Emotional Overeating by Ellen N. Resnick

Divabetic – Ellen Resnick

It’s hard to believe it’s National Heart Month again.

I’m joined by Taylor, who you may recall from our popular YouTube video “Shrink and Move: Small Steps That Lead To Big Rewards”.
http://healthywage.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/shrink-and-move-small-steps-that-lead-to-big-rewards/

Taylor has many reasons to monitor his health closely. He has a family history of cardiovascular disease and he has Type 1 diabetes. This year Taylor wants to remind people that…”KNOWING YOUR NUMBERS” is the first step towards empowering yourself to reach and maintain your optimal health. You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge (remember Dr. Phil)? Choose to be the driver of your health—that’s freedom!

We all have important health related numbers to monitor and use as data points for our wellbeing. They include your weight, cholesterol, Blood Glucose / HbA1C levels (if you have diabetes).

Taylor uses a really simple mix to manage and motivate himself towards a healthier and fuller lifestyle:

• technology,
•  his doctor’s input, and
• his own inner “barometer.”

Prior to truly accepting and managing his condition, Taylor often found himself in a state of turmoil—he didn’t know how to live life as a diabetic with a heart that could be a ticking time bomb. He became literally imprisoned, by his disease.
With the help and guidance of his doctors and family he decided to break free and take back control of his life.

Through education, information and “knowing his numbers” Taylor learned that there was another, more liberating way to live with his conditions. It’s no longer the “I have to be perfect” mentality with regards to his health related goals (and other things too). Through that understanding he no longer feels guilty, frustrated, or that he’s being a “bad” person when he decides to reward himself with a special treat.
Taylor knows that striving to be perfect is the perfect set up for self-sabotage and self-loathing. He also knows the kind of stress that kind of thinking can put on ourselves, all of which is the opposite of mind/body wellness.

Believe it or not, he says “it’s a lot simpler and much more enjoyable to learn about and accept your particular health situation, and ultimately get out and get after a better way of living with it”.

Taylor did it—so can you!

Go out and get the support you need to take yourself out of those self- imposed shackles.

Don’t you deserve one get of jail free card in this game of life?

A special thank you to Taylor for sharing his health journey and wisdom with us.
Ellen Resnick, LCSW is a psychotherapist in private practice in San Francisco and Redwood City, California. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and incorporates the use of mindfulness into the treatment of depression, anxiety, and emotional overeating. She runs a holistic weight loss program called Center for Thoughtful Weight Loss, http://www.thoughtfulweightloss.com.

E-mail Ellen at ellenresnick@gmail.com.

LISTEN NOW: The Mr. Divabetic Show featuring Kirsten Holly Smith and Holly Clegg http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/03/04/the-mr-divabetic-show-with-kirstin-holly-smith

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundttable Podcast - “LIVE from the RED CARPET SPECIAL” featuring: Ginger.io spokesperson, Peter Smith, diabetes advocate, author and coach, Riva Greenberg, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller, Go2Bra creator, Connie Elder, Pumpwear Inc. & Girly Girl Studio co- owner, Julie De Fruscio, poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, makeup and skin guru, Sue Perez, celebrity photographer, Winston Kerr, Mama Rose Marie and Marilyn from Pasadena, CA who is living with type 1 diabetes.

SHOW LINK:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/02/12/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-sally-field

Mother Your Diabetes Advice with Mama Rose Marie:

Let’s Talk About Sex!  Here’s a sneak peak of  Divabetic’s upcoming ‘Love On A Two Way Street’ free outreach program focused on ‘Sexual Health & Diabetes’ and presented at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on Sat., Feb, 9, 2013

Basics In Diabetes Pattern Management – Divabetic

Experience Mr. Divabetic’s wellness with a wow programming in New York, NY, Santa Clara, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Savannah, GA and Bethesda, MD in 2013. Get more details at www.divabetic.org

Diagnosis To Diva: Lorraine

Diagnosis to DIVA

Divabetic’s upcoming free Diabetes Rountable podcast inspired by Anne Hathaway  features special guest,  Lorraine’s ‘Diagnosis To DIVA’ story to inspire you to stay healthy and upbeat about your self-care.

Here’s Lorraine’s story:

I live on Long Island, NY and I have had diabetes for over 30 years.   I was actually diagnosed on a routine health exam for a new job in a hospital.  In the beginning, I believe I was a Type 2, even though I was started on insulin immediately.

I wasn’t totally surprised, since it ran in my family.  My paternal grandmother had diabetes, and I can remember, as a child, that my father had to give her injections, because she had suffered a major debilitating stroke.  I can remember the glass syringes being in the refrigerator, and how we had to boil them to sterilize them.  I really didn’t totally understand what it all meant, but I knew it was serious, and I knew it required work.

I was lucky that my new job was in the pharmacy department of the hospital, and the staff was wonderful to me when they found out about my diagnosis.  They taught me how to inject myself, and supplied me with needles and insulin.  Unfortunately, what they didn’t tell me was, how to deal with low blood sugars, and how to fight the battle of weight.

I had been overweight literally all my life, and now, with this news, I knew it was going to be even harder to control my weight.  During the first 5 years after my diagnosis I did manage to lose over 60 pounds, and I was able to get off insulin for a few years.  But as I got older, that “honeymoon” ended, and now I am insulin dependent.

It has been a challenge for me to adjust to the changes that are happening as I am getting older.  But the positive thing is, with all the advances in diabetes care, we live in an age where there is much we can do.  I now use an insulin pump, and that helps me keep in much better control.  My last visit to my endocrinologist was very successful.  I was told I have none of the complications of diabetes.  I attribute that to a strong commitment to self-care, and belng willing, even when it is difficult, to make good decisions.  I watch what I eat, try to control portions, get a bit of exercise most days, and most importantly, I’m not afraid to talk about it, and tell people when I need help, or when I am struggling.  That helps me stay focused and positive.

I keep regular visits with my primary care doctor, endocrinologist, podiatrist, optometrist, dentist, and therapist.  They all listen and help me to move forward when get stuck, or need some extra motivation.  It is extremely important to me that I have health care professionals that I can talk to, and who will listen to my concerns.  I am determined to remain complication-free for as long as I can, and I will be 61 in a few weeks!  I am very proud of this accomplishment!

I was proud to contribute to Dr. Bev’s book, My Sweet Life, and it was inspiring to read the stories of the other women who share the journey.  (My Sweet Life: Successful Women with Diabetes is available at Amazon.com)

My biggest struggle, as always, is still with my weight.   I am told that it is more important to control the A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol than the weight, so that is where I keep my focus.  And those numbers are great.  I often joke that I should carry my blood test results in my wallet, to prove that I am healthy, in spite of my weight, because the world does tend to judge you harshly if you are overweight, especially if you have diabetes.  Many people will choose to believe that I am not trying hard enough, but I know I am!  And my test results prove it!  So if I had any advice to others it would be exactly that.  Concentrate on what is important, and that is, staying in control, making good decisions, being open and willing to put in the work, and you will be healthy and lead a good life with diabetes!

If I have a favorite Diva, I think it would be Vanessa Williams, because she has overcome many difficult situations in her life.  She was the first woman of color to be crowned Miss America, only to have scandal force her to give up her crown.  But she reinvented herself and launched a successful singing career, as well as becoming a respected actress.  And she recently admitted that she was the victim of domestic abuse, which is a cause I am very involved with.  I now do a great deal of work with women who are survivors of domestic abuse and violence. #12divasofchristmas

 TUNE IN: December’s Diabetes Roundtable inspired by Anne Hathaway scheduled for Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 6 -6:30 PM, EST. This 30 minute whirlwind of wellness is hosted by Mr. Divabetic and features the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Mama Rose Marie and more!

GLAM MORE FEAR LESS: The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic rolls out the red tomato carpet at the 68th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.

TUNE IN: Free Diabetes Podcast Inspired by Chaka Khan celebrating National Diabetes Awareness Month with guests: Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, Pam Butler MS, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, cookbook author Holly Clegg, Mama Rose Marie and Ginger Vieira, from Burlington, VT living with type 1 diabetes

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/11/13/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-chaka-kahn

Mr Divabetic shares a Behind-the-Scene look at presenting diabetes education with DAZZLE at the ADA Expo in Pittsburgh, PA for the past five years

Experience Mr. Divabetic’s wellness with a wow programming in Tucson, AZ, Santa Clara, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Savannah, GA and Bethesda, MD in 2013. Get more details at www.divabetic.org 

Beauty & The Blood Sugars

Pattern Management is a skill that you can help you to manage your diabetes like a diva! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic and Neva White, CDE, the leader of the Divabetic Club – Philadelphia discuss the basics and benefits of Pattern Management. Divabetic Club is a free monthly diabetes wellness program presented in New York, NY, Cleveland, OH and Philadelphia, PA. The Divabetic Club – Philadelphia is hosted at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital with the support of the American Diabetes Association. For more information go to the PROGRAMS section of: www.divabetic.org

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

Pattern Management is a skill that you can help you to manage your diabetes like a diva! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic and Neva White, CDE, the leader of the Divabetic Club – Philadelphia discuss the basics and benefits of Pattern Management. Divabetic Club is a free monthly diabetes wellness program presented in New York, NY, Cleveland, OH and Philadelphia, PA. The Divabetic Club – Philadelphia is hosted at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital with the support of the American Diabetes Association. For more information go to the PROGRAMS section of: www.divabetic.org

What Are Your Blood Sugars Really Telling You?

Pattern Management is a skill that you can help you to manage your diabetes like a diva! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic and Neva White, CDE, the leader of the Divabetic Club – Philadelphia discuss the basics and benefits of Pattern Management. Divabetic Club is a free monthly diabetes wellness program presented in New York, NY, Cleveland, OH and Philadelphia, PA. The Divabetic Club – Philadelphia is hosted at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital with the support of the American Diabetes Association.

The next Divabetic Club – Philadelphia meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 19, 2012, 12 – 1 PM.

For more information go to the PROGRAMS section of: www.divabetic.org

What Does Your Diabetes Look Like?

Pattern Management is a skill that you can help you to manage your diabetes like a diva! The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic and Neva White, CDE, the leader of Divabetic Club – Philadelphia discuss the basics and benefits of Pattern Management.

Divabetic Club is a free monthly diabetes wellness program presented in New York, NY, Cleveland, OH and Philadelphia, PA. Divabetic Club – Philadelphia is hosted at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital with the support of the American Diabetes Association. For more information go to the PROGRAMS section of: www.divabetic.org