No Regrets Poem By Lorraine Brooks

I asked Poet Lorraine Brooks to write a poem about living with diabetes with no regrets for our podcast featuring music by Edith Piaf.

Born in Paris in 1915, Edith Piaf became a national treasure. She was the voice of France. She began her singing career on the streets, and her only musical apprenticeship came from listening to singers on the capital’s popular radio stations. Her iconic hit, “Non, je ne regrette rien” spent seven weeks atop the French Singles & Airplay Reviews chart. I was inspired to email Lorraine with a laundry list of ideas. My list included having no regrets when checking blood sugars in public, no regrets for standing in front of the exercise class to be closer to the instructor, no regrets for asking for substitutions at the restaurants, no regrets for having dietary restrictions or bringing your meal to a party, and no regrets about firing your doctor.

No Regrets by Lorraine Brooks

Je ne regrette rien.
The where and the why and the when.
If I have a need that is pressing
I never find that it’s distressing.
Like pricking my finger for testing
Or foods that I may be ingesting.
I do not regret when they stare…
Or that I receive Medicare.
I take stock of all of my needs
And all that I need to proceed.
Why regret what makes me feel better?
Maybe it’s ME that’s the trend-setter!
I spend no time feeling regret.
Or that some might think me “heavy set.”
Life is too short for that worry.
So I’ll order that Indian curry.
As long as I’m smart and stay mindful
There’s no reason not to be prideful.
Pack up your cares and remorse.
And stay on your self-caring course.
Kick that regret to the curb.
And start living the life you deserve.

Listen to Lorraine Brooks perform her poem, No Regrets, on Divabetic’s podcast.

Edith Piaf inspires us to discuss living with ‘NO REGRETS’  on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast.

We all have regrets. It is part of human nature. However, hanging onto regrets takes up space and keeps us from enjoying the present moment. The stress factor wreaks havoc on the cells of the body. It affects our blood pressure, energy levels, hormones, and immune response. It also affects the mind. Our thinking process becomes clouded, mistakes are made, and poor choices lead to increased stress. All of these things can affect our diabetes wellness.

If we look carefully enough, we will see that they hold a lesson for the things we regret doing, and if we learn from our regrets, then the regret has served us well.

Edith Piaf’s unique ability to sing from the heart enchanted audiences beyond Paris. Her songs touch one’s heart and spirit, even if one cannot understand the words themselves.

Edith Piaf is helping us sing your praises! We applaud your determination, persistence, and efforts to stay healthy and upbeat about your daily self-care. Together, we are changing the way people learn to live with diabetes.

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Dr. Lori Shemek PhD, Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Cindy Lou from the ‘Diabetes What To Know’ community, and Mama Rose Marie.

This podcast features music from the ‘EDITH PIAF TOP 40’ album courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic podcasts are fast-paced, full-filled hours of diabetes education and wellness advice encouraging listeners to “laugh a little, learn a  lot.”

Help Us Light the Way During National Diabetes Awareness Month (November)

Approximately 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Did you know that over 80% don’t know they have it? Prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

This November, join Divabetic’s Blue Candle initiative and encourage your friends, co-workers, and family members to be screened for pre-diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers a quick, easy online Pre-Diabetes risk test.

Prediabetes Risk Test

Be by their side when they check, and share your experience of living well with diabetes so they can see that living well with diabetes is possible. Together, we can help others come out of the dark, address their diabetes health status, and start living their lives to the fullest.

Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.

Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.

Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke AssociationAmerican Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms. Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation.

You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery. Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.

 

Father’s Day Vegetarian Recipe by Holly Clegg

Father’s Day will be quickly upon us, why not surprise Dad with a tasty meatless dish at your celebration? After all, June is Men’s Health Month.

I reached out to my good friend, Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg for a vegetarian recipe that will satisfy the meat lovers in your family and help keep Dad healthy and happy. 

“This fabulous vegetarian southwestern quinoa recipe will be a game changer for them,” says Best-Selling Cookbook Author, Holly Clegg. “It’s Diabetic Friendly and Gluten Free. You just put quinoa on to cook, sauté vegetables and combine together to pop in the oven for hearty, healthy and absolutely wonderful one-dish quick meal!”

Southwestern Veggie Quinoa Bowl from Holly Clegg’s ‘Guy’s Guide To Eating Well: A Man’s Cookbook For Health and Wellness’

Ingredients:

3/4 cup quinoa

1 1/2 cups water

1 cup chopped onion

1 red bell pepper, cored and chopped

1 cup chopped peeled sweet potato

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon ground chili powder

1 teaspoon ground oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 1/2 cups salsa

1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro

1 cup reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven 350°F.  Coat 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2.  In medium nonstick pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to boil, reduce heat and cook, covered about 17-20 minutes or until water absorbed and quinoa cooked. Remove from heat and fluff with fork. Set aside.

3. Meanwhile, in large nonstick pan coated with nonstick cooking spray, sauté onion, bell pepper, sweet potato, and garlic until tender, about 5-7 minute or until tender. Add chili powder, oregano, and cumin.

4.  To vegetables, add cooked quinoa, black beans, salsa, and cilantro.

5.  Transfer quinoa mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with cheese. Bake 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Makes 6 (1-cup) servings

Holly Clegg’s Terrific Tip:  “Chicken may be added if you want a heartier meal.  Garnish with diced avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro.”

Nutrients: Calories:250  kcal,  Calories from Fat: 21%, Fat: 6 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 12 mg, Sodium: 600  mg, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Dietary Fiber: 7 g, Total Sugars: 6 g, Protein:12g, Dietary Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 2 starch, 1 lean meat

Eating Less Meat Doesn’t Make You Less Manly

Although a vegetarian or vegan diet won’t “cure” type 1 or type 2 diabetes — despite some erroneous claims — scientists have found that a meatless diet can do quite a bit of good for people with diabetes. A study in Diabetes Care showed that people with type 2 diabetes on a vegan diet lowered their cholesterol and improved their kidney function. And eating more vegetables and carbohydrates that are low on the glycemic index can help make it easier to manage your blood sugars.

If you’re considering a vegetarian diet, please consult with your doctor. Additionally,  it may be helpful to speak with a registered dietitian (RD) who can help you create an eating plan that provides all the necessary nutrients and the right number of calories to maintain a healthy weight.

Why not give Dad a cookbook for Father’s Day?  

Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Guy’s Guide to Eating Well: A Man’s Cookbook for Health and Wellness address common male needs with coordinating ingredients that help alleviate men-specific symptoms and help prevent men’s diseases- all with an emphasis on hearty, king-of-the-grill simple and super-satisfying recipes.

There’s over 150 simple, satisfying and nutritious recipes. Yes, burgers and pizza!! In this healthy men’s cookbook, each recipe includes terrific tips (shortcuts), menu suggestions and nutrition nuggets, which answers the “Why is this good for me question!” Start eating healthy with this preventive health cookbook with recipes for men to cook to help manage testosterone, diabetes, cancer, weight-gain, joint pain and heart disease – plus recipes for quick meals, slow cookers and outdoor cooking.

Best-selling cookbook author, Holly Clegg, and men’s health specialist, Dr. Curtis Chastain partnered together to create the perfect man’s cookbook for you to look good and feel good. Everything a man could want in a cookbook, plus more! That means it is your turn to take on the kitchen!

Tune in to Divabetic’s June Diabetes Late Nite featuring music by Edith Piaf on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, 6 PM, EST.  We’re talking about living well with diabetes by having ‘NO REGRETS’. 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.

 

Diabetes & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) cases reached a record high in the United States in 2015, federal according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Any infection in the body, including sexually transmissible infections (STIs), can potentially increase blood glucose levels (BGLs) in people with diabetes. STIs are infections or bugs caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that are passed from one person to another during sexual contact.

Health professionals generally don’t consider STI’s as the cause of rising high blood glucose levels. Don’t be embarrassed to talk to your doctor or diabetes educator if you think you might have an STI. Important points to note:

STIs can infect many areas of the body and not just the genitals.

STIs don’t always cause signs and symptoms.

STIs don’t always cause symptoms but may still cause an increase in BGLs.

Not all genital signs and symptoms are caused by STIs.

Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are curable with antibiotics, and widespread access to screening and treatment would reduce their spread, the CDC said.

Most STD cases go undiagnosed and untreated, putting people at risk for severe and potentially permanent health effects such as chronic pain, infertility and increased risk for HIV.

“The health outcomes of syphilis — miscarriage, stillbirth, blindness or stroke — can be devastating,” said Dr. Gail Bolan, director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention.

“The resurgence of congenital syphilis and the increasing impact of syphilis among gay and bisexual men makes it clear that many Americans are not getting the preventive services they need. Every pregnant woman should be tested for syphilis, and sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested for syphilis at least once a year,” Bolan said.

Is There A Difference Between (Sexually Transmitted Disease(STDs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

A Sexually Transmitted Disease (“STD”) is the most commonly used term for the collection of medical infections that are transmitted through sexual contact. But that’s just the thing. People who become infected, don’t always experience anysymptoms or have their infection develop into a disease.

Mr. Divabetic discusses ‘Diabetes & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)’ with guests Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE on June’s Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Tuesday, June 12, 2018, 6 PM, EST.

Don’t miss Divabetic’s 8th Year Podcasting Anniversary on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Tuesday, June 12, 2018, 6 PM, EST. We’re talking about ‘NO REGRETS’with musical inspiration from Edith Piaf. 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. TUNE IN

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 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 2ndAnnual 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.

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.