National Donate Life Month; hear one kidney recipient's story
'My story starts in 2002, I was newly married to my wonderful husband Tori, and the responsible thing to do is get your life insurance test,' Bryant said. 'Well, little did we know we were walking into new terrain. I failed the test at 22 years old. Healthy but I failed. Which led to me to my diagnosis to Kidney disease.'
During her journey she was told she shouldn't have kids. But she says she encountered the Holy Spirit.
'He dropped a promise into my heart, and it said you are going to have a child, it's not going to be perfect to the world but it is going to be perfect to me,' Bryant said. 'The next month I found out I was pregnant.'
Lee was admitted into the hospital at 15 weeks pregnant with kidney failure. She gave birth at 31 weeks and had to do her kidney transplant immediately. But someone close to her gave her the ultimate gift.
'My brother was my donor,' Bryant said.
Lee says she had a remarkable recovery, and a few months later she has another encounter with the Holy Spirit.
'He gave me a promise about a son we were going to have,' Bryant said.
Lee knew it wasn't going to come from her body. A year later in 2009 they welcomed their son via adoption.
Lee says faith led her to where she is now, with a miracle child and adopting a boy. But it would not have been possible without a kidney donor. These donors are vital and anyone can step in to save a life. Reach out and sign up to be an organ donor.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Elle
5 days ago
- Elle
The 11 K-Beauty Skincare Serums To Try For A Glass Skin Glow
With major beauty retailers such as Boots, Sephora and SpaceNK introducing specific K-Beauty sections to their respective websites, it's clear that Korean skincare - from milky toners to SPF - is having a real moment. PureSeoul, the K-beauty store, has also opened its doors in London, proving that K-Beauty is a force to be reckoned with. From snail mucin to 10-step routines, Korean skincare never fails to get the internet talking. But don't let renegade ingredients and extensive regimes put you off, Korean skincare brands are known for their refined textures and gentle yet efficient formulas that promise a glass skin effect without upsetting the skin barrier. 'Korean skincare is built on the philosophy that prevention is better than cure,' says facialist and skin expert, Mina Lee. 'Korean serums are usually lightweight and designed to be layered, so the skin absorbs nutrients gradually without feeling overloaded.' Rather than overwhelming the skin with a high dose of actives, Korean serums tend to nurture the skin barrier so it remains healthy and strong. You will find science-backed active ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C and salicylic acid in Korean formulas, but they're often paired with soothers and hydrators, such as panthenol and cica. '[Korean skincare] often use ingredients rooted in traditional herbal medicine, refined with modern cosmetic science,' Lee tells ELLE UK. Cica is a go-to for soothing stressed or inflamed skin, ginseng helps to brighten a tired complexion while fermented extracts enhance absorption. If your skin is on the oilier side of the spectrum, or tends to feel greasy in the summer, try swapping your moisturiser for a hydrating Korean serum under your SPF moisturiser. Since the serums are generally water-based and light, it prevents the skin from feeling heavy. Of course, if you do prefer something richer for dry skin, there are Korean serums that delivers exactly that with added squalane or plant oils. Those prone to redness in the heat will also love how gentle K-beauty formulas are. 'Anyone with sensitive, dehydrated, or easily irritated skin will notice the benefits quickly. They're also great for people who want visible results but can't tolerate aggressive acids or high-strength retinoids,' shares Lee. 'Many of my clients are surprised at how calm, hydrated, and radiant their skin becomes when we shift to a gentler, layered approach.' Packed with niacinamide and antioxidant bakuchiol, this silky serum helps with restoring parched complexions and protecting against environmental damage. It contains nourishing plant oils, yet remains light enough for combination skin types. Don't worry, you won't find bits of pottery in this formula. The name refers to how smooth your skin will feel after continued use of this milky serum. Created to also suit sensitive or irritated skin, rice bran oil and squalane deliver intense hydration without greasiness or pilling under make-up. Oilier complexions can simply layer this before an SPF moisturiser, or use it alongside a face cream if you're prone to dehydration. A gentle exfoliant, this serum sinks in quickly to rebalance oily complexions and slough away dead cells while refining pores and skin texture. It feels refreshing on hot summer days, but if your skin is especially sensitive, ease into with by applying every two days. Angry, inflamed spots don't stand a chance against this clarifying serum, which tackles blemishes without further drying out the surrounding area. This serum takes a holistic approach to oily, spot-prone skin. Salicylic acid tackles active breakouts while niacinamide helps to rebalance an oily complexion. Soothing ingredients such as lactobacillus and tea extract help calm any inflammation while ceramides work to rebuild a compromised skin barrier. While this is technically called an essence, it does function as an ultralight serum that delivers brightening and hydrating properties to oil-prone skin types (yes, you can be oily and dehydrated). It contains galactomyces ferment filtrate which helps with uneven skin tone and when combined with niacinamide, can do wonders for hyperpigmentation. If you enjoy the sensorial aspect of skincare, consider this all-rounder serum by Laneige. The uplifting fragrance elevates a morning routine while the formula promises to imbue the skin with a gentle glow thanks to a cocktail of antioxidants, plumping peptides and lightweight hydrators. This no-frills, straightforward serum is designed specifically for irritated, inflamed complexions as Centella asiatica (a type of plant) is highly acclaimed for its soothing properties. A useful serum to have in your arsenal for whenever your skin needs extra comfort. This underrated serum by Anua is incredibly effective at minimising the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. The brightening combination of niacinamide, tranexamic acid and arbutin promises an even glow while plant extracts and soothing cica ensures your skin stays nourished and calm. Designed with fragile complexions in mind, Purito's gentle serum is free from fragrance or essential oils, and is loaded with panthenol, ectoin and allantoin; ingredients that aim to calm, hydrate and bolster the skin's natural barrier. Keep this in your stash for any flare-ups. It's useful for resetting sensitised skin, too. If you're prone to sensitivity but are keen to try a vitamin C serum, this is a great place to start. It's padded with soothing panthenol and cushioned with hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration. Expect to see a gentle glow in no time. Hyaluronic acid is found in most skincare formulas, so you may not need a separate one. However, if you're looking for extra hydration that still feels lightweight, it can be a nice addition to your routine. This one by Belif uses seven different kinds of hyaluronic acid for better performance, and is laced with calming allantoin. Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
These 7 Common Foods Might Be the Reason You Have Heartburn
No matter your age, it doesn't hurt to be aware of foods that may cause heartburn. But that knowledge could be particularly handy if you are in or approaching menopause—as the sensation can become more common during this transitional season of life. During menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels drop. Those lower levels can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which is like a gate that, at its strongest, keeps stomach acid from refluxing or splashing up into the esophagus or throat, explains James J. Lee, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange County, California. The hormonal dips may also affect the esophagus' motility, or ability to move food from the throat to the stomach, which can lead to prolonged exposure to refluxed acids. Heartburn may also be a side effect of hormone replacement therapy, Dr. Lee adds. Luckily, certain lifestyle tweaks, including avoiding trigger foods, can help. That said, if you experience heartburn or other acid reflux symptoms regularly, it's important to see a doctor. This is because gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition for which heartburn is a main symptom, may increase the risk of inflammation in the esophagus which could potentially lead to precancerous changes in the esophageal lining and esophageal cancers, says Neha Mathur, M.D., a gastroenterologist with Houston Methodist. If you're experiencing very occasional or acute heartburn, keep reading for seven foods that may be the culprit(s)—and more ways to prevent the uncomfortable sensation. Meet the experts: James J. Lee, M.D., is a gastroenterologist at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange County, California. Vandana Sheth, R.D.N., is a registered dietitian nutritionist and expert in diabetes and plant-based eating. Giana DiMaria, R.D., C.D.N., is an instructor of Medicine at New York Medical College. Neha Mathur, M.D., is a gastroenterologist with Houston Methodist. What causes heartburn Heartburn is the burning sensation of the chest and/or throat that happens when acid flows back from the stomach into the esophagus, explains Dr. Lee. It typically happens after a heavy meal that may weaken or relax the LES, allowing acid to pass into the esophagus. Foods that may cause heartburn Below, Dr. Lee and dietitians share the foods that are most likely to cause heartburn and why. However, it's important to note that different foods will impact people differently, so it's good to be aware of your own personal triggers, which may or may not include all of the below. If you're not sure what foods, if any, could be contributing, you can try tracking your intake and symptoms in a journal and following their clues. Tomato-based sauces or juice Tomatoes are acidic, explains Vandana Sheth, R.D.N., and the acidity can relax the LES and allow for stomach acids to slide up. Unfortunately, many common sauces, sides, condiments, and even main dishes feature tomatoes in some form: pizza, salsa, pasta, and ketchup are all possible culprits. Citrus For similar reasons to tomatoes, acidic citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange (and their juices) are known heartburn trigger foods. One 2023 review of studies found that they were associated with the risk of experiencing GERD. Spicy foods Spicy dishes have the potential to irritate the lower esophageal lining, which may exacerbate heartburn. In particular, capsaicin, a chili pepper extract, can also slow digestion which puts more pressure on the stomach valve, per The Cleveland Clinic. Fatty, fried foods Foods high in saturated fats like fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, butter, cheese, and pastries can lower the pressure on the LES and delay gastric emptying, which increases your esophagus' exposure to stomach acids, says Giana DiMaria, R.D., C.D.N., instructor of Medicine at New York Medical College. Chocolate Chocolate contains caffeine and cacao, both of which can induce LES relaxation and welcome stomach acids into unwelcome places, causing heartburn. More research is needed to understand if the frequency or amount of chocolate you eat changes that potential outcome. In other words, one square of a candy bar may or may not bother you. Carbonated beverages You may reach for a bubbly bevy to settle your stomach, but it could make things worse. That's because it can increase post-meal esophageal acid by, again, relaxing the LES and decreasing the pressure that keeps it closed and acids contained, explains DiMaria. She adds that soda and soda water also have carbon dioxide, a gas that increases pressure in the stomach and can push open the LES, allowing stomach acid to return up to the esophagus. Peppermint Peppermint—as in a cup of peppermint tea—may have digestive health properties, says DiMaria. 'However, it also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, so it can cause gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn,' she concludes. What's the difference between GERD, heartburn, and acid reflux? Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux marked by a burning sensation in the chest and or throat, explains Dr. Lee. Acid reflux is the more technical term for the rise of acid into the esophagus that creates the heartburn feeling. 'One does not have to have heartburn to have acid reflux,' Dr. Lee explains, adding that acid reflux can also present as chest discomfort, a cough, hoarseness, a sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Important note: Chest discomfort and pain can be a symptom of a heart attack. If you think you may be having a heart attack, get immediate medical attention. Lastly, GERD represents chronic and persistent acid reflux manifested by any combination of above symptoms, he says. If you experience these symptoms at least twice a week over a span of weeks or months, you may have GERD, and could benefit from working with a doctor on a treatment plan that may include dietary and/or lifestyle changes. Ways to reduce or prevent heartburn According to the experts, these strategies may help keep your heartburn under control. Avoid potential trigger foods Laying off any of the above foods may make a big difference in your condition. Eat small portions, frequently Heavy meals are more likely to relax the LES, making heartburn more probable. If you eat lighter meals more often, there is less opportunity for discomfort to arise, says Sheth. Avoid eating within three hours before bed If your symptoms tend to flare up when you lay down, try giving yourself plenty of time to digest (ideally three hours) before cozying up for the night. Dr. Lee also recommends sleeping on your left side, supported by pillows, to keep the acids in their rightful place. Practice gentle exercise after dinner Having a post-dinner stroll around the neighborhood can help you both decompress for the day and hasten digestion, hopefully allowing you to avoid nighttime discomfort caused by heartburn. Talk to your doctor about medication or other options There are a plethora of over-the-counter and prescription medications that combat heartburn, from low to high-potency. Antacid tablets and histamine blockers such as Pepcid, Nexium, or Prilosec are common solutions, says Dr. Mathur. Then there are prescription-grade medications available, such as proton pump inhibitors which reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Surgery is also an option for those who experience chronic heartburn, say Dr. Lee and Dr. Mathur. The operation may include removing stomach hernias that increase the risk of acid reflux, or tightening the LES by wrapping the top part of the stomach around the lower esophagus, explains Dr. Mathur. What is a GERD diet? The GERD diet is a GERD-friendly eating plan that may lessen heartburn frequency and prioritizes foods not listed above like non-citrus fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, veggies, and more. Following a GERD diet may be a way to avoid potential heartburn triggers. The bottom line Foods that are spicy, acidic, and/or fatty are more likely to cause heartburn than others, according to experts and research. There are plenty of treatment options for chronic heartburn, including lifestyle and diet changes and medical intervention. Chronic heartburn and GERD should not be ignored because they can cause esophageal damage that may increase cancer risk. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Yahoo
Annual spending on specialty drugs continues to increase but at a slower pace than prior years, driven in part by biosimilar adoption.
DALLAS, August 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pharmaceutical Strategies Group ("PSG"), an EPIC company, released the Artemetrx State of Specialty Spend and Trend report. This annual report provides a comprehensive analysis based on real world data of utilization of specialty medications across both pharmacy and medical benefits. This year's report revealed per member per year specialty drug cost increased from $1,333 in 2023 to $1,641 in 2024. However, specialty drug trend decreased to 9.6% in 2024 on a gross cost basis, a decline from 14.4% in 2023. Notably, cost per claim was meaningfully less of a contributor to trend this year versus recent years. "The data reveals a compelling story regarding what is happening with specialty drugs. Overall costs continue to increase for healthcare payers, but what is driving that cost is changing," stated Morgan Lee, PhD, Senior Director of Research & Strategy at PSG. "Adoption of Humira biosimilars helped pull specialty trend down this year, which is evident throughout the report," Lee added. While Humira continued its multi-year reign as the top specialty drug in terms of overall spend, this popular drug experienced negative utilization and cost per claim trends driven by the adoption of biosimilars. "In 2024, we saw the benefit to healthcare payers of Humira biosimilars as PBMs shifted strategies to take advantage of competition in the market," observed Renee Rayburg, RPh, Vice President of Clinical Strategy at PSG. "We expect to see faster adoption of Stelara biosimilars, which entered the market early this year. However, we're also seeing a push to move patients from these drugs to other brand drugs that do not have biosimilar competition." The Artemetrx State of Specialty Spend and Trend Report reflects PSG's commitment to providing data-driven insights regarding the management of and opportunities to optimize specialty medications. The complimentary report can be downloaded here. Additional findings covered in the report include: The percentage of members utilizing a specialty drug increased (4.7%), while average specialty claims per utilizer was steady (5.9) The shift of specialty drug spending to the pharmacy benefit continued The top three categories for specialty drug spend remained unchanged: Inflammatory Disorder, Oncology, Multiple Sclerosis PSG will host a webinar on August 13th, at 1:00 ET to discuss how this report can shape a roadmap for proactive specialty spend control. Registration is available online. About Pharmaceutical Strategies Group (PSG) Pharmaceutical Strategies Group, an EPIC company, relentlessly advocates for clients as they navigate complex and ever-changing drug cost management challenges. PSG is an independent consultant, empowering healthcare payers to optimize their pharmacy program. As a strategic partner, PSG helps clients by providing industry-leading intelligence and technologies to realize billions of dollars in drug cost savings for clients every year. About Artemetrx® Artemetrx is a proprietary SaaS platform developed by Pharmaceutical Strategies Group, an EPIC company. As a revolutionary technology solution integrating pharmacy and medical claims data for specialty drug cost management, Artemetrx provides market-leading specialty drug insights to payers. It delivers unparalleled intelligence and line-of-sight into serious challenges perpetuating out-of-control drug costs and compromised patient outcomes. PSG's innovative drug management solutions, including Artemetrx, deliver actionable insights with exceptional financial and clinical value. PSG functions as a strategic partner through industry-leading intelligence and technologies to realize billions of dollars in drug cost savings for clients every year. View source version on Contacts Artemetrx Business Development Travis Media Contact Gregory FCA For Pharmaceutical Strategies GroupKara Lesterepic@ Sign in to access your portfolio
