Diabetes Fairytales: Snow White By Lorraine Brooks

Poet Lorraine Brooks reimagines Snow White living with diabetes to help illustrate practical ways to manage your diabetes on Divabetic’s Diabetes Fairytales podcast.

Snow White by Lorraine Brooks

You’ve got seven people who help you to grow
And we cannot do it alone, this I know!
Who’s on your health team, please tell us Snow White please tell us tonight!
“My endocrinologist keeps my numbers tight.”

And who else does help you with what’s on your plate?
“A nutritionist helps me plan meals that taste great.”

And what for your eyes, so your vision is clear?
“My ophthalmologist treats my eyes with care.”
We all need some feedback sooner or later –
“I work with a diabetes educator!”

Sometimes emotions can make us feel low.
“It’s OK to talk to my therapist though.”
You have to stay active so you’ll be complete.
“Podiatrists work to take care of my feet!”

Snow White, even with diabetes, you rock!
“I pay regular visits to my family doc!”
Let’s take a lesson from Snow White and her team –
Diabetes can’t stop you from living your dream!

Take a page from Snow White’s playbook and create your diabetes care team to stay on top of your self-care. You are the most essential member of your care team. And your team depends on you to tell them how you feel. You may work with several healthcare professionals. Your diabetes care team can include Primary Care Provider, Endocrinologist, Optometrist, Podiatrist, Pharmacist, Dentist, Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, Therapist, and Fitness Professional.

In addition to your healthcare team, your family and friends can be vital to managing your diabetes, helping with your emotional well-being, attending a doctor’s visit, and supporting you in an emergency.

A few years back, Mr. Divabetic and his merry band of diabetes educators presented Diabetes Fairytales in the Divabetic Pavilion at the American Diabetes Association’s Expo in Pittsburgh, PA. We featured nine popular Fairy Tales, including Snow White, Cinderella, Pinocchio, Beauty & The Beast, Rapunzel, Hansel & Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, and more! The Diabetes Fairy Tales stage show also included Little Red Riding Hood self-care games, 3 Bears fitness demonstrations, Hansel and Gretel Food Aisle Face-Offs, and diabetes care advice for damsels in distress from the experts.

Listen to Divabetic’s Diabetes Fairytales podcast featuring Connie Frazier RD, CDCES, Lori Bednarz RN, CDCEs, Makeup Artist and Esthetician Sue Perez, Lorraine Brooks, Lorraine Starsky RN, and Neva White CRNP, CDCES.

Are Their Carbs in Milk Alternatives? By Megrette Fletcher

Divabetic

In celebration of ’31 Days of Counting Carbs’ we’re asking some of our favorite certified diabetes educators to share some friendly advice and tips to help you improve your diabetes self-care.

October’s Diabetes Late Nite guest, Megrette Fletcher Med, RD, CDE, who is ais a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, author, and co-founder of The Center for Mindful Eating. shares this blog post:

Some of my clients ask me, “Are there carbs in milk alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, rice milk, or soy milk?” The answer is generally, yes, but to find out exactly how much, you’ll need to check the nutrition label. This article provides the approximate amount of carbs in milk alternatives.

How many carbs are in milk alternatives?

Carbohydrates are important when you have diabetes because the carbs in the foods you eat and the beverages you drink affect your blood sugar levels. This table provides a list of some popular flavors of milk alternatives and their carbohydrate content. I developed this general reference list by taking the average of the carbohydrate content of three popular brands.

For comparison, one cup (8 ounces) of regular, 2%, 1%, or skim cow’s milk has 12 to 15 grams of carbohydrate. You’ll generally find that only the plain or sugar free option of most milk alternatives have fewer carbohydrates than cow’s milk.

Why do some people choose milk alternatives?

Some people are lactose intolerant and struggle with digesting cow’s milk. Others eliminate animal products as part of a vegan diet. In addition, these products are shelf stable so they may be easier to take where access to refrigeration is limited.

What about other nutrients in milk alternatives?

It’s important to consider other nutrients in addition to carbohydrates. The protein content in most milk alternatives is typically less than cows milk. As you may recall fromEat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes, protein promotes the greatest satiety of the three macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat, protein).

The vitamin and mineral content may differ as well. Many milk alternatives are fortified with calcium so their calcium content will be similar to milk, but again, the nutrition label will be your best source of information about the nutrient content for each product.

BUY NOW: Pick up a copy of Megrette Fletcher and Michelle May MD’s book, ‘Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes’.  This book helps readers discover how eating and physical activity affect their blood sugar so that they can make decisions that support their good health without sacrificing delicious meals or dinner out with friends. This four-part system helps readers think, nourish, care, and live with diabetes – without restriction or guilt – to discover optimal health and the vibrant life they crave.

TUNE IN: October’s Diabetes Late Nite with inspiration from Kelly Clarkson on Tuesday, October 13, 2015, 6 -7 PM, EST.

Diabetes Brain Teasers with Dr. Beverly S. Adler

Divabetic

Mr. Divabetic will be playing his game, “Diabetes Brain Teasers” at the Easter Parade in New York on Sunday, April 5, 2015 with parade goers to raise awareness for diabetes in a fun, new way.

“Diabetes Brain Teasers” are quick, fun questions about fitness, food and the different aspects of diabetes self-care which test people’s knowledge of diabetes wellness. Several experts including Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, Dr. Beverly Adler PhD, CDE and the staff of dLife are helping to contribute questions.

Can wait for the parade to test your knowledge? Try your luck  now with a “Diabetes Brain Teaser” from  Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE aka ‘Dr. Bev’, a recent guest on Diabetes Late Nite,

Diabetes Brain Teasers Question: Name five successful strategies for handling stress and diabetes?

Diabetes management is a constant process; for many, it is an ongoing challenge that may be complicated by the impact of stress. Don’t be stressed out  about managing your diabetes!

Check out Dr. Bev’s 5 strategies that can help you manage stress and diabetes:

1- Relaxation – Listen to music, sit with your feet up, read a book or imagine yourself in a peaceful spot.

2- Exercise – Take a walk or do 30 minutes of exercise, it will help lessen your stress level and control your blood sugar.

3- Support – Talk to a friend or counselor about your feelings.

4- Humor – Look at life in a positive and fun way.  Laugh at difficult things and you may see another way to solve the problem.

5- Lifestyle – Be good to yourself.  Get enough sleep and follow your diet and exercise plan.  Learn a new craft or skill.  Spend some time each day doing something you enjoy.

Most people with diabetes feel some of these symptoms at different times in their lives.

Keep in mind, the EFFECTS OF STRESS ON DIABETES MANAGEMENT can disturb blood sugar control by placing extra demands on your time and attention;stress can disturb blood sugar control by not being as careful about your eating because you are rushed and don’t take time to prepare healthful meals; stress can disturb your blood sugar control by not being as careful about taking your medication on time or careless about your medication dosage; and stress can disturb blood sugar control by the body’s own production of “stress hormones” (which produces extra sugar).

Life will always have challenges and setbacks, but you have the power to choose how you respond to it! Check out these wonderful resources in diabetes education and empowerment:

BUY NOW: My Sweet Life: Successful Women With Diabetes edited by Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE

TUNE IN: March’s Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Carrie Underwood

Teach, Don’t Preach – Diabetes Education by Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE

Dr. Beverly S. Adler

January’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE   aka”Dr. Bev”, shares this blog post on what the difference between ‘teaching’ and ‘preaching’ when educating people about diabetes:

Why would any adult be happy to be treated like a child? Told what you must or must not eat? Is it any surprise if you start to react like a child in response to what seems like arbitrary rules that are unreasonable?

It’s one thing to deal with the “diabetes police” – well-meaning friends or family members who think they know what’s best for you. One diabetes policewoman spoke with me recently about the diabetes “criminals” she watched at our club meeting  during dinner.  She was outraged that these two men with type 2 diabetes dared to eat a slice of cake for dessert. (I was also “guilty” of having a slice of cake for dessert.) She herself did not have diabetes, but had been married to a man who had (poorly controlled) diabetes. As a psychologist, I would say she transferred her feelings of anger, which were aimed at her husband, toward these “innocent” men. All she could do was vent her feelings of frustration and preach about their bad diabetes management. Clearly a “teachable moment”, I tried to teach her that dessert is not a “bad” food choice. I tried to have her understand that I, for one, watched my carb intake earlier in the meal (skipping bread, skipping the mashed potatoes) so I could enjoy the cake.  I told her that I, for one, had determined how much insulin to take to cover the whole meal including dessert. The diabetes policewoman was not satisfied with this explanation.  All she could do was admonish their choice to eat dessert. Finally, I had to say those two men were not her husband and she couldn’t assume that they eat without a care about their diabetes. Feeling frustrated that I did not share her view of these two diabetes criminals she walked away to smoke a cigarette.  Ironically, I preached at her what an unhealthy choice she was making to smoke cigarettes!

It’s another thing to deal with health care professionals who have their own agenda without regard to their patients’ lifestyle. I hate to point a finger of blame at health care professionals for being preachy but two patients recently told me about their upsetting appointments. My first story is about a patient who was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I had already started some basic diabetes education with her when she went to see a nutritionist. Unfortunately, according to my patient, the nutritionist spent 75% of the session insisting that she must eat vegetables!  My patient is 60 years old and unlikely to drastically change her eating habits (which excludes veggies). However, the nutritionist was relentless in her preachy demands. The nutritionist accomplished nothing with her preachy style of diabetes education except that my patient felt unheard and un-helped.  Using a more understanding approach, I taught her that portion size also mattered, that daily exercise could help reduce her weight and reduce her blood sugars.  She heard my suggestions and will try to make changes in her lifestyle. Mission accomplished: teaching diabetes education without preaching it!

My second story is about a preachy endocrinologist. My patient is a senior citizen who has had type 2 diabetes for decades and struggles with her weight. (Her A1C is 7%.)  She has tried and failed at so many diets she feels hopeless. Her endocrinologist insisted that the patient is not allowed to eat bananas any more, ever! I’m sorry but I beg to differ. First of all, bananas are a healthy source of potassium. Secondly, I discussed portion control with my patient and the size of her banana. Thirdly, I doubt the problem of her failed weight loss efforts are due exclusively to eating bananas. This preachy health care professional failed to help her patient with her preachy style of diabetes education.

Whether you are a friend, family member or a health care professional it’s important to teach diabetes education to an adult by treating them like an adult. Instead of telling people what they can or cannot do,  help them to learn by giving them respect, patience, and compassion. The chances of successfully teaching a person with diabetes to feel empowered to live a healthier lifestyle can be achieved with support and encouragement.  Can I have an AMEN?

BUY NOW: My Sweet Life: Successful Women with Diabetes by Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE

Don’t miss Dr. Beverly S. Adler on March’s Diabetes Late podcast inspired by Carrie Underwood, Tuesday, March 10, 2015, 6 -7 PM, EST.

LISTEN NOW: January’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with guest Dr. Beverly S.  Adler PhD, CDE

Free dLife Seminar with Author Riva Greenberg In August

Author and diabetes advocate Riva Greenberg hosts a free webinar presenting easy and imporant steps about food and attitude to help you take care of your diabetes. These steps are from her  new book, Diabetes Do’s & How-To’s,  an action-step guide to living a healthier and happier life with diabetes.

Tune int learn the keys to developing a simple and realistic roadmap for achieving your diabetes goals! Riva acts as your GPS, giving you precise directions and showing you the shortest route to your destination – a healthy and happy diabetes life!

Riva will simplify your diabetes life with “Do’s” like: Say “Bye-Bye” to Diets, Get “the Skinny” on Fat,  Make Your Kitchen Heart-Health,  Aim for Better, Not Perfect and more!

Riva Greenberg has lived with type 1 diabetes for 42 years and has earned several awards. She is a health coach, peer-mentor, inspirational speaker, and columnist on The Huffington Post. She is also the author of three diabetes books.

CLICK TO REGISTER:  http://links.lifemedmedia.mkt3381.com/servlet/MailView?ms=NDY2OTgyNzkS1&r=NTMzMjUzOTU1NjcS1&j=NTAxNDAxMjM2S0&mt=1&rt=0​

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Miranda Lambert . Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Mama Rose Marie, Author Kim Boykin and Marina Tsaplina.

TUNE IN: Mr. Divabetic Show on Breast Cancer & Diabetes featuring Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. April Speed, Mari Michelle Ruddy, Mary Sue Englund and E.P. McKnight.

 

Dr. Beverly S. Adler Guests On Diabetes Late Nite

Dr. Beverly S. Adler

Author Dr. Beverly S. Adler  PhD, CDE shared her insights into diabetes distress on April’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

“Dr. Bev” treats children, adolescents, adults, and seniors in her private practice in Baldwin, New York.  In addition to discussing issues of diabetes management, therapy focuses on processing feelings of denial, depression, anger, guilt, stress and anxiety regarding adjustment to this chronic illness. Utilizing a cognitive-behavioral orientation, Dr. Bev provides individual, family, and/or group therapy sessions.

She is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Nassau County Psychological Association.  She is also a professional member of the American Diabetes Association as well as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

She feels uniquely qualified to treat patients with diabetes because she has living with type 1 diabetes for the past 39 years. Her own personal philosophy is to take control of her diabetes and not let diabetes control her life. Dr. Bev’s  focus strongly endorses empowering the lives of people with diabetes.

BUY NOW: My Sweet Life: Successful Women with Diabetes

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite 

Don’t Miss the Divabetic Club in Cleveland

Join us for our free monthly empowerment sessions to learn how to take charge and live better with diabetes on Saturday, April 12, 2014, 10 AM – 12 PM.

In April, the Diva Club at the Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland is talking about “Keeping Your Feet Healthy and Happy”.

You’ve been told to “check your feet” daily, but what does that mean?   We’ll take shoes and socks off and go step by step on what to look for and use a filament to check for sensation.  We’ll discuss the do’s and do not’s of pedicures and talk about the best types of shoes for your feet.

Here are some recommendations for individuals who decide to go ahead and have a pedicure. This was taken from an article about pedicures in the “Diabetes Forecast” magazine.

• Use good judgment. Be picky about the salon. Check out several salons and look into sanitation practices and how they clean their tools. At one local salon in our area, you buy your own tools and they are kept in a box with your name.
• Inspect the foot tub. Does it get cleaned between clients?
• Inspect the tools. Stainless steel instruments are more sanitary than wooden sticks.
• Don’t be afraid to give the nail technician instructions. Let them know you have diabetes. Water temperature of 90-95 degrees should be safe, avoid razors, no lotion between the toes, and be gentle.
• If you shave your legs, stop 2 days before the appointment to decrease your chances of bacteria entering nicks or cuts.

Each Diva Club session covers everything from glucose monitoring to exercising to gardening for healthy eating. A bonus: you’ll make lifelong friends!

There is no charge for Diva Club, but please call us to register at (216) 591-0800.

Diva Club for Women

Saturday, April 12, 2014, 10 AM – 12 PM

3601 Green Road, #100

Beachwood, OH

TUNE IN: Diabetes Late Nite  podcast inspired by the Sapphires hosted by Mr. Divabetic

http://youtu.be/1z8cz-D8RSo

2013 Diva Moments: Diabetes Fairy Tales

Diabetes Fairy Tales

2013 is quickly coming to an end and we’re taking a look back at a year’s worth of  Divabetic outreach. One of our favorite DIVA moments of 2013 was Divabetic’s ‘Diabetes Fairy Tales’ stage show at this year’s American Diabetes Expo in Pittsburgh, PA.

The Diabetes Fairy Tales  featured Little Red Riding Hood fitness demonstrations, 3 Bears nutrition advice on portion size, Hansel and Gretel diabetes supplies lists, and health and wellness tips for damsels in distress from the experts.

Fairy tales  and their characters aren’t just for children. Adults need them too.

“Fairy tales can teach us about the higher qualities of ourselves,” says Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek. “These poems based on Divabetic’s 9 Diabetes Self-Care Rules provide inspiration to help you to stay healthy and upbeat about your daily self-care.”

The interactive and engaging diabetes educational presentation featured 9 original poems written by Lorraine Brooks. Each of the poems features a  popular fairy tale character such as Rapunzel or Cinderella along with related diabetes self-care advice. Lorraine’s ‘Hansel and Gretel’ inspired poem reinforces  the importance of planning ahead if you’re living with diabetes and not venturing off into the woods aka “leaving home” empty handed.

Additionally, Divabetic feels the ‘Land of Make Believe’ can help people conquer their fears and give them hope for the future.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Fairy Tales podcast with 9 self-care tips http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/05/28/diabetes-fairy-tales

Join Us for Divabetic Club – Philadelphia!

Mr Divabetic’s Favorite Things

Join us  for the last Divabetic Club – Philadelphia, PA of 2013. This free and fabulous outreach event is presented from 12 -1 PM at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

Divabetic Club blends diabetes self-management education, group support with online empowerment tools in a way that enlightens participants and motivates them to improve their self-care management. Divabetic’s uniquely different outreach and online programming comforts, connects and empowers its community to“Glam More, Fear Less” so that no one has to struggle with diabetes alone or in silence. Regular attendees and professional facilitators often fondly refer to Divabetic Club as the “12 Step Program for women living with diabetes”.

In kind, we have developed our “Divabetic 9” Steps to help women on their journey from diagnosis to diva! All of the Divabetic 9 Steps relate to the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Self-Care Behaviors: Healthy Eating, Taking Medications, Monitoring, Reducing Risks, Problem Solving, Being Active and Healthy Coping.

Divabetic Club – Philadelphia is presented by a team of Thomas Jefferson University healthcare professionals and diabetes educators who provide expert advice on food, fitness and self-care management to encourage early action and prevention of diabetes health-related complications. The program is hosted by Mr. Divabetic and features guest speakers, food demonstrations, interactive panel discussions and more.

Divabetic Club – Philadelphia is presented on behalf of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Divabetic.

December 2013 12PM- 1PM

Jefferson Alumni Hall , First Floor Eakins Lounge

10th and Locust Streets

Philadelphia, PA 19107

FREE ADMISSION

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

Eye Candy Calendar BUY NOW: http://www.lulu.com/shop/max-szadek/eye-candy-calendar/calendar/product-21242051.html

GREAT GIFT IDEAS: Mr. Divabetic’s Favorite Things 2013

How To Stop Being Your Own Worst Enemy by Dr. Beverly S. Adler

Dr. Beverly S. Adler

“When it comes to success – Stop being your own worst enemy!” says, Dr. Beverly S. Adler aka ‘Dr. Bev.’

As a clinical psychologist  and Certified Diabetes Educator in private practice, Dr. Bev sees many patients who struggle with their feelings about diabetes. Whether newly diagnosed, or living with diabetes for many years, it does not matter.  Diabetes is a chronic illness and the daily stresses to manage it can take their toll on your emotions. Diabetes distress and diabetes burnout can be the result. When that happens, thoughts and actions become impaired. You become your own worst enemy unable to manage your self-care in a healthy way. By changing your thoughts and actions, you can become your own best friend and make positive changes to your diabetes self-management.

Here’s two examples of simple changes you can make.

Denial : “I don’t really have diabetes. I just have a touch of sugar. 

With that attitude, it’s no surprise if you ignore your diabetes.  Denying that you have diabetes grants you permission to live your life like you have no health concerns.  Words of wisdom from health care providers fall on deaf ears. You know you should lose weight.  You know you should eat smaller, healthier portions at meals. But you’ve convinced yourself that diabetes is no big deal.  You’ll start exercising “next week” – but next week turns into next month turns into never.  And, you don’t change your lifestyle.  You are your own worst enemy!

Not to scare you, but even if you don’t want to think about having diabetes, it can still do damage to your body if your blood sugar is always high. Once you change your attitude to accept your illness, you can start to make changes in your lifestyle. You can start with small changes such as walking 15 minutes per day. You can gradually increase to more minutes per day. Eating smaller portions of food.  Trying to reduce carbohydrates and increase veggies in your diet. Those are ways to start helping yourself to manage your diabetes.  That is a great way to be your own best friend!

 Depression: “Diabetes controls my life.  I feel like giving up.”

With that attitude, it’s no surprise if you stop taking care of yourself. It’s hard to manage your self-care if you are feeling hopeless about your health and your future.  Depression affects your thoughts and you feel like a black cloud is over your head. You might feel like nobody understands the burdens of your diabetes self-management. You become your own worst enemy!

Research shows that depression is twice as likely to occur for people with diabetes.  Understanding that you are not alone with your feelings could help. Try a new attitude: “I will not let diabetes control my life. I will control my diabetes!” Depending on how serious your depression is, it may help to talk to a mental health professional (like a psychologist) who can help you see things from a new perspective. Or you can talk to others dealing with similar diabetes distress and burnout by attending a support group. Many people with diabetes feel the bond of diabetes sisterhood and brotherhood at social media sites within the diabetes online community (DOC). When you start to think differently, you can feel differently.  Then, you can start to feel hopeful about yourself and your future.  That is a great way to be your own best friend!

Make the choice to be your own best friend as you manage your diabetes!  Good luck!

Written By: Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE, Clinical Psychologist and Certified Diabetes EducatorDDP Staff Writer.
www.diabetesdailypost.com

– See more at: http://diabetesdailypost.com/learning-how-to-stop-being-your-own-worst-enemy/#sthash.uzmBGxTf.dpuf

LISTEN NOW:  Mr. Divabetic’s 9 Most Fascinating People 2013 with  Kathy Dolgin aka High Voltage, Diabetes Advocate Taryn McQuain Bentaous, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Artist Susan McCaslin, Authors Kim Standridge Boykin, Holly Kingston and Kim Chaloner, Susan Greenberg Weiner RD, CDE and Ms. Exsquisite Full Figured USA 2013, Andrea White http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/12/03/mr-divabetics-9-most-fascinating-people

Eye Candy Calendar BUY NOW: http://www.lulu.com/shop/max-szadek/eye-candy-calendar/calendar/product-21242051.html

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Ricochet  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/11/12/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-ricochet

Mr. Divabetic’s Favorite Things 2013