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Mental Health Awareness Month

2024-03-28T21:06:30-04:00May 5th, 2014|Categories: eNews, Mental Health|

Mental health is defined by the World Health Organization as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. Mental health disorders are common in the United States, and each year approximately one quarter of the population suffers from one or more disorders.  Mental health is a taboo subject in American culture.  Many individuals are afraid to ask for help when they feel low or overwhelmed due to the stigma associated [...]

Maintaining Mental Health After a Kidney Transplant

2024-03-28T21:06:41-04:00April 30th, 2013|Categories: eNews, Kidney Transplant, Mental Health|

Mental health is just as important as physical health and the two go hand in hand. This shift of considering individual health as a whole mind body experience is refreshing, but the idea still needs to spread and build from a definition into a cultural mindset. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) know that the numbers on the machine or lab printout don’t tell the entire story. Research has shown that the death rate from chronic disease such as heart disease and diabetes is two to three times greater for people living with mental illnesses.[1] As [...]

Issues Specific to Children with Pediatric Kidney Disease

2024-03-28T21:06:58-04:00January 4th, 2013|Categories: Immunizations, Mental Health, Pediatric Kidney Disease, Quality of Life, What Causes Kidney Disease, What Is Kidney Disease|

Children are not just little versions of adults. They endure their own physical and mental issues that deserve extra attention. Physical Immunizations Early childhood is when several series of immunizations are scheduled, which can create additional issues in children with renal failure. Due to weakened immune systems, it is even more important that children with CKD receive all recommended vaccinations plus pneumonia and influenza. Children who are on immunosuppressive medication to prevent transplant rejection or treat an autoimmune disease should not receive live viruses though, those include the polio oral vaccine, the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or the varicella [...]

Taking Care of Yourself When You Have Chronic Kidney Disease

2024-03-28T21:07:21-04:00December 14th, 2012|Categories: eNews, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy|

Taking Time for Fun With or without chronic kidney disease (CKD), life is what you make it. Some patients with CKD may choose to withdraw. Others may choose to do as much as possible and live life to the fullest. The choice is yours. Maybe you want to spend more time with family and friends. If so, plan an outing with them. They’ll appreciate your effort and you can feel good about taking charge. Decide what is most important to you now. Then take the steps necessary to make it happen. Tips for Coping You might feel like you are no [...]

Transportation Tips for People with Chronic Kidney Disease

2024-03-28T21:07:27-04:00December 14th, 2012|Categories: eNews, Lifestyle, Quality of Life|

With chronic kidney disease (CKD) and any additional conditions you have, it may be a challenge getting to doctor appointments, the grocery store, and other places. However, there are some helpful options to consider: Ask a friend or family member to drive you to your doctor appointments Take a city bus, taxi, or other public transportation to get around Talk to your social worker for information about government-sponsored transportation for senior citizens or those who cannot get around easily While you’re at dialysis or with your support group, if you belong to one, talk to others with CKD about how they [...]

Traveling Tips for Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease

2024-03-28T21:07:28-04:00December 14th, 2012|Categories: eNews, Lifestyle, Stress Management|Tags: |

The thought of travel may seem intimidating because of your dialysis schedule, but a little planning can make it easier. Ask your local dialysis center or your doctor’s office for help finding a dialysis center away from home. You or a loved one can also visit www.dialysisfinder.com or call 1-866-889-6019 toll free to speak with a dialysis placement specialist. If your dialysis is done at home, either with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, you may also want to consider contacting one of the services listed above, as traveling with the necessary supplies or finding space to do your dialysis may be difficult. Be sure [...]

Health Information Trackers

2024-03-28T21:07:32-04:00December 14th, 2012|Categories: eNews, Lifestyle, Physical Health|

Lab Values You should have your lab work done on a regular basis to help keep track of your progress. You may be tested for the following at different times: Kidney function Phosphorus Potassium Blood pressure Diabetes control Anemia Bone health Nutrition Depending on what your doctor wants to do and any other conditions you may have, he or she may request other labs. Consider making a chart for all your lab values, including phosphorus, or ask your nurse or renal dietitian if he or she has a chart you can use. It can help you follow your progress. Medication Schedule [...]

Getting Assistance from Others

2024-03-28T21:07:33-04:00December 14th, 2012|Categories: eNews, Lifestyle, Stress Management|

Do you find it hard to ask for help when you need it? Try these ideas the next time you need a hand: Even though you don’t want to bother anyone, it’s not a good idea to begin your request with an apology. “I’m sorry to put you to so much trouble” sounds as if an awful chore lies ahead! Try being more specific: “I need help taking some clothes to a charity. Do you have about an hour to help me next Saturday?” When people ask what they can do to help you, give them a job: “Can you help [...]

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