Mosaic Central Farm Markets

06/04/201806/04/2018

Divabetic’s Diabetes Awareness Day Postponed

Divabetic’s Diabetes Awareness Dayoutreach program at Mosaic Central Farm Market on Sunday, June 3, 2018 has been postponed due to weather.

Our biggest diabetes outreach event of the year, Diabetes Awareness Day features a colorful Dog Fashion Show, Health Screenings, Healthy Food Tours, Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstrations & Discussion, Plate Poetry Project Art Displays, and Live Folk Music with Rick Franklin at Mosaic Central Farm Market in Fairfax, VA.

Here’s a complete listing of Diabetes Awareness Day Events & Activities at Mosaic Central Farm Market which we will be rescheduling:

9:30 AM Lions Free Sight & Hearing Screenings for Adults & Children (until 12 PM): Lions Club District 24A Sight and Hearing Van will also offer a paper screening test for diabetes and blood pressure testing.

10 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

10:30 AM Dog Fashion Show Registration & Rehearsal: Dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome to compete on the red carpet for fabulous prize awards compliments of Mosaic Central Farm Market vendors. REGISTER NOW: https://goo.gl/forms/WWxkBrs7ugpfK38P2

10:45 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Dietitian Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

11:30 AM Dog Fashion Show: See the best dressed dogs pose on the Red Carpet at our 2^ndAnnual Dog Fashion Show. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic:

12 PM Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstration & Talk: Find out how dogs help people manage their blood sugar high’s and low’s, answer your questions and share resources for purchasing a diabetes alert dog and/or training your own pet. Presented by internationally known Scent Detection Dog Expert, Debby Kay and Health Educator, Kathy Gold RN, CDE

1 PM Plate Poetry Project & Workshop: What’s Eating You? Fine Artist Susan McCalsin’s Plate Poetry Project explores the conversations that people have with themselves while eating. Divabetic volunteers help adults and kids to express their mealtime thoughts and concern after reading aloud several of her poems.

Acoustic Blues Musician and songwriter, Rick Franklin will be performing throughout at Diabetes Awareness Day. Rick’s musical style of blues is known as the “Piedmont” style identified with such legendary players as Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller and William Moore along with players and friends like “Bowling Green” John Cephas, John Jackson, and Archie Edwards.

Tune in to Divabetic’s 8th Year Anniversary podcast, Diabetes Late Nite featuring music by Edith Piaf on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, 6 PM, EST. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Dr. Lori Shemek PhD, Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Cindy Lou from the ‘Diabetes What To Know’ community, and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from ‘EDITH PIAF TOP 40’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

05/23/2018

‘I’ve Got A Secret’ by Lorraine Brooks

We’re only as sick as our secrets, it’s true.

There’s dozens of things that I’m not telling you.

Some of my secrets are not to be shared,

Some are about being angry or scared.

Some are just things I don’t want you to know

But aren’t that important, as far as things go.

Some are not secrets, but just information,

Like where I’ll be going on my next vacation.

Some things are personal, and this is OK,

Like who you just voted for, or how much you weigh.

But there are some times when a secret can hurt.

And those times it’s better if you can assert.

Secrets can harm, ‘cause if no one’s aware,

You may not get help if you need something there.

Take diabetes, and if no one knows,

You might not be able to treat your own lows.

Or maybe you’re having a symptom or feeling

That doctors can deal with, if you’re not concealing.

Maybe just talking can help you with stuff

That maybe you thought weren’t important enough.

Maybe disclosing your troubles and strife

Can one day be helpful in saving your life.

So don’t be afraid to be clear and be strong

That you have diabetes, but there’s nothing wrong.

One day that honesty may just be the way

You get help if you need it. So please don’t downplay.

Don’t hold THIS secret, don’t hide THIS well.

Make diabetes the “secret” you TELL!

LISTEN NOW: Poet Lorraine Brooks reads her ‘I’ve Got A Secret’ aloud on May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. Podcast guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, PCOS Diva founder Amy Medling, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM- PCOM, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Jeff James and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout this podcast we will feature songs from ‘Stone Hits: The Very Best of Angie Stone’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic presents Diabetes Awareness Day featuring a Dog Fashion Show, Health Screenings, Healthy Food Tours, Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstrations, Poetry Readings, Art Displays & More on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Mosaic Central Farm Market in Fairfax, VA

Here’s a complete listing of Diabetes Awareness Day Events & Activities at Mosaic Central Farm Market:

9AM Lions Free Sight & Hearing Screenings for Adults & Children (until 12 PM): Lions Club District 24A Sight and Hearing Van hosts free sight (including glaucoma) and hearing screenings for all visitors (men, women, and children). They will also offer a paper screening test for diabetes and blood pressure testing.

10:45 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Dietitian Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

11:30 AM Dog Fashion Show: See the best dressed dogs pose on the Red Carpet at our 2^ndAnnual Dog Fashion Show. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic:

1 PM Plate Poetry Project & Workshop: What’s Eating You? Fine Artist Susan McCalsin’s Plate Poetry Project explores the conservations that people have with themselves while eating. Poet Lorraine Brooks helps adults and kids to express their mealtime thoughts and concern after reading aloud several of her poems.

Don’t miss the Capital Jazz Fest featuring Luther Vandross’ longtime collaborator, renowned bassist, producer and songwriter Marcus Miller. Marcus Miller hosts the Late-Night Jam Session on Friday, June 1, 2018, 11:30 PM – 2 AM. The Capital Jazz Fest takes place at Merriweather Post Pavilion, located at 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia, Maryland. The venue is 28 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. and 18 miles southwest of Baltimore.

One of Divabetic’s favorite Marcus Miller and Luther Vandross tunes is “Til My Baby Comes Home” featured on Luther’s platinum album The Night I Fell in Love.

05/22/201805/23/2018

Happy Diabetic’s Grilled Veggie Kabobs of Love Recipe

Memorial Day feels like the unofficial beginning of summer. It means lots of socializing, get-togethers with friends, picnics, sunshine, barbecues, and outdoor activities.

It’s also the beginning of the season of fresh, locally grown ingredients, so there’s no better time to invigorate those Memorial Day barbecue and picnic spreads with locally sourced items from surrounding farms and farmers markets.

If you’re thinking of serving food that’s ‘Lean & Green’ for Memorial Day, this veggie recipe from our good friend, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ is for you!

Happy Diabetic’s ‘Grilled Veggie Kabobs of Love’ Recipe

The Veggies-

12 Grape tomatoes
12 white button mushrooms
2 red onions cut in quarters
2 yellow peppers, cut in 1inch squares
12 slices yellow squash
12 slices zucchini
Bamboo skewers soaked in water so they will not burn.

The only MARINADE you will ever need-

1/4 to 1/2 cup good quality olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

2-3 cloves chopped garlic

Sea salt to taste

Fresh cracked pepper to taste

½ fresh lemon juice- slice the lemon after juicing and add to the marinade

½ fresh lime juice- slice the lime after juicing and add to the marinade

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Let’s Put It Together!

MARINADE: Mix all ingredients together in in a glass bowl.
Arrange vegetables on skewers and place in a large zip lock storage bag. Pour the marinade into the bag with the veggie skewers and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Preheat a grill on medium high flame or an oven at 375 degrees. While cooking turn and brush with marinade for 10 minutes or until cooked tender and slightly charred.

In a recent profile on the Everyday Diabetes website, Chef Robert Lewis admitted that he feared the worst for his own love of great food following his diagnosis with Type 2 Diabetes in 1998.

“I suspected that my days of good eating were over,” Lewis writes on his blog. “Yet, as I worked through my ups and downs, I came to realize that the selection of foods I could and should eat was vast and included many of my favorites. This motivated me to attempt to create delicious, diabetic-friendly dishes that were also easy to prepare.

Today he’s a man on the go! is a man on the go. When he’s not working as a director of training for 60 restaurants in the Midwest, he’s traveling around the country as a keynote speaker for Taking Control of Your Diabetes and/or hosting his own podcast, ‘The Happy Diabetic Kitchen Podcast’! Read more about Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ in Diabetes Health Monitor magazine.

A vegetarian diet has been shown through research to promote weight loss and lower A1C. This was done without carbohydrate and calorie restrictions, so it may be that a vegetarian diet may be just the one for you. As always, check with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your lifestyle to find out what the potential impacts (whether positive or negative) may be on your health.

Shift away from meats on the barbecue grill by injecting recipes with beans and grains. They help to drop the risk of type 2 diabetes by one-quarter, according to Harvard researchers. Whip up a whole-grain pasta salad with an assortment of slivered or chopped carrots, celery, scallions, red bell peppers, and yellow squash. Or try an Asian Noodle Salad for a yummy twist on a classic.

Here’s a complete listing of Events & Activities:

11:30 AM Dog Fashion Show: See the best dressed dogs pose on the red carpet at our 2^ndAnnual Dog Fashion Show. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic:

Don’t miss the Capital Jazz Fest featuring Luther Vandross’ longtime collaborator, Marcus Miller.

Capital Jazz Fest will take place at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland and will feature over 25 national acts on two big stages!

05/16/201806/01/2018

Diabetes Awareness Day at Mosaic Central Farm Market

Divabetic presents Diabetes Awareness Day at Mosaic Central Farm Market featuring a Dog Fashion Show, Healthy Food Tours, Free Sight & Hearing Screenings, Plate Poetry Project Display, a Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstration and Live Folk Music by Rick Franklin on Sunday, June 3, 2018.

8:30 AM Lions Free Sight & Hearing Screenings for Adults & Children (until 12 PM). Lions Club District 24A Sight and Hearing Van will host free sight (including glaucoma) and hearing screenings for all visitors (men, women, and children). They will also offer a paper screening test for diabetes and blood pressure testing.

10 AM Healthy Food Tour with Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center. Buy foods and see how they fit with ChooseMyPlate. Visit different booths to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

10:30 AM Dog Fashion Show Registration & Rehearsal

10:45 AM Healthy Food Tour with Dietitian Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center. Buy foods and see how they fit with ChooseMyPlate. Visit different booths to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

11:30 AM Dog Fashion Show hosted by Mr. Divabetic. Mr. Divabetic hosts a ‘GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS’ fashion show featuring dogs of all breeds dressed to the nines with prize awards compliments of Mosaic Central Farm Market vendors. REGISTER NOW: https://goo.gl/forms/WWxkBrs7ugpfK38P2

12 PM Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstration & Talk with Internationally Known Scent Detection Dog Expert, Debby Kay, Nationally Known Healthy Educator, Kathy Gold RN, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mr. Divabetic.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to teach your dog to sense your oncoming low blood sugars and actually alert you to them?

Renowned dog expert Debby Kay provides an overview of the basics of dog training and dog care and details how your dog can sense your blood sugars and respond in different ways depending on whether your blood sugar is high or low.

Debby Kay has 40 years of experience as a canine professional and pioneered many firsts in canine scent work. She left her position as a research scientist for the Federal Government to become Training Director of International Detector Dogs Ltd., training the first toxic waste detection dog. She was an early pioneer in training dogs to help ecologists, geologists and field biologists find targeted specimens for their research. Debby trained some of the first classes of dogs and instructors for the ATF explosive dog program in Virginia.

Respected diabetes educator Kathy Gold RN, CDE joins Debby Kay to share expert advice for treating hypoglycemia and/or high hyperglycemia for people living with diabetes.

Acoustic Blues Musician and Songwriter, Rick Franklin will be performing throughout at Diabetes Awareness Day. Rick’s musical style of blues is known as the “Piedmont” style identified with such legendary players as Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller and William Moore along with players and friends like “Bowling Green” John Cephas, John Jackson, and Archie Edwards.

11/17/2017

Are You “Totally Ready” for Your Next Check-Up?

This post is sponsored by Colgate®, but opinions are my own.

Did you know that more than 30 million Americans are currently living with diabetes and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop gum disease^[1]?

So what does this have to do with that smile of yours — and how can you protect it? Regular dental visits are an essential part of good diabetes self-management, but so is using the right oral care products. Colgate Total toothpaste is FDA approved to prevent gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease ‡.

A few weeks ago, I talked with the fabulous Dr. Natalie Strand about her experience with type 1 diabetes over the past 20 years, and how taking charge of her diabetes health makes her feel Totally Ready for life. Thanks to Colgate Total and the American Diabetes Association® for making it happen!

If anyone’s Totally Ready – it’s this busy mom, wife and doctor who has literally managed her type 1 diabetes all over the world in many difficult situations on a reality TV show!

But don’t take my word for it – watch the video! During the interview, I challenged Dr. Natalie Strand in a lightning round of my new ‘Are You Ready?’ diabetes health game featuring different scenarios to test her Diabetes IQ.

How prepared are you for the curveballs that life throws you when you’re living with diabetes?

Of course, Dr. Natalie Strand aced my game, proving that having diabetes doesn’t mean you should be within the confines of your home. By doing some smart planning and thorough preparation, you can go anywhere whether it is skiing, walking the red carpet, or even competing on a reality TV show! Here are just a few of Dr. Strand’s tips:

Keep in mind, if you’re traveling to exotic locations that time changes may contribute to fluctuations in your blood glucose levels.
Make sure to talk to your doctor before you grab your passport, and head out the door.
Remember to take care of your oral health on the go – when you have a healthy smile, you feel Totally Ready for life.

The number one accessory that Dr. Natalie Strand seems to take with her everywhere she goes is a positive attitude about living with diabetes.

Let Dr. Natalie Strand inspire you to ‘GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS’ about living with diabetes.

^[1] Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2011.pdf

‡Colgate Total® toothpaste is approved through the New Drug Application process to help prevent gingivitis. Not approved for the prevention or treatment of serious gum disease or other diseases.

06/02/2017

Can you Recognize the Warning Signs for Diabetes in Your Pet?

Our dazzling brand of diabetes advocacy is going to ‘the dogs’ in honor of our upcoming Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show event on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at Mosaic Central Farm Markets.

Diabetes is a real health issue for pets, so make sure your pet gets – and stays – on the road to a healthy and happy life by knowing these warning signs for diabetes:

Increased thirst and urination: Blood sugar levels can get so high outside of the body’s cells that it spills into the urine, increasing urine production. You might notice your dog or cat is urinating more frequently or is having accidents in the house. Increased thirst is also a common sign of diabetes in dogs and cats. Animals with diabetes produce large volumes of urine more frequently and so they drink more water to compensate for the fluids lost through urination. An increase in thirst and urination are also signs of other serious health problems, so these symptoms should always trigger a call to the vet.

Increased appetite: Hunger is caused by the lack of amino acids inside the cells. Diabetes might be a cause for concern if your pet is eating more but still losing weight. This is because the brain’s satiety center reads sugar levels: the more sugar that enters the satiety center, the less the brain feels hunger. When insulin does not allow sugar to enter the satiety center, the body’s cells are not fueled, resulting in hunger and weight loss.

Tiredness and lack of energy: Lethargy and sleepiness are typical in animals suffering from diabetes. When the body’s cells lack blood sugar, then running, taking a walk, or playing lose priority for pets. Eventually, animals may develop a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, which is caused by the body using fat instead of sugar for energy. This results in the production and buildup of toxic acids, called ketones, in the blood.

The older a pet gets, the more likely it may develop diabetes. Share these signs with a fellow pet owner who may be concerned that their pet may have diabetes.

Don’t miss our free ‘Dog Fashionista for Diabetes’ Outreach Event at Mosaic Central Farms on Sunday, June 4, 2017

This weekend the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic raises awareness for diabetes alert dogs with the free outreach event “Dog Fashionistas for Diabetes” at Mosaic Central Fam Markets in Fairfax, VA on Sunday, June 4th from 10:30am-12pm.

This free diabetes outreach event will bring awareness to diabetes, healthy eating and diabetes alert dogs who are often in the news for warning their owners about dangerous glycemic lows.

We will also feature scent detection pioneer, Debby Kay and her ‘Super Sniffer Diabetes’ alert dogs and certified diabetes educator, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE.

“Managing Type 1 Diabetes on a daily basis is exhausting, frustrating, and terrifying, especially when managing it in a young child. Through her amazing dogs and training program, Debby Kay has given us hope in the midst of chaos. My daughter has a new best friend, a faithful companion, and a loving guardian,” says Allison Herod.

“The breadth of Debby Kay’s knowledge and experience make her a tremendous resource for anyone who wants to work with their dogs on scent training.” says Ann R. Howie, LICSW, ACSW, Human-Animal Solutions, LLC.

During our Dog Fashion Show owners will show off their pet’s fashionable designs, and three winners will be presented with prizes. The fashion show is free to enter and is open to the public.

Why this fabulous and free diabetes outreach event and why at a Farm Market? Along with giving you access to great fresh food, Central Farm Markets is also committed to providing information about healthy living. Hosting an event like this brings awareness to an important topic, provides fun nutrition programs for the kids and invites in community minded non-profit organizations. Plus, for the past 12 years Mr. Divabetic has been committed to raising awareness for diabetes making diabetes education and empowerment more accessible to our local communities.

What’s Your Opinion on These Hot Topics about Service Dogs in the News?

Student’s service dog gets his own photo in Virginia high school yearbook! Stafford High School junior Andrew “AJ” Schalk has Type 1 Diabetes and his dog, Alpha can alert him if his blood sugar is too high or low. Schalk told BuzzFeed that Alpha has saved his life multiple times. He’s been accompanying AJ to school since last year and has been popular among the school community. Alpha even has his own school ID.READ MORE

UNC’s baseball team has a secret weapon — a service dog that helps players recovering from surgery. While Remington’s main duty is to help struggling teammates regain their strength and confidence, the dog helps wherever he can on the field. For instance, according to
Rucinski, Remington carries balls in a bucket out to the umpire before games. He also holds a hat or glove in his mouth for the national anthem. And while Remington can’t open a bottle of Gatorade, he can open the fridge allowing players easy access. READ MORE

Get more Diabetes News Headlines, Food & Fashion Trends and Daily Inspiration on Divabetic’s Facebook page!

03/28/2017

Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show Coming in June

I’m thrilled to announce that I will be hosting A Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show with Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer and Author Debby Kay from Chilbrook Kennels, and certified diabetes educator Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE at Mosaic Central Farm Market on Sunday, June 4, 11 AM – 1 PM.

My interest in diabetes alert dogs has been steadily growing since I interviewed ‘Elle & Coach’ Author Mark Dagostino on Diabetes Late Nite several years ago.

Elle and Coach is the endearing true story of a Type-A mom struggling to care for a daughter who has Type 1 diabetes–and the incredible service dog who changes their lives for the better.

Dog expert, Debby Kay was also a guest on the show that night. Since then, Debby Kay has been working as a expert advisor on several of my Diabetes Mystery podcasts including ‘Suspect Boulevard’ and next year’s ‘Hedda Lettuce Horseman’. The main character, Marjorie Melbourne Blaze, in ‘Suspect Boulevard’ has a diabetes and dementia alert dog. Debby advised me on numerous issues regarding Marjorie’s dog including breed, identification and the different ways he or she can help their owner.

Our upcoming Diabetes Alert Dog Fashion Show will feature dogs of all breeds dressed to the nines followed by a Diabetic Alert Dogs presentation from Debby Kay and certified diabetes educator, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE.

Did you know Diabetes Alert Dogs are trained to alert owners with diabetes in advance of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events before they become dangerous? That way their handlers can take steps to return their blood sugar to normal such as using glucose sweets or taking insulin.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to teach your dog to sense your oncoming low blood sugars and actually alert you to them?

Renowned dog expert Debby Kay provides an overview of the basics of dog training and dog care and details how your dog can sense your blood sugars and respond in different ways depending on whether your blood sugar is high or low. Respected diabetes educator Kathy Gold shares information on treating hypoglycemia and/or high hyperglycemia for people living with diabetes.

Mosaic Central Farm Market opened in the heart of the vibrant Mosaic District in Fairfax, Virginia. The market features over 60 vendors during the April-December season.

Mosaic Central Farm Market

2910 District Avenue

Fairfax, VA 22031

LISTEN NOW: Author Mark Dagostino guests on Diabetes Late Nite inspired by the Isley Brothers. Professional Animal Trainer, Debby Kay, who specializes in scent detection work with dogs talks about the power of the human-animal connection along with Terri Seidman and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected songs from The Isley Brothers: The RCA Victor and T-Neck Album Masters (1959-1983), a monumental 23-disc box set collection chronicling the sonic evolution and abiding achievements of the unprecedented R&B ensemble courtesy of SONY MUSIC. This box set follows The Isley Brothers through their transformation from a 1950’s doo-wop/gospel vocal group into the world’s preeminent R&B rock ‘n’ soul powerhouse party band.