Divabetic’s Red Carpet Is Waiting for You!

Our red carpet is waiting for you! This New Year, make a resolution to treat your diabetes right  – make a commitment to living healthy!

Let Divabetic help you journey from ‘Diagnosis to DIVA!  Who doesn’t want to look beautiful and slimmer this new year?

We’re on a quest to glamorize good health! Tune in to our free monthly podcasts, Diabetes Roundtable on blog talkradio, follow Mr. Divabetic on Twitter and Tumblr, join our Facebook Fan and Group pages and check out Mr. Divabetic’s hilarious videos on YouTube.

NEED SOME MOTIVATION NOW? Follow our easy step-by-step approach to help empower you to manage your diabetes self-care with confidence, inspiration and knowledge. We created a different step to represent each letter in the phrase ‘Divabetic.’  The Divabetic 9 Steps also  relate to the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) 7 Self Care Behaviors: Healthy Eating, Taking Medications, Monitoring, Reducing Risks, Problem Solving, Being Active, and Healthy Coping. 

The main difference between the ‘AADE 7’ and the ‘Divabetic 9’ is the addition of a heaping teaspoon our ‘Glam More, Fear Less’ philosophy. Our years of presenting ‘Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes’ events across the country have proven to us that when someone living with diabetes takes pride in their appearance they have more willingness to improve their diabetes health. Plus, we’ve seen for ourselves that a lipstick can go a long way to boosting your spirits when you’re having a difficult day dealing unexpected blood sugar readings.

Use the ‘Divabetic 9′ as your blueprint to living the glamorous life aka a life without diabetes health-related complications. Keep in mind,  the most important thing is to feel good about yourself .

1. D = Declare Out Loud that You’re Living With Diabetes

2. I = Involve Your Friends and Family

3. V = Visualize A Life without Complications

4. A = Aim to be A Better Eater

5. B = Break A Old Habit

6. E = Enjoy An Active Life

7. T = Troubleshoot High’s and Low’s

8. I = Improve Your Appearance

9. C = Carry supplies with you

At our free monthly Divabetic Club meetings participants assimilate the “Divabetic 9” Steps in a non-judgmental environment that comforts, connects and cheers them on. Each meeting, facilitated by healthcare professionals such as: Certified Diabetes Educators, Registered Nurses,  Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians, pharmacists and fitness professionals, follows the Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable podcast format. Cameos from local chefs, fashion and beauty experts and others complete the Diva experience.

Currently, Divabetic Club is presented in Philadelphia, PA, Cleveland, OH. In 2013,  Divabetic plans to expand its grassroots network of Divabetic Clubs to serve women in these cities in Washington, DC and New York , NY.

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

Mr. Divabetic plays his nutrition game, Serve, Taste or Trash! in Central Park

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 

Why A Diva Attitude is Really Good for You!

Attitude really is everything. GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS!

A new study shows that having a healthy, “can-do” attitude is linked with good-for-you lifestyle choices like healthy eating, exercising and abstaining from smoking.

“Understanding the psychological underpinning of a person’s eating patterns and exercise habits is central to understanding obesity,” study researcher Deborah Cobb-Clark, director of the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, said in a statement.

The study included information from 3,412 men and 3,901 women between ages 15 and 69 who were part of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey between 2003 and 2010.

The researchers found a strong correlation between a person’s take-charge outlook on life — whether they thought they had control over their own life outcomes — and actually living the healthier lifestyle, compared with people who perceived life as more “up to fate.”

They also found that men and women had different perceptions on what it means to be healthy: men were more likely in the study to want to see a physical result of their healthy lifestyle, whereas women were more likely to just enjoy the everyday benefits of living healthily.

The study was released as a “discussion paper” and has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed study; therefore, its findings should be considered preliminary.

Every little thing that could promote a healthy lifestyle — even if it is just attitude! — adds up. A recent study in the British Medical Journal showed healthy habits (exercising, eating right, not smoking) pay off even in elderly age. Karolinska Institute researchers were able to show these activities were linked with five extra years of lifeamong elderly women, and six extra years of life among elderly men.

Another study in the journal Aging showed that having a positive attitude (not to mention a good sense of humor, and low levels of neuroticism) was a shared character trait among centenarians – suggesting that these could be vital factors to living a long life, ABC News reported.

What are you waiting for? Now’s the time to join Divabetic on facebook and get your daily dose of diva attitude each and everyday.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic rolls out the red tomato carpet at NY Fashion Week with a behind the scenes look at hat designer, Evetta Petty‘s Spring 2013 Hat Collection.

Register now for ’Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes’ - our largest free diabetes outreach event of the year promoting a diva attitude for living well with diabetes scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2012 in Philadelphia, PA.

‘Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes’, mixes free beauty and fashion services, a Plus Size fashion show and music with interactive diabetes education in a fun, comfortable setting to broaden the appeal of diabetes educational outreach for women. Our goal is to make every woman feel more beautiful inside and out through the help of a team of certified diabetes educators, registered dietitians, and beauty and fashion experts.

Saturday, October 13, 2012, 11 AM – 4 PM

Jefferson Alumni Hall , First Floor Eakins Lounge 10th and Locust Streets

Philadelphia, PA 19107

FREE ADMISSION

Register: 1-800-JEFF-NOW

BORED BY DIABETES EDUCATION? Check out our Free Diabetes Podcast inspired by Taylor Swift featuring a frank, fashion forward discussion on a the shocking diet trend called ‘diabulimia’ that has young women living with type 1 diabetes skipping or shortchanging their insulin to lose weight and risk a coma and an early death.  Plus, we’re learning healthy ways to eat BBQ, playing games and hearing more great ‘diagnosis to DIVA’ stories http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/09/11/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-mystery-diva

Look who’s on the red tomato carpet with Mr. Divabetic at Plus Night Out -NYC

Meet Mr. Divabetic on his quest to glamorize good health at Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes outreach event in Philadelphia, PA, the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Expo in Pittsburgh, PA  and the Taking Control Of Your Diabetes Conferences & Health Fairs in San Diego, CA and Austin, TX.

For sponsorship opportunities and upcoming outreach event details visit:  www.divabetic.org and Divabetic’s Facebook’s Group and Fan pages.

Let’s Dance: US Goes Wild for Gangnam Style!

Gangnam Style really is everywhere lately! Last week, rapper PSY made an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to show The X Factor judge Britney Spears how to perform his signature moves, and tonight, Gangnam Style took center stage for a sketch during Saturday Night Live‘s season premiere

Gangnam Style (강남 스타일) is a 2012 dance pop single written and performed by Korean pop singer Park Jae Sung, better known by his stage name PSY. Since the release of the song and its highly entertaining music video in mid-July 2012, the video has gained more than 8 million views in the span of two weeks and spawned numerous parodies and copycat dance videos on YouTube.

The song “Gangnam Style” was written and recorded as the title single of the sixth studio album PSY 6 (Six Rules), Part 1 by Korean singer PSY, who is best known for his quick-witted sense of humor and comical dance moves. The song was released on July 15th, 2012, along with the music video which made its online debut via PSY’s official YouTube channel on the same day.

Register now for our upcoming ’Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes’ - our largest diabetes outreach event of the year promoting a diva attitude for living well with diabetes.

‘Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes’, mixes free beauty and fashion services, a Plus Size fashion show and music with interactive diabetes education in a fun, comfortable setting to broaden the appeal of diabetes educational outreach for women. Our goal is to make every woman feel more beautiful inside and out through the help of a team of certified diabetes educators, registered dietitians, and beauty and fashion experts.

Saturday, October 13, 2012, 11 AM – 4 PM

Jefferson Alumni Hall , First Floor Eakins Lounge 10th and Locust Streets

Philadelphia, PA 19107

FREE ADMISSION

Register: 1-800-JEFF-NOW

BORED BY DIABETES EDUCATION? Check out our Free Diabetes Podcast inspired by Taylor Swift featuring a frank, fashion forward discussion on a the shocking diet trend called ‘diabulimia’ that has young women living with type 1 diabetes skipping or shortchanging their insulin to lose weight and risk a coma and an early death.  Plus, we’re learning healthy ways to eat BBQ, playing games and hearing more great ‘diagnosis to DIVA’ stories http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/09/11/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-mystery-diva

Look who’s on the red tomato carpet with Mr. Divabetic at Plus Night Out -NYC

Meet Mr. Divabetic on his quest to glamorize good health at Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes outreach event in Philadelphia, PA, the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Expo in Pittsburgh, PA  and the Taking Control Of Your Diabetes Conferences & Health Fairs in San Diego, CA and Austin, TX.

For sponsorship opportunities and event details visit:  www.divabetic.org and Divabetic’s facebook pages.

How Private Are Your Medical Records?

What if you learned your medical records containing your private history, family history and medication history weren’t private after all?

ABC News investigated this alarming trend and found out some disturbing news.

Julie, a lawyer from Boston, discovered that her sensitive health information was available to anyone who worked at the hospital.

“My expectation was that my records were going to be private, especially my therapy records,” Julie said. “And if another doctor wanted to see my records, they’d ask me and then I’d give my authorization for them to view my records if they needed to see them.”

Julie, who requested her last name not be used, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her late teens and began seeing a psychiatrist in 2002 after speaking with her primary care physician.

She, like millions of Americans, thought her conversations with her psychiatrist were confidential.

“I thought I had protection under HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) for my psychotherapy notes to be private and I thought only my psychiatrist could see those,” the 42-year-old said, adding that she noticed over the years her physician started entering them electronically.

What she didn’t realize was that her physician’s notes could be accessed by doctors and other health-care providers who worked in the same health-care system (6,000 doctors and nine affiliated hospitals) to have access — information she learned after going to see an on-call physician for a stomach issue and realizing he knew about intimate relationship information only disclosed to her psychiatrist.

Concerned, she requested a copy of her medical records from the health care system.

Within those records she saw every note, every meeting, every conversation she had with her psychiatrist.

“It was pretty traumatic because I felt that, you know, this man read without — against my wishes — without my consent,” Julie said. “He read private information that I disclosed to a therapist that I didn’t even tell my best friends about.”

And while most hospitals have rules about who may access medical records, compliance for the most part is not strictly regulated.

In fact, an ABC News investigation found that often medical information is so unprotected, millions of records can be bought online. Because so many people have access, the entire system is vulnerable to theft, experts told ABC News

Free Diabeetes Podcast inspired by Taylor Swift http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/09/11/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-mystery-diva

 Look who’s on the red tomato carpet with Mr. Divabetic at Plus Night Out -NYC

Meet Mr. Divabetic on his quest to glamorize good health at Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes outreach event in Philadelphia, PA, the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Expo in Pittsburgh, PA  and the Taking Control Of Your Diabetes Conferences & Health Fairs in San Diego, CA and Austin, TX.

For sponsorship opportunities and event details visit:  www.divabetic.org and Divabetic’s facebook pages.

Candy, Not Corn Fed to Cows in Drought

An industrious cattleman from Kentucy has responded to skyrocketing corn prices by swapping out the corn in his 1,400 cows’ diets for low-grade candy.

The Peducah, Ky.-based WPSDLocal reports that Joseph Watson, owner of United Livestock Commodities, believes that candy is a healthy drought-time substitute for corn, even suggesting that its advantages over the vegetable go beyond price.

“It actually has a higher ratio of fat [than] actually feeding them straight corn,” he told WPSD, later adding that his feed mixture, which also includes an ethanol byproduct and a mineral nutrient, has “all the right nutrition for them.”

To a layperson with even a minimum exposure to the doctrines espoused by practitioners of dentistry or motherhood, the claim that candy is just as good as vegetables does not need to be dismissed.

John Waller, a professor of animal nutrition at the University of Tennessee,  didn’t seem the least bit scandalized by candy-fattened cows.

“I think it’s a viable [diet],” Waller said. “It keeps fat material from going out in the landfill, and it’s a good way to get nutrients in these cattle. The alternative would be to put [the candy] in a landfill somewhere.”

According to Waller, padding out cow feed with waste candy is nothing new. He says he first heard of Tennessee cattle raisers using candy years back, and that throughout the country, whether it’s orange rinds in Florida or almond hulls in California, beef producers are serving the hard-to-get-rid-of byproducts of local food industry to their herds.

“Ruminant animals are very good at utilizing a wide variety of feedstuffs, because the microbes in the rumen can digest things that other animals can’t utilize,” he said.

Ruminant animals, which include goats, sheep, cattle and giraffes, take their name from the first of four compartments in their stomach, the rumen. In it, food is broken down into solids and liquids by robust microbes, after which the partially digested solids, now called the cud, are regurgitated and re-chewed.

Waller says that so long as a cow is getting the proper ratio of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals, it shouldn’t make any difference whether the rumen is churning candy or corn. And after reviewing a WPSD video of Watson feeding his cows and discussing his candy-supplemented nutrient regimen, Waller said the farmer’s methods appeared sound.

“It looked to me like he was doing a good job; he’s monitoring the amount of fiber he was putting in there,” he said.

Let Mr. Divabetic help to inspire you overcome aversions to fruits and vegetables you think you don’t like, and even learn to love them with his new food game, Serve, Taste or Trash.  

LISTEN NOW: Free Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Whitney Houston hosted by Mr. Divabetic   http://ning.it/NcR3ug

Meet Mr. Divabetic on the red tomato carpet at  Fashion’s Night Out in New York, NY, Central Farm Market in Washington, DC,  Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes outreach event in Philadelphia, PA, the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Expo in Pittsburgh, PA and the Taking Control Of Your Diabetes Conferences & Health Fairs in San Diego, CA and Austin, TX in  2012. Watch more of Mr Divabetic‘s  videos, enjoy over 75 free diabetes podcasts and get expert advice on diabetes and diabetes self-care at: www.divabetic.org

Weight Training Reduces Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes

Men who do weight training regularly (for 30 minutes per day, five days per week) may be able to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 34%, according to a new study by Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and University of Southern Denmark researchers. And if they combine weight training and aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or running, they may be able to reduce their risk even further – up to 59%.

This is the first study to examine the role of weight training in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that, because weight training appears to confer significant benefits independent of aerobic exercise, it can be a valuable alternative for people who have difficulty with the latter.

The study was published online in Archives of Internal Medicine.

“Until now, previous studies have reported that aerobic exercise is of major importance for type 2 diabetes prevention,” said lead author Anders Grøntved, visiting researcher in the Department of Nutrition at HSPH and a doctoral student in exercise epidemiology at the University of Southern Denmark. “But many people have difficulty engaging in or adhering to aerobic exercise. These new results suggest that weight training, to a large extent, can serve as an alternative to aerobic exercise for type 2 diabetes prevention.”

Type 2 diabetes is a major public health concern and it’s on the rise. An estimated 346 million people worldwide have type 2 diabetes, and diabetes-related deaths are expected to double between 2005 and 2030, according to the World Health Organization. More than 80% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

What are you eating this summer? The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic talks to everyday people about their healthy appetites at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA.

Meet Mr. Divabetic on the red TOMATO carpet in Phildelphia, PA, the American Diabetes Association Expo in Pittsburgh, PA and the Taking Control Of Your Diabetes Conference in San Diego, CA and Austin, TX in Fall 2012. For more glitter, games and glucose advice visit: http://www.divabetic.org

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

Can Turmeric Prevent Type 2 Diabetes?

Supplements containing a compound found in curry spice may help prevent diabetes in high-risk patients.

Thai researchers found a daily dose of curcumin over nine months prevented new cases of diabetes among people with prediabetes — abnormally high blood sugar levels that may progress to full-blown type 2 diabetes.

Curcumin is a compound in turmeric. Research has long suggested it can fight inflammation and oxidative damage to body cells, both of which are thought to feed a range of diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

The study, led by Somlak Chuengsamarn of Srinakharinwirot University, found that the supplement seemed to improve the function of beta-cells, cells in the pancreas that release the blood sugar-regulating hormone insulin. Researchers speculate the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin help protect beta-cells from damage.

Look who’s sharing spicy comments with the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic about their fruits and veggies at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA.

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

Bad Economy Could Lead To Better Health!

An economic downturn may be better for your health than you realize.

The 2008 financial crisis in Iceland improved the health of the country’s population, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Iceland, the Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center and Rider University. In the aftermath of the crisis, Icelandians cut back on behaviors that put their health at risk and even boosted some behaviors that promote good health.

Between 2007 and 2009, Iceland’s residents reduced their smoking, heavy drinking, indoor tanning and consumption of unhealthy foods like sugary drinks, sweets and fast food, the study found. Though Icelandians cut back on healthy behaviors like eating fruits and vegetables in the aftermath of the recession, they consumed more fish oil and were more likely to get the recommended amounts of sleep.

Though the findings of the Iceland study may seem counterintuitive, recessions have been shown to improve health elsewhere in the world. Economic downturns during the 20th century have been associated with a drop in mortality rates, according to Slate.

“There is a pretty broad literature on this,” MIT health economist Jonathan Gruberwrote in an e-mail to Slate’s Timothy Noah. “[A]nd the consensus seems to be that recessions are good for health.”

How do you feel about your health? The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic talks to everyday people about their healthy appetites at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA.

Meet Mr. Divabetic on the red TOMATO carpet at the American Diabetes Association Expo in Pittsburgh, PA and New York, NY and the Taking Control Of Your Diabetes Conference in Austin, TX in Fall 2012. For more glitter, games and glucose advice visit: http://www.divabetic.org

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

Are Strawberries Better Than Prozac For Fighting Depression?

Strawberries are tasty and totally powerful in benefiting your overall health from your head to your heart.

But can eating strawberries make a cloudy day seem sunny?

Women who eat about two servings of strawberries a week experienced less mental decline over time, research published in the Annals of Neurology found. In the study, researchers reviewed data from 16,010 women over age 70. Those with the highest berry intake postponed cognitive decline by about two and a half years. “We think that the effect might be related to a class of compounds called anthocyanidins, which is a type of flavonoid,” explains study author Elizabeth Devore, ScD, an associate epidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston. “These compounds, found almost exclusively in berries, are known to cross the blood-brain barrier and locate in learning and memory centers in the brain.”

What makes strawberries and other berries so special is their high levels of phytochemicals — those naturally occurring nutrients that help protect cells from damage, says registered dietitian Nancy Copperman, MS, RD, CDN, director of public health initiatives for the Office of Community Health at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in Great Neck, N.Y.

What fruits are you eating this summer? The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic talks to everyday people about their healthy appetites at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA.

Meet Mr. Divabetic on the red TOMATO carpet at the American Diabetes Association Expo in Pittsburgh, PA and New York, NY and the Taking Control Of Your Diabetes Conference in Austin, TX in Fall 2012. For more glitter, games and glucose advice visit: http://www.divabetic.org

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

The Biggest, Baddest Danger At A Barbecue

Food poisoning cases double over the summer from cooking our meats on a barbecue, such as poultry (chicken or turkey), pork, steak, burgers or sausages,   This is because raw or undercooked meat can contain germs that cause food poisoning, such as salmonella, E.coli and campylobacter. However, these germs can be killed by cooking meat until it is piping hot throughout.

“The safest option is to cook food indoors using your oven,” says a spokesperson from the Food Standards Agency (FSA). “You can then put the cooked food outside on the barbecue for flavour.” This can be an easier option if you’re cooking for a lot of people at the same time.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic stops by the 10th annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party at Madison Square Park in New York City to find out how everyday people stay on track with their health goals while indulging in summertime fun.

At the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, pitmasters from New York City, Alabama and Texas come together in celebration of American barbeque.

Mr. Divabetic is the happy healthcare host of Diva TalkRadio, a dynamic free online and mobile podcast channel where tens of thousands of fans, followers and listeners turn to laugh a little and learn a lot. The channel features a line-up of live and archived programs and specials. Guests include 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.

LISTEN NOW: Free Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Rev Run Podcast http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/06/12/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-rev-run

For more glitter, games and glucose advice visit: www.divabetic.org