This year, Divabetic (Divabetic.Org) celebrates sixteen years of diabetes outreach with style!
Divabetic was inspired by the late R&B legend, Luther Vandross, and founded in 2005 by his long-time assistant, Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek. Divabetic, a combination of the word “diabetic” with the letter “V” inserted for Vandross, evokes feelings of power and a positive attitude associated with the great divas Luther loved, like Patti LaBelle.
In 2008, Phyllis Kornbluth shared how her participation in Divabetic’s Support Group meeting at the McBurney YMCA changed her life for the better.
The mission of Divabetic is to transform lives by changing attitudes, boosting spirits, encouraging hope and motivation for those living with, affected by, or at risk of diabetes. Through innovative programs, outreach events, and online communities, Divabetic is a circle of care and support, providing a link between patients and their healthcare teams, translation of clinical speak, and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence.
Today, Divabetic continues to offer diabetes programming with style virtually on Zoom. Why not join us? Isn’t it time you ‘Pass The Boa’ and share your diagnosis to diva story with others living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free Virtual Cooking Party with special guest, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 7-8 PM, EST on Zoom.
We strive to help others meet the challenges and opportunities of diabetes care and concerns with a Glam More, Fear Less philosophy so that no one has to struggle alone or in silence.
R & B Legend, Luther Vandross and his love songs are synonymous with Valentine’s Day and he had a long tradition of performing at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on that special day. The glamour and glitz of his stage productions was captured in his only live album, Live Radio City Music Hall 2003, recorded on Valentine’s weekend.
Enjoy this cautiously cheek-to-cheek twist on one of Luther’s iconic songs, “Take You Out” with a reminder to take the necessary precautions to stay safe. we urge you and your loved ones to take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Wear a mask to protect yourself and others and stop the spread of COVID-19. Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others who don’t live with you. Avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.
Early studies have shown that about 25% of people who went to the hospital with severe COVID-19 infections had diabetes. Those with diabetes were more likely to have serious complications and to die from the virus.
Now new evidence suggests some people who’ve recovered from COVID-19 are developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes according to research published November 2020 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
More than one in 10 coronavirus patients (14.4%) were newly diagnosed with diabetes after recovering from the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to the analysis of 3,711 patients across eight different studies.
On a personal note, this project is near and dear to my heart because several of my family members contracted COVID over the Christmas holiday. I am so grateful to the care, kindness and treatment that my family members received from the healthcare workers at Prisma Health Baptist Hospital in Columbia, SC. I was thrilled to lend a hand in helping Luther Vandross’s Former Vocalists & Band remake his iconic ‘Take You Out’ song with #COVID safety message.
CREDITS: “Take You Out” written by Warryn Campbell, Harold Lilly, and John Smith Lead Vocals: Keith Anthony Fluitt, Kevin Owens, Clayton Bryant Backing Vocals: Lisa Fischer, Cindy Mizelle, Tawatha Agee, Alfa Anderson. Music: Ivan Hampden, Jr. Vocal Arrangements: Lisa Fischer Mixer: Aaron Whitby Luther Vandross Archival Footage: Fonzi Thornton for Thorn World Hats & Masks Images: Harlem Heaven’s Hat FANDROSS CEO: Seveda Williams Revised Lyrics: Max Szadek, Lisa Fischer Video Production: Max Szadek
This success of Frank Sinatra’s highly acclaimedDuetsalbum, released in 1993, would not have been possible without the remarkable vocal talents of Luther Vandross.
The Making of a Multi Platinum Album…
Billed as “The Recording Event of the Decade,”Duets brought together an array of global superstars including Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Gloria Estefan, Barbra Streisand and Aretha Franklin, for an album of standards that featured many songs instantly associated with Ol’ Blues Eyes.
Music insiders referred to it as groundbreaking because it showcased Sinatra alongside his peers in the hitmaking royalty category.
Luther Vandross was reluctant to participate in the project when he was approached by the album’s producer, Phil Ramone. “Why do you want me, Phil? Frank Sinatra’s never heard of me.”
When Luther finally agreed, he requested the Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart classic “The Lady Is A Tramp.” This songwriting duet created it for their Broadway show, Babes in Arms,and it was sung by the show’s star Mitzi Green in 1939.
Sinatra performed the song in the movie version of the play in 1957 and it quickly became one of his signature songs.
Although Luther and Sinatra recorded their parts at Capitol Records Studio A in Los Angeles, a familiar studio for Sinatra, they did not sing together, nor did any of the others. The album was engineered with such utter precision, most listeners never knew that Sinatra hadn’t actually performed beside his duet partners.
Luther Vandross Was The Catalyst for The Album’s Creations
Luther and Sinatra’s song was the first to be brought to Sinatra for his approval. The entire project’s completion hung on whether Frank Sinatra liked what he heard. The verdict was, “That’s wonderful,” and it’s Luther’s voice, not Sinatra’s, that kicks off the album. Pretty wonderful indeed!
https://youtu.be/1WdgZmwgfK8
“Duets is a marvelous and nostalgic comeback from a singer who has been absent from the recording scene for many years,” reported The Christian Science Monitor.
Frank Sinatra’s Duetsalbum is the only Sinatra album to date to achieve triple platinum certification. It is also the biggest worldwide selling duets album in history.
For Luther Vandross, it’s just another example of his musical genius.
We’re celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as vision loss) on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.
Diabetic eye disease, caused by diabetes, is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss. Because of the high risk for eye disease, all people with type 2 diabetes should receive an annual dilated eye exam..
Guests include Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr., Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, ‘The Night I Fell In Love’ courtesy of SONY Music
This year’s Top 3 Divabetic podcasts came together a little differently than before. Our top rated podcast from October featured an exclusive interview with singer, songwriter Angela Bofill. Angela’s fighting spirit after experiencing two strokes is truly inspirational. Additionally, it seems all the extra rehearsals and script revisions have paid off as our annual mystery podcast topped the Luther Vandross tribute for the first time in the ratings. We think you’ll enjoy these three shows no matter your situation in life right now.
We’re celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as vision loss) on Divabetic’s Annual Luther VandrossTribute podcast.
Diabetic eye disease, caused by diabetes, is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss. Because of the high risk for eye disease, all people with type 2 diabetes should receive an annual dilated eye exam.
A 2019 Vision Source study of 1,000 U.S. consumers found that more than 50% had issues with their vision in the past year, and 34% did not go for a professional eye exam. The major barriers to having an annual eye exam included not thinking they needed one (33%), unsure of where to go (25%), lack of insurance, (22%) and expense (22%).
Comprehensive eye exams are key to overall wellness and preserving a high quality of life. In addition to evaluating vision, annual eye exams can detect serious health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, and even cancer.
Guests include Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr., Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, ‘The Night I Fell In Love’ courtesy of SONY Music.
There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin’. But resentment, greed and Britannia’s own bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.
Delusional baker and amateur sleuth Mr. Divabetic is even shocked to find himself being treated as a suspect in the case by the local police, after meeting her just once!
As if his life wasn’t crazy enough before, escaping a murderous mishap in New York and attempting a fresh start in Nantucket has turned into a complete and utter baking disaster, now Max, along with his friends and nosy mother, have to add tracking down a murderer to his To-Do list, as well.
Can our team hunt down the real murderer before they strike again? Will he become the next victim? Can Max ever manage to bake a cake that’s actually edible?
Divabetic’s Mystery podcast cast includes USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, Seveda Williams, and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from the Broadway Cast Album of ‘Call Me Madam’ courtesy of SONY Music.
We’re talking about the symptoms, causes and prevention of stroke with musical inspiration from Angela Bofill.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the US. As many as 5 to 14 percent of stroke survivors have a second stroke within one year.
With her strong, distinctive alto, Angela Bofill carved a niche as an outstanding interpreter of soul ballads and became a mainstay on the Quiet Storm radio format.
Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit. After she lost the ability to sing, she returned to the stage for “The Angela Bofill Experience” in which she skillfully narrated her life story, while her band and other singers .
Podcast guests include Angela Bofill, Catherine Schuller, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Neva White DNP, CRNP- BC, CDE, and Rose Hall from Tessie’s Teas.
Throughout the podcast we will feature music from Angela Bofill’s albums Angie and Angel of the Night courtesy of SONY Music.
We’re talking about a ‘New Year, New You‘ attitude about living with diabetes with musical inspiration from Aaliyah on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Tuesday, January 12, 2020.
Although Aaliyah died at the age of 22 and had a short music career due to her early passing, the singer’s music helped to redefine R&B, pop, and even hip-hop. And her legacy continues to live on. Her hard work ethic, creativity, and her sweet demeanor have inspired fans over the past two decades.
Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Pendulum Glucose Control‘s Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph. D., CEO and co-founder of Pendulum Therapeutics and Virginia Valentine, APRN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Dr. Darren Wayne from MealBetix and Yoga For Diabetes Author Rachel Zinman.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Aaliyah’s Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number album courtesy of SONY Music.
Tune in over 140 Diva TalkRadio podcasts available for free on i-tunes (search ‘Divabetic’).
This Macaroni & Cheese recipe from BlackDoctor.Org will have you eating more this great dish without the added weight. It feeds 6 and takes only 30 minutes.
Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash
Low Calorie Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
12 oz fusilli or elbow pasta
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup minced onion
1/4 cup flour
2 cups 2% milk
1 cup vegetable broth
2 cups shredded cheddar
1 cup shredded colby cheese
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
cooking spray
salt and pepper to taste
Most of the sodium in our meals comes from packaged foods that contain sodium in a variety of forms, including as a preservative. Reading labels is important because even within a category, there can be huge differences in the sodium content. Many brands have reformulated and call out reduced sodium on the label so that is a good place to start when trying to lower sodium.
Other tips to reduce sodium include:
Rinsing canned veggies. Did you know that by draining and rinsing canned beans (a nutrition superstar) you can cut sodium by 40%?
Use herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt
Choose breads with less sodium
Fruits, veggies and dairy foods (all rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium) can help lower blood pressure.
Did you know that nearly half of US adults have hypertension? High blood pressure is extremely common, but here are some ways to lower it?
Tune in to Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast featuring Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr., Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, ‘The Night I Fell In Love’ courtesy of SONY Music.
Looking for some wonderful music to accompany your Christmas celebrations?
What more could you ask for than the heartwarming sounds of Luther Vandross and his deep melodic tones to fill your home with warm comforting tones.
Ten years after the release of his Christmas album, This Is Christmas, Luther passed away from diabetes and cardiovascular health issues.
I found my boss, Luther Vandross, after he suffered a stroke due to mismanagement of type 2 diabetes in his home in 2003. The experience motivated me to dedicate my life to helping Luther fans ‘keep their house a home’ by learning how to prevent diabetes health-related complications such as stroke from occurring.
Since Luther’s passing, I created the Divabetic, LLC is a national 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization (divabetic.org) specializing in non-traditional and non-clinical diabetes education. Divabetic promotes “wellness with a wow” to change attitudes and to encourage prevention, early action, and education to manage diabetes and diabetes-related complications.
The phrase “Divabetic” is a combination of the word “diabetic” with the letter “V” inserted for Vandross, evokes feelings of power and a positive attitude associated with the great divas Luther loved, like Patti LaBelle.
The mission of Divabetic is to transform lives by changing attitudes, boosting spirits, encouraging hope and motivation for those living with, affected by, or at risk of diabetes. Through innovative programs, outreach events, and online communities, Divabetic is a circle of care and support, providing a link between patients and their healthcare teams, translation of clinical speak, and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence.
We meet the challenges and opportunities of diabetes care and concerns with a Glam More, Fear Less philosophy so that no one has to struggle alone or in silence.
Even though Luther is missed, his voice and music still lives on. And if you ever play this album around the holidays with Luther’s christmas music, you can still hear him singing and celebrating Christmas. Luther Vandross was not only a great singer, but a wonderful boss and person. I like to remember him as the elegant, stylish Luther pictured on the This Is Christmasalbum cover.
FANDROSS proudly presents a wonderful virtual concert to honor the 25th Year Anniversary of Luther Vandross’s iconic Christmas album, This Is Christmas.
Enjoy festive performances by his former bandmembers and vocalists, talented family members, and superfans as well as exclusive commentary about the making of the album.
The popular holiday classic, “Every Year, Every Christmas”, from the album, inspired screenwriter, award-winning playwright, and author Anthony Lamarr to pen a book inspired by th song just in time for the holidays.
“The lyrics told a story that was heartfelt and moving,” Anthony Lamarr told Afro.com. “Then Luther’s masterful vocal delivery added genuine emotions and made the story real It instantly became one of my favorite holiday songs.”
Sit by the fireplace, snuggle up in a warm blanket, and tune in to the holiday tribute to Luther this Friday, December 18, 2020 at 8 PM ET.
Tune in to Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tributepodcast featuring Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr., Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album The Night I Fell In Love courtesy of SONY Music.
An accidental fall kickstarted a dangerous new phase of MTV Raps Host Andre “Doctor Dré” Brown’s diabetes life. He badly misjudged the location of a railing and fell down a flight of stairs. His son Arahmus jumped over the railing to prevent the 56-year-old from hitting his head. While Doctor Dré damaged his right ankle, he laughed off the unfortunate slip as just another embarrassing moment.
According to an article in Rolling Stone magazine the physician who was treating his ankle noticed an infection forming and told Doctor Dré to go to the hospital. “The infection that was in my feet had started eating away at my bones,” he says. “If I had waited another day, I’d have been septic, and I could’ve died.” Doctors soon amputated his leg below the calf and Brown was fitted with a prosthetic and underwent months of rigorous physical therapy. Still, the trailblazer doesn’t want your pity.
One of the most serious long-term complications of diabetes is lower extremity amputation. Patients with diabetes account for the majority of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations. Black men are 1.7 times more likely to undergo primary and repeat amputation than any other racial group. READ MORE
If you have diabetes, your doctor has likely recommended that you check your feet each day, but you may not have known why. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD causes your blood vessels to narrow and reduces blood flow to your legs and feet. It may also cause nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy. This could prevent you from feeling pain. READ MORE
Enjoy an exclusive interview with “Doctor Dré” on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.
We’re celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as vision loss) on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.
Diabetic eye disease, caused by diabetes, is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss. Because of the high risk for eye disease, all people with type 2 diabetes should receive an annual dilated eye exam.
A 2019 Vision Source study of 1,000 U.S. consumers found that more than 50% had issues with their vision in the past year, and 34% did not go for a professional eye exam. The major barriers to having an annual eye exam included not thinking they needed one (33%), unsure of where to go (25%), lack of insurance, (22%) and expense (22%).
Comprehensive eye exams are key to overall wellness and preserving a high quality of life. In addition to evaluating vision, annual eye exams can detect serious health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, and even cancer.
Guests include Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr., Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, ‘The Night I Fell In Love’ courtesy of SONY Music.
Today Kentucky Fried Chicken announced the return of its fireplace logs which, of course, smell like those 11 secret herbs and spices.
The fan-favorite is exclusively available at Walmart starting today.
“In a year of unpredictability, nothing is more comforting than knowing that you will once again be able to cozy up next to a fried-chicken scented fire while enjoying the mouth-watering taste of KFC’s world-famous fried chicken,” the announcement declares.
The chicken is sold separately, but the logs are a partnership with fireplace-fuel Enviro-Log—and they’re made with recycled materials, for an eco-friendly bent. Walmart’s online store lists the regular price as $19.98 but is offering the logs for only $15.88 apiece.
Studies have shown that taste and smell are closely linked. Food-related odors have also been shown to increase rated appetite, and induce salivation and release of gastric acid and insulin. Not only does the smell of food make you hungry, but it makes you hungry for that specific type of food.
A study from the University of California, Berkeley, and published in Cell Metabolism found that one’s sense of smell is linked to weight gain. The findings suggest that the odor of what we eat may play an important role in how the body deals with calories. If you can’t smell your food, you may burn it rather than store it.
Are you always feeling hungry?
When blood glucose levels remain abnormally high ( hyperglycemia) for long periods of time, glucose from the blood cannot enter the cells – due to either a lack of insulin or insulin resistance – so the body can’t convert the food you eat into energy. This lack of energy causes an increase in hunger.
We’re honored to celebrate Luther Vandross and his musical legacy as well as raise awareness for eating disorders and diabetes health-related complications (such as stroke) on our annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.
Guests include‘Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes’Author Dr. Michelle May, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, R & B Singer Alyson Williams, ‘Here & Now’ Songwriter and Entertainer Terry Steele, Seveda Williams, Luther Vandross Historian Leon Petrossian and Luther Superfan John Price.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from the album entitled ‘Busy Body’ courtesy of SONY Music. On ‘Busy Body’, Luther Vandross’ third album features ‘Superstar’, ‘For the Sweetness Of Your Love’, and the duet with Dionne Warwick entitled ‘ How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye’.
Today, September 29, FANDROSS celebrates the AMAZING songwriting skills of Luther Vandross. To mark this special occassion my friend and bartender, Erich Courage from GYM Sportsbar NYC created this Apple Martini inspired by Luther’s song ‘So Amazing’.
Join us as we raise a glass to toast the musical genius of Luther Vandross!
Splash of Spring Water. ( if needed to cut sweetness)
Directions
Place all ingredients and some ice in shaker glass. Shake vigorously. Strain into chilled martini glass, Garnish with a slice of green apple with one end that’s been lightly dipped in brown sugar, Place on rim of glass.
If you have diabetes, drinking alcohol may cause your blood sugar to either rise or fall. Plus, alcohol has a lot of calories. If you drink, be mindful of your blood glucose levels. Talk to your healthcare team for suggestions.
Divabetic celebrates the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as vision loss) on 2020’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.
Diabetic eye disease, caused by diabetes, is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss. Because of the high risk for eye disease, all people with type 2 diabetes should receive an annual dilated eye exam.
A 2019 Vision Source study of 1,000 U.S. consumers found that more than 50% had issues with their vision in the past year, and 34% did not go for a professional eye exam. The major barriers to having an annual eye exam included not thinking they needed one (33%), unsure of where to go (25%), lack of insurance, (22%) and expense (22%).
Comprehensive eye exams are key to overall wellness and preserving a high quality of life. In addition to evaluating vision, annual eye exams can detect serious health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, and even cancer.
Guests include Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr., Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, ‘The Night I Fell In Love’ courtesy of SONY Music.
