Tag: National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii

  • Knowledge is a Gift

    We talk a lot about gifts and how to structure your gifts for maximum benefit. But one of the best gifts we can give ourselves is knowledge to stay healthy. Aging gracefully also preserves our savings and financial resources for our later years and for our heirs.

    Many nonprofit organizations offer public information about your health and lifestyle that can benefit you and your family. National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii offers important information about kidney disease at www.kidneyhi.org. Most people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have no symptoms until the disease is advanced, so wise practices include regular exercise, a low salt diet, weight control, monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, not smoking, drinking moderately, avoiding NSAID pain medication and getting an annual physical.

    Primary risk factors for CKD include diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, a family history of kidney failure and age over 60. Secondary risk factors include obesity, autoimmune diseases and urinary tract infections.

    The National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii also schedules free screenings throughout the year. Just call to find out exact dates and times.

    Knowledge keeps us healthy. As healthy givers, we are able to support our families, our favorite charities, and leave a legacy too

    NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF HAWAII
    808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
    For Planned Giving: www.kidneyhawaii.org
    Main: www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

    We talk a lot about gifts and how to structure your gifts for maximum benefit. But one of the best gifts we can give ourselves is knowledge to stay healthy. Aging gracefully also preserves our savings and financial resources for our later years and for our heirs. Many nonprofit organizations offer public information about your…

  • 2016 Tax Planning that Works for You

    Are you looking for ways to reduce capital gains tax on the sale of your appreciated assets, save and plan for the future or save on your income taxes? A planned gift can help you achieve your goals. It’s possible to increase your income now or in the future and save money on taxes — while you create your legacy and support charitable work in your community.

    Here are a few ideas to consider for year-end planning:

    • If you own low-yielding assets and want a higher income, a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust may be worth exploring. In exchange for your charitable gift of cash or appreciated securities, you reap multiple benefits, including payments for your lifetime, a current income tax deduction and bypassing all or a portion of the capital gains on appreciated assets.
    • Making a charitable gift of your old, unneeded or obsolete life insurance policy can provide you with a charitable income tax deduction now and a reduced taxable estate later.
    • If your estate plans include leaving your residence to charity, you may wish to create a charitable life estate arrangement. You can make a charitable gift of your property today and receive a current income tax deduction while maintaining your lifetime use and enjoyment of the property.

    To see if these ideas may work for you, call your tax advisor.

    NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF HAWAII
    808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
    For Planned Giving: www.kidneyhawaii.org
    Main: www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

    Are you looking for ways to reduce capital gains tax on the sale of your appreciated assets, save and plan for the future or save on your income taxes? A planned gift can help you achieve your goals. It’s possible to increase your income now or in the future and save money on taxes —…

  • Smart Ideas for Year-End Benefits

    With the end of the year just around the corner, you may want to review your financial situation. Make a list to ensure that you take full advantage of all available tax-saving deductions. Here are some ideas for year-end planning that can benefit you and help support your favorite charity too.

    Charitable Contributions — A cash gift or an unneeded asset can provide valuable tax savings.

    Charitable Gift Annuity — Double your benefits while making a gift and receiving cash back. A gift annuity gives you income tax advantages this year while providing you with dependable payments for life at fixed rates as high as 9%.

    IRA Charitable Rollover — If Congress again passes the IRA charitable rollover this year, you may be able to transfer money directly from your IRA to a qualified nonprofit without paying federal income tax. Check with your tax advisor.

    Additional Tax Savings — Review your mortgage, medical, education, business and other miscellaneous expenses to determine if there are additional ways you can save. Check your list against your advisor’s recommendations to avoid missing any significant deductions.

    Will Or Trust Update — If you haven’t visited your attorney to review your estate plan in recent years, you should make an appointment. Your plans may need to be updated, particularly if you have experienced life changes. We offer a free “Wills and Trust Guide” to make your planning easier. Call us for your copy.

    National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii
    808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
    For Planned Giving: www.kidneyhawaii.org
    Main: www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

    With the end of the year just around the corner, you may want to review your financial situation. Make a list to ensure that you take full advantage of all available tax-saving deductions. Here are some ideas for year-end planning that can benefit you and help support your favorite charity too. Charitable Contributions — A…

  • What Legacy Will You Leave?

    You may be surprised to learn that an estimated 70 percent of American adults have not yet made a will or trust, even though these documents are vitally important to all individuals and families. For those who never complete their estate plans, the government will apply a series of laws that may or may not be what is desirable for the families or heirs.

    You may also be surprised to learn that those who check out planned giving as part of the will and trust process often discover opportunities that not only help their favorite charity, but also provide added benefits for themselves and their families. Even those who already have made plans may find that working with a qualified charity can provide additional benefits they never knew were available.

    Years ago, when I was a estate planning lawyer, I discovered that people would approach this subject with foreboding, only to end up feeling good and relieved after completing their plans. Many of them actually enjoyed the process, and the peace of knowing their lives were in order and their families were better off for the planning.

    National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii is offering a free “Wills Guide” packed with helpful information to consider before making an appointment with your attorney. It is our way of encouraging you to take the first step towards leaving your legacy. Should you like a free copy, please call me at 808-589-5976 or send an email requesting the guide to jeff@kidneyhi.org.

    National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii
    808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
    For Planned Giving: www.kidneyhawaii.org
    Main: www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

    You may be surprised to learn that an estimated 70 percent of American adults have not yet made a will or trust, even though these documents are vitally important to all individuals and families. For those who never complete their estate plans, the government will apply a series of laws that may or may not…

  • Gifts Anyone Can Afford

    Sometimes I am asked by people how they can help our cause without disturbing their finances. Surprisingly, there are ways to accomplish that goal. Each situation is different, so consulting your tax advisor is a good idea. You may wish to consider these ideas:

    •  Designating a charity as a beneficiary in your will or trust is a simple way to commit to a cause you believe in, without affecting your cash flow during your lifetime. Additionally, it’s easy to revoke this type of gift, if your situation or goals change.

    •  Naming a charity as the beneficiary of an IRA or other retirement plan, financial account, annuity or unneeded life insurance policy is another easy way to help while you continue to benefit from these assets during your lifetime.

    •  If you own low-interest assets like bank Cds, you may donate them to charity and receive a Charitable Gift Annuity with an annual payment to you, often with a higher interest rate.

    •  Real estate you no longer need or wish to sell may be given to a charity without impacting your cash flow. You may also benefit from capital gains tax avoidance, while receiving a tax deduction for the gift.

    •  If you own your home and wish to remain living there, you can transfer your home to a charity, while retaining the right to use the home during your lifetime. You may even enjoy the added benefit of an income tax deduction while you live in your home!

    National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii
    808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
    For Planned Giving: www.kidneyhawaii.org
    Main: www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

    Sometimes I am asked by people how they can help our cause without disturbing their finances. Surprisingly, there are ways to accomplish that goal. Each situation is different, so consulting your tax advisor is a good idea. You may wish to consider these ideas: •  Designating a charity as a beneficiary in your will or…

  • Four Myths About Kidney Disease

    What do you know about kidney disease? Are you sure that what you heard is correct? Here are 4 common errors:

    Myth 1: Kidney disease is rare

    One in seven adults in Hawai‘i has kidney disease and one in two are at risk for the disease. High blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney failure, and being over 60 are major risk factors. So is being Asian, Pacific Islander, African-American, Hispanic, or American Indian.

    Myth 2: You’ll know if you get kidney disease

    Most people who have kidney disease don’t know it, because the early stages of kidney disease do not usually produce any symptoms. To learn if you have kidney disease, get tested. Once you are diagnosed there are many steps you can take to reduce the progression of the disease.

    Myth 3: People at risk can’t do anything

    Not everyone at risk will get kidney disease. You can help protect your kidneys. Eat healthy, get regular exercise, control blood pressure and blood sugar, keep a healthy weight, quit smoking, and don’t overuse pain medications like ibuprofen.

    Myth 4: Dialysis is the only treatment

    Early stage kidney disease is usually managed with medication, exercise, and diet. Some people diagnosed early can slow progression and enjoy a normal lifestyle. Dialysis or kidney transplant is only needed if kidney disease progresses to kidney failure.

    National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii
    808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
    For Planned Giving: www.kidneyhawaii.org
    Main: www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

    What do you know about kidney disease? Are you sure that what you heard is correct? Here are 4 common errors: Myth 1: Kidney disease is rare One in seven adults in Hawai‘i has kidney disease and one in two are at risk for the disease. High blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney…

  • Know Your Numbers

    You may have seen a report late last year explaining that Hawai‘i was the healthiest state in the nation. While good health is certainly good news, the story involved a summary of limited information, and did not reflect the current state of kidney disease in America.

    Unfortunately, incidence of the disease has more than doubled in the past decade and is projected to double again in the next 10 years. Here in Hawai‘i, the incidence of kidney disease is approximately 30 percent higher than the national average: 1 in 7 people have the disease — often without realizing it during the early stages.

    Chances are, unless you are already diagnosed with kidney disease, you do not “know your numbers” for healthy kidneys. Results from a simple blood test and urine analysis requested by your doctor will help you know if your numbers are good. One way to know your kidneys are healthy is to “know your numbers”— so ask your doctor. If you haven’t seen your doctor for a while, now is a good time to get a checkup. Ask your doctor about your glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Your GFR number tells you how much kidney function you have. As kidney disease worsens, kidney function declines and the GFR number decreases. Early detection can allow you to slow down or even stop the disease from worsening, by changing your lifestyle and following your doctor’s advice.

    Help us reverse the trends associated with kidney disease by helping yourself. “Know your numbers.”

     

    National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii
    808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
    For Planned Giving: www.kidneyhawaii.org
    Main: www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

    You may have seen a report late last year explaining that Hawai‘i was the healthiest state in the nation. While good health is certainly good news, the story involved a summary of limited information, and did not reflect the current state of kidney disease in America. Unfortunately, incidence of the disease has more than doubled…

  • Creative Giving And Tax Planning

    The holidays remind us of two things: gift giving and year-end tax planning. A charitable gift can help you support your favorite cause, benefit your family and reduce your taxes. In addition to cash gifts, consider these other two charitable gift strategies:

    Appreciated Asset Gifts

    Gifts of appreciated assets such as securities or real estate can help your favorite charity, may not affect your cash flow and can provide the following tax benefits:

    • A charitable deduction against income taxes
    • Bypass of capital gains taxes
    • Avoidance of the tax on net investment income

    Charitable Life Income Plans

    If you have low-yielding assets and desire higher income, a charitable life income gift may be worth exploring. In exchange for your gift of cash or appreciated securities, you may reap multiple benefits:

    • Receive a lifetime income
    • Generate current income tax deduction
    • Bypass of capital gains on appreciated assets
    • Make it part of your legacy, a future gift upon your passing

    Many charities have gift offices that can help you plan. You should also consult your financial or tax advisor for information specific to your situation and federal rules that might apply.

    Please note: this information is not intended as tax, legal, or financial advice. Gift results may vary.

    National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii
    808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
    For Planned Giving: www.kidneyhawaii.org
    Main: www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

    The holidays remind us of two things: gift giving and year-end tax planning. A charitable gift can help you support your favorite cause, benefit your family and reduce your taxes. In addition to cash gifts, consider these other two charitable gift strategies: Appreciated Asset Gifts Gifts of appreciated assets such as securities or real estate…

  • Retirement Assets for Charitable Giving

    If you are like many people; you may desire to make a charitable gift as part of your estate plan, a way to give back, when your need for assets is done. This kind of planning is done when retirement is also on our minds.

    Most of us hold retirement savings in an IRA, 401(k) or 403(b). Because of the way these funds are used, you may not exhaust all of your retirement money during your lifetime. So, the question is, “What will I do with my unspent retirement savings?”

    A Common Solution

    Most people designate family members as beneficiaries of retirement accounts. The problem with doing this is that much of your savings may never go to your loved ones. By giving your unspent retirement savings to your family (other than your surviving spouse), your retirement savings will be taxed. First, if you have a taxable estate, your estate will pay tax on the asset. Second, your family members will pay tax at their ordinary income rate resulting in very little of your remaining money actually going to your family.

    A Better Solution

    When leaving assets to family, it’s best to give your family assets that step-up in basis at death such as stock and real estate, these assets may be received and sold by your family without paying any tax. Your retirement assets actually make a better gift to charity because a charitable organization can receive the entire asset tax free and make use of it to further its mission.

     

    National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii
    808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
    www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

    If you are like many people; you may desire to make a charitable gift as part of your estate plan, a way to give back, when your need for assets is done. This kind of planning is done when retirement is also on our minds. Most of us hold retirement savings in an IRA, 401(k)…

  • Three Simple Tests

    Generations Magazine- Three Simple Tests - Image 01One in seven adults in Hawai‘i has kidney disease. An additional one in three people are at 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. Three simple tests can help.

    Blood pressure. High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney disease (diabetes is the number one cause). High blood pressure sometimes happens as a result of kidney disease. Keeping blood pressure under control is important to lower risk of kidney disease.

    Urinalysis. Protein is not normally found in urine, so having too much may be a problem. Several tests can be helpful. One test, the protein tocreatinine ratio, measures protein in the urine. Another test, the albumin to creatinine ratio, is good for people at increased risk for kidney disease — people with diabetes or high blood pressure, and people with a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney failure.

    Glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR is estimated from results of a blood test and tells how well your kidneys are working. GFR is calculated using blood creatinine and other factors, such as age and gender. It is a way to check kidney function. A blood creatinine test alone should not be used to check kidney function.

    Ask your doctor about these three simple tests. If you are over 60 years old and at increased risk, the National Kidney Foundation recommends that testing be done at least once a year.

     

    National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i
    808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
    www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

    One in seven adults in Hawai‘i has kidney disease. An additional one in three people are at 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. Three simple tests can help. Blood pressure. High blood pressure is the…

  • The First Thing

    At the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii we are often asked about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and what a person should do to find out how if he or she has the disease.

    There is good reason for concern. According to recent research, the lifetime risk of having moderate kidney disease for Americans is nearly 60 percent. Moreover, CKD is often called a “silent killer” because people can have the disease without exhibiting any apparent symptoms until the disease is in late stages.

    CKD is a disease in which the kidneys are unable to filter blood as well as they should. The effect is to have waste products build up in the body and lead to further health problems, including cardiovascular disease, among other things. The disease is usually irreversible and can lead to kidney failure over time if it is not treated. However, if CKD is detected early, treatment with medication and lifestyle changes may slow down the progress of the disease or even prevent kidney failure altogether. There is no cure for CKD, and the only treatment options for kidney failure are dialysis or a kidney transplant.

    So what’s the first thing someone should do if they want to know whether they might have Chronic Kidney Disease? Since early stages of the disease do not typically involve symptoms that a person can “feel” perhaps the first thing to do is have yourself screened for CKD. Your personal physician can order a simple blood test and/or urinalysis that will provide good indications of your kidney health. You might also attend a free screening offered by the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, which is designed to provide basic information that might warrant a visit with your doctor. Also, you may want to visit www. kidneyhi.org about an upcoming screening currently scheduled for March 14 at the Ala Moana Hotel as part of World Kidney Week.

    Screening is particularly important for people who have high blood pressure or diabetes, as these two conditions are the leading cause of CKD. Additionally, you may be at greater risk if members of your family have a history of kidney failure or if you are over the age of 60 (although CKD can strike people at any age). Certain ethnic groups have a higher incidence of CKD, including Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, Asians, African Americans and Hispanics, although no ethnic group is immune.

    First Thing: Learning the truth by getting a simple screening will enable you to make changes that just may save your life.

    __________________________________

    National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i
    808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
    www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

    Generations - 2014-02 - The First Thing - Image 01

    1 Epidemiology. 2007 July; 18(4): 501–506. doi: 10.1097/EDE.0b013e3180646338
    2 AKA Framingham Offspring Study
    3 http://www.kidney.org/news/monthly/phosphorus.cfm?homestatic=PhosphorusInfographic?homeslider=Phosphorus
    4 Food and Nutrition Board, Institute

    At the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii we are often asked about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and what a person should do to find out how if he or she has the disease. There is good reason for concern. According to recent research, the lifetime risk of having moderate kidney disease for Americans is nearly…

  • Healthy Food Tips for Your Kidney

    Generations - 2014-12-01 - Healthy Food Tips for Kidneys - Image 01Are you aware of the caution about drinking cola drinks? According to a 2007 study, “carbonated beverage consumption has been linked with diabetes, hypertension and kidney stones, all risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cola beverages, in particular, contain phosphoric acid and have been associated with urinary changes that promote kidney stones.”(1) Drinking two or more colas per day was associated with increased risk of CKD.

    Researchers are also learning that the issue may be more pervasive than carbonated beverages. The National Kidney Foundation recently reported that people who “consume a diet that is high in phosphorus could be doing damage to their heart, with or without pre-existing kidney disease.” The foundation reports that some studies link high amounts of phosphorus from food with increased phosphorus in the body, ultimately leading to cardiovascular disease(2) and kidney problems.(3)

    Phosphorus is a mineral that is found in the body and aids in making strong bones, among other things. However, if too much phosphorus is consumed damage can result. The most common form of phosphorus in foods is an additive called “phosphate,” which can even be found in so-called “all natural” or “organic” foods and beverages.

    It has been estimated that the average American adult needs only 700mg of phosphorus per day but is consuming at least twice this amount.(4) Phosphate can be found in some prepared boxed and frozen foods, many sliced breads, cereals, meats, dairy products and flavored drinks, among other items. Moreover, this form of phosphorus is nearly 100 percent absorbed by the body, unlike plant-based phosphorus like whole grains, dried beans, nuts and seeds, of which only 30 to 50 percent is absorbed.

    People can control the amount of phosphorus they consume by reading food labels. Keep an eye out for the letters “PHOS” as part of an added ingredient when shopping for foods and beverages. The National Kidney Foundation recommends that people eat fresh, unprocessed foods. Also consider enjoying water with a twist of lemon rather than that cola or other carbonated drinks.

     

    National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i
    808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
    www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

    1 Epidemiology. 2007 July; 18(4): 501–506.doi: 10.1097/EDE.0b013e3180646338
    2 AKA Framingham Offspring Study
    3 http://www.kidney.org/news/monthly/phosphorus.cfm?homestatic=PhosphorusInfographic?homeslider=Phosphorus
    4 Food and Nutrition Board, Institute

    Generations - 2014-12-01 - Healthy Food Tips for Kidneys - Image 02

    Are you aware of the caution about drinking cola drinks? According to a 2007 study, “carbonated beverage consumption has been linked with diabetes, hypertension and kidney stones, all risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cola beverages, in particular, contain phosphoric acid and have been associated with urinary changes that promote kidney stones.”(1) Drinking two…