Caregivers for People with Chronic Illness

2020-11-25T10:13:20-05:00May 31st, 2019|Categories: eNews, Fact Sheet, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Stress Management, Support|

By Amy Walters, PhD, Licensed Psychologist Below is a summary handout about understanding and helping the caregivers in our life. What We Know About Caregivers Report feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and lonely Report high levels of stress and depressed symptoms Are tired and sleep deprived Have higher rates of illness (2x higher) but seek medical attention less often Often neglect their own self care Experience more relationship conflicts Feel a sense of loss – independence, freedom, dreams for the future Attitude matters – those who believe they are not effective have higher levels of stress and depression Strong social support systems [...]

Work Those Kidneys Out!

2020-04-27T21:22:05-04:00February 23rd, 2019|Categories: Early Intervention, Fact Sheet, Lifestyle, Physical Health, The Kidney Citizen|

By Collette Powers, MA, RDN, LDN, ACSM EP-C We have all heard it, and we all know it. We have been told from our doctor, a friend or a loved one. Whether it is for controlling high cholesterol, managing weight, reducing blood sugar or keeping our bodies healthy overall, we have all been told at some point we should exercise. But did you know exercise may help protect your kidneys too? Fatigue is a common struggle that many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face. When we are tired, our instinct is to rest. However, over time, that “rest” can [...]

When Your Parent is Sick: Tips for Children on Managing Feelings

2020-04-27T21:22:59-04:00February 11th, 2019|Categories: eNews, Fact Sheet, Mental Health, Pediatric Kidney Disease|

By Elizabeth Lewan, Communications & Grassroots Program Coordinator at the American Psychological Association Having a sick parent can be scary and stressful, especially if there are long hospital stays or physically intense treatments. Having a parent diagnosed with a serious health condition, like kidney disease, can seem especially frightening if you don’t know how it will affect your family. It is estimated that one in seven adults have chronic kidney disease.1 Your parents, doctors and family members can help you get through this tough time. Here are some tips to help you manage your feelings: Prepare for change. You may notice [...]

When Your Child Is Diagnosed with Kidney Disease: Tips on How to Cope

2020-04-27T21:22:59-04:00January 3rd, 2019|Categories: eNews, Fact Sheet, Pediatric Kidney Disease|

By Elizabeth Lewan, Communications & Grassroots Program Coordinator at the American Psychological Association Parents want to make sure their child has a healthy and happy life, but sometimes a health complication can change things. Having a child diagnosed with pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) can leave parents feeling overwhelmed, anxious and scared for their child’s overall well-being, especially in the beginning. However, you can play an active role in your child’s care and treatment by providing the emotional support he/she needs and educating yourself about kidney disease and its treatments. Below are some tips that parents and caregivers may find helpful [...]

Don’t Make New Year Resolutions! Six Happiness Habits

2020-04-27T21:22:59-04:00January 1st, 2019|Categories: Fact Sheet, Humor and Laughter, Webinar|Tags: |

Most people make and break resolutions every year. 80% of people fail New Year Resolutions by February. Learn happiness habits instead that can change your attitude and your health on a daily basis. About the Presenter:  Steve Wilson, a member of the DPC Education Center Advisory Council, is an author, psychologist, trainer and business consultant. He is also the founder of the World Laughter Tour, which trains people in laughter therapy across the country as it promotes health, happiness, and peace.  

25 Ways to Find Joy and Balance During the Holidays

2020-04-27T21:22:59-04:00December 1st, 2018|Categories: Blog, Fact Sheet, Mental Health, Stress Management|

By Steve Wilson (download PDF) Feeling down during the holidays can be tough, especially since you seem so out of step with the world. Everyone else seems to be beaming, ruddy-cheeked, bursting with holiday spirit. You’re feeling wretched and exhausted. But here’s something to cheer you up the next time you’re stuck in a room of revelers at a holiday party. Plenty of them are probably unhappy, too. Recommendations Related to Depression Are You at Risk for Depression? Knowing what factors increase your risk of having major depression may help you get the best medical help when you need it. Depression [...]

Communicating with your Healthcare Team: Top Tips to Partner with Professionals!

2020-04-27T21:23:46-04:00September 29th, 2018|Categories: eNews, Fact Sheet, Support, What Is Kidney Disease|

By Edward Leigh, MA and Steve Wilson, MA If you missed this month’s webinar on How to Talk Effectively with your Health Care Team, the recording is now available! In addition, below is a handout to accompany the presentation. Medical Resume This is a 1 - 2-page document summarizing all your pertinent medical information, including all the items listed below. Have this resume in an electronic file so you can easily update the document. List of all your medications, including names, dosages, and how often they are taken. Be sure to include vitamins / herbs, ear / eye drops, medications put [...]

An Important Conversation: How to Talk Effectively with your Health Care Team – Recording and Slides

2020-04-27T21:23:46-04:00September 28th, 2018|Categories: eNews, Fact Sheet, Webinar, What Is Kidney Disease|

If you were unable to attend this week's education seminar, the recording is now available! Please see the video and presentation links below for details. We want to keep getting better. Please help us by sharing your comments and suggestions here:Webinar Review View the Recording: Download the slides. Download the 2-page summary handout.

Clinical Research 101: Participating in a Trial

2020-08-18T12:23:52-04:00November 7th, 2017|Categories: Fact Sheet, The Kidney Citizen, Treatment|

EN ESPAÑOL By Kurt Mussina, MBA, Frenova Renal Research What Is Clinical Research? Long before a medicine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and put on the market, it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it is safe and effective — a process that can take many years. Testing new and/or already approved medicines in people is what we call clinical research. Although there are many different types of clinical trials, I am focusing here on the clinical development and approval process for drugs and devices, in particular. Clinical research is vital to finding ways to improve quality [...]

The Waiting Game: How to Endure the Transplant Wait List

2020-04-27T21:27:22-04:00September 1st, 2017|Categories: Fact Sheet, Kidney Transplant, Mental Health, Stress Management, Support, The Kidney Citizen|

By Kirsten Weir If you are on the organ transplant waiting list (or hoping to be listed soon), you have probably experienced all kinds of emotions: Excitement, nervousness, anxiety, fear, joy, guilt. Maybe all in one day! The average time spent on the waiting list for a kidney varies from region to region. But for most patients, that wait is measured in years, not months. As the years go by, some people go about their daily lives and forget they are waiting for a life-changing call. Others feel mounting anxiety and hopelessness. All of those feelings are completely normal, says Heather [...]

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