Counting Our Blessings: A Gratitude Note to Our Wonderful Customers February 20 2024, 0 Comments

A Note From Count Your Blessings Bracelets Congratulations to MAI Apparel Hallmark TV December 05 2023, 0 Comments

Welcome to Count Your Blessings Bracelets August 30 2023, 0 Comments

ID YOU & CO. COVID-19 UPDATE March 21 2020, 0 Comments

Thankful December 12 2017, 0 Comments

OUR NEW MISSION - CHABAD WVU - KITCHEN REMODEL April 25 2016, 0 Comments

The Chabad at West Virginia University needs a new kitchen.  And we need your help.  

I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful Rabbi Zalman and his wife, Hindy Gurevitz are.  They have dedicated their lives to help the young jewish students at West Virginia University.  When our daughter, Brittany arrived at WVU, they immediately made her feel that she had found a new home, a place to feel safe, and a place to have a wonderful Shabbat dinner every Friday night.  They help the students find their Judaism and faith though countless hours of fun activities and teach them the meaning of each holiday.  

The first time I arrived and went to dinner at the Chabad, I was simply amazed.  The students came in droves to celebrate the sabbath and have a wonderful festive meal.  Hindy made a mountain of chicken, brisket, carrots, challah, and all the trimmings to feed the army of students.  She cooks days in advance to accommodate the amount of students that show up.  She does this without hesitation, without complaints even though she has to cook at home for days and then transport everything to the Chabad.  She does this because the kitchen at the Chabad is inadequate.  Most of the appliances at the Chabad are old, and do not work well.  I can remember her oldest daughter telling me that one sabbath, they did not have enough food for the students and so she went without dinner that night so all the students could eat.  My heart sunk, and that's when I decided to start fund raising.  

They desperately new a new kitchen.  So from this day forward, every time we sell a bracelet, I will donate $1.00 to the Chabad of WVU.  My hope is that we can raise enough money to buy all the appliances that the Chabad of WVU needs. This will not only serve the students but also serve the entire community for years to come.  

Please buy our bracelets to help support our goal or simply donate to the Chabad directly by following the link below.  Tell them Rhea sent you.  Please feel free to email us with any questions you may have.  

Click here to donate directly to The Chabad of WVU 

TWO SIMPLE TESTS TO CHECK FOR KIDNEY DISEASE July 15 2014, 0 Comments

More than 26 million Americans-one in nine adults-have kidney disease. Millions more are at increased risk for getting it, and most don't know it. Kidney disease can be found and treated early to prevent more serious kidney disease and other complications.

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) recommends two simple tests to check for kidney disease:

Urinalysis. A urinalysis is a test that checks a sample of your urine for the amount of protein, blood (red blood cells and white blood cells) and other things. Protein and red and white blood cells are not normally found in the urine, so having too much of any of these may mean kidney disease. Having protein in the urine is one of the earliest signs of kidney disease especially in people with diabetes. Several other tests can be done to check for protein in urine. One of the tests is called the protein to creatinine ratio. It is the most accurate way to measure protein in the urine. A value of 200 mg/gm or less per day is normal. A value higher than 200 mg/gm is too high. Another test, called the albumin to creatinine ratio, is good for people at increased risk for kidney disease — people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history of diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney failure. A value of less than 30 mg/gm per day is normal for the albumin to creatinine ratio; a value of 30 mg/gm per day or higher is high and may be a sign of early kidney disease. With either of these tests, you don't need to collect a 24-hour urine sample, which may be hard to collect. For more on albumin in the urine click here.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR is estimated from results of a serum (or blood)creatinine test. The GFR tells how well your kidneys are working to remove wastes from your blood. It is the best way to check kidney function. A serum (or blood) creatinine test alone should not be used to check kidney function. GFR is calculated using the serum creatinine and other factors such as age and gender. In the early stages of kidney disease GFR may be normal. A value of 60 or higher is normal (GFR decreases with age). A GFR number of less than 60 is low and may mean that you have kidney disease. Check with your doctor about having the GFR test. If you are at increased risk for kidney disease (have diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history of diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney failure), you should find out if you have kidney disease. Ask your doctor about these two simple tests. They should be done at least once a year so that if you have early kidney disease, it can be treated right away. Early kidney disease can and should be treated to keep it from getting worse! To learn more about GFR 

This article was found on the National Kidney Foundation website.  

Click here to link directly to their website for more information.  

STUDY SUGGESTS A LITTLE WINE MAY BE GOOD FOR YOUR KIDNEYS May 16 2014, 0 Comments

Las Vegas, NV- Moderate wine consumption could help keep the kidneys healthy, and may protect the heart in patients who already have kidney disease, according to new findings presented here at the National Kidney Foundation's 2014 Spring Clinical Meetings.

Tapan Mehta, MD, of the University of Colorado-Denver, and his colleagues found that people who drank less than one glass of wine a day had a 37 percent lower prevalence of chronic kidney disease than those who drank no wine at all. Among study participants who had chronic kidney disease, those who drank less than a glass of wine daily were 29 percent less likely to have cardiovascular disease than non-wine drinkers.

Dr. Mehta and his colleagues used 2003-2006 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey on 5,852 individuals, 1,031 of whom had chronic kidney disease.

Thomas Manley, director of scientific activities at the National Kidney Foundation, said, "Similar to previous studies showing that moderate wine consumption appears to impart some health benefit by lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes, this study suggests an association between moderate wine consumption (< 1 glass/day) and lower rates of chronic kidney disease."

Moderation is the key for kidney patients when it comes to alcohol consumption, with a few caveats, Manley said. "Excess alcohol consumption has definitely been shown to have negative effects on kidney function. Alcohol can also worsen hypertension, a major cause of chronic kidney disease, so those with poorly controlled hypertension should definitely limit the amount of alcohol they consume. It's also important to consider the nutritional contents of the various alcoholic drinks to be sure they comply with the prescribed renal diet."

The National Kidney Foundation is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease for hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals, millions of patients and their families, and tens of millions of Americans at risk. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.

* This article was found on The National Kidney Foundation of Maryland

Find out how much you know about your kidneys? May 07 2014, 0 Comments

Take the kidney quiz. 

The National Kidney Foundation of Maryland offers a quick and simple test. 

CLICK ON THE PICTURE BELOW

*You will be redirected to the National Kidney Foundations Website.

Henita's First Blog April 28 2014, 0 Comments

Hello!

My name is Henita Schiff.  First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to read my blog. Here you will find words of strength, purpose, inspiration, and truth. I am not a nurse, a doctor, or a social worker; I am a survivor. I’ve battled with renal failure and disease and have had 2 kidney transplants within 20 years. But, more than that, I am an individual with a deep desire to reach out to others, to be a voice, to be a shoulder to lean on, provide a word of encouragement; I have been there.

Being a kidney patient can be a lonely road; I know. Some of us are blessed enough to have supportive families, and some of us walk this path by ourselves. Regardless of your situation, surrounded by a loving community or facing this completely on your own, dealing with kidney disease is difficult for everyone. Believe me, I understand the challenges of the journey, and I am here to listen, to answer questions, to be a sounding board for your thoughts and ideas. I can even give my insight on what questions to ask as you move through the process. Knowing someone is there for moral support every step of the way is my way of giving back.

As you can see, I have an innate conviction to make a positive contribution. Because of my experience and dedication to this issue, I have recently been appointed to the Governor’s Committee for Kidney Disease in the State of Maryland. I am excited for my future with this committee and vow to keep you posted on the advancements and even take your ideas to the table.

Each and every one of us, I believe, is put on earth for a reason. That is the reason I ask you, “What can I do?” I truly believe in the “Empower Yourself” philosophy, and it starts here. So, whether you are a family member, friend, acquaintance, or someone going through kidney disease issues yourself, I am here for YOU. Let me know how you feel, your experience, and how I may be of help. Together we can do A LOT!

I’ve gotten the conversation started and will continue to post right here. Please feel free to comment to keep the exchange going. You never know who you may be helping!

Count Your Blessings!

Henita 

p.s. I want to thank my sister Rhea, for making the suggestion and encouraging me to tell my story to help others.  

*$1.00 of every bracelet sold will benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland.  

Visit  http://www.blessingbracelets.net for more information. 

"NEW" All Over Pearl Count Your Blessings Bracelet April 12 2014, 0 Comments

All our bracelets are hand strung.  One of my daughters friends, Ilana, helps me bead my bracelets.  Ilana loves beading and is an aspiring student that hope to one day become a Pediatrician.  While beading for me one weekend we came up with the a new design, The All Over Pearl Bracelet.  We used 10mm Swarovski Pearls and silver beads.  I love it!  It's simple and elegant.  And now it is available to you.  

Thanks Ilana for all your help and support!

Follow this link to view the All Over Pearl Count Your Blessings Bracelet

*$1.00 of every bracelet sold goes to benefit The National Kidney Foundation of Maryland

A note from a special person April 11 2014, 0 Comments

I wanted to share a note I received from one of my customers because it touched me in so many ways.  It gives me hope that our message is being received and that with more research and development we may one day find ways to cure, help, and fight kidney disease.  When I told my sister about the message I had received she was overjoyed.  So, I thought that I would share it with the world.  Keep the faith, and trust in god.  

Here is her letter:

Hello,
I received the bracelet yesterday and it is beautiful!!! I am ashamed to admit I had no idea the story behind your store. I only saw the lovely bracelets on amazon and thought it would be perfect for my nieces confirmation. I broke down once I opened the box and read the insert. I lost my father, grandmother and my cousin to PKD, which is a hereditary kidney disease. My sister and numerous other family members also have the disease and unless a cure is found, will also succumb to the disease. Seeing the heartfelt insert and where a portion of the money goes to touched my heart so deeply, I just had to share it with you. Thank you and God Bless you for ALL you do!!!

For further information, please visit us at www.blessingbracelets.net

Count Your Blessings March 12 2014, 0 Comments

The Count Your Blessings bracelet isn’t just another fashion accessory. Marrying meaning with style, Rhea Shervan's  creation allows the customer to become the benefactor, as a percentage of each purchase is donated directly to those in need. The Count Your Blessings bracelet allows you spread compassion with a simple, yet elegant gift. A constant conversation piece, it is sure to draw awareness to the blessings we all share. It is a perfect memento to remind those we love of the blessings in life.

With the birth of the Count Your Blessings online store, It only seemed natural for Rhea to choose The National Kidney Foundation of Maryland to be her first charity to donate to,  and $1.00 for every bracelet sold will go directly to medical research.  This foundation is very close to her heart since her father and sister have both battled renal failure.  Having battled with renal failure from a very young age, Rhea's sister has had two successful kidney transplants, while her father at the ripe old age of 72 has undergone a kidney transplant as well.  The National Kidney Foundation of Maryland was integral to the success of each surgery and the successes of countless others.  The National Kidney Foundation of Maryland is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. 

Donating $1.00 to the National Kidney Foundation each time a Count Your Blessing bracelet is sold is Rhea's way of saying thank you.  And without you, Rhea's dream would not be possible.  It is caring individuals like you that send this gift with meaning who enable Rhea's dream to come true. 

To find out more about The Kidney Foundation of Maryland, please click on this link.

To find out more about The Kidney Foundations in your area, please click on this link.