We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 12th Year Anniversary of Podcasting with musical inspiration from Babyface and music from his A Closer Look album courtesy of SONY Music. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks,Susan WeinerMS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES, and Collage Artist Tom Cocotos. Hosted by Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek.
Our musical inspiration, Kenneth Edmonds who is known professionally as Babyface, has written over 250 top-10 R&B and pop hits, working with the likes of Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston.
“The blessing of being able to write music and let music speak for itself is you let the melodies and let the lyrics and the groove talk to people instead of me talking to people,” says Babyface.
What makes Babyface so great? His ability to craft a song that touches our emotions captivates our ears and aligns every word in perfect harmony. It’s a rare gift that not many people have in music.
“I would say that I’ve been lucky. Being blessed and not really ever giving up,” says Babyface.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your diabetes wellness journey! We’re looking forward to sharing more insight and advice on diabetes self-care from experts and peers, along with more great music in the next year!
In the words of the greatest president of our lives…yes we can.
This Divabetic podcast is in solidarity with and dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice. We are making time to reflect, share our feelings, listen and identify ways in which to fight for real and meaningful change. Guests include Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Keith Anthony Fluitt, Leisa Chester Weir, and Jeff James.
Please consider donating to these organizations:
Campaign Zero, which is dedicated to ending police brutality in America through research-based strategies. LEARN MORE
Color of Change, which works to move decision makers in corporations and government to be more responsive to racial disparities. LEARN MORE
Equal Justice Initiative, which provides legal services to people who have been wrongly convicted, denied a fair trial, or abused in state jails and prisons. LEARN MORE
We’re talking about Secrets to Longevity & Diabetes with musical inspiration from Dionne Warwick on May’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
Living longer and increasing your life expectancy with diabetes doesn’t have to be a chore. From flossing your teeth daily to getting a good night’s sleep, there are simple things you can do to help you live long, happy and healthy life.
Dionne Warwick has enjoyed a tremendously long career as a singer. She ranks second to Aretha Franklin as the most charted female vocalist with 69 singles making the Billboard Hot 100 during the rock era (1955–1999).
Dionne Warwick once explained her longevity to Jet magazine, saying, “I really attribute it to remaining who I am and not jumping ship, being completely cognizant of what the people … are accustomed to hearing from me.”
Guests include The Lager Queen of Minnesota and Kitchens of the Great MidwestAuthor J. Ryan Stradal, Deborah Greenwood PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Fonzi Thornton, Rachel Stahl MS, RD, CDN, CDE, and Lorraine Brooks.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Dionne Warwick’s ‘Dionne’ album featuring I’ll Never Love This Way Againand Deja Vucourtesy of SONY Music.
According to the Oxford dictionary, pride is “a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.” And they give the example, “he takes great pride in his appearance”
Let’s face it – being overweight is not a trait that is “widely admired” in our culture. Nor is it considered an “achievement”. Quite the contrary, we tend to believe that excess weight is often the result of a lack of pride in one’s appearance. How, then, can we also preach that you should be proud of yourself no matter what you weigh? How can someone find a sense of pride, if that pride, by definition, is attached to some (undefined) achievement, or the admiration of others? How many people can say that they are admired for being overweight? Or that gaining 50 pounds is seen as a wonderful achievement?
And what about the issue of “health”? Pride aside, we also firmly believe that excess weight puts us at higher risk of developing a number of preventable conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, some cancers, back and knee pain, etc etc. And of course there is ample evidence that this is true, and everyone knows or has heard it. We can’t escape the messages from magazine ads and articles, pamphlets in the doctor’s office, the parade of tv shows showing the various horrors (physical and otherwise) of being fat. So, it is assumed that if someone is overweight, on some level they are knowingly putting themselves at higher risk. And how can you be proud of yourself under those circumstances? l believe therein lies the problem. How can l have pride in myself, my looks, my body, my size…when l “know” how dangerous and risky it is to be carrying extra weight?
I am an older woman of color, who has struggled with weight since childhood. I have also had type 1 diabetes for almost 40 years. Type 1 is the type that most people get early in life (aka juvenile diabetes), but l was not diagnosed until l was almost 30. I admit l am a “micromanager” when it comes to diabetes, and l think it has paid off, because just yesterday my endocrinologist told me that l am doing very well, with no sign of any complications. l am still overweight, but she has also told me that weight loss is NOT part of my treatment plan. She is more concerned that we protect my kidneys and my heart, by keeping my A1c at a safe level, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol. I have to admit that l was surprised when she first told me that, because l, like everyone else, bought into the idea that if l wasn’t actively losing weight, or at least trying to, that l wasn’t “doing well”, or that l “wasn’t motivated”. I always thought that l should hang my head when the topic of weight was raised, and be prepared for “the lecture” about how l needed to do more or do better. Was l counting my carbs right? Was l measuring? Was l trying to use the stairs instead of the elevator? Was l prepared for the pejorative face that many health professionals make when they listen to your “excuses” about your size?
As l sat in the waiting room, every magazine on the table had some headline article on the cover declaring “Lose 10 Pounds in A Week”; “Miracle Diet Helps Curb Your Appetite”; “Slim Down the Easy Way”; “How l Lost 100 Pounds and Gained a Husband”. I went back to reading a novel on my Kindle as l waited to be seen. Looking around the waiting room, l began to start comparing myself to everyone else, even though l have no idea what issues they are dealing with, or where they are on their journey. And what’s worse, l’m sure they are also looking at and judging ME.
And then, l thought of the ultimate paradox…we are told that we should love and be proud of our bodies, no matter what size they are and what they look like. How is that even possible, given so much opinion to the contrary? Even as l wait to see my endocrinologist, my pride is challenged by the messages in her very office. Although she herself tells me not to concern myself with my weight! She says that l am doing well and my health is good.
Frankly, l’m tired of the whole conversation. l’m tired of being made to feel somehow inadequate. l’m tired of being seen as lazy, or unmotivated. l’m tired of comparing myself to others. l’m tired of the labels. l’m tired of trying to explain the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and how my pancreas simply does not work, and my having diabetes is not a result of my poor eating habits. l’m tired of women judging other women. l’m tired of men asking me what l think about women judging other women. And then here comes Jillian Michaels. Why should l care what she says about Lizzo? Why should Lizzo care? Who are these people, anyway? (l literally did not know who either of them was until l was asked to write this.)
Well, they’re the same people who are sitting in my doctor’s waiting room, and working in my doctor’s office, and standing in line next to me in the supermarket, looking in my cart to see if l’m buying “fattening” foods. These people are everywhere and guess what? They have a right to think whatever they choose to think. But can we please stop making it a big deal? Believe what you want. Do what you think is best for you. Make your decisions based on your trusted sources. As the Oxford dictionary says, take pride in your appearance. Your hair, your skin, your clothes. l think the only way to combat this sort of conversation is to stop having it.
Am l proud of myself? Yes. l have had diabetes for well over half of my life. And no complications. l worked over 40 years, until l reached retirement age, and never took a leave because of illness. I earned a master’s degree summa cum laude, while working full time and caring for 3 elderly relatives. l live in a beautiful new home, drive a sexy convertible, and maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Plus, l have a part-time counseling practice that provides extra income, and hopefully helps people improve their coping skills. Am l proud of me? Hell yes. And l have learned to live by an important concept: what you think of me is none of my business. You’re entitled to your opinion, but it does not concern me one bit. Nor does it require a response. Are you listening Jillian?
Lorraine Brooks wrote this blog post. She shares her poetry on Divabetic’s monthly podcast, Diabetes Late Nite. Lorraine Brooks takes an earthy, often wildly comic and unembarrassed look at life’s frailties; from natural disasters to lusty encounters in her book, Riding the Wave. Her words denote a simple bravery of style.
We’re talking about how to minimize the drama in our diabetes lives with music from the ultimate diva, Maria Callas on January’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
Maria Callas changed the way we listen to opera—and charged the ambition of the singers who followed her. Her ability to interpret a wide variety of different roles truly set her apart, establishing her as a phenomenon, an operatic diva. She was able to fully exploit the dramatic strength of her low vocal range as much as the high and bright notes of her high range.
Opera takes any type of dramatic story and tries to make it more exciting and more believable with the help of music. Symptoms and situations related to diabetes are often dramatic and come on very suddenly. But how do you react to them? Are you ‘drama queen’?
If there’s drama in multiple areas of your diabetes life, be honest with yourself—you’re the constant. Are you creating it? We don’t do anything repeatedly unless there’s something in it for us, so, what’s the payoff?
Every time we find ourselves immersed in something that seems overwhelming, we have an opportunity to learn how to deal with challenges better.
Guests include Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport PhD, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Lorraine Brooks, American Heart and American Diabetes Association’s Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador Rob Taub, Yoga for Diabetes Author and Director Rachel Zinman and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN,CDE.
We’re talking about how to curb tendencies to be a DRAMA QUEEN on tonight’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Maria Callas.
Maria Callas, the soprano whose intensely dramatic portrayals made her the most exciting opera singer of her time. Her ability to interpret a wide variety of different roles truly set her apart, establishing her as an operatic diva.
Symptoms and situations related to type 1 and type 2 diabetes are often dramatic and come on very suddenly.
But how do you react to them? Are you a ‘Drama Queen’? Every time we find ourselves immersed in something that seems overwhelming, we have an opportunity to learn how to deal with challenges better.
Guests include: Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport PhD, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Lorraine Brooks, American Heart and American Diabetes Association’s Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador Rob Taub, Yoga for Diabetes Author and Director Rachel Zinman and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN,CDE.
Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Grandiose Stimmen: Maria Callas, an album by Maria Callas courtesy of SONY Music.
it’s hard in a world where looks are a prize to value yourself if you’re not the right size. For chubby young girls it’s especially true And lots of the other kids will bully you.
If Mom calls you “Dumplin’”, and you hate that name, It may be a reason you’re feeling ashamed. Some people will tell you that you look OK, But deep down inside there’s a price that you pay.
It’s sadness and lonely, and unworthiness That causes you pain and gives you distress. It’s being alone when the girls are all dating And feeling ashamed because boys aren’t relating.
It’s trying to smile when you don’t feel alright. It’s waiting for phone calls on Saturday night. It’s hoping you’ll get all the cute boys’ attention, But hearing the ridicule and condescension.
It’s when you decide for yourSELF that you’re fine, That you can begin to turn water to wine. It’s when YOU feel comfortable in your own skin That you can begin on your journey to win.
No, it’s not easy, to want to conform
Or made to believe that you’re outside the norm.
But if you’re like Dumplin’, you’ll rise to your best
And you will decide you will not be suppressed.
Everyone’s different and all are worthwhile
And all of us have individual style.
So get out on that runway and strut all your stuff
Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not enough!
Skinny or chubby, plump or obese,
Accept what you’re given – that’s where you find peace.
are you sure that it’s ok
to eat that Chinese food?
Yes, it is, and I can say
I think you’re being rude.
I do not want to be observed
With everything I eat.
The food that I prepared and served
Is savory, and sweet.
What you don’t see is how I count
My carbs, my fats, my fruit.
To,make sure that the right amount
Is what I did compute.
So please believe that I do know
Exactly what I’m doing
And even if it doesn’t show
I’m sure what I’m pursuing.
If you see some onion rings
Or maybe eggs and bacon
Trust that I’m aware of things
And that I’m not mistaken.
Sometimes I eat pasta too
And pizza topped with cheese.
I do not need advice from you
So do not give it, please.
We people who have diabetes
Eat all kinds of food.
From oatmeal, grits and even Wheaties
And chicken, barbequed.
It’s ok to ask a question
To better comprehend.
But remember it’s just your impression.
And I do not have to defend.
So you eat yours, And I’ll eat mine
And we’ll enjoy our dinners.
Just realize where to draw the line,
And we’ll all come out winners!
LISTEN: Poet Lorraine Brooks reads ‘Don’t Hate My Plate’ on July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Patti Austin. We’re celebrating our 8th Year Podcasting Anniversary talking about ‘I Know What You ATE Last Summer’ with Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.Throughout this podcast we will be featuring songs from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music.
What words do you bring to the table? Fine Artist Susan McCaslin’s Plate Poetry Project will be on display at Mosaic Central Farm Market on Sunday, September 16, 2018 as part of Divabetic’s Collar Greens Wellness Day & Dog Parade outreach program.
Je ne regrette rien by Lorraine Brooks
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 its 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 NOW: Poet Lorraine Brooks reads her poem, ‘Je ne regrette rien’ on June’s Diabetes Late Nite. We’re talking about having ‘NO REGRETS’ with musical inspiration from Edith Piaf.
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 plays 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. For the things we regret doing, if we look carefully enough, we will see that they hold a lesson and if we learn from our regrets then the regret has served us well.
Born in Paris in 1915, Edith Piaf become 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. But Piaf’s ability to sing from the heart, as very few can, soon 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 the 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, CDE, Best-Selling Author and Weight Loss Expert, 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
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 AM Healthy Food Tourof 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 Tourof 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 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 Festfeaturing 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.
Sometimes I’m angry, sometimes I’m sad,
Sometimes I cry at the day that I’ve had.
Often I’m happy, but sometimes I’m not,
Sometimes I fear the disease that I’ve got.
Sometimes I need to eat, sometimes I don’t.
Sometimes my meds will work, sometimes they won’t.
Sometimes my mood is good, happy and gay,
Sometimes it’s hard just to get through the day.
It’s hard to explain, and I don’t have a clue
As to why at some times I behave as I do.
But trust me, I’m trying…I’m doing my best
But this disease just doesn’t give you a rest.
So try to be gentle and do understand,
That I’m just trying to play all,the cards in my hand.
To manage is crucial, and I need support
With planning, and cooking, and things of that sort.
Help me to live with this, and watch what I do,
And know that I because you’re my mate, I need you.
We’re both on this journey, we travel this road
And we”ll both appreciate the seeds that we’ve sowed.
Parttners in everything, shoulders to lean,
All for each other, and no in-between.
That’s what I want and I know you’ll exceed
In giving me all the support that I need!
LISTENto Lorraine Brooks read her poem, ‘Live With Me, Love With Me’ on February’s Diabetes Late Nitepodcast featuring music from Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s ‘Rest Of Our Lives’ album courtesy of SONY Music. ‘Rest Of Our Lives’ is described as a cozy, inoffensive depiction of an American marriage, with tender ballads and handsome up-tempo numbers preaching the gospel of devotion by Mikael Wood for the Los Angeles Times. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jaye O’Grey, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and Mama Rose Marie.
