CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE...SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND MAINTENANCE

When the doctor told me I was in 4th stage CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease)  I didn't believe him So the first thing I did was to educate myself about kidneys; what they are and what they do.  Because I always drank plenty of water and constantly urinated.Well, one of the number one signs that you may be suffering from Kidney Disease is constant urination - especially at night.

Also be aware of changes in urination.  Color, foaminess, smell, or blood in urine could be an indication of kidney problems.

Another sign is lower back pain or pain in your sides. These can actually be pain from your kidneys.

Other early symptoms to include:

• anemia,
• changes in the way your food tastes, 
• loss of appetite, 
• dizziness,
• headaches, 
• difficulty thinking clearly, 
• shortness of breath, 
• fatigue, 
• itchy skin or rash.

When it finally sunk in that the doctor was right, I had to find out what exactly it is that I am dealing with.  What exactly do the kidneys do and what function has my body lost and how will dialysis help?   Upon accepting the inevitable, I had to undergo a series of blood tests to determine my level of kidney function, or lack thereof.  The one thing the doctor was very concerned about is something called the creatinine level.  The normal rang is .06 - 1.2 milligrams.  My levels?  8.6. Very very high.  This is want sent me to the hospital on the even of Xmas, 2018. 

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

 Of course as with all health related problems in the United States,  the disparity among African American, Latinos and Native Americans is still in effect.  Two major contributing factors are diabetes and hypertension - which are also prevalent among the aforementioned groups.  

DISPARITY

THE BOTTOM LINE....EAT RIGHT.

Two things we have to be careful about are Sodium, Potassium and Phosphorus.  These are not our friends!  Instead of focusing on what we CAN'T ear, I will focus on some of the many delicious foods that we CAN eat!

Lessons from a Snowflake

Happy New Year!

It's January 2019, and I was just thinking that we haven't had any snow yet in Philly.  Oh, yeah.  We did have that surprise 3 inches in November, but, I was hoping for a White Christmas.

As my grand daughter and I made snowflakes by cutting up white paper, I began to think about the structure of a real snowflake as she began explaining to me how snowflakes have 6 points.  I thought, "How interesting that such a tiny and fragile object has a six pointed structure."  Then I looked up what are snowflakes made of.  We learned that the molecules in the ice crystals join to one another in a hexagonal structure, allowing water molecules (H2O) to form a snowflake.

Each snowflake is a different individual, and by themselves  they don't make much of an impact. Sometimes they get carried away by the wind.  Sometimes they  collide and damage each other. Most times they collide and work together and when they work and bind together, they can wreak havoc on a city!

What a basic and fundamental concept!  Our communities could sure learn a lesson from these tiny and fragile pieces of matter.

We are all different individually, but collectively, if we work and bind together, we can strike a mighty blow.

Ponder that.

More to come!

Happy 2019

A WOMAN'S WORTH

To all my single ladies.  First, let me assure you that there is nothing wrong with you.  Being single is a sign of strength.  Blessed is she who is able to learn to live alone, to get to know herself, to be able to take care of herself, and to love herself. 

Knowing your worth is the prerequisite to having a healthy relationship.  You must know your worth and set standards for a man to show he is worthy of your consideration.  

Knowing your worth means that you don’t go chasing after anyone.  Your mere presence will draw potential mates like flies.  But we have to brush away the flies to allow the real prize access.  Now, giving access does NOT mean access to the gold between your thighs.   Hold off on that.  Allow access to your innermost thoughts and desires.  Allow access to your scars and wounds.  Then allow access to your heart.  He, in turn, will follow your lead. 

You (and me too) are Worthy of being treated as the Queens that we are.  But first We must release our Inner Queen.  Exude an aura of royalty and your King shall come!

Be Encouraged. and Blessed my Sisters

A Woman’s Worth

To all my single ladies.  First let me assure you that there is nothing wrong with you.  Being single is

a sign of strength.  Blessed is she who is able to learn to live alone, to get to know herself, to be able to take care of herself and to love herself.  Knowing your worth is the prerequisite to having a healthy relationship.  You must know your worth and set standards for a man to show he is worthy of your consideration. 

Knowing your worth means that you don’t go chasing after anyone.  Your mere presence will draw potential mates like flies.  But we have to brush away the flies to allow the real prize access.  Now, giving access does NOT mean access to the gold between your thighs.   Hold off on that.  Allow access to your innermost thoughts and desires.  Allow access to your scars and wounds.  Then allow access to your heart.  He, in turn will follow your lead. 

You (and me too) We are Worthy of being treated as the Queens that we are.  But first We must release our Inner Queen.  Exude an aura of royalty and your King shall come!

Be Encouraged. and Blessed my Sisters

5 Reasons Why Every Woman Should Travel Alone at Least Once

In contrast of being founder and organizer for the Globe Trotting Divas of Philadelphia Travel Club, one of Philadelphia’s most active Women’s Only Travel Clubs where group travel is our focus, after taking my first trip to Jamaica alone in September 2016, I attest that every female traveler should try traveling alone at least once.

It was Negril, Jamaica I traveled to and stayed for 6 days @ Riu Negril All-Inclusive Resort. Before arriving I had conducted in depth research and created a well thought out itinerary of how I would spend my time and navigate throughout the island. I felt perfectly safe but I should also note that this trip to Jamaica would make my 7^th visit but first time traveling to the island alone. After my return home I felt renewed, restored and ready for my next solo vacation. 

Here’s why woman should experience solo travel at least once…

Over Come Fear

Traveling alone affords the opportunity to overcome fear. If your biggest fear of traveling alone is safety in depth research of your host destination is the obvious. But upon arrival apply common sense during your journey. After all, there are some places right in your current place of residence that you know not to be at after a certain hour. Will the same not apply while traveling? Familiarize yourself with the laws of the country you’ll be visiting as well.

Another fear you’ll overcome is the fear of speaking with strangers. My oh my I quickly became used to speaking with and holding great conversations with great people that once appeared as total strangers!

Build Your Own Schedule

Now, don’t get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE group travel! But traveling alone allows you to be on your own schedule. Sightsee at your leisure, sleeping in or rise with the sunset, hang out with locals without your friends asking more questions than the FBI. Whatever it may be the choice if yours and no confirmation is needed.  

Recreate Yourself  

The most important moment you’ll have while traveling solo is the opportunity to regroup, rethink and recreate yourself. While traveling solo in Negril I took a day to inhale new thoughts and clear my mind and reflect on things that required my attention.  I was at a peace of mind and took the day to write out my thoughts, plans and reflections on life. 

You’ll Meet New People

Go ahead and book without your friends! You’ll meet new people along your journey. During my trip I met lots of wonderful people from all over the world that were visiting Jamaica during the time I was. I danced, took a tour and ate lunch with complete strangers.  And later those strangers became friends whom I still connect with. For someone like myself who can be extremely shy being social with strangers certainly caused me to come out of my shell and the one thing I discovered was that it’s OK! 

You’ll Build Self Confidence

Traveling solo will help build your self-confidence.  It pushes you to dismiss the limits you set for yourself. You’ll find that zip lining brings out the adventure side you’ve kept bottled up and that eating snails isn’t so bad after all and traveling through the city alone without your friends or significant other is actually a great idea because you can sightsee at your leisure. Even more, you’ll discover that you can’t wait to do it all again!

Have you traveled solo? What was your experience? What would you like to add?

Anitra Byers

Travel Professional/Travel Blogger

Wallet Happy Vacations

The Globe Trotting Divas of Philadelphia

5 Reasons to Start a Blog

5 Reasons To Start A Blog

I began blogging in 2006 – way before it became poplar.  I started blogging at that time because I had some family members who were running for political offices and, I think we all used that as part of our grieving process.  I blogged about issues in our communities, the political process, etc.

Then I started blogging about other issues that concerned or interested me.

Over the years I’ve learned that blogging is a great marketing tool for any business.  Businesses that have a blog and consistently and effectively write informational posts about their area of interest or expertise gain more exposure and attract more clients.  

The best part of blogging is that you can actually turn it into your website! 

Here are 5 reasons why you may want to start a blog.

·         MAKE A DIFFERENCE

·         MARKET OR PROMOTE SOMETHING

·         ESTABLISH YOURSELF AS AN EXPERT

·         CONNECT WITH LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE

·         INSPIRE OTHERS

Interested in learning more?   Send me an email authoresskendallhayes@yahoo.com for your free consultation.

The Benefits of Being Part of a Travel Club

Why Join a Travel Club?

If you’re like me, you’ve heard all kinds of excuses when family and friends turn down a vacation invite. From the distance of the destination to the expense, I can’t keep up with the reasons why people put off traveling.  But, after having to put off another trip in 2010 because friends & family had backed out, I decided to start my own travel club. Travel clubs are the ultimate way of meeting new people and exploring destinations you once put off because you had no one to travel with. Joining a travel club opens doors one would have never thought could open!

Detailed below are my top 3 reasons I feel travel clubs not only keeps your travel flame lit, but being a member of a travel club also says you NEVER have to put off traveling again because those you know don’t want to go!

Locate Like Minded Travelers

Being a member of a travel club you’ll meet other like-minded travelers who are ready to see the world just like you are. You’ll find that many travel club members share common interest making it an even more valuable experience. Many clubs offer social events where you can meet local club members before traveling together. This is one way you can actually locate a roommate for your trip.  Often, travel clubs offer roommate placement but even if you decide to room at single occupancy you are still traveling with a group of like-minded travelers who are ready to explore the world.

Experience places you never thought you’d go.

Travel clubs open doors for endless travel opportunities. Many people seek to fulfill their bucket list while being club members. After all, the only reason they joined was to travel, right? Being a member is where you’ll discover your interest for South Africa, Costa Rica or the Maldives if it hasn’t already landed on your bucket list.  These may also be places you’ve always turned down because you just couldn’t picture yourself being there alone.

Endless Travel Opportunities

As I’ve already mentioned, the opportunity to travel is off limits when you’re a member of a travel club! While you may not always be available to travel with your club, there are always other travel options covering a host of destinations that you can choose from when it is convenient for you. 

Next time you have the travel bug but your friends are full of excuses, don’t cancel your trip. Find a travel club and join in on the fun of exploring the world!  

Choosing the Right Travel Club

When it comes to choosing the right travel club, options are plentiful. With that, there are some things to consider before you sought out to join a club you’ll eventually be traveling with. Many clubs have requirements that are restrictive to such categories as age, gender and geographical location. There are also clubs that require a financial responsibility and application process before joining.

Listed below are some of the most popular travel club types that are available today.

Women or Men only Travel Club

This type of club is restrictive to gender. It is either a women OR men’s only club. There are some clubs who also have age and geographical restrictions. These types of travel clubs are generally open to traveling worldwide offering a host of group travel events annually.

Age Restrictive Travel Club

It is just that. You must meet the age requirements in order to join the club. Just like a Women or Men’s only club, Age Restrictive Travel Clubs generally travel worldwide annually.

Cruisers Only Travel Club

This type of Travel Club attracts travelers who love all things by way of cruise ships! 99% of travel events offered by Cruise Only Travel Clubs take place on a cruise ship. If you like cruises consider joining this type of club or starting your own!

Events Travel Club

Like Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba? How about the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans? If you enjoy traveling around the world to various major music events and festivals DO find an Events Travel Club!

Food & Wine Travel Club

Then there are clubs where you can eat your way around the globe and feel a nice little buzz on the way! Food & Wine Travel Clubs are very popular and attract foodies and wine enthusiast alike. Interested in Napa Valley, South Africa’s Wine Trail or Touring Italy for that perfect vino and cheese pair? A Food & Wine Travel Club is calling YOU!

If you are in the Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey and Delaware areas, I invite you to join The Globe Trotting Divas of Philadelphia Travel Club. We are dedicated to women travelers ages 30 - 60 who do not want to travel alone and appreciate the group travel setting.  

Now that you have options, it’s ok to leave family and friends home with their excuses!

Join a travel club. Plan the trip. Then book and go! 

Anitra Byers

Travel Professional

Wallet Happy Vacations

The Globe Trotting Divas of Philadelphia

215.200.8311

anitra@wallethappyvacations.com

gtdofphila@gmail.com