Why ‘Hansel And Gretel’ Makes Life with Diabetes Look Grim

Hollywood Creates Horror for Diabetes

Once again Hollywood makes our work at Divabetic to empower women and men to manage their diabetes with confidence, inspiration and knowledge difficult. In the new film, “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters”, which opened this weekend, the writers chose to perpetuate a common myth about diabetes rather than to educate their audience.

I’m referring to the fact that in the film, the main character, Hansel is depicted as having a such ‘severe case of diabetes’ that he’s forced to take insulin injections. Ugh!!  Setting aside for a moment that nobody in the 1500s knew what diabetes was let alone how to treat it, along with never explaining where Hansel even gets his insulin (Rite Aid?), lets instead focus on the fact that this is the movie’s idea of being ‘clever.’ I say, “it’s their idea of being confused!”

The story goes on to tell how Hansel developed diabetes from eating too much of a candy  (!) house as a kid. Get it? I suppose there’s really not all that much to get, but it does give you a clear indication of what kind of movie we are dealing with.

Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.

Fact: Type 1 diabetes (wich Hansel has) is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease; type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors.

Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories from any source contributes to weight gain. Research has shown that drinking sugary drinks is linked to type 2 diabetes.

Watch News Yorkers try to identify the healthiest treat from three Serve, Taste or Trash! Food Game choices bought at a convenience store. You might be surprised by the results.

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

TUNE IN: Free to Diabetes Roundtable podcast Inspired by Rihanna with guests: Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, Connie Frazier RD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, author Elsie Spruill, poet Lorraine Brooks, hairstylist and makeup artist Charlene Wilson, Mama Rose Marie and Allison from Jersey City, NJ living with diabetes http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/01/08/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-rihanna

 ’Movie Girl Workouts’ with Mr. Divabetic and fitness expert, Katherine Adamenko

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

Meryl Streep Longs for Intimacy in Hope Springs, Do You?

Meryl Streep’s new film, Hope Springs, focuses on a topic that’s near and dear to the hearts of many women in  our Divabetic community: sex after 50!

For those who haven’t seen the movie (yet), here’s a brief synopsis: Like many empty-nesters, Kay (Meryl Streep) and Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) have settled into a comfortable but mind-numbing, soul-destroying routine. He goes to work every morning as an accountant, albeit with retirement plans not far off. She takes care of the house and earns a little extra money from a part-time job in a clothing store. While he’s resigned to the status quo, she wants more, in fact, she wants a different life that includes a loving relationship and — if it’s not too much to ask — a little action in the bedroom. Seeking the help of a marriage counselor seems the only way to salvage whatever is left of their former bliss.

This is unusual since many women living with diabetes actually admit to having little or no desire for sex. Many factors can contribute to a lack of desire, including hormonal changes, medical conditions and treatments (for example, cancer and chemotherapy), depression, pregnancy, stress, and fatigue. Boredom with regular sexual routines also may contribute to a lack of enthusiasm for sex, as can lifestyle factors, such as careers and the care of children.

Talking about intimacy between older people has never been easy in our youth-oriented culture. Hopefully, this is changing now in response to demographic shifts. At Divabetic, we strive to expand the topics of traditional diabetes education to include discussions about ‘love and intimacy.’

Although problems in real life doesn’t always resolve themselves as quickly as they do in the movies, loss of desire can often be put right. You need to look carefully at the causes of the problem – preferably with the loving cooperation of your partner. There aren’t usually any quick fixes.

Let the film, Hops Springs and Meryl Streep’s performance  inspire you to talk more openly about this subject with your partner and/or healthcare professional.

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

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.  

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

Jordin Sparks Sheds 50 Pounds & Sparkles on Red Carpet

Jordin Sparks didn’t need an over-the-top sequined gown to shine at the Sparkle premiere in NYC Tuesday.

Instead, the film’s star, 22, wore a flaming red alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet peplum dress which showed off her incredible 50-pound weight loss.

“There is no secret,” the Season Five American Idol champ shared. “It’s just better eating and working out! It’s definitely a daily thing.”

Whitney Houston was counting on “Sparkle” to be the vehicle for her acting comeback. Her last film has been “The Preacher’s Wife,” released in 1996. Houston died last February during post-production of “Sparkle.” Starring along with Sparks and Houston are  Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter. Originally the film was set to star Aaliyah, but the singer died in a plane crash in August 2001.

“Sparkle,” is set in the 1960s, three sisters form girl group and soon become Motown sensations, but fame becomes a challenge as the close-knit family begins to fall apart.

“Sparkle” opens in the U.S. on this Friday, August 17 and will battle for box office dollars with other films opening this weekend including the action film “The Expendables 2,” the animated film “ParaNorman” and the family film “The Odd Life of Timothy Green.”

LISTEN NOW: Free Diabetes Podcast Inspired by Whitney Houston   http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/08/07/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-whitney-houston

What fruits and vegetables are you singing about? The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic visits the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, CA.to raise awareness for diabetes in a fun, new way. Enjoy more videos on Mr. Divabetic’s YouTube channel.

Get inspired to eat more fruits and vegetables. Meet Mr. Divabetic on the red TOMATO carpet at Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes outreach event in Phildelphia, PA, Central Farm Markets in Washington, DC, the American Diabetes Association’s Feria de Salud in New York, NY,  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 Fall 2012.

Pass the boa! For more glitter, podcasts and glucose advice visit: www.divabetic.org

The Secret To Making Whitney Houston ‘Sparkle’

After two Academy Award nominations and 25 years of styling, Ruth Carter took on her biggest task to date: working with Whitney Houstonon Sparkle, which would be the singer’s last on-screen performance.

In a recent interview with Celebuzz, the costume designer opened up about dressing Houston for the film, her inspiration for the sparkling attire and the on-set wardrobe malfunctions of stars Jordin Sparks and Tika Sumpter.

Prior to meeting the cast, Carter admits she was apprehensive about working with the late Whitney Houston.

“I was nervous about meeting Whitney. I wanted to be super beyond prepared because I knew that fashion was laid at her feet for most of her life,” Carter told Celebuzz. “I worked with the best collectors, [and] I wanted a fresh approach to her wardrobe… I wanted to take Sparkle out beyond its limits!”

Where did she get inspiration for the ’60s-style ensembles?

Carter, who designed 14 gowns and stage costumes for the film, studied the work of Rudy Gernreich, toiled over Balenciaga’s designs and studied magazines on avant garde and retro-chic fashion.

Despite all the preparation, she admits there were still some wardrobe malfunctions on set. “It is normal, everyday business as usual to have a wardrobe malfunction — or two, or three!” she said.

“Jordin Sparks’ vintage red suit had a little teeny tiny hole that we did not see until the cinematographer zoomed in on her. We stitched a strand of pearls on top of the hole to hide it,” she said.

“The biggest malfunction was with the jewelry dresses, as I liked to call them. I bought two-inch stones in red, black, and clear that were linked together like chain mail. They weighed a ton! When we filmed, Tika Sumpter‘s dress in particular kept falling apart. We’d have to keep stopping because if we kept going, the whole dress would be on the floor!” she revealed.

Check out Carter’s designs when Sparkle hits theaters August 17.

Who’s judging what you’re  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 Whitney Houston  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/08/07/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-whitney-houston

Anne Hathaway’s Catwoman Diet

If you were faced with donning a figure-hugging Catwoman suit on the big screen, you might think about tightening up your eating habits.

YouBeauty reports that’s exactly what actress Anne Hathaway did, who rocks a slim and toned physique in the new Batman film, “The Dark Knight Rises.”

To get in meow-worthy shape, Anne Hathaway teamed up with nutrition coach Jackie Keller and her team at Nutrifit. Together, they developed a plan to help the already-slim star look leaner and more toned.

“Anne came to us as a vegetarian who skewed towards vegan—besides meat, she doesn’t eat cheese, eggs or fish,” says Keller. “So we engineered a diet that would get her to her goal without affecting her eating preferences.”

But this was no celebrity starvation diet just so Hathaway could slip on the slinky suit. Instead, the eating plan focused on healthy, anti-inflammatory foods—namely, foods high in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and free radicals in our system.

Reducing inflammation in your body can not only help keep you healthy, but can also give you a beauty boost. “Many anti-inflammatory foods contain healthy fats that contribute to your skin’s natural oil barriers,” says Keller. “If you don’t have enough of those fats, the skin can produce a more irritating form of oil and wreak havoc on your otherwise glowing face.” More info at: youbeauty.com

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic talks to Dr. “C” Corrine Morgan from Morgan Chiropractic Center in Philadelphia, PA about ways for bringing sexy and healthy back. Watch out, Justin Timberlake!

Check out Dr. Morgan’s funny, often enthusiastic responses to Divabetic’s ‘Wack or Wow?’ Healthy Back quiz with Mr. Divabetic.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic is a 2011 WEGO Health Activist Award finalist and the happy healthcare host of Diva TalkRadio. Diva TalkRadio is Divabetic’s dynamic free online and mobile podcast channel featuring a line-up of 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 Podcast Inspired by Katy Perry  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/07/10/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-katy-perry

 Meet Mr. Divabetic on the red carpet at 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

 

Gwyneth Paltrow Set to Star In ‘Blood, Bones & Butter’

Oscar winner, Gwyneth Paltrow is  set to star in “Blood, Bones Butter.”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the film is based on Gabrielle Hamilton’s 2011 foodie memoir.

The report continues to explain that, “The book chronicles Hamilton’s unconventional background — she is the youngest of five siblings born to a French mother and an artist father who made the sets for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus — as well as her unorthodox trajectory to becoming a chef.”

“Blood, Bones Butter” is described in a similar vein as “Julie Julia,” which turned into a box office sensation.

Look who’s on the red TOMATO carpet with the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic stops at the 66th Annual Tony Awards to support diabetes awareness.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Kristin Chenoweth http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/03/13/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kristen-chenoweth

Katy Perry’s Grandmother Sells Out Movie Theater

Katy Perry‘s grandmother “took over” a Las Vegas theatre to watch the singer’s new movie with 65 friends.

The star is currently promoting Katy Perry: Part of Me, which follows her epic California Dreams tour, but also captures the breakdown of her marriage to Russell Brand.

Katy is very proud of the documentary and has revealed her family are equally as excited about it.

She took to her Twitter account to reveal 91-year-old Ann Hudson had rounded up a huge group of pals to go and see the movie this week.

“Was just informed that Grandma took over a whole theater in Vegas with 65 of her friends in lolita #KP3D glasses. Picture coming soon #gogranny (sic),” she wrote.

Katy shares a close bond with Ann, who also appears in Part of Me.

The 27-year-old singer recently revealed her grandmother “steals the show” in the documentary.

Ann accompanied Katy to the movie’s Hollywood premiere, and Katy credits the older lady for keeping her grounded despite her success.

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

 

Meet Mr. Divabetic on the red 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

 

Channing Tatum Bringing ‘Magic Mike Musical’ To Broadway

“Magic Mike: The Musical” will be ready to have dollars bills stuffed down its thong on Broadway next summer.

“Magic Mike,” is currently looking at taking in over $30 million this weekend, a rather remarkable feat in June, when you consider there are no superheroes, toys, or brands to be found.

Before you go writing off “Magic Mike” as being a one-note, gimmicky movie about handsome male strippers, you should know that director Steven Soderbergh has inserted some genuine complexity and non-superficial intrigue into the story. The movie is loosely based on star Channing Tatum’s real-life stripper past but critics seem to agree that there is much more to “Magic Mike” than just a bunch of man candy.

Look who’s on the red TOMATO carpet with the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic stops at the 66th Annual Tony Awards to support diabetes awareness.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Kristin Chenoweth http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/03/13/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kristen-chenoweth

Emma Stone in Gucci at Spider-Man Premiere

Emma Stone looked fantastic in Gucci at the premiere of “The Amazing Spider-Man” in Paris.

She turned more than a few heads in her long black Gucci gown which had a long split right to the top of her thigh at the front.

Sleeveless, and with a black shiny leaf embellishment adorning the dress, the neckline was as plunging.

She had curled her blonde locks into an asymmetrical bob and her lips were brushed with a deep red, giving her a very sexy pout.

We’ve been seeing a lot of Emma Stone lately, both in print and on the red carpet, as she promotes her movie, “The Amazing Spider-Man.”  She’s on the cover of both Vogue’s July issue and New York Magazine’s latest issue.

 

Look who else rocks the red TOMATO carpet when the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic stops by the Tony Awards at the Beacon Theater in New York to talk about divas, dazzle and diabetes.#redcarpet

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

 

Lindsay Lohan As Elizabeth Taylor in “Liz & Dick”

Lindsay Lohan certainly looks like Elizabeth Taylor  in a new still from her biopic, “Liz & Dick.”

She’s all done up like the Hollywood legend in the first official photo from the film, complete with a black bob, smoky eye makeup and lipstick. The black-and-white still also features her Richard Burton, “True Blood” actor Grant Bowler, kissing the smiling actress’ neck. Lifetime Studios released the photo in black and white because they wanted to give it a “classic” look.

The film will focus on the steamy — and heated — love affair between Taylor and Burton. The pair defined and redefined the rules for modern celebrity life as their torrid love affair often made the kind of the kind of headlines that would rival Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. “I have always admired and had enormous respect for Elizabeth Taylor,” Lohan said in the statement. “She was not only an incredible actress but an amazing woman as well. I am very honored to have been asked to play this role.”

Were rooting for you, Lindsay!