How To Correctly Monitor Your Blood Pressure At Home

“When you have high blood pressure your heart is working overtime, all the time, “says Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE on October’s Diabetes Late NIte podcast. “Measuring your blood pressure is one of the best  non invasive tests that we have available to give us a window into how well the heart is actually functioning.”

The American Heart Association recommends home monitoring for all people with high blood pressure to help the healthcare provider determine whether treatments are working. Home monitoring (self-measured blood pressure) is not a substitute for regular visits to your physician.

How to use a home blood pressure monitor

Be still. Don’t smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Empty your bladder and ensure at least 5 minutes of quiet rest before measurements.

Sit correctly. Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining chair, rather than a sofa). Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface (such as a table) with the upper arm at heart level. Make sure the bottom of the cuff is placed directly above the bend of the elbow. Check your monitor’s instructions for an illustration or have your healthcare provider show you how.

Measure at the same time every day. It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as morning and evening. It is best to take the readings daily however ideally beginning 2 weeks after a change in treatment and during the week before your next appointment.

Take multiple readings and record the results. Each time you measure, take two or three readings one minute apart and record the results using a printable (PDF) or online tracker. If your monitor has built-in memory to store your readings, take it with you to your appointments. Some monitors may also allow you to upload your readings to a secure website after you register your profile.

Don’t take the measurement over clothes.

Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash

Why keep a blood pressure journal?

One blood pressure measurement only tells what your blood pressure is at that moment. A diary of multiple readings taken over time provides a better picture of your blood pressure that can help you partner with your physician to ensure that your treatments  to lower high blood pressure  (HBP or hypertension) are working.

If you have been prescribed medication to lower your blood pressure, don’t stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor, even if your blood pressure readings are in the normal range during home monitoring.

Our Exclusive Interview with Angela Bofill Airs Tomorrow Night on Diabetes Late Nite

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Angela Bofill airs tomorrow, Tuesday, October 13, 2020, 6-7:30 PM, EST.

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, Lorraine Brooks, 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 first two albums Angie and Angel of the Night courtesy of SONY Music.

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Seventeen

Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!

On Day 17, we’re spotlighting Diabetes Late Inspired by Sara Bareilles from January 2014. “I came out as a gay man on this episode of Diabetes Late Nite,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “A few months before this podcast, I  was the target of homophobic remarks after I presented a diabetes outreach program at a prominent African American Methodist Church in Philadelphia. I was crushed by those words. I’ve never wanted my sexuality to be the reason for someone to turn away from our diva brand of diabetes outreach but I felt that I had to come out to the Divabetic community for my own personal wellness. I am not ashamed of who I am nor will I be shamed because of my sexuality.  I have never regretted my decision.”

Singer, Songwriter Sara Bareilles achieved mainstream success in 2007 with the hit song, Love Song, which brought her into the number one spot on the Billboard Pop 100 chart. She has sold over one million records and over four million singles in the Untied States alone and has been nominated for a Grammy Award five times. Sara Braeilles‘s latest album, The Blessed Unrest is nominated for Album of the Year Grammy Award. Her song, Brave is nominated for Best Solo Performance Grammy Award. Throughout the podcast, we will be playing clips of Sara Bareilles songs courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The podcast also includes a Diabetes Hot Topics discussion, a Diabetes Numerology Puzzle, Prize Giveaways and a Mother Your Diabetes commentary.

Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Neva White MSN, CRNP, CDE, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, SONY Music Executive Jeff James, Mama Rose Marie and Mike Lawson from San Francisco, CA

Our monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Sixteen

Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!

On Day 16, we’re spotlighting Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by the Pointer Sisters from December 2013.

“This podcast was a game changer for Divabetic,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.”It was the first time we featured music from various SONY music artists on our broadcast.”

 

The Pointer Sisters began their formal vocal training in their father’s church, The Church of God in West Oakland, California. June, Anita and Ruth Pointer achieved its greatest commercial success in 1983 with their biggest-selling album ever with Break Out. The Break Out album features the hits, Jump (For My Love), Automatic, Baby Come And Get It, I Need You, Neutron Dance and I’m So Excited.

The Pointer Sisters won several Grammy Awards,  American Music Awards and have been inducted onto the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic is ‘so excited’ to host this hourlong whirlwind of wellness inspired by the Pointer Sisters with superstar guests including music journalist Christian John Wikane, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Kathy Gold RN, CDE, Neva White MSN, CRNP, CDE, Evetta Petty, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Laura Laria and Lindsay from Baton Rouge, LA living with diabetes. Show highlights include Mr. Divabetic’s ‘Favorite Things’ list of great gift ideas to keep you happy and healthy.

 

 

Our monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence

 

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

31 Days Of Divabetic Podcasts, Day Fifteen

Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!

On Day 15, we’re spotlighting Divabetic’s Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Ricochet from November 2013.

Ricochet (T-FLAC)

New York Times Best-Selling Author Cherry Adair’s brand new T-FLAC novella, ‘RICOCHET features a heroine living with type 1 diabetes.

“This podcast will always have a soft place in my heart,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetc’ Szadek. “Cherry told me that I inspired her to create a smart, sexy heroine living with type 1 diabetes, Hannah Endicott, for her T-FLAC series”

Synopsis: Hannah Endicott’s only purpose for traveling half a world away to Ecuador is to retrieve what her feckless best friend appropriated to invest in yet another bad business venture. Unwillingly drawn into meeting his new associates, she overhears a nefarious plot and instantly goes from irritated to terrified.The right person, in the wrong place, at the worst possible time. . . .

Cherry Adair’s books are just the right mixture of romance and suspense and, whether you are reading one for the first time or the tenth, they will keep you hooked from the beginning. The popular T-FLAC series features the trials and tribulations of an elite antiterrorist task force. In Ricochet, one of the key member of T-FLAC is living with diabetes.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic is joined by the members of the Divabetic Club – Philadelphia and healthcare professionals from the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Special guests include: Cherry Adair, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, Emily Hiriak RD, CDE, David Madison, Pam Harrod-Smith, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Lorraine Brooks, Michelle Foster from the American Diabetes Association in Philadelphia, PA, Mama Rose Marie and special guest, Sharon, who is living with type 2 diabetes.

 

Our monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

Why Not Tidy Up Your Diabetes During the Pandemic?

One way to help minimize stress during the pandemic is to de-clutter!

Experts agree that if we set aside 15 minutes per day to straighten up one place, such as a messy desktop, medicine cabinet or kitchen drawer we will feel happier and more relaxed at the end of the day! If you like to exercise and dance around while you’re cleaning, then give yourself an extra pat on the back!

Why not take the time to declutter your diabetes life?

Long before Marie Condo took the world by storm with her Tidy manta, our good friend, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN and co-author Leslie Josel wrote the wonderful book, The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful and More Manageable Life.

As I toured the beautiful rooms at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club Decorator Show House in New York earlier this year I was reminded how important our homes are to are overall diabetes health. That statement might not be so surprising when you stop and ask yourself these questions: 

Do you struggle to keep track of health-care invoices and payments? Do you succeed at keeping an active health journal for a week or two and then neglect it for a year or two? Can you test your blood glucose if you can’t locate your meter or testing supplies? 

“People with diabetes may need some strategies to keep track of medical paperwork to stay up to date with important information,” says Susan Weiner. “So, I contacted my friend Leslie Josel, an organizing guru, and a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers. We collaborated on this book to help all people with diabetes organize their supplies, daily routines, medical paperwork, and much more! It’s a hands-on “how-to” book, with simple strategies.”

Susan and Leslie’s book, The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful and More Manageable Life, offers step by step strategies to get more organized one step at a time. And that one small and permanent change in your daily routine can help you get more organized and take control of your diabetes.

Good Advice Right Now

“Plan out your meals and snacks for the week ahead. Make sure that everything you need (including ingredients, measuring tools and cookware) are available, “ says Susan  Weiner. “Chop and dice your vegetables in advance and store them in labeled bags or clear containers in the refrigerator. You’ll stay organized and in control of your diabetes healthy meal plan.” 

BUY BOOK

Superstar Gloria Estefan inspires this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Roundtable podcast featuring Best-Selling author, Cherry Adair, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, ‘The Complete Diabetes Organizer’ co-authors Susan Wiener RD, CDE and Leslie JoselNeva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jeff James, Mama Rose Marie and ‘My Bleeding Finger’ blogger, Tim Brand, who is the father of daughters living with type 1 diabetes.

Help us choose topics for upcoming Divabetic podcasts. Fill out our quick and easy Survey.

Free Lose Weight and Prevent Diabetes Zoom Meeting with Mr. Divabetic

Join Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek when he guests on the upcoming “Lose Weight & Prevent Diabetes” Zoom Meeting with Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, Senior Health Educator for the Center for Urban Health at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on Tuesday,  April 28, 2020 7PM – 7:30PM, EST. 

During the meeting, Max will be spotlighting his experience of finding Luther Vandross unconscious in his home after he experienced a stroke related to his type 2 diabetes. Max’s feelings that the media neglected to call attention to the strong link between stroke and diabetes iis what inspired him to care the nonprofit organization, Divabetic (divabetic.org). 

Divabetic’s mission is to encourage people to ‘keep their house a home’ by learning how to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring. 

Free Zoom Video Meeting Information 

Log into: https://zoom.us/j/7843615996, Meeting ID: 7843615996

Or call in: 646-876-9923. Meeting ID: 7843615996

Birthday Serenade to Luther Vandross

Maren Morris inspires us to stay strong as we face the challenges of living with diabetes during the coronavirus pandemic on April’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast. LISTEN with LINK.

Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Marren Morris

Our Diva Inspiration, Maren Morris has opted to do things her own way and obliterating expectation at every turn on her newest album entitled Girl.

Many music experts believe she’s making a bid for the sort of across-the-board pop stardom enjoyed by Pink, Katy Perry and Selena Gomez with this album. Maren’s singing about independence, self-love and the need to reach across the aisle to find common ground.

Podcast guests include Author of the Noodle Shop Mysteries: Vivien Chien, Lorraine Brooks, Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE,  Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport PhD, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Alexis Gray. 

Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Maren Morris’s Girl album courtesy of SONY Music.

LISTEN