12 Divas Of The Holidays by Lorraine Brooks

Mr. Divabetic and Lorraine Brooks

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hosted December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast focused on SEASONINGS for the holiday. We’re talking about seasonings for your food to make it healthier; seasoning your relationship to renew passion; seasoning the holidays to keep them manageable for your diabetes self-care routines.

 Joining Mr. Divabetic on the podcast are the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN), Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, Author Lisa Eugene and medical detection dog trainer, Debby Kay.

Here’s Lorraine Brooks’ original poem, 12 Divas Of The Holidays,  which beautifully summarizes a full year of Divabetic Diabetes Late Nite podcasts:

Our braveness showed amid the snow

In January’s days.

And Sara Bariellles brought us

Happiness and praise.

In February we discussed

How not to label things

Fantasia’s music filled the air

And gave our spirit wings.

Sometimes life can throw us curves

And threaten our self-worth,

But March gave us the Sapphires

With models of rebirth.

My favorite radical, Nina Simone,

Was all about the fight.

And in the month of May her music

Filled us with delight.

In then in May Doris Day did prove

Her unconditional being.

She gave us strength to recognize

The things we weren’t seeing.

A Legend was and legend is

The John of the same name.

In June’s fierce heat he told us how to

Win at our own game.

We looked back at the life we’ve lived

The things that went awry,

But Lisa Stansfield ‘s message was

Reversal, in July.

Miranda Lambert’s Platinum!

She’s like a shooting star.

In August we did celebrate

How precious we all are.

September’s game was mystery

And mayhem, to be sure.

Pink Panther’s message was to be

More trusting and secure.

Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam too

With Anger we did deal

And in October we all learned that

It’s OK to feel.

Barbra Streisand, what a voice

And what a partner too.

Our friends, and health care partnerships

Were in November, true.

And now the holidays approach

December’s faith and hope,

Religions, cultures, and beliefs,

They give us strength to cope.

Kwanzaa celebrates the fruits.

A banquet from the earth.

Channukah’s the feast of lights

And Christmas signals birth.

We flavor life with Seasonings.

Add flavor to the fun.

And so December’s diva is

Anthony Hamilton.

A joyous time to everyone!

May you be energetic!

Let’s join together one and all.

Let’s all stay DIVABETIC!

LISTEN NOW: December’s Diabetes Late Nite 

’12 Divas Of The Holidays’ by Lorraine Brooks

12 Of Divas Of Christmas

Poet Lorraine Brooks shared her ’12 Divas Of The Holidays’ on the recent Diabetes Roundtable podcast inspired by the Pointer Sisters.

Lorraine’s poem celebrates the twelve people chosen by Divabetic to help inspire you to stay healthy and happy throughout the year.  Enjoy!

’12 Divas Of The Holiday’s by Lorraine Brooks

Divas, strong and hip and wild Divas stand in perfect style. Divas of the Holidays, here is what you are

Here is what you represent to divas near and far.

First day of the holidays The Pointer Sisters reign Reminding us of peace and love

The family maintains.

The second day of holidays Is Donna Summer’s time She’s such a dirty bad girl but We love her voice sublime.

The third day of the holidays We feast on beans and rice But not too much of either thing

Is Gloria Estefan’s advice.

Melba Moore is strong and fierce
In overcoming odds
The fourth day of the Holidays We give her our applause.

Kate Middleton, the would-be queen
We all believe in you
The fifth day of the Holidays Makes fairy tales come true!

The sixth day is the day we praise
Our bodies, small and large, As Esther Williams makes us know

That we can stay in charge.

And on the happy seventh day Rihanna comes to mind Powerful her message is: Don’t let yourself be confined!

The eighth day of the Holidays Is Sally Fields’ alone
Mature, aware, and getting bet- ter

And still holding her own.

Hoda and our Kathie Lee On day nine make us think To lift a glass to sisterhood And enjoy a friendly drink.

The tenth day we will think of sex
As Bret Michaels talks about While taking care of all our needs

Removing any doubt.

Determination is the word
Of Robyn Carr, who’s driven To keep a journal, so we honor her
On day eleven.

And on the twelfth of Holidays We think of Lisa Fisher
Who’s not afraid to back you up

With a voice that’s deep and richer.

So ho ho ho and merry times To each and every diva
In spite of diabetes you
Can be a real achiever!

 

 

Merry Christmas!

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable inspired by The Pointer Sisters http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/12/10/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-the-pointer-sisters

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Mr. Divabetic’s Favorite Things 2013

12 Divas Of Christmas: The Pointer Sisters

12 Of Divas Of Christmas

We celebrate the gift of the family with our selection of the Pointer Sisters as our twelfth ‘Divas Of Christmas.

“The love of family and the admiration of fiends is much more important than wealth and privilege,” said Charles Kurait.

The Pointer Sisters have secured a place in pop music history as one of the most dynamic sister groups of all-time! Their musical legacy includes such diverse genres as pop, disco, jazz, electronica, bebop, blues, soul, funk and country!

The Pointer Sisters began their formal vocal training in their father’s church, The Church of God in West Oakland, California. June, Anita and Ruth Pointer achieved its greatest commercial success in 1983 with their biggest-selling album ever with Break Out. The Break Out album features the hits, Jump (For My Love), Automatic, Baby Come And Get It, I Need You, Neutron Dance and I’m So Excited.

The Pointer Sisters won several Grammy Awards,  American Music Awards and have been inducted onto the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic is ‘so excited’ to host this hourlong whirlwind of wellness inspired by the Pointer Sisters with superstar guests including music journalist Christian John Wikane, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Kathy Gold RN, CDE, Neva White MSN, CRNP, CDE, Evetta Petty, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Laura Laria and Lindsay from Baton Rouge, LA living with diabetes.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable inspired by The Pointer Sisters http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/12/10/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-the-pointer-sisters

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Mr. Divabetic’s Favorite Things 2013

12 Divas Of Christmas: Donna Summer

12 Divas Of Christmas

Music legend Donna Summer is Divabetic’s eleventh ‘Diva Of Christmas’ to help inspire you to be healthy and happy during the holiday season. Donna Summer Donna Summer was a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith. She said, “My life was changed in one breath from God.” 

A five-time Grammy Award winner, Donna Summer truly was the ‘Queen of Disco.’ Her voice was unforgettable, and the music industry has lost a legend far too soon. After a long battle with lung cancer, Donna Summer died at age 63 in 2012.

The Grammy-winning singer was known for the disco hits “Hot Stuff,” “Last Dance,” “Bad Girls” and many more. Her classic disco tunes found their way into just about every corner of our culture, from ‘American Idol’ to Beyoncé’s ‘Naughty Girl.’

Her iconic 1977 anthem “I Feel Love,” which peaked at #6 on the Billboard singles chart (one of 14 top 10 hits), was the first mainstream song to be produced using an entirely synthesized backing track. Until then, most disco recordings had been backed by acoustic orchestras, and the reception to the song revolutionized music.

Donna Summer’s music, talent and life infuses our Hot Topic discussions and Diabetes Numerology Game segments. Special guests include: Music Journalist Christian John Wikane, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, Kathy Gold RN, CDE,  Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, CURE Thrift Shop owner Liz Wolff, Digital Divas: Taryn and Jessica and special guest, Jana, who is a breast cancer survivor living with diabetes.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Donna Summer http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/10/08/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-donna-summer

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Mr. Divabetic’s Favorite Things 2013

12 Divas Of Christmas: Robyn Carr

12 Divas Of Christmas

Divabetic’s tenth “Diva Of Christmas” is  the #1 New York Times bestselling author of almost fifty novels including the critically acclaimed Virgin River novels, Robyn Carr. Robyn has since published dozens of historical and contemporary romance novels, a suspense novel, a non-fiction work, short stories, articles, and several screenplays.

“ I was first published in 1978, and it took me thirty years to make it to The New York Times bestseller List,” Carr says.

But once Robyn became that popular, she stayed that popular. When Bring Me Home for Christmas, the 16th Virgin River novel, was released in November 2011, it debuted in the #1 slot not just on the New York Times roster, but also on the Barnes & Noble and Publishers Weekly lists as well.

Mr. Divabetic tests Robyn’s Foodie IQ during our Serve, Taste or Trash! Game segment featuring three of Chef Robert Lewis’s delicious recipes. Tune in to find out if Robyn’s able to ‘trash’ the recipe with the highest amount of carbohydrates.

Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and is living with type 2 diabetes. Whether you are newly diagnosed, or a veteran diabetic, Chef Robert offers you many fabulous, good-tasting, and healthy foods you can (and should) eat in his “The Happy Diabetic Simply Desserts” and “Get Happy, Get Healthy” cookbooks.

Special guests: MaryAnn Nicolay BA, DTR from Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland, Stephanie Gaber PharmD, CDE from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories.

LISTEN NOW: Mr Divabetic Show with Robyn Carr  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/09/24/the-mr-divabetic-show-with-autho-robyn-carr

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Mr. Divabetic’s Favorite Things 2013

12 Divas Of Christmas: Gloria Estefan

12 Divas Of Christmas

Divabetic’s ninth ‘Diva Of Christmas’ is the iconic Gloria Estefan. This Cuban-born singer, songwriter, actress and entrepreneur is in the top 100 best selling music artists with an estimated 100 million records sold worldwide. Gloria is the most successful female Latin crossover performer to date.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I felt that I wanted to be of service here on the earth: I felt that was my job somehow. And whatever I was going to do, I was going to find a way to do that. And so, as I got a larger audience — a broader audience worldwide, and more and more people were listening to me — it became important for me to share that thought. And the song “Get on Your Feet” — which I didn’t write, it was written actually by my guitar player, bass player and keyboardist . . . They knew how I felt. [They knew] what my thoughts were . . . So although it was written before my accident, it was thrown back at me so many times . . . But that really is my motto. I look always forward. I look ahead. And that’s why I chose to record that song, because I really loved the message. Then “Coming Out of the Dark,” which came on the heals of that accident and my rehab, and the incredible love that I felt from everyone worldwide that helped me through that difficult moment when I broke my back in 1990, is a big thank you to my fans — and an expression of how ultimately we are here for each other to help one another. And the strength of prayer . . . That’s why I say I know the love that saved me, you’re sharing with me. We do have the power to save one another . . . And I wanted to thank everyone for being there for me.”

“Gloria’s inspiring us to talk about the discipline and commitment it takes to stay at the top of her game for over thirty years in music or diabetes self-care,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.

2013 marks Gloria Estefan’s 36th year in music.  Originally rising to fame with Miami Sound Machine, she eventually took top billing and the band’s name changed to Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine.

This fall, Gloria released Grammy Award nominated album The Standards featuring American songs that were written between 1920 and 1949 from the American Song Book.

This seven time Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan’s music, heritage and films infuse our Hot Topic discussions and Diabetes Numerology Game segments. Special guests include: Best-Selling author, Cherry Adair, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, ‘The Complete Diabetes Organizer’ co-authors Susan Wiener RD, CDE and Leslie Josel, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jeff James, Mama Rose Marie and ‘My Bleeding Finger’ blogger, Tim Brand, who is the father of daughters living with type 1 diabetes.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable inspired by Gloria Estefan http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/09/10/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-gloria-estefan

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Mr. Divabetic’s Favorite Things 2013

12 Divas Of Christmas: Lisa Fischer

We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Lisa Fischer, Divabetic’s eighth ‘Diva Of Christmas’ who has been backing up for some of the world’s greatest singers.

“When you start listening for us, honey, we’re everywhere,” said Lisa Fischer, a vocalist who is considered the music industry’s reigning backup queen. “Ev-ery-where!” she warbled jubilantly before detonating a smile and breaking into the giggles.

Lisa Fischer is featured in the compelling new film, 20 Feet from Stardom which focuses on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century including Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stone, Bette Midler and Luther Vandross. Triumphant and heartbreaking in equal measure, the film is both a tribute to the unsung voices who brought shape and style to popular music and a reflection on the conflicts, sacrifices and rewards of a career spent harmonizing with others.

Ms. Fischer had a hit of her own. She won a Grammy Award in 1992 for the song, “How Can I Ease the Pain.” But she never completed a second record, in large part because she decided that the heat of the spotlight wasn’t for her. Backup singing was her calling.

“I reject the notion that the job you excel at is somehow not enough to aspire to, that there has to be something more,” Ms. Fischer explained, speaking with her eyes closed, as she tends to do. “I love supporting other artists.”

She continued: “I guess it came down to not letting other people decide what was right for me. Everyone’s needs are unique. My happy is different from your happy.”

The upshot: Ms. Fischer has paradoxically emerged as a star partly because of her decision not to seek stardom.

The happy healthcare, Mr. Divabetic aims to encourage everyone with diabetes to back up their daily self-care management with a team of professionals. Strive to create a team aka ‘entourage’ to help you perform at your best in the same way your favorite famous ‘diva’ has done. Managing blood sugars can be challenging and overwhelming at times. It’s important to find answers to your questions, connect with others and get the support you need during difficult times.

Tonight’s special guests include: 20 Feet From Stardom star, Lisa Fischer, Actor, Screenwriter and Author of ‘Good Like This’ Peter Arpesella, Authors Ginger Vieira and Riva Greenberg, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie-Gentle, RN, CDE, Pam Butler MS, CDE, Janice Harris RN, CDE and Asha Brown, the founder of the We Are Diabetes organization (wearediabetes.org) and is living with type 1 diabetes.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable Inspireb y 20 Feet from Stardom http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/08/13/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-20-feet-from-stardom

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Mr. Divabetic’s Favorite Things 2013

12 Divas Of Christmas: Esther Williams

12 Divas Of Christmas

Esther Williams, the American competitive swimmer and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer movie actress is Divabetic’s seventh “Diva Of Christmas.’  From “Bathing Beauty” in 1944 to “Jupiter’s Darling” in 1955, Ms. Williams swam in Technicolor pools, lakes, lagoons and oceans, cresting onto the list of Top 10 box-office stars in 1949 and 1950.

“Somehow I kept my head above water. I relied on the discipline, character, and strength that I had started to develop as that little girl in her first swimming pool,” says Esther Williams.

In a bathing suit, she was a special kind of all-American girl: tall, lithe, breathtakingly attractive and unpretentious. From the beginning, Ms. Williams wrote in her autobiography, “I sensed the water was my natural element.” She estimated that she had swum over 1,250 miles for the cameras.

Esther Williams became one of the most famous swimmers in history without ever participating in an Olympic Games, because she found opportunities that were disguised in many obstacles that she confronted. She spoke of movie stardom as her “consolation prize,” won instead of the Olympic gold medal for which she had yearned.

Swimming is like life with opportunities frequently disguised. When you become disappointed with your present plight consider how Esther Williams’ disappointment from not participating in the 1940 Olympics lead her to opportunities she could have never imagined.

Esther Williams’ life, legacy and love of swimming inspires this month’s whirlwind of wellness. The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic talks about the ‘Best Of Summer’ featuring the best in summer reads, swimsuits and diabetes self-care advice. Special Guests include: Author Brenda Novak, Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller,  Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, Fitness Expert Tiffany Savion, Kathy Gold, RN, CDE, Neva White CRNP, CDE and Leslie living with type 1 diabetes.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Esther Williams http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/07/09/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-esther-williams

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Mr. Divabetic’s Favorite Things 2013

12 Divas Of Christmas: Bret Michaels

12 Divas Of Christmas

Our sixth ‘Diva Of Christmas’ is the legendary ladies man, Rock Star Bret Michaels.  Bret Michaels was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 6 years old, but that hasn’t stopped him from living a outrageously fabulous life.

Bret Michaels first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the ‘glam more fear less’ band Poison who have sold over 30 million records worldwide. He was the winning contestant on NBC’s reality show Celebrity Apprentice 3  (raising $390,000 for the American Diabetes Association) and proved to the world that diabetes can’t stop you from trumping the competition.

Keeping blood sugar levels in check while touring with his band isn’t easy, Michaels said. He carries “a large supply of food” with him on the road and checks his blood sugar eight times a day. Bret Michaels says, “ you can have all the doctors, but unless you can self-motivate, no one can make you exercise or take your [insulin] shot at the right time or use your pump right. Find that one thing [that motivates you]. Like making sure I’m around to watch my daughters grow up.”

Bret Michaels’ life, attitude and interests to infuse our Hot Topics, Sexy Little Numbers and Diabetes Numerology Game puzzle segments.  Joining Mr. Divabetic for this one hour whirlwind of wellness are:  Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Rohit Moghe, PharmD, MSPH, CDE, Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE and the author of ‘My Sweet Life: Successful Men With Diabetes”, Mama Rose Marie and Tony Cervati, the founder of the Type1Rider Organization. Plus, we’re offering a special Yonanas prize giveaway.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Bret Michaels http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/06/11/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-bret-michaels

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Mr. Divabetic’s Favorite Things 2013

12 Divas Of Christmas: Kate Middleton

12 Divas Of Christmas

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge,  is our fifth ‘Diva Of Christmas.’ The Duchess is an fashion inspiration. She’s very graceful, gracious and she’s a brilliant ambassador for British fashion. She mixes up designer and high street; the perfect modern-day woman and she hasn’t let  life in the spotlight stop her from helping others. Kate’s work with the Scout Association, her volunteer work that remained a priority even throughout her pregnancy.

“I think if (your friends and family) feel you are doing the right thing you can only be true to yourself and you sort of have to ignore a lot of what’s said,” says Kate Middleton.

Kate Middleton has impressed the world with her modest fashions, charitable efforts and down to earth persona.  She was recently named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and Vanity Fair’s Best Dressed Pregnant Lady. Her fairy tale romance is a good, old-fashioned love story.  Prince finds a common girl. Prince falls in love. They get married and live happily ever after. But how would she fair if she was living with diabetes?

Mr. Divabetic adds a ‘divabetic’ twist to Kate Middleton’s palace life, pregnancy and interests to  infuse our Hot Topic discussion, Digital Diva Reviews and Diabetes Numerology Game segments.  Joining Mr. Divabetic for this one hour whirlwind of wellness are: Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE,  Kathy Gold RN, CDE, Stephanie Garber PharmD, CDE, Mama Rose Marie, Lorraine Brooks, the Digital Divas, Molly Lepeska from 100Campaign and Liz Wolff, the owner of CURE Thrift Shop who is living with type 1 diabetes.

Plus, Divabetic’s GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS Squad dish celebrity moms-to-be style choices from Kim Kardashian to Halle Berry.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable Inspired By Kate Middleton http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/05/14/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kate-middleton

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Mr. Divabetic’s Favorite Things 2013