Tag: Mr. Divabetic

Posted on

Seen and Heard

Everyone wants to be seen and heard. Recently, Ledisi shared her struggles on social media about not being seen or heard by the R&B music industry.

“Talked to a writer about my name not being mentioned enough in musical spaces. I said, “I’m consistently ignored from conversations about music. Especially R&B Music. It’s hurtful after devoting my life to this genre and music as a whole. I get over it. I think about the Legends before me, who are still ignored choosing to move forward. Thats what it’s all about. Going where you are loved. In the end my art will speak for me. That’s all the matters. Do this for the music. Not popularity,” said Ledisi.

Her message hit home with fans who quickly expressed their support. Ledisi received many comments, texts, and phone calls that moved her. She said she posted her comment to be transparent and to inspire others.

Interestingly, Ledisi has won a GRAMMY Award and has been praised for her commitment to authenticity. So, in many ways, you might be scratching your head, wondering what she is upset about. Her post underscores that we all long to be seen and heard from time to time.

It’s not always easy to open up about your diabetes and express your challenges and pitfalls. However, expressing yourself can help alleviate your frustration.

If you don’t feel like you’re being seen or heard, take a moment to notice and listen to someone in your life. Pat them on the back, compliment their style, appreciate their talents, admire their perseverance, recognize their positivity, encourage their efforts, and congratulate them for making art.

Posted on

Happy 4th of July

Mr. Divabetic stops by the 10th Annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party at Madison Square Park in New York City to find out how people stay on track with their Summertime health goals.


At the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, pitmasters from New York City, Alabama, and Texas come together to celebrate American barbeque.

According to the Webstaurant Store blog, the main styles of American BBQ are Kansas City, Memphis, Carolina, and Texas.

Kansas pitmasters brush wet ribs with sauce before, during, and after smoking them for a wet sauce. Memphis-style “dry” ribs are coated in a dry rub before they’re smoked and served without sauce, allowing their authentic flavor to shine.

Alabama white sauce is mayonnaise-based and punctuated with apple cider vinegar, brown mustard, and horseradish. It is usually served on chicken.

St. Louis is famous for its spare ribs, and most people refer to this meat cut when they mention St. Louis-style barbecue. In St. Louis, they prefer grilling their ribs rather than slow-smoking them over indirect heat.

California-style BBQ centers on wood-fired tri-tip steaks rubbed in salt, pepper, and garlic powder seasoning. 

Everyone loves grilling food because the high heat and direct contact with your grill can make foods crispy on the outside while keeping them moist inside.

Kentucky is famous for perfecting slow-smoking mutton and developed a Worcestershire-based sauce to complement its rich, gamey flavor.

In recent years, contradictory reports have cited the benefits and dangers of grilling.

According to New York Health, research has found that grilling may reduce your risk for many chronic diseases, including heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. This is because grilling food makes it easier for us to eat fewer calories and fat.

According to Columbia Doctors, cooking over high heat, especially an open flame, exposes you to two main carcinogens: heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Studies show HCAs and PAHs cause changes in DNA that may increase the risk of cancer. 

Staying healthy isn’t just about watching what you eat; it’s also important to be aware of the excessive calories and added sugar in your drinks. Many summer drinks, including soda, sports and energy drinks, lemonade, fruit juices, and sweetened waters, contain added sugar. 

For example, a 16-fluid-ounce soda can contain over 12 teaspoons of added sugar, while a 16-fluid-ounce sports drink can contain 7 teaspoons. Added sugar can provide empty calories that can contribute to weight gain, obesity, heart disease, and tooth decay. 

Posted on

Dangers of Weight Cycling On Your Heart

The Luther Vandross: Never Too Much documentary spotlights many of his incredible performances, which will thrill fans.

However, the documentary also includes a cautionary message about the dangerous effects of weight cycling, known as ‘yo you dieting’ on your heart, that should not be ignored.

Regaining weight stresses your heart and blood vessels. A study showed that the more your weight goes up and down, the more you’re likely to have problems like angina, heart attack, and stroke. And the bigger the swings, the bigger the risk.

Dieting isn’t easy. Every ounce of weight gain and loss can toy with your mind, body and spirit. Seek professional help if you’re struggling with these issues.

Posted on

My Bubble Wrap Dress Seen At Mermaid Parade

Good things happen when you push yourself out of your comfort zone. For the Luther Vandross: Never Too Much Celebration in April, I challenged myself to design two wedding dresses out of unconventional materials.

One dress featured a cardboard corset and a newspaper skirt, while the other was crafted from bubble wrap, discarded foam FedEx envelopes, and a Dollar Store silver shelf liner.

My friend Verna served as my dress form, and Pam Lewis, head of Luther’s Wardrobe department, provided guidance via FaceTime. Despite facing frustration and a lack of expertise, I persevered and was rewarded when two amazing models, Amy and Alicia, agreed to wear my dresses at the show.

After the event, Amy wore the bubble wrap skirt to the Mermaid Parade, which was incredibly rewarding for me.

Witnessing my designs alongside numerous other creative outfits at the parade was inspiring. The Mermaid Parade is filled with artistry, creativity, and wonder.


Posted on

Luther Vandross: Never Too Much Documentary AT Tribeca Film Festival

Last Thursday I attended a screening of the Luther: Never Too Much documentary at the TriBeca Film Festival. It’s taken me a few days to process the experience of not only seeing myself on a large screen (!) but also hearing myself discuss Luther’s stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.

Throughout the film you’re treated to a wonderful array of footage of Luther Vandross performing on stage from various tours. Plus, you hear Luther tell his story in his own words and voice.

Knowing and working for such an incredible artist and caring man was truly an honor. He changed my life. In 1995, he offered me a job in New York City as his full-time personal assistant. It’s a privilege to participate in the film and raise awareness of the tragic consequences of mismanaged type 2 diabetes.

Seeing the trauma I experienced on my face as I recalled the initial moments after Luther’s stroke made me realize how grateful I am to everyone who has supported, encouraged, and partnered with me on my various diabetes outreach efforts through my nonprofit organization, Divabetic.

I don’t feel I would have been as candid and vulnerable on screen in my interview had I not spent the last two decades helping others affected by, living with, and at risk of diabetes. “Keeping Your House A Home” by learning how to prevent diabetes health-related complications such as stroke, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, and blindness has been my mission for the past 20 years, and it will continue to be.

If you see this documentary or love Luther’s music, you owe it to his legacy to educate and empower yourself about your health.

Posted on

Sensational Spray Painted Summer Hats

Summer is the season of outdoor concerts. It’s a great way to enjoy music, but excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause skin damage. Protect yourself from the sun with style!

Our friend Evetta Petty, the owner of Harlem Heaven’s Hats, puts pizzazz into sun protection with a unique collection of spray-painted sun hats featuring brightly colored fruits are fun, fun, fun!

By the way, Evetta Petty is off to the races—the UK’s Royal Ascot, one of the most famous in the world. She is the only American milliner represented at Ascot this year, and she’s the first Black milliner ever to have a hat selected for the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective. Twelve milliners were chosen from all over the world. Her ‘Blue Note’ hat is simply FABULOUS!


Most skin cancers are preventable. Proactive approaches to sun protection are essential. Wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding indoor tanning are great ways to have fun and protect yourself from the sun.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using at least an SPF 30, but higher is better. It is important to reapply every two hours, especially if out in the sun or in the water.

Posted on

What’s In Your Bag? 

Many of our community members agree that thinking ahead and being prepared for unexpected issues related to your daily self-care is helpful.  Before you leave your house, make sure you have the necessary supplies with you. 

Talk to your healthcare collaborators about what fits your diabetes lifestyle. It could be a small snack, water bottle, glucose tablets, insulin, glucose monitor, or glucose gels.

Based on your lifestyle, your healthcare collaborators may recommend changes in your meal plan, activity level, or diabetes medicines to help you manage blood sugar swings.

Medical identification (cards, bracelets, or necklaces) can show others that you have diabetes and show whether you take diabetes medicine such as insulin. What’s in your bag? 

Posted on

Frank E. Campbell’s Funeral Home Celebrates 125 Years

At Luther Vandross’s passing, Frank E Campbell’s Funeral Home staff was wonderful. I will always be grateful for the kindness, respect, and professionalism shown during such a difficult time.

Frank E. Campbell’s at the corner of Madison Avenue and 81st Street is celebrating its 125th anniversary. They have arranged the funerals for New York’s bigges stars including John Lennon, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former Gov. Mario Cuomo, former Mayor Ed Koch, Judy Garland, Aaliyah, Heath Ledger, Biggie Smalls, Joan Rivers, and Luther Vandross.

I remember picking out Luther’s coffin from a large selection. I chose the gold one.

I also remember providing photos and album covers as source material for their morticians. His family honored me by asking me to choose Luther’s outfit. I chose a beautiful black Versace tuxedo with splashes of crystals on the lapels.

Their talented team made Luther Vandross look like a superstar for his eternal rest, and this image still brings me comfort and joy.

Founded in 1898 by Frank E. Campbell, the funeral home’s star-studded history dates back to the frenzy surrounding actor Rudolph Valentino’s funeral in 1926.

More than 30,000 fans came to pay their respects after his sudden death from a ruptured ulcer at the age of 31.

Posted on

Divabetic’s Sweet Romance E-Book Available Now

Romantic relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even the most loving and open relationships. 

Many people don’t know that diabetes can impact physical and emotional intimacy. And intimacy-related issues can be especially difficult to discuss with a partner or a health care provider.

But don’t let diabetes hinder the romance. Divabetic’s Sweet Romance series gives you practical information and expert advice to tackle this sensitive subject. These comprehensive, interactive guides cover everything you need to know to enjoy a fulfilling sexual and emotional life despite the challenges of diabetes.

GET YOUR COPY NOW

Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, book one in the series, is your key to a happy, healthy, intimate life with diabetes.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • The common physical and emotional sexual complications of diabetes and treatment options for men and women
  • An overview of diabetes nutrition, physical activity, weight loss, and diabetes medications
  • Information on how aging impacts diabetes management and intimacy
  • Guidance on how to talk to your health care provider about intimacy-related issues
  • Ideas and techniques for building sexual intimacy and communicating effectively with your partner
  • Tips to help you avoid dangerous or money-wasting fraudulent sexual treatments

Authors Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, use humor, helpful examples, and insightful questions to present key topics about sexual health in an engaging, approachable way. This series is perfect for anyone (regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or health status) looking to rekindle intimacy with their partner or be proactive about their sexual and emotional well-being.

BUY NOW

Posted on

PLUS OR MINUS Poem by Lorraine Brooks

PLUS OR MINUS by Lorraine Brooks

Don’t call me plus size.

Why should I be?

I’m bigger than some,

some are bigger than me.

A number is given to keep track of our size,

And what is the difference which one I must buy?

I’m not plus or minus, don’t label me so,

And don’t tell me into which stores I can go.

If I need an 18, and you need a 3,

You shouldn’t be thinking you’re better than me.

If you need a 20 and I need a 2,

I shouldn’t be thinking

I’m better than you.

Why don’t we instead,

embrace everyone’s curves

With all the respect and support one deserves.

Don’t label me by the disease I possess

Or anything else that might cause me distress.

I’ve spent most of my life with the label of “plus”,

The truth is that labels aren’t good for any of us.

Let’s labels shelves, and file cabinet drawers,

And signs on the ladies and mens bathroom doors.

A label is good if I need to explore

Where your office is located on the 5th floor.

And I need a label when I’m shopping for food

To know if tomatoes are pureed or stewed.

But don’t label me and my body, I ask,

And don’t make me wear this invisible mask…

Put labels on envelopes with return address,

Or telling me which one is lettuce, and which watercress.

Because in the end, I’m the same as you are,

And labels work better on bottles and jars.

But even if I am not your cup of tea

Don’t put labels on people…and please, not on me

Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek and poet Lorraine Brooks revisit her groundbreaking poem “Beauty & The Beach,” which premiered over thirteen years ago on Divabetic’s Roundtable podcast. The poem was inspired by Esther Williams and resonated deeply with podcast listeners and Diabetic blog readers. Since then, there have been numerous requests to have Lorraine share the poem again on subsequent podcasts or repost her words on the blog.

During this Divabetic podcast short take, Lorraine shares how her opinions about her body and wearing a swimsuit have changed over the past decade, but her feelings about her diabetes diagnosis have not. She emphasizes the time, effort, and care she has put into her diabetes management, which has helped her remain free of diabetes-related complications. The discussion also touches on how negative self-talk can hinder us from living life to the fullest. Lorraine has agreed to revisit the theme of the beach and swimwear at our request and has written a new poem, “Summer Skin,” for an upcoming podcast about the 42nd Annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island.

Although “Summer Skin” is not a cheerful poem about exposing more skin during the summer, we are still honored to share it with the audience. We hope you know our community welcomes you to share your thoughts, feelings, apprehensions, struggles, and successes regarding living with diabetes.
Proudly powered by WordPress