I hope you enjoy Poet Lorraine Brooks’ poem is “Beauty & The Beach”from our Diabetes Roundtable podcast inspired by Esther Williams that was originally broadcast in July 2013. Without a doubt this poem is the most popular poem that Lorraine has ever shared on our podcasts. It also marks an important turning point in our podcast’s content because the bravery and honest emotions expressed in her poem opened the door for us to tackle more sensitive subjects on future podcasts.
I remember talking to Lorraine about this poem prior to our live broadcast. She had an uneasy feeling that I might not like her poem because it wasn’t ‘upbeat’ or ‘happy’ enough to fit in with our typical podcast format. I assured her that it didn’t matter if her poem strayed from our ‘happy’ outlook about living with diabetes because it was simply great. To be honest, it had never occurred to me that our podcasts might seem unabashedly upbeat to our listeners until our conversation. Up until then, my intent with each show was to provide a forum for our guests to ‘let their hair down’ and talk about their diabetes. I never intentionally censored anyone’s words or comments and/or suggested to alter their story to be more inspiring. However, after our conversation I took Lorraine’s words to heart and quickly began re-shaping our podcast to reflect a more authentic view of diabetes; the good and the bad along with everything in between.
It’s interesting to note that people have expressed mixed feeling about Lorraine’s poem over the years. Some people think it’s sad and depressing. Others argue it’s true and honest. No matter what you think I’m sure you will agree with me that Lorraine’s words need to be heard!
Beauty and the Beach by Poet Lorraine Brooks
I’m not Esther Williams.
I’m not even close.
My body in bathing suits
Feels clumsy and gross.
I look at the swimmers
And look at the pool,
And suddenly feel
Like a a fat ugly fool.
I try to ignore them,
These feelings I feel…
But the bottom line truth is,
The feelings are real.
Will I wear a bathing suit?
Probably not.
I’ll probably stay in my clothes,
And feel hot.
I’ve tried, please believe me,
To listen to those
Who tell me its OK
To take off my clothes.
Then I look at others
And what comes to mind?
I sense they are judging me
And being unkind.
I wish I was comfortable,
I Wish I fit in…
I wish I was normal.
I wish I was thin.
I wish People saw me
For more Than my weight…
I wish that I had
A much different fate.
So, hats off to Esther
Who swam like a fish…
Who by all accounts
Was a beautiful “dish”.
But I am not Esther.
I’m all I can be…
And sometimes I struggle
Just being me.
One more small thing,
I must say it out loud –
If I had a body
Of which I was proud…
If tank tops and 2-pieces
Were within my reach
I’d be more than happy
To join you at the beach.
July’s Diabetes Roundtable
LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable inspired by Esther WilliamsDiabetes Roundtable Hosted by Mr. Divabetic. 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.
We’re marking the 4th Anniversary of Diva Talk Radio with a Sizzling Summer BBQ & Benefit Party in New York City.
Come join the fun and support our dazzling brand of diabetes outreach. For the last four years Divabetic has bringing you the best in diabetes education on demand at no cost. Our unique blend of diabetes information and inspirational programming has reached over 70,000 people. help to raise awareness for
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic will be hosting the Bash which includes delicious BBQ and Diva-Style drink specials. Divabetic’s 50/50 Raffle features Sony Music giveaways and more! Special guests: Poet Lorraine Brooks.
Please join us and feel free to invite friends too!
Are you ready to ‘walk the talk’ with Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable, 6 – 6:30 PM, EST?
Join the always entertaining healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, and his all-star cast including the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, IronKat, GBO and Mama Rose Marie as they attempt to do what no podcast on-air team has ever done before!!! (broadcast live while walking in place.)
It’s part of Divabetic’s month long September aka ‘STEP-tember’ celebration to help motivate and inspire you to fit fitness into your life. We encouraging to be a diva and take it ‘Step by Step’ (thanks, Whitney!) by adding a walking program to your daily routine.
To get or stay fit, it is not the number of steps, it is how long and what type. For cardio-fitness, you need to walk 20 minutes at a time. Walking uphill and/or stairs will help with strength. The speed of the walk will also have an impact on cardio and strength.
Watch how you walk. Make sure your paces are equal and both feet are pointed forwards. Check your arm swings too, they should be the same on both sides. If one arm swings across the body, your gate is uneven, your strides are uneven of your feet are at different angles, make sure you don’t have structural imbalance, that can cause pain or other problems, down the road.
Don’t miss Divabetic’s Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable podcast live tonight at 6 PM, EST. Call-in (347) 215-8551. It’s a variety game show that puts the ‘WOW Factor’ into Wellness education. For more info visit: divabetic.org
No time to exercise? Stuck in a traffic jam with a long journey ahead of you?
There’s always a way to squeeze in a little exercise no matter where you are. Just make sure if you are driving that you only do these exercises when you have stopped or when it is absolutely safe to do them…
Butt Boogie Blasters: You can tone the gluteal muscles almost anywhere by squeezing together your buttock muscles for 10 seconds and then releasing. Repeat 10 times.
Stomach Salsa Slimmers: Flatten your stomach by breathing out and pulling your stomach in towards your back as far as possible. Hold for six seconds and release. Repeat 10 times
Thigh Tango Tighteners: Squeeze your thighs together as hard as you can. Hold for 10 seconds and release. Repeat 10 times. If this is too easy you can increase the toning effect by squeezing something like a balled up sweater between your legs. Repeat 10 times.
Shoulder Samba Stretches: Keeping your arms and shoulders relaxed and holding lightly onto the steering wheel, lower your shoulders and pull back as far as you can moving your shoulder blades together. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
Remember, to fasten your seat belt before attempting any ballroom in the car. Learn the “golden” ways to disco in the driver’s seat. Join us at our upcoming ‘Golden Girls’ tour check out these tour dates in Tampa, FL, Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Hagerstown MD and Washington, DC. For more information and inspiration go to: divabetic.org
Meet our September’s Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable’s‘Diagnosis to Diva’ guest and ‘Diabetes Numerolgy Game’ contestant, Jessica C. from Ohio. She’s not afraid to show-off a diva-size attitude about her diabetes.
Jessica is living with type 1 diabetes and she has several tattoos. Our two favorite ‘divabetic friendly‘ tattoos are located on her wrists: “Sugar” and “Free.”
Tune in to hear Jessica’s self-care solution to a Legally Blonde – inspired Diabetes Numerology Game puzzle. Will she be ‘Elle Woods’ or ‘in the wooods’ when it comes to managing her diabetes in a fitness – related situation?
Jessica C. will be appearing on our upcoming Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable scheduled for Tuesday, September , 2011, 6 – 6:30 PM, EST. Call the Diva Hotline: (347) 215-8551 with your questions and comments. We’d like to hear from you!
LISTEN NOW:Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable on divaebetic.org It’s informed, innovative and in-step with YOU! We’re podcasting with attitude.
The Harvard School of Public Health published a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that links television viewing habits to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and premature death. According to the study, more than 2 hours of daily TV viewing increased the risk for diabetes and heart disease while more than 3 hours increased the risk of premature death. The study concluded that for every 100,000 people, two hours reduced viewing time could prevent the diagnosis of diabetes in 176 people, fatal heart disease in 38 people, and 104 premature deaths per year.
Hear the ‘HOT TOPICS’ related to diabetes? Tune in, log on to Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable, Diabetes Spotlight and Studio d programs. Download your favorite episodes for free on i-Tunes or visit divabetic.orgWe’re podcasting with attitude!
As Divas we are always on the move. In the summer, we tend to be much more active; whether we are driving down to the beach, cruising the Caribbean or just heading to a backyard cookout, the last thing a Diva wants is to have her makeup withering away.
With ridiculously high temperatures and multiple activities, one of the best tips from Kiauna Hunt, CEO of Diva Status and Diva TalkRadio guest make up artist
is less is more for the summer.
Diva Status Trends for Summer Beauty are fresh faced and natural with eyes or lips that pop. Try a light tinted moisturizer (for normal to dry skin) or a light pressed powder (if you have oily skin) and don’t be afraid to step outside of the box with a little color this summer. Pinks and Corals are especially pretty and look good on just about any skin tone. You will be pleasantly surprised with how a little bit of color can brighten up your face, wardrobe and your day.
LISTEN NOW: Enjoy a great mix of beauty, fashion, food fitness and diabetes self-care advice to help you live like a diva on Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable: http://t.co/57bxXb2 Learn more about Diva Status, visit www.mydivastatus.com
MSNBC reports that making healthy choices as per the government’s new My Plate guidelines is “going to cost you at least $7.28 a week extra.” The University of Washington study concluded that healthy heating should be accessible to all income brackets. While spending an extra $400 a month on groceries may sound unreasonable, there is a possibility that you could save on health care down the line.
Get free health and wellness advice on dining out and grocery shopping with the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach on Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable. We’re podcasting with attitude!LISTEN NOW:http://t.co/57bxXb2
Subway is fortifying its bread with vitamin D and calcium. The bread in a six-inch sub now has 30 percent of the U.S. recommended daily intake of calcium and 20 percent of the recommended intake of vitamin D — roughly the same as a glass of milk. Subway chose to add those nutrients, which are important for bone development, because a lot of people have trouble getting them in their daily diet.
Subway said each sandwich made to its standard formula already provides iron, vitamin A, two full servings of vegetables, and is free of artificial trans fat.
Subway isn’t the only quick-service restaurant brand targeting customers seeking more healthful options.
McDonald’s recently said it would provide more nutritious meals by reducing sodium, sugar and saturated fat across the board and replacing fries with apples as the default side dish in kids’ “Happy Meals.” The announcement came in the wake of a variety of new menu items with health halos, including additional fruit smoothie flavors and a reformulated grilled chicken.
Diva TalkRadio fans will remember that Jessica Issler RD, CDE, one of the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, gave Mr. Divabetic tips on eating well at Subway during our popular segment ‘Dining Out With A Dietitan.’ LISTEN NOW: http://t.co/7y0JAYw
Looking for a book to read on the beach? Tina Fey’s first book Bossypantsis hilarious! Once you start you won’t want to stop even in a sandstorm. It touches on several controversial subjects: Photoshop and women’s magazines, gender bias in the workplace, “having it all,” weight issues, struggles with childhood trauma, being the boss, hating the boss and body odor.
Fey’s talent as a writer (the same talents that landed her the head gig at SNL and later, her own NBC show) is her charming, no-holds-barred attitude and its on full display here. She’s got a way of setting up a zinger, so that it is physically difficult not to laugh when the punchline hits.
The book itself is not a true memoir, so don’t go looking for the secrets to her success. She does hit upon a few self-help moments when explaining how to be a good boss but mostly she shows by example: if you want to be a funny woman, you need to start out by being funny.
Need a laugh? Tune in, log on to Diva TalkRadio – Diabetes Roundtable. We’re podcasting with a fun-filled approach to diabetes education.
The information presented on this blog is for informational purposes only, and not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or any other medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions or concerns about your medical condition.
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