Nothing Fits for Summer’ presented by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller and ‘How To Master The Menu at The Cookout’ presented by MaryAnn Horst Nicolay MEd, NDTR.

REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION 

Luther’s Power Of Love/Love Power Celebrates 30th Anniversary

I am not only obsessed with Luther’s fantastic ability to put his stamp on classic songs, A House Is Not A Home, Superstar, and Anyone Who Had A Heart, but also his genius at mashing up two separate songs to create one phenomenal masterpiece. For example, his classic Power Of Love/Love Power celebrating its 30th anniversary this week.
 
Do you know that this song is a medley of two songs, his original Power of Love and the remake of  Love Power? Love Power had been a minor hit in 1968 by the one-hit-wonder R&B group, The Sandpebbles (I’m crossing my fingers for a reunion tour) and then, Dusty Springfield performed a live version.

 
I echo the sentiments expressed by music critic Ken Tucker for Entertainment Weekly, ” Luther Vandross has joined two different songs, both featuring gliding, colliding melodies that offer the singer an opportunity to apply his delicate tenor to witty, chanted variations on the songs’ titles.”

 
Luther’s version, Power Of Love/Love Power, spent two weeks at #1 on the US R&B chart and peaked at #4 on the US pop chart, becoming his biggest pop solo hit (at the time). We played Luther’s Power Of Love/Love Power at the end of every one of Divabetic’s national Makeover Your Diabetes diabetes outreach programs. 
Learn more about the backstory of the making of Power Of Love/Love Power on this remarkable FANDROSS video:

 

Last Dance With My Father (Part 2 of 3)

True to form, Candace does what she has done for over a decade when her son asks her this same question; she looks up at the ceiling and smiles. Only one other person knows who Mark’s father is, and he’s dead. Luther Vandross.

Twenty years earlier, in a concert in Nashville, TN, Candace messed up a few too many of Lester Wilson’s choreographed steps. Unlike Candace to be anything else but perfect on stage, Luther asked her to come to his dressing room after the show so they could talk privately. The two were as thick as thieves off and on stage. She never met anyone quite like him before. He was awe-inspiring as a vocalist, producer, and songwriter. More importantly, he was kind and generous as a man with a wicked sense of humor. For him, she had all the qualities of his favorite divas – Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick – talent, style, and poise. She quickly became his muse on stage and on record personifying his vision of a glamorous, radiant goddess. Luther intuitively knew something was bothering her that was much bigger than her on-stage slip-ups. Seconds after Luther offered her comfort and told her not to worry, she confessed to him about her pregnancy. The moment the words left her mouth, she could see the disappointment rising inside of him. Silence followed. She was turning away when Luther said “Go.”

She grabs a sweater and places it in her suitcase. “I only said that Luther sings love songs. What people do while they listen to his music is their business. Do you know that Luther taught himself to play the piano by ear?” Candace grabs another sweater from her dresser.

Mark interrupts her, “I know, Mom. You’ve told me that stuff a million times. That’s why I’m going to his concert.”

“What?” She looks at his phone. She sees an advertisement for Luther Vandross’s 70th birthday concert at the legendary Radio City Music Hall. 

“You can’t.” She tries to give his phone back to him, but he stands his ground. 

“Are you afraid I’m going to find out? Just tell me.” 

Two weeks ago, she could have taken charge of the situation and skillfully dodged his question without him noticing. But that was before everything changed in a blink of an eye. Although her heart desperately wants her to change the subject before it goes too far, she’s too exhausted for her tongue to tell him another lie. 

“Sheila is right; there isn’t a conference.”

“You lied to me?”

“And when you heard me singing earlier while I was practicing for the show. I’m flying to New York to be part of his tribute BUT …”. She pulls out her contract and itinerary for the upcoming Luther’s Tribute concert from her bureau. 

“But you wanted to keep it a secret like everything else!”

She gets up and grabs a nightgown from her dresser, and puts it in her suitcase. “I was going to say, after what happened, I’m staying home.”

“Then why are you still packing?”

“I don’t know.” Suddenly, the sheer exhaustion from running nonstop for the past seventeen years has caught up to her. “I’m supposed to be unbreakable, and instead, I’m breaking right now. A music celebration doesn’t seem appropriate right now. “

“Then why go?”

“Because it’s never or now. I have to go.”

“I don’t want you to.”

“You just told me to go a minute ago.”

“I know, but now I feel guilty asking you to go after what happened at school. You’re off the hook.”

“Off the hook from what?” She looks at her son, unsure of what to do or say. This sudden about-face in their discussion catches her off guard.

“The shooting made me look at things more closely. I have come to realize over the past few days that Luther is as much a part of my life as you are.”

“So then, we are related!”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t deny it either,” he counters. 

 Candace reaches into her briefcase at the foot of her bed and pulls out some paperwork.  

“I signed a contract. Look, Luther’s old business manager, Chris Naples, sent me this contract weeks ago before the shooting.” She points to the TV then quickly flips through her Luther Vandross tour paperwork. Her hands shake as she gives her son her weekend itinerary with her flight and hotel information, contact numbers. Candace felt so confident she was making the right decision when she signed the contract. She wanted to rid her mind of all the negativity she felt that had prevented her from moving forward. She knew the constant scrutiny of her past is what stopped her from pursuing a relationship with another man. 

 “I can’t back out now. This is business.” She tosses him her official backstage lament.

TO BE CONTINUED …

Read Last Dance With My Father Part 1

Read Last Dance With My Father Part 3

In honor of Luther Vandross’s 70th birthday on April 20, 2021, Max Szadek shares an excerpt of his Luther jukebox musical idea, ‘Last Dance With My Father,’ which focuses on a group of fictitious female backing vocalists’ lives and loves.
Synopsis: A son’s ultimatum on Father’s Day causes his mother, one of Luther Vandross’s vocalists, to reunite with her former bandmates for a Luther Tribute Concert after a twenty-year absence. Old rivalries, secrets, and heartaches threaten to break up their perfect harmony.
Daily links will be posted on Divabetic.Org and the Quiet Storm Fans FB page. There’s also a Last Dance With My Father playlist on Spotify.

Give Me The Reason To Take A Diabetes Diagnosis Seriously

Luther Vandross had a very public battle with his weight throughout his life. As someone who worked closely with him, I witnessed the profound, painful emotional toll resulting from yo-yo dieting cycles. Looking back, I see now that it was really a cry for help when Luther joked about his weight. People might not put food addiction in the same category as drug addiction or alcoholism, but it is just as deadly. I am still haunted by images of finding my boss, a strong, powerful, and talented man, on the floor after suffering a debilitating stroke. When people refer to diabetes as ‘a touch of sugar,’ I shake my head. Mismanaged diabetes is as deadly as a white shark or tiger and as menacing as a tsunami. You’re fooling yourself if you think it’s not (I know I was).

Divabetic’s latest Luther Vandross Tribute podcast features music from his fifth studio album, Give Me The Reason album, released in 1986. Luther appears slim and svelte on the album cover, sparking thoughtful discussions about Luther’s weight as well as his musical legacy.

 

Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Tribute podcast guests include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Chuck Flowers.

By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album Give Me the Reason in 1986, he’d become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties. His four previous albums have been either certified platinum or double-platinum in America.

For Luther Vandross’s fifth album Give Me the Reason, the album comprised nine tracks including the hits: So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love, and Give Me The Reason.

When Give Me the Reason was released it reached number fourteen in the US Billboard 200 and number one in the US R&B Charts. In the United Kingdom, Give Me the Reason became Luther’s most successful album, reaching number three and was certified double-platinum.

Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reason album courtesy of SONY Music.

New Initiatives Address Health Equity For People Of Color Living With Diabetes

This year’s World Health Day focus is on global health equity.

Major companies are making strides to support health equity for people of color living with diabetes in the U.S.. These companies investing in partnerships with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and T1DExchange and conducting research to better understand and address these inequities.

For example, Medtronic will be donating $1 million to the ADA’s Technology Access Project (TAP) over the next three years, as well as working with T1D Exchange to support an upcoming quality improvement study. Medtronic will also be supporting research initiatives to improve glycemic control in African American youth with type 1 diabetes who have not previously used technology such as insulin pumps.

Luther fan Kitt V. joins us on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast to discuss the challenges he faces living with type 2 diabetes. Coincidentally, one issue is that his insurance denies coverage for a Bluetooth blood glucose monitoring system. Kitt doesn’t check his blood sugars regularly because he is tired of pricking his fingers. The no-fingerstick way to track glucose levels 24/7, as advertised on TV, seems to be a great solution to his problem. 

Some insurance companies deny coverage for Continuous Glucose Monitors CGM based on the device used to collect data, such as a smartphone app or tablet. If patients use their smartphone at all, even alongside the receiver, Medicare won’t pay.

What can you do?

Ask your doctor to take a look over your records, then resubmit your claim on your behalf. Sometimes devices are not covered because “hypoglycemic unawareness” wasn’t listed.

Find out if your doctor can write you a letter of medical necessity for the supplies or device. This is important to try to get done ASAP as it will help strengthen your argument for coverage.

Diabetes is an expensive chronic disease to manage. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), healthcare costs are 2.3 times greater for people with diabetes. Many Americans living with diabetes struggle to pay for essential medications and supplies, even those who have insurance. 

Other guests on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Chuck Flowers

By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album Give Me the Reason in 1986, he’d become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties. His four previous albums have been either certified platinum or double-platinum in America.

For Luther Vandross’s fifth album Give Me the Reason, the album comprised nine tracks including the hits: So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love and Give Me The Reason.

Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reason album courtesy of SONY Music.

 

 

Give Me The Reason (To Lose Weight) on April’s Luther Vandross Tribute Podcast

“It’s the most awful, dark feeling in the world,” Divabetic Icon Luther Vandross said when he put back on 100 pounds. “It feels like you’re wearing an 80-pound hat and a coat that weighs 300 pounds … You feel like it’s always dark and gloomy.”

We’re spotlighting Luther’s album, Give Me The Reason on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast, scheduled for Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 6 -7:30 PM, EST. 

Luther Vandross had become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties when he recorded his fifth album, Give Me the Reason, in 1986. The album comprised nine tracks, including the hits: So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love, and Give Me The Reason

He also was a weight loss success story! He appeared slim on the album’s cover in 1985, when he dieted below 200 pounds. 

Three short years later, Luther’s weight ballooned to more than 300 pounds. A pattern that he repeated several more times in his lifetime.

The next time he lost a significant amount of weight, he credited it to a six-month liquid diet program, used by Oprah Winfrey, in 1989.

While many people with type 2 diabetes struggle with weight fluctuations, Luther’s yo-yo relationship with food was displayed before millions of fans.

Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast hopes to shed light on how doctors put overweight patients, with type 2 diabetes, on a path to failure by focusing on shedding pounds.

“Luther beat himself up about his weight fluctuations,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, host of Diabetes Late Nite

“His weight issues seemed to overshadow his success. He achieved and sustained incredible success in his career as a songwriter, producer, and singer, yet, on the flip side, fought a losing battle with his health.”

Our cultural obsession with appearance may bleed over into the exam room, leading doctors to disproportionately focus on weight and to interact with fat patients differently from thin ones. 

“It makes it very hard,” Luther said. “You wear it externally so the minute you walk through the door, everybody knows ‘Luther’s not winning his battle with his demon.'”

He often referred to his relationship with food as an addiction: “An alcoholic can’t have half a martini, and you know, I can’t have bread.”

Obesity is a health risk. Excess weight increases the risk of various health conditions, including high blood pressurediabetesheart disease, and stroke.

But medical professionals disagree about how they should address weight management with patients or whether they should address weight loss at all. 

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Chuck Flowers, and Kitt Vordeaux. 

Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reason album courtesy of SONY Music.

He added, “I can’t have sugar, and I can’t have carbohydrates … but I can sing the mess out of a ballad.”