Lorraine Brooks shares her thoughts about her experience of living with diabetes on Divabetic’s popular podcast. It’s a splendid thing that makes our diabetes podcasts so unique. Occasionally, we challenge her to write about a specific topic. When we do, she always delights us with her prose. Our podcast focused on vision, which many of us take for granted. If you’re living with diabetes, make time for an annual exam to protect your eyes. Your vision is too important to take for granted, as it has an astonishing impact on your quality of life. To convey our message, we asked Lorraine to share a poem about taking things in life for granted.
I Woke Up This Morning by Lorraine Brooks
Iwokeup this morning, as always,
And while walking through my hallway,
I looked in the mirror, reflecting,
And thought, why am I so rejecting?
There’s food in my pantry and clothes on my back
And 2 cars in my garage.
I‘ve plenty of colleagues and friends; I don’t lack,
I‘m blessed with a fine entourage.
There’s heat in the winter and cool when it is hot,
There’s no way I‘m doubting the blessings I‘ve got.
So what if I need to count calories now,
I still can consume that dessert anyhow.
My kidneys are fine, and my eyesight’s okay,
And I can still sleep at the end of the day.
I have a few dollars, and I can have fun
And not have to justify it to anyone.
I make my decisions and live with my fears
And thankful for 65 wonderful years.
This life here on earth can be tragic enough
Without adding to it irrelevant stuff.
The gift is in living and doing our best.
And then letting go of all of the rest.
So have a good time and be of good cheer.
And you will enjoy the time you have here.
Positive vibes and a will to stand tall
And living won’t be any trouble at all.
Listen to Lorraine Brooks perform her poem, I Woke Up This Morning, on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast with musical inspiration from Maxwell.
Along with fellow musicians D’Angelo and Erykah Badu, Maxwell has been credited with helping to shape what has been termed the “neo-soul” movement that rose to prominence during the late 1990s. He scored a major hit and won awards for his song, Fortunate, featuring a message that aligns with our podcast theme.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is an accumulation of fluid in the macula-part of the retina that controls our most detailed vision abilities-due to leaking blood vessels. To develop DME, you must first have diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor. Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors. Blindness can occur.
Guests include singer Alfa Anderson, Diabetic Macular Edema patient Maryanne Kass, Artist Bryce Chisholm, Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks, and Mama Rose Marie. This podcast features songs from several of Maxwell’s albums courtesy of SONY Music.
The average woman takes 17 minutes to apply eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara and groom the eyebrows before going out for the night. If you spend that much time making your eyes look beautiful, why not spend a little extra finding out what’s happening inside them?
Make time for an annual eye exam. The macular edema and proliferative retinopathy treatments can prevent vision loss and even restore some of your lost vision.
Can You Reserve Diabetic Retinopathy?
You can’t reserve diabetic retinopathy. But we can reduce our risk of developing diabetic retinopathy or help stop it from worsening by keeping our blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels under tighter management.
Divabetic Tip
Create your healthcare entourage of healthcare collaborators who address your needs. Trying to manage all the aspects of diabetes can be overwhelming. If you’re not tech-savvy, it can be downright frustrating. It’s okay to ask for help. Managing diabetes means managing the health of the whole body. This is why you’ll want a diabetes care team with specialists from different fields.
These can include:
Primary Care Provider (PCP): This doctor (MD or DO), nurse practitioner (NP) or physician assistant (PA) gives you routine medical care, including physical exams, lab tests and prescriptions for medication.
Endocrinologist: This doctor (MD or DO) specializes in diabetes and other diseases of the endocrine system (the system that produces hormones such as insulin).
Ophthalmologist or Optometrist: This doctor (MD/DO or OD), also known as an eye doctor, diagnoses and treats eye diseases and disorders.
Podiatrist (DPM): This doctor, also known as a foot doctor, is trained to treat feet and lower leg problems.
Pharmacist (PharmD): This professional knows about medicines, what’s in them, and how they interact with each other.
Dentist (DMD or DDS): This doctor knows about oral care and is trained to care for your teeth and gums.
Registered Nurse/Nurse Navigator (RN): A nurse in your doctor’s office who helps coordinate your health care needs.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN): A dietitian is a nutrition expert (what food your particular body needs to stay healthy). Talking to a registered dietitian nutritionist, not your yoga instructor, will help you use what you eat and drink as tools for managing your blood glucose.
Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES): Previously known as Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs), these are health care providers with extensive training and experience working with people with diabetes who have passed a credentialed board exam. They can help you figure out how to manage what you need to do to manage your diabetes in a way that fits with your daily life, routines, environment, and family dynamics.
Mental Health Professional: This person may be a psychiatrist (MD or DO), psychologist (PhD) or clinical social worker (LCSW or LISW). These professionals can help you deal with the day-to-day challenges of living with diabetes and more serious emotional issues. Be sure to work with a mental health professional who understands diabetes and the medicine and insulin you take that may affect your blood glucose.
Fitness Professional: A physical activity specialist may be an exercise physiologist, personal trainer, or physical therapist. These professionals can help you find safe exercises and ensure you get the most out of your exercise program. Be sure to work with a fitness professional who understands diabetes and the medicine and insulin you are taking that may affect your blood glucose.
Choose diabetes care team members who can provide the level of support you want and help when needed. The more information you can give when you get help, the easier it is for someone to assist you.
On this episode of Divabetic’s podcast, we’re discussing diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor. Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors. Blindness can occur.
Podcast guests include singer Alfa Anderson, Diabetic Macular Edema patient Maryanne Kass, Artist Bryce Chisholm, Poet Lorraine Brooks, and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast, we will feature selected songs from several of Maxwell’s albums courtesy of SONY Music.
When you have diabetes, high blood sugars over time can lead to structural changes in the eye’s lens, accelerating the development of cataracts.
You may not notice cataracts since symptoms can be minor until clouding affects the center of the eye, then cataracts can progress rapidly. Other causes of cataracts:
Family history
Eye injury
Eye surgery
Repeated eye injections
Spending a lot of time in the sun without UV sunglasses
Using certain medications, such as corticosteroids
Know the Symptoms
Cloudy or blurry vision
Seeing double in one eye
Seeing halos around lights
Being extra sensitive to light and glare
Having trouble seeing well at night
Bright colors seem faded
How to Prevent Cataracts
Wear sunglasses with UV protection
Do not smoke—and if you currently do, quit!
Thankfully, cataract surgery can help reverse a cataract caused by diabetes. This short outpatient procedure involves removing and replacing a damaged lens with a healthy artificial lens.
We’re sharing ideas on lifestyle adjustments that can help you live your best life while managing your diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.
Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly. Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat? If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.
Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and MamaRose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.
The main themes of Divabetic’s diabetes mystery podcast Gypsies, Tramps & Peas are positive body image and summertime diabetes self-care tips.
Here’s a quick synopsis: Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic, finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fish. Was it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea?
Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his friends, some sassy mermaids, and a cooky fortune teller. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Tonya Kappes, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Seveda Williams, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, Mama Rose Marie, and Poet Lorraine Brooks help the fruit suit clad sleuth in this seaside adventure.
This year’s mystery podcast features music from the original cast recording of ‘Gypsy’ courtesy of SONY Music.
90+ People have already registered, how about you? Join us for Divabetic’s largest diabetes outreach of 2021.
Register now for our free, fun Virtual Baking Party with special guest, Stacey Harris aka “The Diabetic Pastry Chef”on Thursday, September 23, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.
Stacey plans to demonstrate one of her favorite sugar-free recipes, answers your questions, and provide tips for baking with popular sugar substitutes, and other sugar alternatives including Splenda.
After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Stacey Harris (The Diabetic Pastry Chef) taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbs you’d get from a traditional bakery item.
“I started experimenting by using almond milk or whole milk mixed with water to cut down on carbs, then tried different flours, incorporating white whole wheat flour, soy flour, oat flour, black bean flour, and other alternatives into my brownies, cakes, and cookies,” she said in a How 2 Type 2 article.
She adds, ”To cut back on sugar, I started using all-natural substitutes, like agave nectar, and trying erythritol. I also bake with a store-bought blend of sugars that tastes delicious.”
André “Doctor Dré” Brown appears on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast. Doctor Dré has been a vital part of hip-hop culture and a crucial catalyst for its global popularity since its inception. A former DJ for Beastie Boys and co-founder of 1980s rap group Original Concept, Doctor Dré co-hosted (alongside Ed Lover and Fab 5 Freddy) Yo! MTV Raps, the landmark program that introduced a generation of hip-hop fans to their favorite rappers and the culture. Doctor Dré developed Type 2 diabetes in 2007.
Since that time he has suffered a series of health setbacks including an amputated toe, charcot foot, and blindness. Far from sullen, though, the hip-hop pioneer remains optimistic while trying to stay diligent to a healthy lifestyle routine that reduces the severity of some of his ailments.
Divabetic® (divabetic.org) is a national nonprofit diabetes outreach organization committed to changing attitudes in people at risk, affected by and living with diabetes. We strive to encourage prevention, early action, and above all, education. Check out our free monthly podcasts (available on iTunes and BlogTalkRadio) and our free Zoom outreach programs.
Divabetic® was inspired by the late R & B legend, Luther Vandross, and created and founded by his long-time assistant, Max Szadek. Divabetic®, a combination of the word ‘diabetic’ with the letter ‘V’ inserted for Vandross, evokes feelings of power and the positive attitude associated with the great DIVAS Luther loved like Patti LaBelle.
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.
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 Lovecourtesy of SONY Music.
We’re thrilled to announce that the reigning Ms. Texas Plus U.S United, Andrea Sledge, has chosen Divabetic as her platform for this year’s pageant.
Andrea told us, “I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2011. My diagnosis was a complete surprise. I had attended a health fair at work, and they took my blood sugar, and the nurse immediately asked me to sit, asked me if I felt ok and then told me my blood sugar was 325.” She continues, “I had been seeing a doctor for regular physicals, but he never said a word to me even though I have a family history of diabetes. My maternal grandmother and both of my paternal grandparents suffered from diabetes.”
“Once I heard the words ‘you are diabetic,’ I was in denial! I went into a deep depression., I immediately thought of myself as less than. So I searched for an outlet that would help me get back to ME. I started competing in pageants and using diabetes and diabetes awareness as my platform. It made me so much stronger because then I took control of how it made me feel and the stigma surrounding diabetes. I wanted people to understand that being diabetic does not look nor define you as a person. You just have to do some things differently, but you can still be social. I did pretty well for several years until 2019 when I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy.”
Diabetic retinopathyis when high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can swell and leak. Or they can close, stopping blood from passing through. Sometimes abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina. All of these changes can steal your vision.
Diabetic retinopathy is best diagnosed with a comprehensive dilated eye exam. For this exam, drops placed in your eyes widen (dilate) your pupils to allow your doctor a better view inside your eyes. The drops can cause your close vision to blur until they wear off, several hours later.
During the exam, your eye doctor will look for abnormalities in the inside and outside parts of your eyes.
There are two main stages of diabetic eye disease.
NPDR (non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy)
This is the early stage of diabetic eye disease. Many people with diabetes have it.
With NPDR, tiny blood vessels leak, making the retina swell. When the macula swells, it is called macular edema. This is the most common reason why people with diabetes lose their vision.
Also with NPDR, blood vessels in the retina can close off. This is called macular ischemia. When that happens, blood cannot reach the macula. In addition, sometimes tiny particles called exudates can form in the retina. These can affect your vision too.
If you have NPDR, your vision will be blurry.
PDR (proliferative diabetic retinopathy)
PDR is the more advanced stage of diabetic eye disease. It happens when the retina starts growing new blood vessels. This is called neovascularization. You might see a few dark floaters. If they bleed a lot, it might block all vision.
These new blood vessels can form scar tissue. Scar tissue can cause problems with the macula or lead to a detached retina.
PDR is very serious and can steal both your central and peripheral (side) vision.
If you have proliferative diabetic retinopathy or macular edema, you’ll need prompt treatment. Depending on the specific problems with your retina, options might include: injecting medications into your eyes, photocoagulation, panretinal photocoagulation, and vitrectomy.
While treatment can slow or stop the progression of diabetic retinopathy, it’s not a cure. Future retinal damage and vision loss are still possible.
Even after treatment for diabetic retinopathy, you’ll need regular eye exams. At some point, you might need additional treatment.
“I was totally blind for about a year after my surgery. I have now lost my vision in my left eye, but I am still pressing on,” says Andrea. But, she adds, “I chose not to quit the pageant because I can inspire others to push past the curve balls life throws at us.”
The mission of the U.S. United Pageant is to promote health, fitness, and inner beauty among women and children of all ethnic groups while producing positive role models for the community; to develop women that will promote self-confidence, self-worth, moral, academic, and social support for our youth; and to publicly recognize women who have obtained personal, professional and community achievements.
“Following your organization, Divabetic, over the years has really helped me in so many ways,” says Andrea. “One thing I do that makes me feel better when I am feeling down is put on makeup!! I also practice meditation to keep myself centered. In addition, I believe mediation aids me in achieving better health. It helps me manage my blood pressure and stress which is no good for anyone, but surely not a diabetic.”
Regular eye care can have a life-changing impact on preserving your vision. Eye diseases are common and can go unnoticed for a long time and/or have no symptoms at first. A comprehensive dilated eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is necessary to find eye diseases in the early stages when treatment to prevent vision loss is most effective.
This August, we’re focusing on eye health, and vision loss related to diabetes with two leading doctors(an Optometrist and a Retina Specialist, and Surgeon)and two diabetes advocates, and musical inspiration from TLC.
Did you know August is Vision & Learning Month?
The goal of this national observance is to help increase awareness among parents and educators on the prevalence of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed vision problems.
Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. This is a growing problem as the number of people living with diabetes increases, so does the number of people with impaired vision. Diabetes can cause a disease of the eye called diabetic retinopathy (DR). In its early stages, you may not notice any symptoms or changes to your eyesight, and you cannot tell that this condition is damaging your eyes. If it is not detected and treated in a timely manner, your vision can be damaged permanently.
Among adults aged 45 and over with diagnosed diabetes, 9.2% had vision loss due to cataracts, 4.1% had vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy, 2.2% had vision loss due to macular degeneration, and 2.1% had vision loss due to glaucoma.
Guests include Sherrol Reynolds M.D. (Associate Professor and Chief of Advanced Ophthalmic Care at the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, President of the National Optometric Association (NOA)), Rishi Singh, M.D. (Retina Specialist and Staff Surgeon at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic), Andrea Sledge, Natalie Karabel,Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES. Hosted by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.
Throughout our podcast, we are featuring music from TLC’s CrazySexyCool albumcourtesy of SONY Music.
This August, we’re talking with two leading doctors(an Optometrist and a Retina Specialist, and Surgeon)and two diabetes advocates about eye health, and vision loss related to diabetes with musical inspiration from TLC.
Let this be a friendly reminder to get your eyes checked. Why? A routine, comprehensive eye exam can detect vision problems, eye disease, and general health problems before you are aware a problem exists.
Did you know that August is Vision & Learning Month? The goal of this national observance is to help increase awareness among parents and educators on the prevalence of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed vision problems.
Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. This is a growing problem as the number of people living with diabetes increases, so does the number of people with impaired vision. Diabetes can cause a disease of the eye called diabetic retinopathy (DR). In its early stages, you may not notice any symptoms or changes to your eyesight, and you cannot tell that this condition is damaging your eyes. If it is not detected and treated in a timely manner, your vision can be damaged permanently.
Diabetes can lead to swelling in the macula, which is called diabetic macular edema. Over time, this disease can destroy the sharp vision in this part of the eye, leading to partial vision loss or blindness. Macular edema usually develops in people who already have other signs of diabetic retinopathy.
Fortunately, diabetic retinopathy and macular edema can be treated and even prevented if caught early (which is why getting an annual dilated eye exam is so important for people who have diabetes).
Another eye problem that’s more common in people who have diabetes is dry eye. According to the National Eye Institute, dry eye is a condition in which the eye does not produce tears properly. It can also involve tears not having the right consistency or evaporating too quickly. Tears are necessary to help maintain moisture on the surface of the eye and for clear vision. In many cases the surface of the eye becomes inflamed; if not treated, pain, ulcers, scars, and possibly loss of some vision can occur. One study showed that people who have diabetes have a 50% chance of getting dry eye.
Among adults aged 45 and over with diagnosed diabetes, 9.2% had vision loss due to cataracts, 4.1% had vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy, 2.2% had vision loss due to macular degeneration, and 2.1% had vision loss due to glaucoma.
Guests include Sherrol Reynolds M.D. (Associate Professor and Chief of Advanced Ophthalmic Care at the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, President of the National Optometric Association (NOA)), Rishi Singh, M.D. (Retina Specialist and Staff Surgeon at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic), Andrea Sledge, Natalie Karabel, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES. Hosted by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.
Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcasts mix great music with diabetes information, health tips, real-life testimonials, and common sense advice to help you live well with diabetes
Throughout our podcast, we are featuring music from TLC’s CrazySexyCool album courtesy of SONY Music. CrazySexyCool has been certified 12-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), making TLC the first girl group in history to be awarded Diamond status. CrazySexyCool has since sold over 14 million copies worldwide, becoming the best-selling album by an American girl group.
In addition to its commercial success, the project was also critically acclaimed and earned six Grammy nominations. The group would take home hardware for Best R&B Album and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (“Creep). The trio also broke ground by winning four MTV Video Music Awards in 1995 including Video of the Year. This made TLC the first African-American act to ever receive the honor.
A number of R&B groups would follow in the footsteps of TLC and leave their mark on the music world. But, none have yet to duplicate the magic captured by T-Boz, Chili, and Left Eye.
Released on November 15, 1994, CrazySexyCool served as a rallying cry for young women across the globe embracing their liberal nature, while analyzing various matters of the heart.
The media’s focus on the risk of COVID-19 among seniors and people with diabetes has resulted in many delaying their eye care visits.
Most eye care services are critical to preserve, prevent loss of, or restore vision. This includes ongoing care for degenerative eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, etc.
Photo by Soroush Karimi on Unsplash
Unfortunately, many eye diseases progress silently or seem tolerable now but can quickly progress into irreversible damage or emergencies if in-person visit are postponed again and again.
To identify these conditions and preserve vision, healthcare providers need to measure the pressure of the eye and get an effective look inside. The only way to do that is with in person visits.
Equipment for patients to allow assessments of the interior eye structure, vision strength, the cornea and the pressure with the eye is not available remotely.
Another important reason not to put off your vision care is that new waves of coronavirus seems inevitable. If numbers continue to spike, ophthalmology services may have to pause again.
Talk to your healthcare providers about how to balance your risks. Don’t regret experiencing vision loss because of unnecesary fears.
We’re talking about diabetic macular edema with musical inspiration from Maxwellon this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is an accumulation of fluid in the macula-part of the retina that controls our most detailed vision abilities-due to leaking blood vessels. In order to develop DME, you must first have diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor. Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors. Blindness can occur.
Guests include singer Alfa Anderson, Diabetic Macular Edema patient Maryanne Kass, Artist Bryce Chisholm, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from several of several of Maxwell’s albums courtesy of SONY Music.
Diabetes Advocate, Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown,who came to prominence as co-host of Yo! MTV Raps, opens up about his experience living with type 2 diabetes on Divabetic’s upcoming Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, 6:30 -8 PM, EST.
Doctor Dré (aka André Brown) has publicly battled type 2 diabetes and has been outspoken to his fans about his condition.
“I’m a type 2 diabetic who lost his vision.”
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.
Regardless of his diabetes health-related challenges, his attitude remains upbeat and inspiring.
“I’ve been going through a whole different resurgence in my life,” Dre said. “I stopped at one point, and now I’m doing this. Through the blessings of the late great Dick Gregory, I’ve worked through holistic doctors to change what goes in my body.”
Brown clarified that he’s not completely blind, and has undergone retina reattachment surgery. The resulting scar tissue causes his vision to fluctuate. As a result, he’s currently more focused on higher factors.
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, 2020, 6:30 -8 PM, ESt.
Guests include Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr., Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, Michelle Cobbs, 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.
It’s always an incredible honor to pay tribute to R & B legend, Luther Vandross on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tributepodcast scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
Luther’s devastating stroke in 2003, linked to type 2 diabetes, was the catalyst for the creation of Divabetic (divabetic.org).
On this year’s Tribute podcast we will be spotlighting Diabetic Eye disease. Diabetes 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.
Join guests Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Michelle Cobbs-Hardy, Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, Luther Vandross Historian Leon Petrossian, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach as we pay tribute to R & B legend, Luther Vandross and raise awareness for diabetes health-related complications in a musical way. 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 and peers for an evening of music, memories, and magic at the third annual FANDROSS concert on Sunday, April 19, 2020 in New York, NY. This incredible night will have audiences remembering the magic of his brilliant voice.
“We are celebrating and continuing my uncle’s musical legacy through FANDROSS because it’s authentic and beautiful.,” says Luther’s niece, Seveda Williams, who serves as its FANDROSS CEO and Founder. “Fans will be immersed by the actual singers and musicians who played and worked with him. You won’t get better than that.”
The intimate crowd will be treated to an amazingly talented group including:
Nat Adderley, Jr. – Pianist/Composer/Arranger/Producer/Jazz Guru
Luther’s friend, co-writer, arranger and musical director had his hand is in Luther’s most popular songs including “Superstar,” “Dance with My Father,” “A House Is Not A Home,” “Here and Now,” and “Make Me A Believer” to name a few.
Alfa Anderson – Vocal Icon/Song Writer/Producer
Alfa Anderson sang background on studio albums and toured with Luther for many years. She was a member of the soul and dance group, Chic, that thrilled us with hits like “Good Times,” “Le Freak,” and “Everybody Dance.” On her 2017 solo debut Alfa wrote a loving tribute titled “When Luther Sings.”
And if this weren’t enough, prepare to be awed with performances by Brenda White-King, Cindy Mizelle, Patricia Lacy, Keith Anthony Fluitt, Michelle Cobbs-Hardy, Fonzi Thornton, Tinkr Barfield, Ivan Hampden Jr., and Robin Macatangay.
