Consumer columnist and West Hartford resident Harlan Levy has more than 20 years of experience writing stories about everyday experiences that anyone could encounter.

Harlan Levy. Courtesy photo

By Harlan Levy

Before I get to my main topic, kidney harm, here’s a current scam noted by the Federal Trade Commission – a new phishing scam that looks a lot like the CAPTCHA requests you get, the text-based tasks to prove you’re not a robot — like typing letters and numbers exactly as they appear, or matching pictures of things like fire hydrants or traffic lights.

Here’s how the scam, which installs malware, works: You get an unexpected CAPTCHA request while browsing a website. The screen looks a lot like a regular CAPTCHA, asking you to verify you’re human. But the message says to type a series of commands – something like “Windows + R,” then “Ctrl + V,” and then “Enter.” The screen might say “security verification,” but you’re actually following the steps to paste and run hidden malware on your device. Once it’s there, scammers can quickly steal your email account login data, mobile banking credentials, or any other information they can get access to.

If you notice something downloading to your device after responding to a CAPTCHA, quickly disconnect from the internet, run a security scan to remove the malware, change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication using a different device in case the malware already gave a hacker access to your accounts.

Courtesy of Harlan Levy

Kidney problems

On Dec. 29, two days before our longtime annual New Year’s Eve party with our best friends, I lost my balance on a down escalator at Westfarms Mall and fell, fracturing two vertebrae. Worst fall of my life and a major bummer.

For back pain my doctor prescribed strong Naproxen. I swallowed three twice a day for more than three months. It was very effective … but in April I exhibited unmistakable signs that I had bleeding ulcers – three in fact – which, untreated, could have killed me, my gastroenterologist told me. He also said the Naproxen played a major role in causing them. So, as I recover, it’s no more Naproxen.

Then, in researching the effects of Naproxen, I found that over-the-counter Naproxen and other NSAIDs can hurt the kidneys. Oy! So here’s what I learned:

• Kidneys: Although you probably know this, kidneys are bean-shaped organs located just below your ribcage, with one located on each side of your spine. The kidneys filter your blood and help remove toxins, waste, and extra fluid from your body in the form of urine. The kidneys also help regulate blood pressure, make red blood cells, and balance the amounts of certain vitamins and minerals in your body. What you eat and drink, including certain medications, affects how well your kidneys work.
• Medications: Certain medications can damage your kidneys. They can make it harder for your kidneys to filter waste and other substances from your bloodstream. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have all been linked to kidney problems. Certain medications given in hospitals, like iodinated radiocontrast, vancomycin, and aminoglycoside antibiotics, can also hurt your kidneys.

Top medications linked to kidney damage:

1. NSAIDs: Remedies for pain and fever, rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain, and inflammation, including Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), Meloxicam, Diclofenac. These medications can reduce blood flow through the kidneys, which can contribute to kidney damage or even kidney failure. People with heart failure, liver disease, or existing kidney problems have a higher risk of new or worsening kidney problems when taking NSAIDs. In general, it’s best to take NSAIDs sparingly. Take the lowest effective dose, and use them for the shortest time possible.
2. Diuretics, also called water pills: Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide (Lasix) [which I take regularly to relieve swollen ankles], Spironolactone (Aldacone), Triamterene (Dyrenium). They treat health conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure. One potential side effect is acute kidney injury, especially in older adults, likely because diuretics lower blood volume, which disrupts the filtration process. Best to take these at recommended dosages and not higher dosages.

Best foods for kidney health: High in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega-3 fats, whole grains, and low sodium:

• Oats and oatmeal, brown rice, breads and crackers made from whole-wheat flour, quinoa.
• Oily fish like salmon, trout, and sardines.
• Water, lemon juice, beet juice, lemon water, green tea, water.
• Vitamin supplements like vitamin B complex.
• Berries, leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, cabbage.
• Low-fat dairy – lowfat milk and yogurt.
• Coffee without much sugar or stevia and no highly processed creamers.

Growing a new pineapple

My wife decided to try and grow a pineapple from the cut-off top. Instructions in my column. Photo credit: Harlan Levy

If you love pineapple the way we do, here’s the way to grow your own:

Twist or cut the crown off a ripe pineapple, trim away any remaining fruit to prevent rot, and peel off the bottom layers of leaves. Suspend the base in a glass of water until roots appear in two to four weeks, then pot it in well-draining soil and provide plenty of sunlight.

It takes about 18 to 24 months for the plant to flower and produce its first fruit.

Now you know.

NOTE: If you have a consumer problem, contact me at [email protected] (“Consumer” in subject line), and, with the power of the press, maybe I can help.

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