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A genetic connection to kidney disease – Bowie News
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HEALTHY LIVING

A genetic connection to kidney disease

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How APOL1-mediated kidney disease can impact you, your kidneys and your family

(Family Features) A genetic condition that can cause kidney failure, APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) represents a group of kidney diseases associated with mutations (changes or variants) in the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) genes.

Typically, the APOL1 genes – of which every person has two, one from each parent – create proteins that play a role in immunity. However, some people are born with mutations in one or both genes, and having mutations in both can increase the risk of developing kidney disease and even kidney failure.

In honor of National AMKD Awareness Day on April 30, consider this information from the experts at the American Kidney Fund to better understand the disease and become APOL1 aware.

Understanding Risk Factors
Research shows Black people with kidney disease are more likely to develop kidney failure than any other racial or ethnic group. The reasons for these health disparities include social determinants of health, a higher burden of diabetes and high blood pressure in the Black community, barriers to health care access and genetics.

The APOL1 gene mutations evolved over the past 3,000-10,000 years in people who lived in western and central Africa and are associated with increased protection from a parasite carried by the tse tse fly that causes African sleeping sickness. While protecting from one disease, the mutation – if inherited in both APOL1 genes – is more likely to lead to kidney disease in those of certain African descent, including people who identify as Black, African American, Afro-Caribbean or Latina or Latino.

In fact, an estimated 13% of Black Americans have two APOL1 gene mutations, according to the American Kidney Fund. While not everyone who has two APOL1 mutations will get kidney disease, there is a 1 in 5 chance they will go on to develop AMKD.

Identifying Symptoms
If you have kidney damage, symptoms may not occur until your kidneys are close to failing. As kidney damage worsens, one or more of these symptoms may occur:

  • Protein in urine
  • Swelling in legs or weight gain
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • High blood pressure

Should these symptoms occur and you have a family history of kidney disease, talk to a doctor about getting tested for kidney disease, as testing is the only way to determine kidney function. AMKD can cause damage to parts of the kidney that filter blood or, in some cases, cause cells in the kidneys to die, which can lead to damage and scarring that may eventually lead to kidney failure.

Getting a Diagnosis
The only way to know if you have APOL1 gene mutations is to do genetic testing via a blood or saliva sample. Genetic testing may be considered if you have kidney disease and don’t know the cause or if you’re considering donating a kidney. Testing may also be considered if a family member is a carrier for the mutation. If you have questions about genetic testing, discuss your options with a doctor or ask for a referral to a genetic counselor.

Taking Steps to Prevent Kidney Disease
There are currently no treatments available for AMKD. However, there are steps you can take to protect your kidneys and promote general health. Work with your doctor to create a plan to prevent or delay the progression of kidney disease, which may include:

  • Doctor visits to check how your kidneys are working through urine and blood tests
  • Checking for and managing diabetes and high blood pressure
  • A healthy eating plan, which may involve limiting things like sodium (salt)
  • Taking prescription medications as directed
  • Being active at least 30 minutes each day of the week
  • Quitting smoking or using tobacco

If you have the APOL1 gene mutations, you may be able to take part in clinical trials. Trials could provide an opportunity for researchers to develop and test safe treatments for AMKD. Also speak with family members about having genetic testing done if you have the mutation as they may also have it.

Learn more and find additional resources at kidneyfund.org/APOL1aware.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock


SOURCE:
American Kidney Fund

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How to conduct a skin care self-exam

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Time spent soaking up the summer sun is one of the things that makes the season so appealing. Warm outdoor air has a calming effect that can make anyone feel more relaxed and comfortable.
As good as warm summer sun can feel, overexposure to the sun can be dangerous. The World Cancer Research Fund reports there were more than 330,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed across the globe in 2022. A significant percentage of skin cancer cases can be prevented, and prevention is a multifaceted process that includes skin care self-examinations. Self-exams do not take up much time, and individuals can speak with their physicians about how frequently they should check their skin for signs of skin cancer. The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers the following instructions for how to conduct a skin self-exam.
Choose the right time to examine your skin. The USNLM recommends conducting a skin exam after bathing. Women who routinely conduct breast self-exams can check their skin at this time as well.
Use a full-length mirror. ItÕs not always easy to examine skin throughout the body. But signs of skin problems can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that might be hard to see without help. If possible, conduct a self-exam of the skin in front of full-length mirror in a brightly lit room.
Identify what youÕre looking for. The USNLM notes you should be looking for any new skin markings. This includes bumps, moles, blemishes, and changes in skin color.
Pay close attention to preexisting moles. A potential sign of skin cancer includes moles that change over time. Examine preexisting moles to see if they have changed in size, texture, color, and shape.
Look for unusual moles. The USNLM characterizes certain moles as Òugly duckling moles.Ó These unique moles look and feel different from nearby moles and may be indicative of skin cancer. Speak with a dermatologist if a self-exam uncovers the presence of moles with uneven edges or differences in colors or asymmetric shapes. Moles that look different from one side to the other also should be brought to the attention of a dermatologist. Moles that do not stop bleeding or will not heal also merit examination by a skin care professional.
When the time comes to conduct the exam, the USNLM recommends following these steps:

  • Look closely at your entire body, both front and back, in the mirror.
  • Check under your arms and on both sides of each arm. Be sure to examine the backs of your upper arms, which can be hard to see.
  • Bend your arms at the elbow, and examine both sides of your forearm.
  • Examine the tops and palms of your hands.
  • Examine the front and back of both legs.
  • Examine your buttocks and between your buttocks.
  • Examine your genital area.
  • Examine your face, neck, the back of your neck, and scalp. Use both a hand mirror and full-length mirror, along with a comb, to see areas of your scalp.
  • Examine your feet, including the soles and the spaces between your toes.
  • Ask a person you trust to help examine hard-to-see areas.
    Skin cancer poses a formidable threat, but many cases of the disease are preventable. Routine skin self-exams are a vital component of skin cancer prevention. TF256909
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What does 100% grass-fed organic dairy bring to your table

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(Family Features) It’s no secret that many grocery store dairy sections are filled with more options today. One choice continuing to gain favor with consumers is 100% grass-fed organic dairy. Nutrition, environmental awareness and animal care are some of the leading reasons consumers choose grass-fed dairy products.

Globally, the 100% grass-fed dairy market is projected to continue growing and some market experts predict annual growth rates as high as 22%. If you’re curious about 100% grass-fed organic dairy, consider these benefits from Maple Hill, America’s original 100% grass-fed organic dairy producer. The pioneer of 100% grass-fed organic dairy took its commitment a step further by celebrating and declaring National 100% Grass-Fed Organic Dairy Day on April 15, which recognizes the positive impact it has on consumers, cows, farmers and the environment.

1. Honoring the Farmers
Unlike large-scale corporate dairy farms, most organic farms are small, family-owned operations dedicated to traditional, sustainable farming. Small dairy farms have been disappearing, but 100% grass-fed organic dairy creates a sustainable, viable path forward for farmers who work in harmony with nature. 

This more natural approach to dairy is a “craft” process favoring small family farmers who are willing to dedicate the extra focus and patience to a better product and process. These family farms are passed on to future generations to grow the “better for you, better for the planet” approach.

2. Commitment to Good Health
Most consumers don’t know the difference between traditional organic and 100% grass-fed organic dairy. One key distinction is the products’ nutritional composition; 100% grass-fed organic dairy provides a 50% healthier ratio of omega 3:6 and 40% higher levels of CLA fatty acids, which may support heart health and provide other health benefits.

What’s more, Maple Hill’s products made with 100% grass-fed organic dairy are GMO free, hormone free and antibiotic free with no additives or fillers. The line of high-quality, rich-flavored products let you experience the organic difference from traditional dairy for a nutrient-dense solution that tastes as nature intended.

3. Happy, Healthy Cows
Cows on a 100% grass-fed diet can live up to three times as long as grain-fed cows and are never subjected to unnatural diets, hormones or antibiotics. More time in pastures filled with lush grass means cows have the freedom to roam, ruminate and graze on diverse, nutrient-rich grasses.

The result is happier, healthier cows, which in turn results in a richer, better-tasting and more nutrient-dense milk.

4. Sustainability and the Environment
Producing milk without grain or corn requires farmers to focus on regenerating soil and the soil life that supports everything else on the farm. In fact, the healthier the soil, the healthier the feed, so farmers have a natural incentive to be as regenerative as possible. Regenerative grazing practices are a powerful and positive tool to improve land and the web of life on farms by actively restoring soil health, promoting biodiversity and reducing the environmental impact compared to conventional dairy.

Well-managed grazing helps pull carbon from the atmosphere into the soil, fighting climate change in the process. In addition, healthier soil retains more water, reducing runoff and protecting water sources from agricultural pollution.

5. Strengthening the 100% Grass-Fed Organic Market
Consumers are increasingly aware of the choices they have in dairy products and how 100% grass-fed organic supports their health, farmers, animals and the planet. Some ways to support this category’s continued growth include choosing certified 100% grass-fed organic dairy, advocating for regenerative farming and helping shape a more sustainable food system.

Learn more about 100% grass-fed organic dairy products at maplehill.com.


SOURCE:

Maple Hill

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Promote health with these daily habits

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Health should be a priority, but too often life gets in the way and individuals take a reactive, rather than proactive, approach to their personal well-being. But living healthier need not be so difficult. In fact, research suggests that small, positive changes in how a person lives each day creates a healthier person over time.

A Hologic-Gallup survey on the state of women’s health conducted in April 2024 found 63 percent of respondents said it was hard for them to make health a priority. They cited feeling overwhelmed, needing to care for others before themselves, emotional/mental health, and work as the top barriers to focusing on health. But it’s important that both women and men recognize that small changes can add up to big results. These healthy habits can help individuals start living healthier lifestyles.

· Get some exercise. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things a person can do fo his or her health. Exercise helps manage weight, reduces the risk of disease, strengthens bones and muscles, and improves brain health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says adults should aim for at least 150 minutes (30 minutes a day for five days) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week. A great place to begin is with a daily walk, which is a simple and effective habit that does not require a lot of time and no equipment except a good pair of athletic shoes.

· Wear sunscreen every day. After washing your face each morning, apply a facial moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30, or blend equal parts of sunscreen and regular moisturizer, suggests Harvard Health. Use it on the face, neck, ears, and any thinning hair spots on the scalp. Skin cancer is the most common type of the disease worldwide, and wearing sunscreen can help many people avoid it.

· Spend time outdoors. It takes just a few minutes in the sun to raise vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is necessary for bone and heart health and helps to boost mood, says WebMD. Various studies indicate spending time in green spaces promotes calm and increases happiness.

· Plan your meals. Meal planning is not just a way to manage food budgets. It’s also a great method to being more mindful of food choices and avoiding impulse buys or meals that may not be as healthy as they can be. Adding more plant-based foods to a diet is a good start. Such foods can reduce the risk of chronic conditions like high cholesterol and hypertension.

· Stay hydrated. Hydration supports good digestion, increases energy and may improve brain performance, states Harvard Health. Drink a glass of water each day upon waking up and with every meal. Older adults often do not feel thirst like they did when they were younger, so it is especially important for seniors to stay hydrated.

Healthy habits are more easily adopted when people begin small and make a daily commitment to their overall health.

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