Know Diabetes By HeartAmbassador Sarah B. shares how her husband’s death motivated her to take her type 2 diabetes diagnosis seriously on the March Diabetes Late Nitepodcast.
“I watched how diabetes coupled with a stroke ravished him and how it caused him to basically give up hope,” she said after her husband was wheelchair bound because of a stroke caused by mismanagement of his type 2 diabetes. “Watching how he had been debilitated by the disease, I knew I could not go down that path.”
Sarah urges other caregivers to take care of themselves and be mindful of their health. “When someone relies on you, you need to take care of yourself. Their well-being is tied to your well-being, so you have to ensure that you stay well.”
Sarah has made a conscious decision to manage her diabetes with diet and exercise. “Not exercising for me is not an option!” She starts her days withrebounding on a mini trampoline. To stay motivated, she watches a variety of rebounding workout videos on YouTube.
An adventure group for widows she discovered on Facebook helps her stay active too. Last year the group entered a Spartan Race, a 5K obstacle course, which required them to climb over a wall just to get to the starting line! Sarah said that the group members “prove to ourselves that life goes on and we can be better than we thought we were.”
She has also adopted a whole-food, plant-based diet after watching several documentaries about the meat industry on Netflix. One of her favorite foods is the Japanese sweet potato. “I top them with beans, broccoli, onions and mushrooms.”
Japanese sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins (especially vitamin A), minerals, potassium, iron, copper and fiber. Since they are high in carbohydrates, Healthline recommends that you keep your portions small and boil instead of baking them to help ensure a lower glycemic load.
Sarah’s late husband’s tragic health story mirrors the story of Divabetic icon Luther Vandross. Luther experienced a stroke related to type 2 diabetes in 2003 and died in 2005 at the age of 54.
We’d like to encourage you to “keep your house a home” and learn how to prevent and/or delay a diabetes health-related complication like kidney disease.March is National Kidney Month. If you have type 2 diabetes, you run an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thankfully, you can test kidney function to find out about problems early – and make changes to prevent CKD – with a simple screening.
Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is one of the keys to optimum health. But how many of us really know what it is or what the numbers actually mean?
Let Luther Vandross’s beautiful rendition of Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s iconic song, “Anyone Who Had A Heart” with a little help from his friend Dionne Warwick inspire you to become more aware of your blood pressure.
https://youtu.be/AJwlCUTe9xg
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your bod
Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.
A blood pressure reading is given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). It has two numbers:
Top number (systolic pressure): The upper number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
Bottom number (diastolic pressure): The lower number measures the pressure in your arteries between beats.
You can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms. Unmanaged high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.
“Checking your blood pressure can help you and your doctor figure out if you need medications or that your medications are working.” according to Joyce M. Oen-Hsiao, MD, director of the cardiac rehabilitation program and medical director of the cardiac telemetry unit at the Yale New Haven Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Center, in an article on Verywell Health.
Did you know that you can monitor your blood pressure in the comfort of your home instead of waiting until your next doctor’s visit?
This easy-to-read and well-lit blood pressure monitor is validated by the American Heart Association for clinical accuracy and can accommodate multiple users—meaning you and your significant other can both use it. Its also totally wireless and has Bluetooth capabilities.
Fun Fact: Dionne Warwick’s original recording of “Anyone Who Had A Heart” hit the Top Ten in the United States, Canada, Spain, Netherlands, South Africa, Belgium and Australia in 1964. According to published reports, Dionne Warwick nailed the tune in only one take!
Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE shares her favorite blood pressure monitors for home use on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Janis Roszler, PhD, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Mila Clarke Buckley aka The Hangry Woman, and Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador Belle Kruegger. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Celine Dion’s Falling Into You album courtesy of SONY Music. We are proud to participate in Diabetes Podcast Week and support the Spare a Rose campaign to raise funds for Life For a Child.
Mary Wilson, from the Supremes, who sang with Diana Ross on eternal hits like “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” “Come See About Me,” and “Stop! In the Name of Love,“ has died at age 76.
https://youtu.be/ZAWSiWtUK2s
“I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of a major member of the Motown family, Mary Wilson of the Supreme,” Gordy said in a statement. “The Supremes were always known as the ‘sweethearts of Motown.,” Barry Gordy, Motown Records’ founder, expressed his sadness at the loss of a music luminary told Rolling Stone. “Mary Wilson was extremely special to me. She was a trailblazer, a diva and will be deeply missed.”
Mary Wilson began her career in Detroit in 1959 as a singer in a group called the Primettes that went on to become The Supremes, with members Diana Ross and Florence Ballard.
Mary Wilson stayed in the public eye up until very recently, appearing on the TV Show Dancing With the Stars and releasing her fourth book, Supreme Glamour.
Her publicist, Jay Schwartz, confirmed the singer’s death to Rolling Stone, but did not reveal a cause of death.
Luther Vandross loved the Supremes and their music! Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin and the Supremes sit on his personal Mount Rushmore reported the New York Times. His twist was that he frequently emulated female singers with his voice – a synthesis of Franklin’s gospel fire, Dionne Warwick’s impeccable intonation and diction and Diana Ross’s yearning, which he then effortlessly glided from robust baritone to tremulous tenor.
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.
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, 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.
