Tag: Luther

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Can Musician Austin James’s Solution To Help Manage His Diabetes Work For You!

We’re posting this video not because we are endorsing FreeStyle Libre but because its star, Austin James is a musician living with type 1 diabetes. Often people wonder why we feature music on our Divabetic monthly diabetes podcasts. It’s not simply because I worked for Luther Vandross or that many people with diabetes make music; music brings all types of people together. It feels good to help unite people so that no one with diabetes feels alone.

In April 2003, I felt alone in my shame of not helping Luther avoid experiencing a severe stroke from mismanagement of type 2 diabetes. Looking back, if I had listened to that shame’s negative talk, I would have never shared my story or started Divabetic. I would have put my head down and just gone on with my life. I am accountable for not being more involved in Luther’s self-care aside from picking up prescription refills. But I didn’t have a clue that diabetes mismanagement could lead to a stroke. Back then, people commonly referred to diabetes as a ‘touch of sugar,’ and that didn’t seem scary.

My desire for people to heed my warning is why I refuse to let shame or blame stop me from sharing my story. If a stroke happened to someone as invincible as Luther Vandross, it could happen to anyone.

Pain from neuropathy or the daily stress it puts on your life can stop anyone from managing their condition. Even the pain you experience from the actual diagnosis can hit you like a ton of bricks. You may feel like you have no quality of life, and without a quality of life, what’s the point of living anymore? Or even to bother trying? You may just want to enjoy the time you have left.

When a diagnosis affects someone like that or a diabetes health-related complication such as stroke, it can be hard to fight back the depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety make it more challenging to take care of yourself. It helps to have a community of like-minded people to lean on.

Musician Austin James found ‘community’ in his bandmate, who is also living with type 1 diabetes.

The pain Austin James felt on his fingertips’ pads from checking blood sugars was compromising his musicianship. Thankfully his bandmate shared his solution for easing the pain from frequent blood sugar checks with him. Together they have managed to keep the music playing without compromising their diabetes wellness. Rock on!

 

We’re keeping the music and a message of diabetes wellness alive on Divabetic’s upcoming Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast. Guests include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Chuck Flowers, and Kitt Vordeaux.

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.

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Send a Luther Vandross Holiday e-card

Send some Christmas cheer with a little help from Luther Vandross and share an Luther-themed e-card!

SEND e-card NOW

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 Christmas album cover.

BUY ALBUM

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Luther Vandross 25th Anniversary Christmas Special Airs Friday, December 18

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.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

 

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.

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Hip Hop Pioneer, Yo! MTV Raps Host Andre “Doctor Dré” Brown Loses His Leg

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.

READ MORE

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.

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So Amazing White Apple Martini Cocktail Recipe

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!
 

So Amazing White Apple Martini

 
Ingredients
 
1.5 fluid oz of Skyy Green Apple Vodka
.5 oz of clear Apple Juice
.5 oz Apple Schnapps
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.

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31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts: Day Five

Divabetic’s first Annual Luther Vandross Tribute from April 2011. Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who worked for Luther Vandross for more than 14 years, hosts this special hour-long birthday tribute to the late Grammy Award-winning legend. Guests include friends, family and colleagues who remember the moments, the music, the man and the motivation to ensure that no one has to struggle with diabetes alone or in silence.

Luther suffered a stroke related to mismanagment of type 2 diabetes in 2003. He died in 2005.

What happened to Luther is not unique.  In general, people with diabetes are 1.5 times more likely to have a stroke than people without diabetes.

Stroke is a condition in which blood vessels in the brain are damaged. Strokes are characterized by a number of factors, including the size of the damaged blood vessel, where in the brain blood vessels have been damaged, and what event actually caused the damage.

Let Luther’s voice  inspire you to take a look at the medical and lifestyle risk factors and ask yourself what you can do to help reduce your risk of stroke.

“Our first podcast sounds like a crazy party line,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “Everyone’s talking over each other, sharing their favorite Luther memories and celebrating our collective history.”

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke is a crucial first step to getting someone help before it’s too late reports Healthline. In an effort to help people remember how to recognize a stroke, the American Stroke Association endorses the mnemonic FAST, which stands for:

Other symptoms that can signal a stroke include sudden:

https://youtu.be/Gu2JBMNBbKo

Celebrate ELEGANCE in Music, Love & Health with our Spotify playlist featuring the greatest Quiet Storm songs. Be inspired to learn more about the health and wellness issues affecting many of these vocalists and musicians to keep the music alive for future generations. Quiet Storm Fans on FB.

 

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Louie Vega Pays Tribute to Luther Vandross on Lockdown Sessions

DJ Louie Vega is hosting a Special Luther Vandross Tribute on tomorrow’s Lockdown Session (virtual Dance party) featuring Luther’s friends, musicians and singers, and FANDROSS family sharing their favorite Luther memories on Wednesday, July 1, 2020.

This is a great opportunity to take a break, get on your feet and dance to some wonderful music.

For me, Max ‘Mr. Divabetic‘ Szadek, this virtual dance party will be an opportunity to reflect on the time I spent working for Luther as well as the past 15 years of I’ve spent working as a diabetes advocate. I will always regret that I didn’t know more about diabetes and diabetes self-care while I was working for him. My regret, anger, and sadness motivate me everyday to wake up and get to work to serve you as a member of your diabetes wellness entourage.

Luther Vandross was the ultimate entertainer, a generous boss and a kind-hearted friend who in life and death made me a better person. Since his passing in 2005, I have dedicated my life to raising awareness for diabetes and diabetes health-related complications such as stroke. I strive to create diabetes programs, podcasts and videos that inform, inspire and entertain. I seek out friendly diabetes educators, stylists, healthcare professionals, therapists, fitness experts, makeup artists, musicians, chefs, actors, authors, poets and more to lift your spirits and provide expert advice on the topics that matter the most to you, even the embarrassing ones,: like mental and sexual health.

https://youtu.be/Gu2JBMNBbKo

I’d like to encourage fellow listeners to ‘keep their house a home’ by asking their loved ones, friends, co-workers and bosses (!) to get checked for diabetes.

Share my story (I showed up to work to find my boss laying on the floor after suffering a debilitating stroke. “This could have been avoided” were the first words that the doctor in the emergency room told me after we arrived. Then, tell them that many of the symptoms of diabetes can be subtle. Maybe you’re thirstier or more hungry than usual. Perhaps you’ve noticed patches of darker skin in your armpits, elbows, knees, groin, or on your neck. Or you can’t figure out why you’re more tired than usual. All these symptoms can be caused by type 2 diabetes. If you are living with type 1, type 2, prediabetes and/or gestational diabetes, please take the necessary steps to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring. After all, well managed diabetes is the leading cause of NOTHING but mismanaged diabetes can lead to stroke, blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage and heart disease. Trust me, I know. I also know it takes a team effort of friends, family members, co-workers and healthcare professionals to help you stay upbeat, proactive and motivated to cope with the day-to-day challenges of living well with diabetes. We’re here to help!

Diabetes is also an invisible disease that puts a lot of fabulous people at high risk for COVID-19. Wearing a mask helps to keep my house a home ( all of the members of the diabetes community (divabetic.org) that I serve) safe and well Join us for Louie Vega’s Luther Vandross Tribute on Lockdown Sessions click here

Enjoy this look back at my trip to New York City’s Pride March to raise awareness for diabetes in a fun, new way!

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Outreach Party best-selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST. REGISTER NOW

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Doctor Dre Helps Raise Awareness for Vision Loss on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute Podcast

Hip hop legend Doctor  Dre, known for being the co-host of “Yo! MTV Raps”, has lost his vision due to complications from type 2 diabetes. He’s helping us to honor Luther Vandross’s legacy by sharing his story on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2020, 6 PM, EST.  TUNE IN

Since his diagnosis in 2007, the famed DJ launched the Visually Impaired Can Foundation that aims to provide resources for those with vision obstacles. “Basically I’ve been going through a whole different resurgence of my life,” he said. “I stopped at one point, and now I’m doing this and through the blessings of the late great Dick Gregory and some people he’s known I’ve worked through different holistic doctors out there to change what goes in my body and actually work with trying to do the best. We can treat diabetes.”

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, Michelle Cobbs-Hardy, Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, Luther Vandross Historian Leon Petrossian, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, ‘The Night I Fell In Love’ courtesy of SONY Music.  

Discussing the eight tracks on The Night I Fell in Love, Luther Vandross says, “Yeah, that’s a good album. There was something magical about the way everyone responded to it, which to this day I can’t account for.”

FANDROSS 2020

FANDROSS: The Night I Fell In Love with Luther Live Concert

Join fellow Luther Vandross fans for an evening of music, memories, and magic at the third annual FANDROSS concert. Luther’s former bandmates, vocalists and special guests will to perform your favorite Luther songs under the musical direction of Nat Adderley, Jr. This incredible night will have audiences remembering the magic of his brilliant voice. 

BUY TICKETS

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Join us for Fandross ’80’s Fashion Brunch on Sunday, May 13, 2018

Join us for the inaugural Fandross Festival presented by the Vandross Family Estate and Divabetic celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for the prevention of diabetes health-related complications such as stroke.

New York City’s liveliest brunch spotlights ’80’s ‘GLAM’ Fashions as a tribute to Luther Vandross and his love of all things Gianni Versace. $45 Brunch Special. Come and enjoy a Fun-Filled Sunday afternoon featuring:

‘80’s FASHION SHOW: Our inclusive catwalk features innovative integration with all sizes, shapes, heights, genders, ages, ethnicities, nationalities, persuasions and orientations on the same runway.

DIABETES DISCUSSION: Diabetes by the Decades Spotlights the ’80’s: A Dynasty of Self-Care Discoveries with Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE known as ‘Dr. Bev’. Dr. Bev is a Clinical Psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator who has been living well with type 1 diabetes for over 40 years. Moderated by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek

DIVA RAFFLES: Win a copy of one of Dr. Beverly S. Adler’s books, ‘MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Men Living with Diabetes‘ and ‘MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Women Living with Diabetes’ and the ’80’s Dress of Your Choice!

’80’s DRESS AUCTION: Bid for your favorites over a Bloody Mary or Mimosa and help raise funding for America’s leading women’s diabetes outreach organization, Divabetic.

SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMERS!

Hosted by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP and Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.

Reservations Required: (212) 505-0005

ADMISSION: $45.00 (Includes Brunch Entree, one Mimosa or Bloody Mary and Gratuity. Tax not included)

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL TICKETS: Receive 2 Free Raffle Prize Tickets & Goody Bag before 4/20/18

The Vandross Family Estate and the national diabetes nonprofit organization, Divabetic (divabetic.org), proudly present Fandross Festival. “Keep your House a Home” and learn how to prevent diabetes health-related complications (such as stroke) from occurring.

We invite Luther fans of all ages to attend and celebrate Luther’s “so amazing” contributions to music, arts, and culture from Thursday, March 10 – Sunday, March 13, 2018 in New York City.

Fandross Calendar of Events: Fandross Kick-Off Party at Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar on 5/10/18, Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton at the Blue Note on 5/11/18, Fandross Festival at SVA Theater on 5/12/18, Fandross Sunday Brunch at Casa de Femme on 5/13/18. All tickets sold separately on Eventbrite. More event details at Divabetic.org

Fandross Festival 2018 Hotel Accommodations:

Vandross Family Estate and Divabetic have secured a discounted room rate ($239.00) per night at the New York Marriott East Side located at 525 Lexington Avenue at 49th Street, New York, NY 10017.

Call: (212) 755-4000 mentioned ‘Luther Vandross Fan Club’. Hotel’s room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes.

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