(NewsUSA) -  

“The Color of Ice”
by Barbara Linn Probst       

This is the breathtaking story of a woman’s awakening to passion, beauty and the redemptive power of unconditional love.  

Freelance photographer Cathryn McAllister travels to Iceland for a shoot with an enigmatic artist who wants to capture the country’s iconic blue icebergs in glass. Widowed young, Cathryn has raised two children while achieving professional success. If the price of that efficiency has been the dimming of her fire, she hasn’t let herself think about it. Until now.  

Cathryn abandons a planned vacation itinerary to remain with Mack, the glassblower, who awakens a hunger for all the things she’s told herself she doesn’t need anymore: Passion. Vulnerability. Risk. When her path seems clear, she’s faced with a shocking discovery -- and a devastating choice.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3EkdRtD.

“The New Empire”
by Alison McBain   Fire. Blood. His brother’s hand smashing his face to the ground.    

These are Jiangxi’s final memories of Beijing from 1751. A bloody coup against the Dragon Throne thrusts the emperor’s youngest son into a forced voyage across the China Seas. When his ship arrives on the shores of a California that never was, Jiangxi is among thousands sold into slavery. Shackled to a tribal confederacy, Jiangxi’s journey becomes inextricably linked to the whims of Onas, the powerful Elder who controls his freedom and his fate.  

When Jiangxi gets caught up in a battle to liberate the slaves, he has to choose how much he’ll risk for the ones he loves. His choice will change the future of the two most powerful nations in the world.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3sXQhOY.

“Civil Terror: Gridlock”
by J. Luke Bennecke  

A thought-provoking thriller for fans of Dan Brown, Lee Child, and John Grisham about artificial intelligence and the self-driving revolution. You’ll be forced to consider how you’d react if you were cornered and trapped in a terrifying, life-threatening situation.  

Fed up with slogging through the treacherous LA traffic to get to work, Jake Bendel and a cunning team of experts create a roadway system for self-driving cars -- preventing thousands of traffic deaths. People finally feel safe in their cars. But should they?  

A Syrian terrorist group weaponizes the system and devises a scheme to kill more Americans in one day than the 407,000-plus U.S. soldiers killed in World War II. Then the group plants evidence that convinces the public Jake is the architect behind the heinous terrorist attack.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3zF9gly.

“Rough Justice”
by Burt Weissbourd  

Callie and Cash are back, and their world is about to explode. Callie and Cash are eating a late dinner upstairs at her restaurant, “The Bronze Pig.” It’s been a year since they saved her ex-husband’s life and subsequently had to take on unexpected, lethal adversaries. During that process, they discover they care deeply, romantically, for one another.  

So imagine their surprise when they get an unexpected, half-Algerian female guest, 25-year-old Sara, showing up at the restaurant and insisting on telling them her shocking, unbelievable story. Someone is trying to kill her, and they’ve stolen her identity. She needs their help now, and she has a stunning, life-changing secret to tell.  

Yet, again, Cash and Callie assemble their unconventional ragtag family to save Sara and, ultimately, their own lives.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3erI15G.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - America’s homeowners can expect to shell out more cold cash to keep warm this winter as they face the highest home heating costs in more than a decade -- making optimal energy efficiency more essential than ever.       

Here are the financially frostbiting facts: The average cost of home heating is expected to increase by 17.2% since last winter from $1,025 to $1,202, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA). Those who heat with natural gas will confront the largest spike, with their cost predicted to soar 34.3% over last year. Conversely, homeowners who use electric heat are forecasted to see the lowest increase at 6.9%.     

The good news is that families can prevent a utility bill blitz by following a few simple tips. With home heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of home energy use, small steps can go a long way.     

• Ease Into Electric:  According to Columbia University’s Earth Institute, electric systems are a solution to decarbonize home climate control. Among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products, electricity-powered ductless mini-split systems, offered by companies including Fujitsu General America, can save as much as 25% on your energy bill. Plus, they are effective with temperatures as low as -15⁰F. Mini-splits use thin copper tubing to pump refrigerant from an outdoor compressor directly into an indoor air-handling unit, where the air is quietly distributed to the interior space.     

• Get “Smart” About Climate Control: When it comes to smart home temperature control, there are Smart HVAC Systems and Smart Thermostats. Smart HVAC systems have built-in Internet capability and can be controlled directly without additional equipment. Smart Home Thermostats create “smart” systems by enabling remote temperature control via a mobile or Internet-connected device or voice-operated home automation system.     

• Voice Your Preference: Take control of your comfort. Most HVAC manufacturers offer apps that enable systems to be controlled from anywhere using a mobile device. Voice-control capability uses digital assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to verbally dictate home temperatures. Easily controlling the temperature more closely allows homeowners to be more comfortable and improve energy savings.     

• Find Your Efficient Comfort Zone: Many of us live in homes designed for bigger families, but have yet to downsize. If you find yourself using a fraction of your home on a regular basis, consider upgrading to a zoned ducted, or ductless, system. This will allow you to save energy by not heating and cooling spaces where you and your family don’t spend a lot of time. With the need for less cooling and the gain from a more efficient system in the spaces you do still use, you can multiply your savings.     

• Try Low-Tech Fixes: Simple changes can have a big impact. Take advantage of the sun’s energy to heat your home by opening your south-facing curtains at sunrise to make best use of “passive solar gain.” Denser, cooler air stays closer to the ground, and warmer air rises. Force it downward with a low-speed fan. Another change you can make is to insulate and fill the gaps. Warmed air leaking out around poorly sealed window frames, power sockets, recessed light fittings, and other gaps is a big source of heat loss in homes. Additionally, thick curtains help to insulate glass at windows.     

If you’re looking to freeze out these record-breaking bills, a ductless heating and cooling system is definitely a worthwhile investment. Many Fujitsu systems with the Energy Star rating are more than twice as efficient as the minimum standard set by the government.     

To learn more or find a contractor near you, call 888-888-3424 or visit www.constantcomfort.com.

(NewsUSA) -  

“Room-By-Room Setups That Cater to Cattitude”
by Tanya Smith       

Organizing the home can be difficult, especially when you’re being watched or judged by one or more cats. With this book, you can learn to use various features of the home to provide fun setups for your cat family. If you're a cat parent looking for ways to add safety and entertainment for indoor cats while adding convenience for humans, this book is for you.  

Providing picture-filled illustrations, this book shows how you can: learn ways to add comfort, safety and entertainment features for indoor cats; organize rooms in a cat-friendly manner; create window setups that can work for both mellow and energetic cats; make it easy for cats to sit in comfort as they stare at the neighbors; and more.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3z06RjA.

“Summer of No Rain”
by Laura Hunter  

“In this YA novel,” writes Kirkus, “a multiracial girl finds herself the subject of strange medical experiments in rural Alabama. It’s the summer of 1968. Heat and drought have dried out the fields around Hyssop, where 12-year-old Margaret Ann Odom lives with her Black Cherokee mother, M’dear.”  

“The medicine causes Margaret Ann to feel depressed, but the truth is even darker than she can imagine. The majority of the book is narrated by Margaret Ann, and Hunter gives her a poet’s eye for the world around her ... the novel is based on a true story, one that many readers likely have never heard of, and Hunter tells it in a way that highlights the horrors.”

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3v4YqlW.

“Curse of The Eagle”
by Michael E. Nathanson  

A work of “faction,” combining elements of history, a suspense thriller and modern-day reality.  

The Council of Practitioners of Jihad sounds the call for an unprecedented meeting. They have not officially met since the group’s formation 30 years earlier. Ultimately a unified, unstoppable military confrontation is planned.  

FBI agents Gerry Bolton and Jan Hanson track down clues to the murders of several high-profile government officials that share too many common details. FBI Special Agent Aziz Malawi probes into the underworld of terrorist activities in America. He is drawn by chance into a very dark world and plunges into the workings of a large-scale terrorist operation in America. His FBI team must give him enough leash to get the job done, yet extract him before he becomes another victim.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3aXmNLi.

“The Trouble with Miracles, Book 3”
by Stephen Steele  

The ancient secret of fusion energy is rediscovered in this breathless thriller and third book in the series, about the magic and mystery of the Easter Island statues.   Cyd and Alex return to Montana to settle down. Robert, a close friend working in Chile, turns up missing after recent earthquakes trigger strange lights coming from a volcano. Cyd and Alex go looking for him, and a harrowing adventure uncovers a civilization of ancient aliens who possess the secret to fusion energy, the same energy that powers the sun. An object is found in a lost city that explains the technology, but it is unreadable.  

Meanwhile, a journal from a sunken 18th-century Spanish galleon reveals something hidden on an island off Chile’s coast that can translate the alien object.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3B9lALf.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to giving back, occurs on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, but charitable giving is a year-round endeavor. With some smart financial planning, you can support the causes that mean the most to you.     

You don’t have to break your budget to make a difference, says Scott Ward, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional. A recent survey by Lending Tree showed that 56% of Americans gave to a charity of some kind in 2021, and nearly 92% of those who gave to charity included charitable deductions on their tax returns.     

Keep these ideas in mind to help support your favorite causes while staying within your budget.     

• Give time. If you are on a tight budget, volunteer your time to a local charity. “If your volunteer service requires you to drive your own car, keep tabs on your mileage; you may have an opportunity to deduct it on your tax return,” Ward says.     

• Consider securities. Stock shares that have appreciated for more than a year can be donated outright to charity with a variety of benefits. “Both you and the charity may be able to avoid capital-gains taxes because you didn’t sell the shares, and you can deduct the fair market value of the asset on your next tax return,” Ward adds.     

• Donate non-cash items. You can deduct donations of non-cash items, such as clothing and furniture, as long as the items are in good condition. Ask for a receipt to document the donation. The IRS guide, Publication 561, can help you determine the value of your donations.     

• Maximize giving opportunities. Some companies offer matching contributions to charitable organizations. Also, if you are age 72 and older, you must take a required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA, even if you are still working. If you were going to make a charitable donation anyway, consider a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). “The QCD option allows you to make a gift directly from your IRA to the eligible charity of up to $100,000 a year,” Ward says. This option allows you to increase your charitable donation, satisfy the RMD and reduce your taxable income, he says.     

• Set a schedule. If you want to take a tax deduction in one year (typically used for gifts in excess of the standard deduction limit) and donate to charity over time, consider a donor-advised fund. You can donate a variety of gifts to a donor-advised fund, including cash donations, investment securities and cryptocurrencies.     

Visit www.LetsMakeAPlan.org for more information about how giving can be part of your budget.

(NewsUSA) - When Los Angeles's wide receiver, Allen Robinson, takes the field on Sunday, October 16, he will be running for more than yards and points -- he’ll be helping Maaco celebrate its 50th anniversary in golden style.     

In Maaco’s Gameday Giveaway, fans of North America’s no. 1 body shop can watch the team’s no. 1 Allen Robinson to win prizes when they see his Maaco 50th anniversary golden-yellow cleats in action.     

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to represent such an iconic brand,” says Robinson.     

“From spending time with the team and learning the Maaco way, I was blown away by their persistence and dedication to getting the job done. This has been something I have embodied as an athlete, and I am honored to get to help celebrate their 50th anniversary.”     

Fans can visit MaacoGamedayGiveaway.com and enter to win from Tuesday, October 11 through 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, October 16. To enter, fans will need to submit their name, email address, state of residence and they can add a photo of Allen Robinson for their valid entry. No purchase required. In addition, entrants can view the prize details and official contest rules on the website.   

 “At Maaco, we’re known for adding a colorful splash, focusing on the goal line, executing with our team and celebrating our victories,” says Daryl Hurst, chief operating officer of Maaco.     

“We’re ready to cheer on Allen Robinson and see him run for the end zone in his Maaco 50th anniversary cleats.”     

Whether you are looking to fix up a vehicle that has dings and dents like a defensive lineman after a tough game or go on the offensive and restore your vehicle with a fresh paint job, Maaco offers high-quality, reliable painting and repair service across the U.S. and Canada.     

For information and store locations, visit Maaco.com.

(NewsUSA) -  

“White Flag”
by Judy Mandel       

“I’m done with that life, I’ll never go back to it,” vows Cheryl, but at this point the words are meaningless. This is why, when her Aunt Judy finds Cheryl in jail after two years after presuming her dead, Judy prays this is a wakeup call for the eldest daughter of her dead sister.

Bestselling author Judy L. Mandel reveals that her niece Cheryl is just a symptom of the pervasive grip of trauma brought to light in her first book, “Replacement Child.” Judy grapples endlessly with the seeming futility of trying to help Cheryl, and in the process discovers that trauma and epigenetics may have been what started this avalanche of pain generations ago. She wonders why some people can recover from addiction, and others cannot. Why some can raise the white flag of surrender, while others fight, no matter what the cost.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3AwgNDv.

“Where The Sun Rises”
by Anna Gomez and Kristoffer Polaha  

The “From Kona with Love” series depicts multicultural romance, love, loss, and redemption woven into a family saga, set in the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Book Two is a story about overcoming adversity, the promise of young love, and the valor in letting go.  

When Maele Moana is paired up with Adam Yates to walk down the aisle together at her friend Andie’s wedding, it isn’t exactly a perfect match. Maele is the daughter of a plantation worker, and Adam is the son of one of the richest men in Oahu. But they have one thing in common: big dreams. But with love comes sacrifice, and the goals they’ve worked so hard for may end up tearing them apart.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3qCU7g0.

“The Rowdy Randy Wild West Show”
by Casey Rislov  

Rugged action. Daring stunts. Spectacular showmanship! Rowdy Randy is back, and this time instead of aggravating all the creatures in her path, she’s rounding them up to put in her very own Wild West show.  

Now critters from every rock, den and tree are lining up to audition. And what a show it is! From rope stunts to high jumps, and aerial tricks to climbing competitions, this cowgirl’s show has got it all. But there’s one unwanted character lurking in the shadows who is ready to take credit for it all. The latest in the Rowdy Randy series for children -- which will bring joy and enlighten the imagination -- from this award-winning author.

Purchase at  https://www.caseyrislovbooks.com

“When the Bough Breaks”
by Nancy Ferraro  

“When the Bough Breaks, True Stories of Hope and Encouragement of Mothers Who Have Had to Reinvent Their Relationships with Their Children,” seeks to shed light on that moment when Mom has to reach into the well of courage and ask for outside help.  

The author is an attorney and the mother of two boys, one of whom was adopted from Romania with severe disabilities. After almost a decade of advocacy and research, she placed her son George in a group home, where he is thriving, growing and participating in family life. She writes of her experience as the main caregiver in the family, as most American mothers are, and bearing the burden of guilt and responsibility when things go awry.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3wQ9Ee1.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(TJ Gibb, VP, Medicare Part D, Humana) - While inflation is forcing many people to cut back on purchases, spending on your health is not where you want to trim your budget. However, if you have a prescription drug plan (PDP), now is a good time to take a closer look at how you can get the most out of your PDP, including ways to make your medications more affordable and accessible.     

Here are six considerations to keep in mind for your medications:     

Smart Shoppers Compare Costs: Many seniors take multiple medications to treat chronic conditions, which can get expensive. If you’re taking a brand-name drug, you can likely reduce costs by either taking a generic or an alternative medication that treats the same condition but is less expensive. For instance, some pharmacies like CenterWell Pharmacy will let you know if there’s a lower-cost option available and how much it will save you annually.     

• Carefully Choose Your Pharmacy: It is best to select a pharmacy that is in your plan’s network. Some pharmacies, referred to as preferred pharmacies, might offer prescriptions at a lower cost. Check with your PDP to see if there’s another pharmacy in your area that could save you money.       

• Need a Refill? There’s an App for That: Another good way to make sure you refill prescriptions on time and easily manage your medications is to use mobile applications. For example, Humana members have access to MyHumana, a secure and easy-to-use web and mobile application designed to help members get the most out of their PDP benefits.     

• The Pharmacy is Ready to Help: While doctors prescribe your medication, pharmacists are most knowledgeable about them. Many PDPs have pharmacists available to speak with you. If you have any questions or concerns about the medicine you’re taking, make that call rather than wait in line at a pharmacy or for your next doctor’s visit.     

• Get Extra Assistance When Needed: There are low-income subsidies that can further reduce copays and help you afford your medication if you qualify. Additionally, there are patient assistance programs offered through drug manufacturers, foundations and state-based assistance programs that can help cover medication costs.     

• There’s No Place Like Home for Getting Your Medications: Transportation can be costly and not always accessible, making it difficult to get to the pharmacy for needed medications. And you could make a trip to the pharmacy, only to find out your medication is out-of-stock. Instead, take advantage of home delivery options to help ensure medications are received on time. Reduce your costs with home delivery by getting a 90-day supply of the medicine, which often has a lower copay than filling it each month, and by signing up for auto-refills to ensure you don’t miss a dose.       

These options are especially important for seniors to consider since research shows they take an average of 15 prescriptions per year. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers prescription drug coverage or a stand-alone prescription drug plan, check to see what’s included so you can start using these services.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organization and a stand-alone PDP prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Other pharmacies are available in the Humana network. 

(George Renaudin, Medicare President, Humana) - As inflation causes us all to stretch our dollars, the majority of Americans are likely focused on finding the best prices without sacrificing quality. Healthcare is no exception, so picking the right insurance plan that meets your needs can be critical to maintaining a balanced budget.       

During the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period, which runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, people eligible for Medicare have the opportunity to select a plan that provides the affordability, convenience and benefits they want as well as the quality healthcare they deserve.     

When evaluating Medicare Advantage plans, here are four key questions to consider:     

• Are your preferred doctors and hospitals in-network? If you have a doctor you trust or limited hospitals in your area, make sure they are in your network before selecting a plan.     

• Do you need dental, vision or hearing coverage? Evaluate your health needs. Some people will just need dental insurance, while others may need vision and hearing coverage.     

• What about prescription drug coverage? Prescription drug coverage is included in many Medicare Advantage plans, and some plans even offer $0 copays. Make a list of your medications and compare estimated prescription costs as you evaluate plans.     

• What additional benefits do you need? Some plans include transportation assistance to and from doctors’ offices; fitness programs; mental health services; or allowances for out-of-pocket dental, vision or hearing costs. Medicare Advantage members may also consider getting healthcare in the home from in-network providers, such as Heal for primary care or CenterWell Home Health for acute care and chronic health issues.     

There are many new Medicare Advantage offerings this year, so it is worth taking the time to evaluate your options to find the best plan for your healthcare needs --  and your wallet. In fact, consumers who select Medicare Advantage save nearly $2,000 per year compared with what beneficiaries pay with original Medicare.     

For more information, visit www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, you can learn about Humana Medicare Advantage plans, which are recommended by USAA, by going to www.Humana.com/Medicare or calling 1-888-372-2614 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week, to speak with a licensed sales agent.

Additional Information
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP AND PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Other providers are available in the Humana network.  

USAA and the USAA logo are registered trademarks of the United Services Automobile Association. All rights reserved. USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. Use of the term “member” or “membership” refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change.   

(NewsUSA) - ¿Sabía que uno de cada siete personas en los EE.UU. vive con una enfermedad renal? Como nefrólogo, veo las muchas emociones que vive un paciente cuando por primera vez recibe un diagnóstico. La ansiedad, el miedo y la culpa son sentimientos comunes que pueden ir acompañados de dolores físicos y afecciones derivados de su condición. Si bien estas emociones pueden ser abrumadoras, animo a mis pacientes a que tomen las riendas de su diagnóstico educándose sobre estrategias para el manejo adecuado de su salud.

También intento instruir a mis pacientes sobre las diferencias entre las enfermedades renales, dado que algunas variantes, como la poliquistosis renal autosómica dominante (PQRAD), se pueden heredar y enmascarar fácilmente por otra afección, como la presión arterial alta, la diabetes y la enfermedad de células falciformes. Estas son algunas enfermedades renales comunes que debe conocer para poder hablar de ellas con su familia y su proveedor de atención médica:

• La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) se caracteriza por el daño renal o la disminución de la función renal por al menos tres meses. Las personas que viven con ERC pierden la capacidad de filtrar adecuadamente el exceso de sal y líquido en la sangre debido a una insuficiencia renal. La ERC es común en los Estados Unidos, donde más de 37 millones de adultos pueden vivir con esta enfermedad. Las personas corren mayor riesgo de ERC si ya tienen diabetes, presión arterial alta, enfermedades cardiacas o antecedentes familiares de insuficiencia renal.

• La enfermedad renal poliquística (ERP) es un trastorno hereditario y una forma de enfermedad renal crónica que hace que se formen y crezcan quistes en los riñones; a medida que los quistes crecen, los riñones se agrandan y el daño avanza, lo cual reduce la función renal y puede causar insuficiencia renal.

• La poliquistosis renal autosómica dominante (PQRAD) es una enfermedad hereditaria poco frecuente que afecta a más de 140,000 personas en los EE.UU. La PQRAD, que es la forma más común de ERP, hace que se formen y crezcan quistes en los riñones. A medida que estos crecen, los riñones se agrandan, y algunos quistes llegan a tener el tamaño de una pelota de fútbol. Como resultado, la función renal disminuye progresivamente, lo que puede provocar insuficiencia renal. La PQRAD se puede diagnosticar mediante imágenes clínicas, como la ecografía, la tomografía computarizada (TC) o la resonancia magnética (RMN). También se pueden hacer pruebas genéticas para diagnosticar la PQRAD. Si bien la PQRAD se considera una enfermedad rara, suele ocurrir con frecuencia en familias afectadas por la condición, y el hijo de un padre con PQRAD tiene un 50 por ciento de probabilidades de heredarla.

• La poliquistosis renal autosómica recesiva (PQRAR) suele detectarse antes de que el bebé nazca, dado que las imágenes de la ecografía muestran que los riñones del feto son más grandes de lo normal. Un niño sólo nace con PQRAR si ambos padres son portadores del gen que la causa.

Hay una diversidad de cambios en el estilo de vida saludable y estrategias de manejo que pueden ayudar a retrasar la progresión de la enfermedad, por ejemplo, mantener una dieta adecuada para los riñones, beber determinada cantidad de agua y mantener un peso saludable. También es importante aprovechar los recursos educativos, como ADPKDQuestions.com, para estar informado sobre la enfermedad y poder conversar abiertamente con su médico y familiares.

La Dra. Dahl es un consultora remunerada de Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.

(NewsUSA) - Did you know that one in seven Americans lives with a kidney disease? As a nephrologist, I see the range of emotions patients experience when they are first diagnosed. Anxiety, fear and guilt are all common feelings that may be accompanied by physical aches and pains stemming from their condition. While these emotions may be overwhelming, I encourage my patients to take charge of their diagnosis by educating and empowering themselves to learn more about a management strategy that works for them.     

I also try to educate my patients on the nuances between kidney diseases, as some variants -- such as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) -- can be inherited and easily masked by another condition, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and the sickle cell trait. The following are common kidney diseases you should be aware of so that you can discuss them with your family and your healthcare provider:     

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by kidney damage or a decrease in kidney function for at least three months. People living with CKD lose their ability to filter extra salt and fluid from the blood properly due to loss of kidney function. CKD is common in the United States, with more than 37 million adults potentially living with this disease. Individuals are at a higher risk for CKD if they already have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or a family history of kidney failure.     

• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder and a form of chronic kidney disease that causes cysts to form and grow in the kidneys; as cysts grow, kidneys enlarge and damage progresses, reducing kidney function and potentially leading to kidney failure.   

 • Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited, rare disease that affects more than 140,000 Americans. ADPKD, the most common form of PKD, causes cysts to form and grow in the kidneys. As the cysts grow, kidneys enlarge, with some kidneys growing to the size of a football. As a result, kidney function progressively declines and may lead to kidney failure.     

ADPKD may be diagnosed by clinical imaging such as an ultrasound, computed tomography  scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Genetic testing may also be used to diagnose ADPKD. While ADPKD is considered a rare disease, it frequently occurs in families impacted by the condition -- with a child of a parent with ADPKD having a 50 percent chance of inheritance.     

• Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is often detected before a baby is born due to ultrasound images showing the unborn baby’s kidneys larger than normal. A child is only born with ARPKD if both parents are carriers of the gene that causes it.   

 There are a variety of healthy lifestyle changes and management strategies that may help to delay disease progression such as maintaining a kidney-friendly diet, drinking a certain amount of water and maintaining a healthy weight. It’s also important to utilize educational resources, such as ADPKDQuestions.com, to ensure you’re educated about the disease so you can have open conversations with your doctor and family.

Dr. Dahl is a paid consultant of Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.