Tag: videos

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Imagine Yourself Riding in A Limousine, Not An Ambulance 

limousine

My journey as a diabetes advocate has been a rollercoaster of challenges and surprises, but I have to say, getting my moment in the spotlight in People magazine definitely gave me a turbo boost! Looking back at what we accomplished to make diabetes education feel less like a doctor’s visit and more like a party is nothing short of mind-blowing. My presentations at the Pittsburgh American Diabetes Expo? Absolutely spectacular!

Our superstar, Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes educator, Jessica Issler, RD, CDCES, was practically inundated with requests to join us at the American Diabetes Association’s Annual Expo in Pittsburgh. Seriously, it felt like I was getting a hundred messages, all screaming, “You absolutely HAVE to come!” Terri Seidman, our incredible Pittsburgh Program Director and a true type 1 diabetes warrior, caught wind of Divabetic and became our number one fan. I half expected her to show up with pom-poms—thankfully, we had plenty from our events!

After what felt like a high-stakes negotiation session (move over, peace treaties!), I finally agreed to host a Divabetic area at the ADA Expo. But I had one must-have: a white limousine prominently displayed in our section. Yes, you heard me right—a limousine!

I know what you’re thinking: “A limo for diabetes?” But here’s the deal: when most people think of diabetes, they picture an ambulance, and I wanted to change the narrative! I envisioned a glamorous ride symbolizing the fabulous life you can live with a little self-care.

I called upon my favorite designer, the fabulous Susan McCaslin, who created a sign that read, “With Proper Self-Care, You’re Not Just Riding in an Ambulance, You’re Cruisin’ in a Limo!” Talk about an attention-grabber!

Then the big day arrived, and I was all set for my diva-betic moment. But Terri hit me with the ultimate plot twist: she couldn’t get the white limousine. My heart sank faster than a lead balloon! I thought I was doomed. But just when I thought my dreams were crashing down, Terri led me to our Divabetic area and—ta-da!—there it was! A vintage white convertible, sparkling like it was ready to star in its own Hollywood film!

I was over the moon—who needs a limo when you’ve got a classic like this?

Now that’s what I call a diabetes makeover! Talk about elevating the game!

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Shooting Our First Full-Length Music Video

We’re shooting our first full-length video for an artist in two weeks. It’s a new storytelling challenge that I have created for myself.

To prepare for the shoot, I’ve been watching many music videos. I’m taking a page from Barbie film director Greta Gerwig’s book (she studies films for inspiration) and using iconic music videos for inspiration and a clear way to communicate ideas in lighting, setting, and tone. I’ve been sharing my mood board with videos with my collaborators to begin a dialogue for creating our masterpiece.

I’m gravitating towards videos with strong storylines and outdoor scenes since my storyboard features several outdoor scenes and has a storyline.

My storyboard has several outdoor scenes, so I’ve been watching Jill Scott’s “Long Walk” video. The neverending camera shots, the camera’s flow and movement, and how they frame Jill Scott are incredible.

Kylie Minogue’s “Come Into My World” is another wonderful video. There’s no way we are recreating any of these multiple images on our tiny budget, but I enjoy watching it. It’s an entertaining and inventive concept.

Luther Vandross’s “Take You Out” video is beautifully shot with warm tones. Director Marcus Raboy’s clear, straightforward storyline of a couple unfolds perfectly with the music tempo and lyrics. You understand the couple’s cute first and second meetings and how the relationship builds without dialogue. I also love all the B-roll shots. The director uses shots of close-ups, and reaction shots are sprinkled throughout the video to keep your eye interested.

It occurs to me that music videos are silent movies. You must tell the story through a series of scenes without words. This winter, I went to the Film Forum to see several silent films by Charlie Chaplin.

Here’s one of my favorite scenes from “The Gold Rush.” Research shows it was the longest and most expensive comedy film produced then. The film contains many of Charlie Chaplin’s most celebrated comedy sequences, including eating his boot and dancing the dinner rolls.

Greta Gerwig’s big screen makeover and the related marketing blitz are making us revisit and reevaluate Barbie’s impact on our lives, including our sex lives. After all, if Barbie and Ken are confused about what to do at sleepovers, you might be too, especially if you’re dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes. 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.

Podcast guests: 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.

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Divabetic Podcast Interview with Adam Rinn

I’m excited to interview Coney Island USA’s Artistic Director, Adam Rinn, today about the 42nd Annual Mermaid Parade on Saturday, June 22, 2024, on our Divabetic podcast. 

The Mermaid Parade, the nation’s largest art parade, brings together creative minds in art and fashion and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Brooklyn’s amusement district.

The Mermaid Parade originated to help preserve the tradition of Mardi-Gras-type events that were popular in Coney Island between 1903 and 1954.


Painter, performer, and sideshow historian Joe Coleman will be King Neptune and Queen Mermaid this year with his wife and muse, artist/photographer Whitney Ward. They will officially open the beaches for the beginning of summer and celebrate the sun, sand, sea, and salt air. 

In addition to talking to Adam about the history and spectacle of the Annual Mermaid Parade, we will share Summer diabetes care tips and advice with prominent healthcare collaborators on the podcast.


Adam is a Coney Island native who has worked as a sword swallower, strongman, and variety performer for the past 20 years, so this should be a fun interview!

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Don Lemon Lost His Father to Diabetes

Watching someone you love die slowly from mismanaged diabetes complications is difficult. They’re slowly robbed of their dignity and quality of life.
I know firsthand how difficult it is to watch someone suffer from a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. They’re slowly robbed of everything they took for granted – eyesight, kidney function, memory, and the use of their limbs.
I often tell myself that if I had known that mismanaged diabetes could cause something so destructive as a stroke, I would have done something to stop it. But could I?
Most people with diabetes face mountains of shame and blame regarding their condition. They don’t want anyone telling them what to do. Their narrowminded, stubborn attitude quickly leaves you shaking your head and waving a white flag to surrender. Then, you’re forced to witness the painful consequences of mismanaged diabetes.
Madonna famously sang in these lyrics; the road to hell is paved with good intentions in her song, 4 minutes. Is it true?
Many women in the Divabetic community admit their motivation for properly managing their diabetes is their grandchildren.

Broadcast journalist Don Lemon’s father’s early death due to mismanaged diabetes has made him rethink his life goals after his abrupt departure from CNN.

Speaking to reporters on the red carpet,  Don Lemon talked about the challenges he has faced in his life, noting the tragic death of his sister in 2018 and losing his father young from diabetes. “Listen, I didn’t lose my job. I lost my sister. A job is something that is not as important as a person,” Lemon said. “I know what’s important in life.”

A few years earlier, he posted on Instagram, “Dad died of diabetes when I was a kid. Glad I can help @JDRF spread awareness for type 1 diabetes (T1D) during #NDAM. Will u spread the word?”

His late father, Wilmon Richardson, was an attorney remembered for being part of a lawsuit that successfully challenged the segregation of public transportation in the family’s hometown of Baton Rouge.

Don was still a child when his father died due to mismanaged diabetes. Common diabetes health complications include heart disease, chronic kidney disease, nerve damage, and other problems with feet, oral health, vision, hearing, and mental health.

37.3 million people have diabetes (11.3% of the US population). Sadly, 8.5 million people with diabetes are undiagnosed. An estimated 96 million adults aged 18 years or older had prediabetes in 2019.

Don Lemon shared that his mother eventually married his late stepfather. He didn’t specify his name.

With a new father figure, Lemon also recalled having a good relationship with his stepfather. There was no lack of love and connection in his family, too.

 

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