Latest news with #NationalKidneyFoundation
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Former FOX 26 Houston anchor José Griñán dies at 72
Veteran broadcaster José Griñán, a longtime anchor for FOX 26 Houston, has died at the age of 72. Griñán, who spent over three decades at the station, passed away leaving behind a powerful legacy in Houston's media landscape. José joined FOX 26 in 1993 and quickly became a beloved figure across the city. Known for his warm presence and journalistic integrity, he anchored thousands of stories ranging from breaking news to human interest features. He became FOX 26's first male morning show anchor, shaping morning news coverage in the city. Before his television career, Griñán served as a cinematographer in the U.S. Army, where he developed his passion for storytelling. His broadcasting career spanned major cities including El Paso, Tampa, Miami, New York, and Dallas before settling in Houston. He was also one of the first reporters to cover the Waco Branch Davidian siege in the 1990s. Off-camera, José was a pillar in the Houston community. He volunteered for organizations such as the National Kidney Foundation, Special Olympics, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He also served on the boards of the Dive Pirate Foundation, Houston Read Commission, and Keep Houston Beautiful. Born July 24, 1952, in Tampa, Florida, José was proud of his Cuban heritage. He is survived by his wife Kathy, two daughters, and a community of colleagues and viewers who admired his work. A member of both the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, José Griñán's legacy lives on in the city he served so passionately.
New York Post
24-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Horrifying toll of drinking 3 liters of soda a day revealed in troubling new video
It might taste soda-licious, but your favorite bubbly beverage comes with a price. Doctors have long warned that guzzling sugar-packed, calorie-loaded drinks on a regular basis can lead to problems like bad teeth and bulging waistlines. But drinking too much soda can also lead to an excruciatingly painful medical condition that sometimes requires surgery to fix. 4 The majority of Americans drink at least one sugar-sweetened beverage daily. monticellllo – Brazil-based urologist Dr. Thales Andrade sounded the alarm after removing 35 kidney stones from the bladder of a man who downed 2 to 3 liters of cola every day. In a horrifying Instagram video, he showed off a dish filled with large, yellow stones as the patient lay behind him on the operating table. What are kidney stones? They are hard objects that form in your kidneys when substances in urine — like calcium, sodium sodium, oxalate and uric acid — get out of balance, according to the National Kidney Foundation. When there's too much of these particles and not enough liquid, they clump together and crystalize, creating stones. 4 Kidney stones can pass without discomfort or cause extreme pain depending on their size. Instagram/drthalesandrade Once formed, the stone can either stay put in the kidney or start to travel down the urinary tract. Smaller stones might pass quietly in your pee, but bigger ones can get stuck — causing urine to back up and triggering intense pain. That blockage also stops your kidneys from filtering waste properly. In those cases, doctors may prescribe medication to ease the pain and help the stone pass — or recommend a procedure to break it up or remove it. Kidney stones are common in the US, where it's estimated that one in 10 people will have one at some point in their lives. Every year, they send more than half a million Americans to the emergency room. What are the symptoms of kidney stones? Kidney stones can be as small as a grain of rice or as large as a golf ball. A Sri Lankan man recently set a Guinness World Record with a 1.8-pound stone the size of a grapefruit. Generally, the bigger the stone, the more noticeable the symptoms. 4 Kidney stones are more common in men, but can affect either sex. Daniel – Symptoms can include: Severe pain on either side of your lower back Stomach pain that doesn't go away Blood in the urine Nausea or vomiting Fever and chills Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy Why does soda sometimes lead to kidney stones? 'Drinking soda, especially those made with high fructose corn syrup, can increase uric acid levels in the body,' Kelsey Costa, a registered dietitian, told Eat This, Not That! 'This can cause crystals to form in the kidneys, resulting in painful kidney stones.' Phosphoric acid — a common ingredient in sodas, especially colas — also makes your kidneys more acidic, creating the perfect environment for stones to form. 4 Colas are high in phosphate, which promotes the formation of kidney stones. – On top of that, the caffeine in many sodas acts as a diuretic, pushing you toward dehydration, which can also help stones develop. A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that people who knock back one or more sodas daily face a 23% higher risk of kidney stones compared to those who drink less than one serving a week. Sugary drinks like artificial fruit punch can also up your risk. That's bad news for the 63% of Americans who drink sugar-sweetened beverages daily, according to the CDC. The good news: Cutting back helps. In one study, kidney stone sufferers who gave up soda — specifically those that contain phosphoric acid — cut their chances of developing another stone by 15%. 'Maintaining adequate hydration and avoiding excessive consumption of soda are essential measures for prevention,' Dr. Andrade said in his video. 'Kidney health begins with the daily choices of what we drink.' What other factors can increase your risk? Kidney stones most commonly affect men in their 30s and 40s, but they can strike anyone, at any age, including children, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Dehydration increases your chances of stones, and so does eating lots of protein, salt, sugar, or taking large doses of vitamin C supplements. Stomach or intestine surgery can raise your risk, as can certain medications, including some diuretics, calcium-based antacids and antiseizure drugs. A family history of kidney stones boosts your odds of getting them. Certain medical conditions also increase your chances of developing stones, including cystic fibrosis, diabetes, gout, high blood pressure, inflammatory bowel disease and obesity.
CNET
20-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
13 Best Superfoods to Boost Kidney Health
It's no secret that your kidneys are really important for your overall health. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in seven adults in the United States has chronic kidney disease. Your kidneys work around the clock to filter out waste and excess fluid, helping to prevent serious health problems like heart disease, infections, anemia, depression and even loss of appetite. Your diet and gut health also play a major role in your wellness, especially when it comes to keeping your kidneys healthy. There are 13 superfoods you should keep in mind when considering natural ways to give your kidney health a boost. Read more: 6 Important Blood Tests You May Need for Your Overall Health 13 superfoods for kidney health 1. Cabbage This nutrient-dense vegetable is low in both potassium and sodium while packing in fiber, vitamins C and K and more. Plus, cabbage is versatile. You can use it in salads and slaws, but you can also use it as a wrap for tacos, sandwiches and more. 2. Fatty fish Fish delivers protein, and when you choose a fatty fish like tuna, salmon or trout, you're also getting omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats may help reduce fat levels (triglycerides) in the blood and may also lower blood pressure, according to the National Kidney Foundation. If you have CKD, you may need to keep an eye on the phosphorus and potassium levels of the fish you choose. The National Kidney Foundation has a chart you can use to determine levels in specific types of fish. Although, it's best to consult with your doctor. Jacobs3. Bell peppers Like cabbage, bell peppers pack in lots of good nutrients with low levels of potassium. With them, you get vitamins B6, B9, C and K, plus fiber. They deliver antioxidants too. You can slice them and eat them with dips or roast them and add them to dinner. 4. Cranberries Cranberries help to prevent urinary tract infections. These usually stay in your bladder, they can travel up to your kidney, making kidney problems worse. Fortunately, regularly consuming cranberries can help you avoid this unwelcome situation. Plus, cranberries have antioxidants that can help fight inflammation, and they can boost your heart and digestive health. It turns out, these tart berries aren't just for the Thanksgiving table. 5. Blueberries We've talked about some of the best foods for kidneys, but you can take it a step further. The question is: What foods help repair kidneys? Blueberries deliver. With high levels of antioxidants and loads of vitamin C and fiber, blueberries are all-around healthy. They can also help to reduce inflammation and support bone health, reversing some of the issues that can come with CKD. 6. Dark, leafy greens There are plenty of reasons to turn to dark, leafy greens like spinach or kale. They deliver so many nutrients that they can help you get key vitamins and minerals, plus immunity-boosting benefits. Be advised that greens can come with a decent amount of potassium. If you have CKD, talk to your doctor before adding more of these to your diet. 7. Olive oil Rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, olive oil can boost your overall wellness. A study from Harvard University found that olive oil may lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and some types of cancer. Beyond all this, it can help you add flavor to dishes without turning to salt or butter. To get more antioxidants, choose unrefined or cold-pressed olive oil that's virgin or extra virgin. 8. Garlic Another antioxidant-rich, inflammation-fighting food, garlic also contains a specific compound called allicin. For people with CKD, allicin — an active compound found in garlic — worked just as effectively to help protect kidney health as a prescription drug. If you're looking for the best foods for your kidneys, garlic has to make the list. Plus, it's an excellent way to add flavor when you're skimping on salt. 9. Onions From the same family as garlic, onions give you another excellent and salt-free way to add flavor (bonus points if you saute them in olive oil). Onions also deliver important nutrients like vitamins B6 and C, manganese and copper. They also contain quercetin, a chemical that can help your body fight cancer, and organic sulfur compounds that can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Getty Images 10. Cauliflower Cauliflower brings the crunch, paired with plenty of vitamins C, B6, B9 and K, along with fiber. It also contains compounds your body can use to neutralize certain toxins, a big help when your kidneys aren't doing their best filtration work. Cauliflower does contain some potassium and phosphorus, though, so while it makes the list of foods good for kidneys, people with CKD may want to moderate their intake. 11. Egg whites Egg whites are specifically recommended for people with kidney problems. They give you a way to increase your protein levels -- which can be important with later-stage CKD, especially if you're on dialysis. 12. Arugula Arugula is packed with nutrients your body needs like magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B9, C and K. Plus, it's antioxidant-rich and has glucosinolates, which can help your body protect itself against a range of cancer types. You can eat arugula raw (it's a great salad base), but you can also sprinkle it over whatever you're whipping up. It's great on pizzas, in omelets and with pasta, for example. 13. Apples Apples deliver the cancer-fighting quercetin and fiber that can help to keep your cholesterol and blood sugar at healthy levels. They've got plenty of antioxidants. Better yet, they're easy to work into your diet. Leave a bowl of apples on your counter and you'll have a kidney-healthy, grab-and-go snack whenever you need one.
American Press
10-05-2025
- General
- American Press
Damen Wayne Landry
Damen Wayne Landry, 50, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, following a long and courageous battle with kidney disease. Damen was born on Jan. 28, 1975, to Paula Smythe and Darrell Wayne Landry. He was a proud graduate of Grand Lake High School in Grand Lake, La. A devoted Catholic Christian, Damen found great joy in his faith, his family, and the simple pleasures of life, especially fishing. Above all, his greatest joy and source of pride were his children. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Alex Andrepont, Amaya Cotton, Foster Landry, and Lincoln Landry; his parents, Paula Smythe and stepfather, Dr. Marck Smythe, and Darrell Wayne Landry and stepmother, Melanie Landry; his twin brother, Darren Paul Landry, and his younger brother, David Shane Landry and wife, Kelly. He is also survived by his step-sisters, Tara Olivier and husband, Bart, Lindsay Smythe-Doucet and husband, Adam, and Torrey Guidry and husband, Cody, as well as, numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605. Monsignor Gaddy will officiate. Visitation will take place prior to the service, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at 7:30 p.m. at Grand Lake Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation in memory of Damen.
New York Post
09-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Mom forced to put career on hold to care for daughter with rare kidney condition —now pair achieve lifelong dream together
For years, Ambrealle Brown was forced to put her dreams of becoming a nurse on hold due to a life-threatening kidney disease that left her temporarily incapacitated. Amid inner doubts about whether she would ever return to living a normal life, Brown's mother stepped in and offered to donate her kidney. Doctors performed Louisiana's first robotic kidney transplant, giving Brown a renewed chance at life and Nija Butler the opportunity to see her daughter thrive. Nearly two years after the successful transplant, the Louisiana mother and daughter shared another journey. Donning white caps and gowns, they walked across the stage together in Baton Rouge and graduated from nursing school. 6 Mother and daughter duo Nija Butler and Ambrealle Brown are graduating from nursing school together after Butler donated a kidney to her daughter to treat her kidney disease. Courtesy Ambrealle Brown 6 Doctors performed Louisiana's first robotic kidney transplant on the two. AP 'As parents, we always tell our children, we would die for you, and kids don't always understand that kind of love,' Butler, 48, said. 'I would have given anything for her to live. I mean that from the bottom of my heart, without a second thought.' During an interview with The Associated Press last month, the two women reflected on their journey together and the challenges they have overcome. The Louisiana mother-daughter duo has always been close. Butler gave birth to her daughter when she was in high school, and as a result, they grew up together. Butler poured herself into raising her daughter and son, and Brown planned to become a nurse. But in 2016, when Brown was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disease that can cause kidney failure, everything changed. Her prognosis quickly worsened. One day, Brown, who was taking prerequisite courses for nursing school, felt her legs tighten to the point that she could not move. Shortly after, Brown's doctor delivered detrimental news: Brown would either need to start dialysis or have a kidney transplant to survive. The average wait for a kidney transplant in the U.S. can vary from two to five years, or longer, depending on certain factors, based on data from the National Kidney Foundation. 6 The two graduated from the Baton Rouge General School of Nursing together in April. Courtesy Ambrealle Brown Brown desperately hoped for a new kidney. But as she awaited news of a transplant, she was forced to turn to dialysis — a treatment that lasted nine to 13 hours, every single day. Brown's daily life was limited, and she had to stop school. After years of dialysis, Butler said she saw a shift in her daughter, who was typically optimistic. 'It was like she wanted to give up,' Butler recalled about a phone call with her daughter. 'She was tired of just being connected to a tube that her life revolved around.' Although doctors had previously told Butler she likely wasn't a match to be a kidney donor for her daughter, she still scheduled an appointment to get tested the next day. She opted not to tell her daughter, not wanting to get her hopes up in case it wasn't a viable match. Soon after, Brown got news she had been waiting five years to hear — she was getting a new kidney. She called her mother to tell her, but her mom already knew. Confused, Brown asked her mother how she would know that. 'It's me,' Butler responded. The two underwent surgery in March 2023, with Tulane University School of Medicine doctors performing the state's first kidney transplant using a robotic surgical system. The practice offers increased precision so the procedure is minimally invasive, hoping there will be less pain and a speedier recovery. After the successful surgery, Brown returned her focus to school. Her mother decided to get her registered nurse's license as well. 6 Brown and Butler underwent surgery in March 2023. Courtesy Ambrealle Brown 6 Tulane University School of Medicine's doctors performed the state's first kidney transplant using a robotic surgical system. Courtesy Ambrealle Brown For 16 months, they were attached at the hip. They sat together, studied together, and, in April, graduated from the Baton Rouge General School of Nursing together. 'I couldn't have done it without her because nursing school is hard,' Brown, 34, said. 'I'm happy that I was able to go through that milestone with her side by side.' Brown has accepted a job at a burns intensive care unit, and Butler is continuing her career at a psychiatric facility. 6 'I would have given anything for her to live. I mean that from the bottom of my heart, without a second thought,' Butler said. AP The ladies hope their story inspires others to never give up and also spread awareness about the importance of medical testing and the donor and transplant process. 'Thank you for giving me life twice,' Brown said to her mother. 'I have to keep saying that because you gave me a second chance at life, and most people don't get do-overs.' Butler wiped away a tear and, without skipping a beat, said, 'And I would do it again.'
