Are you contemplating a manicure but have concerns about the health implications of diabetes? It’s completely understandable, and there are ways to enjoy your pampering safely.
First and foremost, a conversation with your healthcare team can provide peace of mind. Discussing any specific health concerns, particularly conditions like neuropathy, is essential. If you have any open wounds, it’s wise to postpone your visit until you’re fully healed to avoid complications.
Consider a quick foot check with a podiatrist beforehand; it’s a simple step that can ensure you’re ready for a day of relaxation.
When you arrive at the salon, bringing your own tools—a pumice stone, nail polish, and other essentials—can add an extra layer of reassurance. Just remember to clean them at home before your appointment to maintain hygiene.
Also, when settling in for a soothing foot soak, always test the water temperature with your hand first. It’s a small but significant step to ensure your comfort—after all, we want the experience to be just right!
Ultimately, you deserve this moment of relaxation and care. Enjoy your time and take pride in treating yourself!
According to the Los Angeles Times, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo misrepresent the environmental impact of their plastic bottles.
I used art, creating my Halloween displays with single-use plastic, to draw attention to the alarming prevalence of single-use plastics in our lives.
The two companies are among the world’s top plastic polluters. Currently, just 9% of the world’s plastics are recycled. The rest are incinerated and set to landfills or in rivers and oceans. Experts say that almost 3.5 billion bottles are left unaccounted for and can only be recycled once or twice.
One of the other major concerns related to the abundance of single-use plastics is our health. The tiny particles in plastics known as microplastics have been detected in every ecosystem on the planet. Microplastics have been found in the brain, heart, lungs, blood, and semen. Microplastics have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes because they contain additives that act as endocrine disruptors (EDCs), which can alter the body’s hormone system and impair glucose homeostasis.
Collecting my single-use plastics, including water bottles, take-out food containers, cups, straws, and food packages over two months, really opened my eyes to the staggering amount of trash I contribute to the environmental crisis.
My single-use plastic swamp comprises plastic bottles and cardboard packaging that I painted to resemble foliage.
Everything used to make my displays, except the wigs and crowns, is made from recycled materials – water bottles, pizza boxes, FedEx boxes, damaged comic books, broken lamp shades, paper towels, toilet paper rolls, New York Times newspapers, bubble wrap, coffee cans, lids, and packing foam.
If you’re concerned about the abundance of single-use plastics and their harmful effects, focus on reducing or replacing one plastic item at a time, like your daily iced coffee container. You can also bring your reusable water bottle, coffee mug, and utensils when you go out.
Avoid buying new clothing, especially polyester, which is spun from plastic. Instead, look for secondhand options or natural fibers like cotton, wool, rayon, or silk.
Plastic containers can be reused for years, but don’t use them for hot foods or liquids, and don’t microwave them.
Please do some research to learn more about the harmful effects of single-use plastics.
I was thrilled to be interviewed by Richard Marzetti on his Soul Life show on the UK radio station Solar Radio. Richard’s show features an uplifting selection of the newest and contemporary soul releases, classics, and modern goodies.
I discussed my experience working for Luther Vandross. Thirty years ago, Luther changed my life when he relocated me from San Francisco to New York to become his full-time assistant. I was a big Luther fan before I started working for him, and I became an even bigger fan while working alongside him.
After Luther had a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, I became his caregiver. During that time, I began my work as a diabetes advocate, which led to the creation of Divabetic, the national diabetes organization. Through live programs, videos, podcasts, and Zoom programs, I aim to empower women and their loved ones to stay upbeat about their diabetes care and create an ‘entourage of care’ of friends, family members, and healthcare collaborators to help them stay on track with their self-care management.
Luther Vandross was an incredible entertainer with an exceptional eye for detail. Luther invested in his live shows to create memorable experiences for his fans.
From his beautifully designed, crystal-encrusted costumes and Art Deco-style stages to evocative lighting and elegant choreography, Luther, his band, and his vocalists took audiences on an emotional journey with his music.
Can you complete our Divabetic Mystery Phrase below?
Why Set Goals?
Setting goals gives you long-term vision and short-term motivation . It helps you to organize your time and your resources so that you can make the most of your diabetes life.
How to Set a Goal
Most experts advise to set S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound) goals that motivate you and write them down to make them feel tangible. Then plan the steps you must take to realize your goal, and cross off each one as you work through them.
Specific: Ask yourself what you want to accomplish, how long it will take, and if the goal is ongoing.
Measurable: Decide how you’ll measure the goal. Maybe you’ll have a cholesterol blood test, an A1c test, or go by your weight.
Achievable: Be sure the goal is achievable. Brainstorm ways to track your progress.
Realistic: Unrealistic goals set you up for failure. Keep your goals sensible, and consider setting smaller goals along the way to help you reach the finish line.
Timed: Create a realistic timeline to reach your goals. Long-term goals take time, but if they take too long, you may lose motivation.
Goal setting is a powerful process for thinking about your diabetes wellness, and for motivating yourself to turn your vision of this future into reality.
Starting to Set Personal Goals
The American Diabetes Associationrecommends to start by setting a few smaller goals at a time and don’t try to do it all at once. It takes time to build new habits and break old ones. Here are some examples of goals that include these three elements:
Eating goal: Four days each week (How Often) I will eat an apple instead of ice cream as my evening snack (Realistic and Specific).
Physical activity goal: Five days each week (How Often) I will take a 30 minute walk during my lunch hour since I don’t really need the whole hour to eat (Realistic and Specific).
Goals like“I will eat healthier.” and “I’ll move more.” are not specific enough.
Join us for Divabetic’s Free Virtual Outreach Event
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
