Mr. Divabetic Nominated for ‘Best In Show’ WEGO Health Award

WEGO Health Activist Award Nominee

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic received a  2012 WEGO Health Activist Award nomination for ‘Best In Show’ for his video collection.

This past year Mr. Divabetic took to the streets of New York, NY Philadelphia,PA,  Bethesda, MD and Los Angeles, CA to raise awareness of diabetes in a glamorous new way.  From New York’s Easter Parade to Bake Bethesa A Pie Contest and the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, he rolled out the red tomato carpet to capture candid comments from real people living with diabetes and healthcare professionals. The goal was to inform, enlighten and inspire people to ‘laugh a little, learn a lot.

“My videos aim to capture the spirit of everyday people living with diabetes. I love to shine the spotlight on people who are striving to live well with diabetes. The ‘man on the street’ format provides a fun atmosphere in which to showcase a person’s ability to find humor in the day to day reality of living with a chronic condition.  The humorous approach outshines the ‘gloom and doom’ associated with diabetes,” says Mr. Divabetic.

“I had no idea of the impact of my videos until I attended the Divabetic Club in Philadelphia, PA. At the meeting, I screened several videos and the laughter that ensued was contagious, “ says Mr. Divabetic. “Specifically, the ‘Serve, Taste and Trash! video series sparked a lively discussion between patients and healthcare professionals about healthy eating. I’ve always been a picky eater when it comes to vegetables so I feel it’s important to first let people express their dislikes for certain foods before trying to change their opinions.  Since I created these videos,  I’ve changed my eating habits. I’ve become a more open-minded eater.“

The Carb Kitty, Diabetes Numerology Game and Diabetes Classic Myth Busters video series make learning about diabetes self-care enjoyable. These upbeat, funny videos also aim to spark interest in people to seek out further information and/or expert advice on nutrition, fitness and self-care.

There’s still such a strong stigma associated with diabetes, I feel that every time a person appears on camera next to me and freely admits that they’re living with diabetes it sends a message loud an clear that diabetes is no longer a death sentence,” says Mr. Divabetic.

TUNE IN: Free Diabetes Podcast Inspired by Anne Hathaway with guests: Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, Cheryl Marco CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, author Dr. Beverly S. Adler,  Mama Rose Marie and Lorraine from Long Island, NY living with diabetes

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/12/11/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-anne-hathaway

Let’s Get Fit! with Mr. Divabetic 

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

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 

Huge Surge in Farmers Markets Across America

Great news for fruit and veggies lovers! The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the number of direct-sales markets has increased 9.6 percent in the past year, with California and New York leading the way. (Mr. Divabetic can’t wait to visit each of them in his world famous fruit suit!) 

“Farmers markets are a critical ingredient to our nation’s food system,” USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan said. “These outlets provide benefits not only to the farmers looking for important income opportunities, but also to the communities looking for fresh, healthy foods.”

After 18 years of steady increases, the number of farmers markets across the country now registered with the USDA is 7,864. In 1994, there were 1,744.

Some markets are so popular that there are wait lists for farmers to sell there, including one of the largest and most diverse of all, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco. Farmers from across the region travel there three days a week to sell fruits, vegetables and artisan breads and cheeses to thousands of shoppers, including top chefs from the food-centric city.

The USDA has worked to make the markets accessible to people of all income levels by outfitting more with the ability to accept payments from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. More than $4 million is being made available to equip markets with wireless point-of-sale equipment.

California, the country’s top agricultural producing state, has 827 markets, according to the USDA. New York has 647, more than double the next most prolific state, Massachusetts, which has 313.

The mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Southeast saw the biggest percentage growth in markets, reporting 15.8, 14.4 and 13.1 percent jumps in participation.

How many servings of fruits and vegetables have you had today? Check out real people’s reactions to Mr. Divabetic unique way of promoting healthy eating habits at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA.

http://youtu.be/eLBE5yVX6BQ

Mr. Divabetic is the host of Divabetic’s dynamic free online and mobile podcast channel featuring health care professionals, beauty, image/style and fitness experts, entertainment industry leaders and VIPs: women and men living with, at risk of and affected by diabetes.

Meet Mr. Divabetic on the red carpet at the American Diabetes Association Expo in Pittsburgh, PA and the Taking Control Of Your Diabetes Health Fair & Conferences in San Diego, CA and Austin, TX in Fall 2012. For more glitter, games and glucose advice visit: http://www.divabetic.org Original music by Douglas Clay: http://www.douglasclaymusic.com

LISTEN NOW: Free Diabetes Podcast Inspired by Katy Perry  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/07/10/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-katy-perry

 

What Inspires Mr. Divabetic to GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS?

My experience working with Luther Vandross is what motivates me to advocate for people living with diabetes.  I was Luther’s personal assistant for 13 years. I found Luther after he suffered a stroke and brought him to the hospital. In emergency, the doctors told me his stroke could have been prevented. At the time, I had no idea that diabetes could lead to a serious health-related complication such as a stroke. It still haunts me to this day that diabetes stop my boss, Luther Vandross, from being able to perform the biggest hit of his career  ’Dance With My Father’ in concert.

After diabetes silenced Luther’s voice in 2005,  I vowed to leave my career in the entertainment industry and become a health advocate to help others avoid asimilar fate. I am so grateful to Luther and his fans for letting me live out my dreams that I want to do all that I can to help everyone to keep their house a home and prevent a diabetes health-related complication.

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.

Divabetic has gone from a grassroots movement to a burgeoning and significant presence in the diabetes community. President Barak Obama, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter have acknowledged Divabetic for it’s dedication and determination on behalf of the diabetes community.

Visit: www.divabetic.org 

Mr. Divabetic and Charles Ray from CR3 Diabetes Foundation

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic poses with Charles Ray and his lovely wife, Heather,  the founders of the Charles Ray III Diabetes Association www.cr3.org in the Divabetic Zone at the Taking Control of Your Diabetes Conference & Health Fair  (TCOYD) in Raleigh, NC

Their mission is to make a difference in the lives of diabetics in North Carolina by providing equipment and encouragement to those in need. The CR3 Diabetes Association, Inc. will encourage people with diabetes to take control of their health by providing medical devices and supplies to those unable to afford the cost. We want to provide the necessary tools to monitor diabetes such as free glucose meters and testing strips while offering substantial discounts for insulin pumps and insulin pump supplies. This program will allow each diabetic we assist to be a healthy candidate when a cure is developed.

Mr. Divabetic’s Fruit Suit Salutes Bananas!

Divabetic: Mr. Divabetic's Fruit Suit

Many people claim eating bananas is very healthy, so you may wonder, why are bananas good for you?

There are so many amazing benefits associated with this delicious fruit. Apart from keeping you fit and healthy, it also helps in preventing many diseases and illnesses, making it an indispensable part of your daily diet. It is packed with vitamins, minerals and is also a good source of potassium, manganese, amino acids, sugar and carbohydrates.

Bananas have a high percentage of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, which helps in curing many diseases, easing up bowel movement. Bananas are made up of three natural sugars – glucose, fructose and sucrose. This makes it a source of instant energy.

Aim to be a better eater not a perfect eater. Try to have a least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Mr. Divabetic’s Fabulous Fruit Suit Salute

Come see Mr. Divabetic and his fabulous Fruit Suit on Saturday, January 28, 2012, 9AM  - 2 PM in Belle Glade, FL.  Meet local and national experts in diabetes self-care, fitness, food and beauty/fashion. Play games, get educated, feel empowered to live like a diva!!! This free dazzling diabetes outreach event is sponsored by Glade Interagency and Lakeside Medical Center.

Divabetic Presents The Golden Rules of Diabetes with The Golden Girls 

Palm Beach State College - Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center

1977 College Drive

Call: 1(561) 996-1620

FREE ADMISSION

 For more information go to: divabetic.org 

Prada Your Pineapple: Have Fun With Fruit & Vegetables

Mr Divabetic, the happiest healthcare host, wants to encourage you to eat more fruit and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are good for you because they contain essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. They are also loaded with fiber and antioxidents.

Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.

You’re bored with fruits and vegetables?!! Then, dress them up with Divabetic at divabetic.org  

Mr. Divabetic’s Fruit Suit Salute