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.
We’re talking about the symptoms, causes and prevention for stroke with musical inspiration from Angela Bofill. 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 a stroke in 2006 and was paralyzed on her left side. She suffered a second stroke in July 2007 which required therapy and left both her speech and mobility impaired. One thing the strokes couldn’t take was Bofill’s 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 sang her hit songs.
Podcast guests include Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Patricia Addie-Gentle, and Rose Hall from Tessie’s Teas.
Throughout the podcast we will featuring music from Angela Bofill’s first two albums, Angie and Angel In the Nightcourtesy of SONY Music.
Divabetic’s 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.
Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org
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!
Learn how to become your own ‘Diabetes Bodyguard’ ! Our team of experts share ways to safeguard you and your family from experiencing diabetes health-related complications including
Heart disease and stroke: People with diabetes are two times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke as people without diabetes
Kidney disease: High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys and cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) pdf icon[PDF – 1.08 MB]. If not treated, CKD can lead to kidney failure. A person with kidney failure needs regular dialysis (a treatment that filters the blood) or a kidney transplant to survive. About 1 in 3 adults with diabetes has CKD. You won’t know if you have CKD unless your doctor tests you for it.
Nerve damage (neuropathy): One of the most common diabetes complications, nerve damage can cause numbness and pain. Nerve damage most often affects the feet and legs but can also affect your digestion, blood vessels, and heart.
Amputations: Diabetes-related damage to blood vessels and nerves, especially in the feet, can lead to serious, hard-to-treat infections. Amputation can be necessary to stop the spread of infection.
And more:
Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and increased blood sugar, making diabetes harder to manage. Gum disease can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes increases the risk of depression, and that risk grows as more diabetes-related health problems develop.
Diabetes health-related omplications usually develop over a long time without any symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to make and keep doctor and dentist appointments even if you feel fine. Early treatment can help prevent or delay diabetes-related health conditions and improve your overall health.
Guests include Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Constance Brown Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Mindy Bartleson, T1D, blogger at “There’s More to the Story”, and author, Hairstylist & Salon Owner, Karline Ricketts, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’.
Enjoy an exclusive first listen of “Whitney Houston – I Wish You Love: More From ‘The Bodyguard’” ahead of the album’s release date courtesy of SONY Music. This 25th anniversary of “The Bodyguard” soundtrack album features the hit song, “I’m Every Woman” echoing the recent statistics that 1 in 10 women are now living with 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
Divabetic’s first Annual Luther Vandross Tribute from April 2011. Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who worked for Luther Vandross for more than 14 years, hosts this special hour-long birthday tribute to the late Grammy Award-winning legend. Guests include friends, family and colleagues who remember the moments, the music, the man and the motivation to ensure that no one has to struggle with diabetes alone or in silence.
Luther suffered a stroke related to mismanagment of type 2 diabetes in 2003. He died in 2005.
What happened to Luther is not unique. In general, people with diabetes are 1.5 times more likely to have a stroke than people without diabetes.
Stroke is a condition in which blood vessels in the brain are damaged. Strokes are characterized by a number of factors, including the size of the damaged blood vessel, where in the brain blood vessels have been damaged, and what event actually caused the damage.
Let Luther’s voice inspire you to take a look at the medical and lifestyle risk factors and ask yourself what you can do to help reduce your risk of stroke.
“Our first podcast sounds like a crazy party line,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “Everyone’s talking over each other, sharing their favorite Luther memories and celebrating our collective history.”
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke is a crucial first step to getting someone help before it’s too late reports Healthline. In an effort to help people remember how to recognize a stroke, the American Stroke Association endorses the mnemonic FAST, which stands for:
Other symptoms that can signal a stroke include sudden:
https://youtu.be/Gu2JBMNBbKo
Celebrate ELEGANCE in Music, Love & Health with our Spotify playlist featuring the greatest Quiet Storm songs. Be inspired to learn more about the health and wellness issues affecting many of these vocalists and musicians to keep the music alive for future generations. Quiet Storm Fans on FB.
July’s Divabetic Inspiration, Ms. Patti LaBelle performs tonight on A Capitol Fourth on PBS and NPR, July 4 at 8 PM. EST. TUNE IN
It seems only fitting on the 4th of July to reflect back to the time when Patti LaBelle’s electric persona sparked my desire to become a diabetes advocate.
Yes, it’s true the world’s most famous ‘Divabetic’, Patti LaBelle inspired me to coin the phrase ‘Divabetic’ in 2003. During a Luther Tribute concert at Madison Square Garden she stopped singing and admitted to the sold-out audience that she was living with type 2 diabetes.
Ms. Patti LaBelle said, “I have diabetes, it doesn’t have me.’ and I thought to myself as I looked up at her on stage, ‘she’s a DIVA, not a diabetic’.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It’s always been inside of you, you, you
And now it’s time to let it through
Seconds later, I realized that the ‘V’ in ‘Divabetic’ was a subtle reference to my boss, Luther Vandross’s last name. These initial thoughts are what pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and pursue diabetes advocacy. Shortly thereafter, I started making ‘Divabetic’ t-shirts as a one-time diabetes fundraising effort. My t-shirts had ‘Divabetic written on the front and ‘Sugar’s The Bitch. Not Me.’ written on the back.
I personally gave Patti LaBelle one of my first Divabetic t-shirts and told her that she inspired me to coin the phrase ‘Divabetic’. We were both visiting Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross at her home in Philadelphia, PA. I told her how much I appreciated what she said up on stage and mentioned that I wished Luther could have been as open and forthright about his diabetes as she is.
Of course, I’ll never really know what would have happened if Luther had adopted Patti LaBelle’s attitude. Could he have avoided a major health crisis? All I know is that I wouldn’t have felt as helpless as I did when I found him on the floor of his home after he suffered a debilitating stroke.
Since the day I presented Patti LaBelle with a Divabetic t-shirt, she has happily proclaimed herself a ‘Divabetic’ on TV and radio and in magazine interviews. She has helped me to show women living with, at risk, affected by diabetes that they are NOT alone.
https://youtu.be/kxCcTfAkaE0
Let Ms. Patti LaBelle inspire you to create your very own entourage of healthcare professionals to live with diabetes like a diva!
According to the American Diabetes Association, your diabetes wellness healthcare team should include: your primary doctor, endocrinologists, registered dietitian (RD), certified diabetes educators (CDE), eye doctor, podiatrist, dentist, therapist, and loving, caring friends, family and co-workers.
You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July
My journey may seem ‘glamorous’ but the truth is that diabetes devastated my life and my dream. It silenced Luther Vandross’ beautiful voice. I encourage you to make time and ‘keep your house a home’ by learning to prevent a diabetes health-related complication such as stroke from occurring.
We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 10th Year Podcast Anniversary with music from the world’s most famous “Divabetic”– Ms.Patti LaBelle. She has inspired us to adopt and promote a ‘NEW ATTITUDE’ about living with diabetes!
Thank you to our loyal listeners for sharing your stories, questions, concerns, and successes with us over the past decade. Our aim has been and continues to be to broaden the appeal of diabetes education with music, beauty/style, games, real-life stories, cozy mysteries radio dramas, and laughter.
10th Year Anniversary Podcast guests include: Patricia Addie-Gentle, RN, CDE, Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Andrea Chisholm OB-GYN, Luther McRae, Mama Rose Marie, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller, Terri Seidman and special guests.
One lucky listner in our random drawing will win aDario Blood Glucose Meterstarter kit. This all-in-one pocket-sized device can track blood sugar fluctuations and trends and identify hyper/hypoglycemic episodes right from your smartphone, providing readings within as little as 6 seconds. It’s scientifically proven, HIPPA compliant, and includes Dario Coaches to offer support and motivation to help manage your diabetes.
We’d like to acknowledge everyone who has taken measures to protect our Divabetic community members living with diabetes and their loved ones by wearing cloth face coverings and social distancing.
DJ Louie Vega is hosting a Special Luther Vandross Tribute on tomorrow’s Lockdown Session (virtual Dance party) featuring Luther’s friends, musicians and singers, and FANDROSS family sharing their favorite Luther memories on Wednesday, July 1, 2020.
This is a great opportunity to take a break, get on your feet and dance to some wonderful music.
For me, Max ‘Mr. Divabetic‘ Szadek, this virtual dance party will be an opportunity to reflect on the time I spent working for Luther as well as the past 15 years of I’ve spent working as a diabetes advocate. I will always regret that I didn’t know more about diabetes and diabetes self-care while I was working for him. My regret, anger, and sadness motivate me everyday to wake up and get to work to serve you as a member of your diabetes wellness entourage.
Luther Vandross was the ultimate entertainer, a generous boss and a kind-hearted friend who in life and death made me a better person. Since his passing in 2005, I have dedicated my life to raising awareness for diabetes and diabetes health-related complications such as stroke. I strive to create diabetes programs, podcasts and videos that inform, inspire and entertain. I seek out friendly diabetes educators, stylists, healthcare professionals, therapists, fitness experts, makeup artists, musicians, chefs, actors, authors, poets and more to lift your spirits and provide expert advice on the topics that matter the most to you, even the embarrassing ones,: like mental and sexual health.
https://youtu.be/Gu2JBMNBbKo
I’d like to encourage fellow listeners to ‘keep their house a home’ by asking their loved ones, friends, co-workers and bosses (!) to get checked for diabetes.
Share my story (I showed up to work to find my boss laying on the floor after suffering a debilitating stroke. “This could have been avoided” were the first words that the doctor in the emergency room told me after we arrived. Then, tell them that many of the symptoms of diabetes can be subtle. Maybe you’re thirstier or more hungry than usual. Perhaps you’ve noticed patches of darker skin in your armpits, elbows, knees, groin, or on your neck. Or you can’t figure out why you’re more tired than usual. All these symptoms can be caused by type 2 diabetes. If you are living with type 1, type 2, prediabetes and/or gestational diabetes, please take the necessary steps to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring. After all, well managed diabetes is the leading cause of NOTHING but mismanaged diabetes can lead to stroke, blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage and heart disease. Trust me, I know. I also know it takes a team effort of friends, family members, co-workers and healthcare professionals to help you stay upbeat, proactive and motivated to cope with the day-to-day challenges of living well with diabetes. We’re here to help!
Diabetes is also an invisible disease that puts a lot of fabulous people at high risk for COVID-19. Wearing a mask helps to keep my house a home ( all of the members of the diabetes community (divabetic.org) that I serve) safe and well Join us for Louie Vega’s Luther Vandross Tribute on Lockdown Sessions click here
Enjoy this look back at my trip to New York City’s Pride March to raise awareness for diabetes in a fun, new way!
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Outreach Party best-selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST. REGISTER NOW
We’re celebrating R & B legend, Luther Vandross on his birthday weekend. Luther suffered a severe stroke linked to diabetes and hypertension on April 16, 2003. He was in a coma for nearly two months before relocating to a rehabilitation center at the JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey.
Divabetic shines the spotlight on Luther Vandross with its annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcasts to celebrate his musical accomplishments as well as raise awareness for the link between diabetes and stroke. Keep your ‘house a home’ and learn how to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring.
Luther Vandross
We’re honored to celebrate our friend and mentor, Luther Vandross and his musical legacy as well as raise awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as stroke) on Divabetic’s annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.
In the years since Luther’s passing, one constant has remained to define his life and musical success: the voice. Like any great singer of the past 100 years, Luther Vandross’ voice and distinct singing style led to not only monumental success, but an instant recognition when you hear him singing–through your stereo, car radio, on TV or in a movie. Coupled with that voice was Luther’s unique ability to write and sing about love and the shared emotions we all feel in that search for and enjoyment of love. Through his songs, for the last two generations Luther Vandross became a staple in the most joyous moments of people’s lives.
Divabetic’s 2017 Luther Vandross Tribute podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Luther percussionist Steve Kroon, Luther vocalists Tawatha Agee and Pat Lacy, Luther historian Leon Petrossian, members of ‘The Luther Re-Lives Experience’, family members, friends and superfans.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from the album entitled ‘Luther Vandross’ courtesy of SONY Music.
Nat Adderley Jr., Luther Vandross’s music director, co-writer, producer and arranger joins us for Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Podcast on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, 6:30 – 8 PM, EST.
Nat Adderley Jr. wrote (and arranged) Luther’s first top 20 pop hit, “Stop to Love”, as well as “Wait for Love” and the Grammy-nominated “Give me the Reason”.
He also arranged many of Luther’s most popular records, including “Superstar”, “Here and Now”, “If Only for One Night”, “Creepin”, “If This World Were Mine”, “So Amazing”, “There’s Nothing Better Than Love”, “Never Too Much” , and “Love Won’t Let Me Wait”. Additionally, Nat produced tracks on the last seven Vandross studio albums. These include “My Favorite Things”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Going Out of My Head”, “Knocks Me Off My Feet”, and “The Closer I Get To You”, a duet with Beyonce Knowles. That track is featured on Beyonce’s grammy-winning Dangerously in Love (best contemporary R&B album), on Luther’s grammy-winning Dance With My Father (best R&B album), and the track won the Grammy in 2004 for best R&B performance by a duo or group. In 2003, Nat produced Luther’s Live 2003 at Radio City Music Hall. Nat was Luther’s musical director from 1981 until his death.
We’re celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as vision loss) on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast on Tuesday, March 10, 6:30 – 8 PM, EST.
Diabetic eye disease, caused by diabetes, is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss. Because of the high risk for eye disease, all people with type 2 diabetes should receive an annual dilated eye exam.
A 2019 Vision Source study of 1,000 U.S. consumers found that more than 50% had issues with their vision in the past year, and 34% did not go for a professional eye exam. The major barriers to having an annual eye exam included not thinking they needed one (33%), unsure of where to go (25%), lack of insurance, (22%) and expense (22%).
Comprehensive eye exams are key to overall wellness and preserving a high quality of life. In addition to evaluating vision, annual eye exams can detect serious health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, and even cancer.
Guests include Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr., Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, ‘The Night I Fell In Love’ courtesy of SONY Music.
Join fellow Luther Vandross fans, friends, musical peers for an evening of music, memories, and magic at the third annual FANDROSS concert on Sunday, April 19 at Joe’s Pub in New York, NY.
Sex and Diabetes: For Him and For Herco-author Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND answers our questions about intimacy and diabetes on February’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, 6 PM, EST. TUNE IN
Romantic relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. When diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate and strain even the most loving and open relationships. If you have diabetes, you may be looking for guidance on this sensitive subject – Janis Roszler and Donna Rice’s Sex and Diabetes is here to give help and advice where you need it. Don’t let diabetes hinder the romance; Sex and Diabetes can help you discover how to rekindle the intimacy with your partner.
We’re talking about ‘ROMANCE & DIABETES’ on Diabetes Late Nite with musical inspiration from Camila Cabello on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, 6 PM, EST.
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.</p>
After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure himself, Rob Taub, 63, changed his lifestyle and lost more than 60 pounds with encouragement from his doctor. Rob shares how important the right doctor is in motivating you to face your diabetes challenges head on on January’s Diabetes Late Nite.
Rob Taub is a national volunteer ambassador for Know Diabetes by Heart, a collaboration with the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association to raise awareness between the link between type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke and empower people living with diabetes to reduce their risk. Rob has enjoyed an eclectic career television, radio, journalism and real estate. He has interviewed everyone from pop stars to presidents and has written for People Magazine, Newsmax, SI/Cauldron, The Huffington Post and Thrive Global. Rob’s work has encompassed everything from scripted comedies to World Wrestling Entertainment, and his distinctive voice can be heard in commercials and movies, including the Coen Brothers Miller’s Crossing and Barton Fink. He is known for playing the role of weatherman Russell Carlton on The Onion News Network and has made more than 300 appearances as a political and sports pundit on television. Follow him on Twitter @robmtaub or at www.RobTaub.com.
We’re talking about how to minimize DRAMA in our DIABETES LIVES with music from the ultimate diva, Maria Callas on January’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
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 you find ourselves immersed in something that seems overwhelming, you have an opportunity to learn how to deal with challenges better.
Share my story (I showed up to work to find my boss laying on the floor after suffering a debilitating stroke. “This could have been avoided” were the first words that the doctor in the emergency room told me after we arrived. Then, tell them that many of the symptoms of diabetes can be subtle. Maybe you’re thirstier or more hungry than usual. Perhaps you’ve noticed patches of darker skin in your armpits, elbows, knees, groin, or on your neck. Or you can’t figure out why you’re more tired than usual. All these symptoms can be caused by type 2 diabetes. If you are living with type 1, type 2, prediabetes and/or gestational diabetes, please take the necessary steps to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring. After all, well managed diabetes is the leading cause of NOTHING but mismanaged diabetes can lead to stroke, blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage and heart disease. Trust me, I know. I also know it takes a team effort of friends, family members, co-workers and healthcare professionals to help you stay upbeat, proactive and motivated to cope with the day-to-day challenges of living well with diabetes. We’re here to help! 
