Still continuing to fight a good fight of FAITH; and understanding that recovery is about one day at a time- with that said I CHOOSE TO LIVE MY BEST LIFE in journaling my journey of battling kidney failure (ESRD)…raise awareness and offer support along with resources for my fellow kidney warriors my prayer is that this will help those who are challenged with this disease. 

Kidney Disease-The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs. Each kidney is about the size of a fist. Your kidneys filter extra water and wastes out of your blood and make urine. Kidney disease means your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood the way they should. You are at greater risk for kidney disease if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. If you experience kidney failure, treatments include kidney transplant or dialysis. Other kidney problems include acute kidney injury, kidney cysts, kidney stones, and kidney infections.

How common is diabetes? As of 2015, 30.3 million people in the United States, or 9.4 percent of the population, had diabetes. More than 1 in 4 of them didn’t know they had the disease. Diabetes affects 1 in 4 people over the age of 65. About 90-95 percent of cases in adults are type 2 diabetes.

What is Diabetes? According to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Health Information Center Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy. Sometimes your body doesn’t make enough—or any—insulin or doesn’t use insulin well. Glucose then stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells.
Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause health problems. Although diabetes has no cure, you can take steps to manage your diabetes and stay healthy.

Sometimes people call diabetes “a touch of sugar” or “borderline diabetes.” These terms suggest that someone doesn’t really have diabetes or has a less serious case, but every case of diabetes is serious.

What are the different types of diabetes?The most common types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes If you have type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. Your immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can appear at any age. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to stay alive.

Type 2 diabetes If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make or use insulin well. You can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood. However, this type of diabetes occurs most often in middle-aged and older people.
Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes.

Gestational diabetes Gestational diabetes develops in some women when they are pregnant. Most of the time, this type of diabetes goes away after the baby is born. However, if you’ve had gestational diabetes, you have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Sometimes diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy is actually type 2 diabetes.
Other types of diabetes Less common types include monogenic diabetes, which is an inherited form of diabetes, and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.

Who is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes?You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are age 45 or older, have a family history of diabetes, or are overweight. Physical inactivity, race, and certain health problems such as high blood pressure also affect your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. You are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you have prediabetes or had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant. Learn more about risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
What health problems can people with diabetes develop?Over time, high blood glucose leads to problems such as

• heart disease
• stroke
• kidney disease
• eye problems
• dental disease
• nerve damage
• foot problems

You can take steps to lower your chances of developing these diabetes-related health problems.

DID YOU KNOW​
According to the National Kidney Foundation Nearly half of African Americans have at least one risk factor for kidney disease, but less than 3% say they believe kidney disease is a "top health concern," according to research released in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, the publication of the National Kidney Foundation.

Due to high rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, Blacks and African Americans have an increased risk of developing kidney failure. Blacks and African Americans need to be aware of these risk factors and visit their doctor or clinic regularly to check their blood sugar, blood pressure, urine protein and kidney function.

• Blacks and African Americans suffer from kidney failure at a significantly higher rate than Caucasians - more than 3 times higher.
• African Americans constitute more than 35% of all patients in the U.S. receiving dialysis for kidney failure, but only represent 13.2% of the overall U.S. population.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in African Americans. African Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as Caucasians. Approximately 4.9 million African Americans over 20 years of age are living with either diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes.
• The most common type of diabetes in African Americans is type 2 diabetes. The risk factors for this type of diabetes include: family history, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes during pregnancy, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, obesity and physical inactivity. African Americans with diabetes are more likely to develop complications of diabetes and to have greater disability from these complications than Caucasians. African Americans are also more likely to develop serious complications such as heart disease and strokes.
• High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure among African Americans, and remains the leading cause of death due to its link with heart attacks and strokes.

​THE BIG ASK: 
March was Kidney Month I will be joining the National Kidney Foundation for the 2019 Long Island Kidney Walk! You can support my efforts by making a small donation today on my behalf Kidney Walk! PLEASE CLICK ON KidneyWarriorLaTanyha  to donate…Thank You for your continued support in my fight.
​
Get help navigating the challenges of kidney disease, organ donation and transplantation.
Toll–free1.855.NKF.CARES (1.855.653.2273) nkfcares@kidney.org or National Kidney Foundation https://www.kidney.org/ 
All other questions: Call our Main NKF
# 1.800.622.9010
2019 Long Island Kidney Walk
Sun, 05/19/2019 - 9:30am
West Babylon, New York
Register Now

As I continue to fight a good fight of FAITH; and journaling my journey of battling kidney failure…raise awareness and offer support along with resources for my fellow kidney warriors my prayer is that this will help those who are challenged with this disease. 





​DID YOU KNOW:
Your kidneys are vital organs. You need them to live, just like you nee your hear and lungs. They filter waste and extra fluid out of your blood to make urine. Your kidneys also do other important jobs including: 
*Control chemicals and fluid in your body
*Help control your blood pressure
-Help your body to make red blood cells 

When it comes to vital organs, hearts get all the love. But kidneys are just as essential to keeping us healthy. They are our body’s small, but powerful, chemical factories; working 24/7 to remove waste and keep our blood pressure in check. As a matter of fact, when kidneys stop working, so do you. Here are the 5 top jobs healthy kidneys perform.

1. Remove waste from the body Think of your kidneys as your body’s filter. The kidneys perform their life-sustaining job of filtering and returning to the bloodstream about 200 quarts of blood each day. 1-2 quarts are eliminated from the body in the form of urine which contains wastes and extra fluid. This prevents buildup of wastes to keep your body healthy.

2. Regulate blood pressure Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called renin to help the body control blood pressure and cause blood vessels to constrict. Kidneys can ask for higher pressure if it seems too low, or try to lower pressure if it seems too high.

3. Control the production of red blood cells Your kidneys make a hormone called erythropoietin. Erythropoietin tells bone marrow to make red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to supply all your body's needs. Red blood cells give you the energy you need for daily activities.

4. Produce an active form of vitamin D for healthy bones Vitamin D comes from two sources in people: exposure to the sun's ultraviolet B radiation, or absorption from food or vitamin pills. Kidneys convert vitamin D from supplements or the sun to the active form of vitamin D that is needed by the body.

5. Control pH Levels pH is a measure of acid and base. Your kidneys maintain a healthy balance of the chemicals that control acid levels. As cells break down, they make acids. The foods you eat can either increase or lower the amount of acid in your body. Your kidneys balance the pH of your body by either removing or adjusting the right amounts of acid and buffering agents. Let's give kidneys some love - heart your kidneys for a change-Go ahead and Take the Interactive Kidney Quiz. It's fun, quick and informative.   

THE BIG ASK: 
March was Kidney Month I will be joining the National Kidney Foundation for the 2019 Long Island Kidney Walk! You can support my efforts by making a small donation today on my behalf Kidney Walk! PLEASE CLICK ON KidneyWarriorLaTanyha  to donate…Thank You for your continued support in my fight.

Get help navigating the challenges of kidney disease, organ donation and transplantation.
Toll–free1.855.NKF.CARES (1.855.653.2273) nkfcares@kidney.org or National Kidney Foundation https://www.kidney.org/ 
All other questions: Call our Main NKF
# 1.800.622.9010
2019 Long Island Kidney Walk
Sun, 05/19/2019 - 9:30am
West Babylon, New York
Register Now
​

To live life to the fullest means facing your fears with bravery, an open mind, and a lack of prejudice. It means making the most of what you have and never settling for less than the life you are capable of living. It means being truly alive and awake to life and not asleep in life’s waiting room.
​
So I ask you Lá Tanyha:??? Are you Living or just going through the motions?
When I learned of my condition in battling Kidney failure (ESRD) I had decided that I’m going to Live my Best Life no matter what…That I would use my voice and platform to Educate, Empower as well as Inspire others to do the same through adversity…A Better You One Day at a Time!!! 

Please don’t get me wrong…Once the doctor’s came in to share there diagnosis of me suffering congestive heart failure, a mini stroke, high blood pressure along with kidney failure ESRD…then being rushed to ICU…it was at this point all my family was in the room a realm of emotions gripped my body. My eyes began to whelp up with tears… I was scared…not to mention in total disbelief (Being hospitalized for 3 weeks) I remember going into a deep prayer… And the Holy Spirit gave me this reminder came…“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 download in my Spirit…It was on this very day in June 2018 that my FAITH was being tested…That my life would be modified drastically from my diet, lifestyle, along with my outlook on life changed.
Right now I’d like to raise awareness about  Kidney Failure, chronic kidney disease 

When it comes to vital organs, hearts get all the love, but kidneys are just as essential to keeping us healthy. They are our body’s small, but powerful, chemical factories; working 24/7 to remove waste and keep our blood pressure in check. As a matter of fact, when kidneys stop working, so do you.

I will be journaling my journey of battling kidney failure… my prayer is that this will help those who are challenged with this disease. Today is dialysis treatment…it’s intense, but necessary- after my treatment, I’m literally in the bed for the rest of the day… Pressing forward... In order to stay ALIVE and awaiting on a kidney donor- I have to go 3x’s a week for four hours for Hemodialysis treatment… Hemodialysis is a treatment to filter wastes and water from my blood, as my kidneys did when they were healthy.

THE BIG ASK: 
March was Kidney Month I will be joining the National Kidney Foundation for the 2019 Long Island Kidney Walk! You can support my efforts by making a small donation today on my behalf Kidney Walk! PLEASE CLICK ON KidneyWarriorLaTanyha  to donate…Thank You for your continued support in my fight.

DID YOU KNOW…
That Diabetes and high blood pressure is the most common causes of kidney disease and chronic kidney failure. Go get tested!!! Know Your Kidney Numbers: Two Simple Tests
There are 5 stages of kidney disease most people with early stage kidney disease do not know they have it…If you haven’t already done so… the best way to detect or be tested is simply with a blood and a urine test.
Blood work. Blood work results will show abnormalities – mainly a slightly elevated serum creatinine.
Urinalysis. Urine will show abnormalities. Urine can be checked by dipstick in the doctor’s office (as an initial check), and followed up with a more complete urinalysis.

Again, I want to impress upon you to have that annual physical and GET TESTED!!!

Here are some helpful things to discuss with your doctor at your annual physical. 

I’M A WARRIOR
Continue to support LaTanyha please feel free to Like,Invite,Share,Tag Spread the Word with Others Join the Conversation and Leave your comments Connect w/her on Instagram/Twitter  @LaTBoyd1

​Get help navigating the challenges of kidney disease, organ donation and transplantation.
Toll–free1.855.NKF.CARES (1.855.653.2273) nkfcares@kidney.org or National Kidney Foundation https://www.kidney.org/ 
All other questions: Call our Main NKF
# 1.800.622.9010
2019 Long Island Kidney Walk
Sun, 05/19/2019 - 9:30am
West Babylon, New York
Register Now

The old adage 'Spring Forward, Fall Back' is a reminder to set our clocks forward, but it can also be a reminder to spring into action.

What are you reaching for in life? This is the time for you to step out on nothing but a wing and a prayer and go forward and not look back.

I’ve learned that God never consults our past to determine our future. The roads we take become learning experiences for growth and development, to bring us into our God given purpose.

Spring into action: Get in alignment with your purpose. This is your place in history, this is your opportunity to discover your passion and cross into your promised land. So what is holding you back? You have got to make up in your mind TODAY, that you are going to spring forward with your ideas and creativity or risk going back to what you were yesterday. Get your focus back and spring forward.

“If you want something you never had, you have to do something you never done; let today be the first steps towards your goals, your calling, your deliverance ultimately your destiny”

James 2:18 (NLV) Someone may say, “You have faith, and I do things. Prove to me you have faith when you are doing nothing. I will prove to you I have faith by doing things.”

Spring and Press Forward: Don’t allow another day, minute or second go by without fulfilling your goal. Don’t be afraid to take the risk but be very afraid of stagnation. Stagnation will stifle who you really are and stunt your growth into what you should be. There is victory in and through your struggles.

In order to make it thus far, you had to go through trials. To lighten the load, you had to leave some things behind. You had to face that mountain in order to speak to it. You had to face opposition in order to claim your victory. You had to be broken, in order to be build stronger. You had to be quiet in order to hear. You had to make that mistake, in order to be taught. Your Faith had to be challenged, in order to believe God can. All that you’ve been through was for a reason. In this season you’re moving in the right direction, “YOUR PURPOSE.”

My friends don’t allow life to pass you by and not walk out your purpose and fulfill your dreams. Continue to fight a good fight of faith and stay in the PRESS of Moving Forward.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. 

Founder of Bold and Breathless Cancer Survivor 
Shondia McFadden-Sabari

At the age of 36 Shondia was diagnosed with breast cancer;  hear her phenomenal story as she shares with International Host 
LáTanyha Boyd,of Spiritual Food for Thought Global Radio on being "Bold and Breastless."   

Shondia McFadden-Sabari is the creator of Bold and Breastless, a movement that uplifts breast cancer survivors and shares resources through outreach and advocacy. Visit: http://boldandbreastless.com/main/   

How often should one do a Breast Self-Exam? 
~Breast Cancer Resources, National Breast Cancer Foundation 

ONCE A MONTH 

Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month.  Johns Hopkins Medical center states,

“Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.”

While mammograms can help you to detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breast self-exams help you to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you can alert your healthcare professional if there are any 

HOW SHOULD A BREAST SELF-EXAM BE PERFORMED?

1) IN THE SHOWER Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. Notice any changes and get lumps evaluated by your healthcare provider.

2) IN FRONT OF A MIRROR Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.

Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women's breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side.

3) LYING DOWN When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit.

Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.