Romance – Page 2 – Divabetic

03/05/202403/05/2024

Divabetic Salutes Millie Jackson

Millie Jackson is a bold, brash, and bawdy entertainer called “The Original Bad Girl” by Vibe Magazine. She is known for her unfiltered and explicit lyrical content. Her live performances are known for her storytelling and jokes woven into her songs.

‘I guess the reason I sing about certain thing is because I’m outspoken,” she said. “There are some things that have to be said, and it seems like I’m the only woman saying them right now. In fact, a lot of times, people don’t compare me with other female singers but with my male counterparts! I guess I ought to regard that as a compliment!”

This trailblazer for female recording artists has earned her fans from all backgrounds. It is also rumored that Bette Midler and Roseanne drew inspiration from Millie’s high-voltage approach to sex in their respective careers.

Although her music has been kept off radio playlists due to its gritty R&B style, Millie Jackson added a new dimension to her career by creating, financing, directing, and starring in a hit musical stage play based on her r “Young Man, Older Woman” song. During the play’s touring years, audiences discovered Millie Jackson was equally talented as an actress.

We love her song, “Love Is A Dangerous Game,” from her album, “An Imitation Of Love,” released in 1986.

At the height of the AIDS crisis, Millie Jackson would stop the music and urge her female fans to practice safe sex at her live shows. She would encourage them to buy and carry condoms rather than rely on their men to take the necessary precautions.

Throughout her career, Millie Jackson released 28 albums that sold 40 million copies, making her one of the most successful female artists of the 20th century. She is most well-known for her hit albums “Get It Out Cha System,” “Hard Times,” “A Moment’s Pleasure,” “Live and Uncensored,” “For Men Only,” “I Had To Say It,” “A Little Bit Country,” and “Live and Outrageous.”

Recently, she has been running her record label, Weird Wreckuds, and has released a single called “Butt-A-Cize” and an album entitled “Not For Church Folk!”

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. People with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more often than the general public. Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, the co-authors of Divabetic’s new e-book, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, available on Amazon, offer advice.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic explores issues of love, intimacy and diabetes on this one-hour podcast. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to sexual health complications including vaginal dryness, sensation and performance. Up to 50% of men and 25% of women may experience some sexual problem or a loss of sex drive.

Don’t equate sexual performance with love or a fulfilling relationship; focus on letting your partner know you care and want to give pleasure as part of your relationship.

Mr. Divabetic’s Guests include Best-Selling Author Lisa Eugene, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories (the makers of Wet Lubricants) and Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND (2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).

02/14/202402/14/2024

I Wrote A Love Song!: Standards

The moment you wake up on Valentine’s Day and realize you wrote a love song!!!

STANDARDS is my homage to many of the greatest female vocalists of all time, who sang with their hearts on the Quiet Storm. Many of these icons’ personal and professional journeys hit close to home to my friends, vocalists Crystal Blackman Wilson and Penny Wilson.

I sent them my lyrics sheet and a recording of myself singing the melody. Penni called me a few days later and said she loved the song, but my vocal skills needed some TLC. Thankfully, Penni and Crystal got to work. They tweaked a few lyrics (Penni came up with the hook, and Crystal came up with the melody). Then, my friend Ivan Hampden Jr. jumped on it and built the song. It was an amazing collaboration. I feel so fortunate to work with talented people I greatly admire. Crystal, Penni, and Ivan bring to life my personal reflections and set them to music. My friend and graphic designer George Corsillo (who designed multiple album covers for Luther Vandross) designed the artwork.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3B1Ash4Rhg7HcZzD3sx4tP?si=f503fb19b9e9409b

“The women mentioned in the song are legends to my sister and me,” says Penni Wilson. “We grew up listening to Sarah Vaughan and idolized Etta James and Dionne Warwick. They inspired us to sing in the first place.”

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. Divabetic’s e-book, “Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes,” Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES is available on Amazon. Get Your Copy Today!

“Sweet Romance” Co-Authors Janis Roszler and Donna Rice offer advice on discussing your diabetes diagnosis as well as issues related to intimacy, fertility, and menopause,

12/21/202212/21/2022

Divabetic Podcast Inspired by Ricochet

New York Times Best-Selling Author Cherry Adair’s brand new T-FLAC novella, RICOCHET, inspires Divabetic’s podcast celebrating National Diabetes Awareness month.

Cherry Adair’s books are just the right mixture of romance and suspense; whether you are reading one for the first time or the tenth, they will keep you hooked from the beginning.

Cherry writes five to seven hours a day, six days a week. When asked why she chooses to write romantic suspense, she says, “Who says you can’t have adventure and a great love life? Of course if you’re talking about an adventurous love life, that’s another thing altogether. Actually, I write romantic suspense with adventure because I like to entertain, and nothing keeps readers happier than a rapid pulse with a happy end.”

Her popular T-FLAC series features the trials and tribulations of an elite anti-terrorist task force. In Ricochet, one of the critical members of T-FLAC is living with type 1 diabetes.

Guests include Cherry Adair, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDCES, Emily Hiriak RD, CDCES, David Madison, Pam Harrod-Smith, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, 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.

.Ricochet T-FLAC 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. . . .When T-FLAC operative Grayson Burke and his team storm the yacht, the last person he expects to find is the woman he stood up at the altar three years ago. Now she’s in his deadly world…On the horns of a life and death dilemma when his brother and the diamonds disappear, Hannah suddenly becomes Gray’s only hope of locating his quarry and retrieving the stolen money. Low on her stock of insulin injections, Hannah’s inability to remain with Gray is rapidly advancing to a critical end. Now his entire world turns into a time bomb ticking away the minutes. Gray must choose between his brother, his mission, and the woman he loves.

12/07/2020

Ali Stroker Brings Disability Representation to Romantic Comedies

Tony winner actress, Ali Stroker stars in Lifetime’s Christmas Ever After, premiering December 6 at 8pm ET.

“I remember growing up and never seeing any women in wheelchairs portrayed on screen or stage,” she told Theatermania. “I knew I wanted to be a professional actress, so this has just become a part of my mission because there are so many different kinds of people represented. They’re the leads of these storylines, not just side characters; they’re the storyline, which is so refreshing and so exciting to me.

At the age of two, Ali Stroker was in a car accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed from the chest down. Unable to walk, she uses a wheelchair. She is the first actress who uses a wheelchair for mobility to appear on a Broadway stage

Ali Stroker stars as Izzi Simmons, a successful romance novelist who spends every Christmas at her favorite bed-and-breakfast. This year, she’s struggling with writer’s block and finds her groove with the help of the B&B owner. Like Meg Ryan and Julia Roberts before her, Stroker is more than ready to take on the rom-com genre and spread joy while doing it.

Many people living with diabetes may require a wheelchair for several different reasons. Diabetic sensory neuropathy often impairs lower limb position sensation. If vibration sensation is impaired, proprioception is usually impaired.

Severe painful neuropathy can also hamper walking.

Additionally people with diabetes are more likely to have muscle weakness or wasting (sarcopenia) than those without diabetes. Muscle infarction or infection occurs in diabetes, and surgical intervention saves limb or life, but may leave deformity or dysfunction.

We’re sharing our FAVORITE THINGS in diabetes wellness with musical inspiration from Gospel superstar, Yolanda Adams on this holiday edition of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nitepodcast.

This Grammy-winning Gospel/Adult Contemporary artist has one of the most persuasive and popular voices in music and works closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources to ensure that kids in low- income areas receive immunizations. Along with that nationwide program, she lends her energy and commitment to Houston charities such as juvenile diabetes and The Escape Center. ”I’m very involved with kids because after being a teacher for seven years, I just can’t stop loving the kids. I am a teacher forever.”

When Yolanda Adams was asked what she loves about her music and ministry she said, “the music brings joy. I truly believe that my songs bring the answers and the solutions, as opposed to just talking about the problems. My music at its core is joyful.”

Does Yolanda like Christmas music?

“I like to listen to Christmas music year-round. It puts a smile on your face, and then it gets you in a spirit heart-wise to give and be gracious,” she admitted.

December’s podcast guests include Dr. Bart Roep of City of Hope, Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, Hint Water‘s Anthony Fiorello, FAND ‘Know Diabetes By Heart’ Ambassador Christina Herrera, Elizabeth Gallagher, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Yolanda Adams’ album,“What A Wonderful Time” courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”

07/15/202007/15/2020

Heart Attack Signs for Women Are Like A Quiet Storm

Did you know that women are at a much higher risk to have a silent heart attack and be unaware that it’s happening or confuse it with something else?

The symptoms of a heart attack can come on like a quiet storm.

Studies have shown that women who have had a heart attack often did not experience chest pain — the most telling sign of a heart problem. Instead, women have a set of symptoms that come on slowly and progress gradually, including:

Unusual fatigue
Sleep disturbance
Flu-like discomfort
Paleness or clammy skin
Inability to sleep

Men are much more likely to experience the most common symptoms suddenly and with more severity. They can have cold sweats, dizziness or a feeling that they’re going to pass out.

Most fans we’re shocked to learn that Peabo Bryson suffered a mild heart attack last year. He credits his wife’s quick thinking and fast response for his his speedy recovery. In honor of this Quiet Storm icon we’re encourage you to learn the common warning signs of heart attack.

Memorize the common heart attack warning signs like the words to your favorite love song:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs. Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

If you can spot them early, you can limit the damage from the heart attack. Keep your house a home and learn the signs for heart attack, and remember: Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out.

Minutes matter. Fast action can save lives – maybe your own. Call 911 if you experience heart attack warning signs. Calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Learn more at heart.org

Join us for Quiet Storm Fans’ Peabo Bryson Listening Party with Leon Petrossian on Saturday, July 18, 8 – 10 PM. We will sharing heart health and heart attack information between Peabo Bryson’s most beloved songs.

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

02/11/202002/11/2020

INTIMATE ME Poem by Lorraine Brooks

INTIMATE ME by Lorraine Brooks

When I think of intimacy

I think of someone close to me

I think of things we hear and see

And sharing moments, light and free.

I think of talking out my dreams

Of waterfalls and quiet streams

Of how it is, and how it seems

Of all our plans and all our schemes.

But sometimes all I need is peace

All the noises stop and cease

A quiet touch and soul release

To listen to my own heartbeats.

A smile, a nod, a hopeful look

All spell intimate, in my book

That I’ll be OK, by hook or by crook

In spite of all the turns I took.

To be intimate is not defined

By circumstance or frame of mind

It’s everything we see, combined

The total of all humankind.

A compliment, a wink, a note

A birthday card, an anecdote

One friend who called, and one who wrote

All help me breathe and stay afloat.

So talk and hug and call and be

And share a cup of herbal tea

And burn some oils and potpourri

And you will get the intimate me.

Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Camila Cabello

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast Inspired by Camila Cabello focuses on ‘Romance & Diabetes’. Guests include ‘Intimacy & Diabetes’ Author Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, American Heart & American Diabetes Association’s Know Diabetes by Heart Ambassador Hyvelle Ferguson Davis, ‘My Sweet Blessing: Adventures In Diabetes’ Author Trisha Porretti RN, BSN, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, and Kathy Malleck.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Camila Cabello’s Romance album courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.

LISTEN NOW

02/01/202002/05/2020

Soccer Mom Shares How She’s Fighting Back after Diabetes led to Stroke, and Heart Attack on February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast

Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador Hyvelle Ferguson Davis shares her 14-year diabetes health journey which includes stroke, heart attack, surgeries and setbacks on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2020, 6 PM, EST on blogtalkradio. TUNE IN

Hyvelle was diagnosed with diabetes while pregnant with her son Ethan. The disease caught her totally off guard. “It was surreal to me,” she said. She wanted a healthy child, so diligently followed her doctor’s orders.

But not long after giving birth, she reverted to her old ways, “eating whatever I wanted to eat, thinking my meds would make up for what I ate,” she said. “I’d been checking my blood three times a day. But after having him, I didn’t. I ate anything and everything: chicken wings, red velvet cake. There was nothing I wasn’t eating.”

She kept thinking diabetes was an old person’s disease. Then, in 2014, she had a stroke. Every two minutes, an adult with diabetes in the U.S. is hospitalized for a stroke.

The American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association, along with industry leaders, have proudly launched the groundbreaking collaborative initiative Know Diabetes by Heart^™ to reduce cardiovascular deaths, heart attacks and strokes in people living with type 2 diabetes.

How To Minimize Your Heart Risk

Prepare for your visit. Ask questions. Write them down ahead of time if you need to.

Be honest. Have candid conversations about your daily habits and lifestyle. This will help you work with your healthcare team to implement changes that are realistic for you.

Take notes. Make note of consistent symptoms, questions about your medications, and any changes in your lifestyle. These can be helpful for your next check-up. Also, take notes during your clinic visits. This can help you remember things, particularly if there are changes in your care plan.

We’re talking about ‘ROMANCE & DIABETES’ on Diabetes Late Nite with musical inspiration from Camila Cabello on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, 6 PM, EST. TUNE IN

After releasing three studio albums from 2015 to 2017 as part of Fifth Harmony, Camila Cabello made her solo album debut in 2018, then this second album, Romance released in 2019 — and even she can feel the difference in the song-making process.

“I feel like this time around, I really got to bond with the people that I was collaborating with because I wasn’t trying to impress anyone anymore.”

Having diabetes affects much more than a person’s diet. It can impact every aspect of their life, including their sexual health.

When a person has diabetes, their body cannot use insulin properly, and this can lead to high blood sugar levels. Over time, these can lead to complications such as nerve damage and cardiovascular problems. Both have implications for sexual health in men and women.

Guests include ‘Sex & Diabetes’ Author Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Know Diabetes by Heart Ambassador Hyvelle Ferguson Davis, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Kathy Malleck, and Trisha Porretti RN, CDE.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Camila Cabello’s Romance album courtesy of SONY Music.

Tag: Romance