News & Events
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Contents:
Ask the Doctor May 2025
Velma Scantlebury, MD, DPC Education Center Health Care Consultant 1. What is the impact of phosphorus on kidney patients? For patients with kidney disease on dialysis, they are unable to remove excess phosphorus from the blood. This leads to high phosphorus levels, also known as hyperphosphatemia. Since dialysis does not remove phosphorus, it is important to limit foods high in phosphorus to avoid a build-up in various places in the body. Too much phosphorus results in the following: Bone and heart problems: Excess phosphorus causes your body to pull calcium out of your bones, making them weak and brittle. Phosphorus can also combine with calcium to result in damaging deposits in the [...]
The Kidney Citizen Issue 20
Welcome to the Innovation issue of the Kidney Citizen! The DPC Education Center is excited to share with you articles that embody innovation, provide knowledge, and help you to live your best life with kidney disease.
Recipe of the Month: Grilled Vegetables
May's recipe is a nudge to take advantage of the longer days and warmer temperatures (but can be adapted for the oven, too!): Grilled Vegetables.
What About the Children?
The pandemic was devastating. Businesses closed and some never reopened! Students were taught virtually! Many people died! Many were afraid because of lack of finances and not knowing what the future held! But what about the children who had COVID and are now experiencing chronic kidney disease and other health diseases after having COVID? The following article was retrieved from a news release from Penn Medicine (pennmedicine.org) on April 21, 2025. Penn Medicine is a clinical and research entity of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) that is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Read the full press release: Children face elevated kidney, heart, and gut risks for years after COVID infection Children face elevated kidney, [...]
We Have Come A Long Way!
Research, technology, treatment options, outcomes, and significant results are constant in the world of kidney disease. Dialysis and kidney transplantation have not always been available to those in need. If you do not know by now, you should know that dialysis does not mean the end of your life but the end of your kidney function on its own. Treatment options, such as in-center dialysis, home dialysis and of course, transplantation are commonly used treatment options. The Dialysis Patient Citizens Education Center is committed and dedicated to inform you about renal news. We do not endorse or recommend any treatment options but can only hope (confident expectation) that you are receiving and knowledgeable about the type of treatment [...]
Recipe of the Month: Shrimp & Grits
April's recipe is a quick one that works just as well for brunch as it does for dinner: Shrimp & Grits.
Are You Aware That…
The Dialysis Patient Citizens Education Center is dedicated to improving kidney patients’ quality of life and reducing the occurrence of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) through education. Education is the transmission of knowledge and we take this task very seriously. Your health and welfare come first! We have multiple resources and tools to equip you in your respective journeys. Our Website (www.dpcedcenter.org) The website is filled with pertinent and useful information. There you will find: an overview of the education center, multiple resources, copies of the “Kidney Citizen” (Our international magazine that provides articles, questions and answers about renal disease, dedicated topic supplements and patient profiles), and a list of events. Kidney Chat The [...]
Recipe of the Month: Honey Garlic Chicken
March's recipe is quick and easy so you can spend less time cooking and more time outside enjoying the spring weather: Honey Garlic Chicken.
Do You Ask Questions?
Whether you were just diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), on dialysis, or transplanted, it is important to ask providers questions about whatever it is that you do not understand about your healthcare. Remember, providers treat symptoms! If you do not tell them if something does not feel “normal”, it is more difficult for the provider to help solve the concern. Lab tests are crucial for all patients. The results help a provider to determine the progress of a patient’s overall health. At the same time, a patient should ASK QUESTIONS if not understanding when a provider reviews the results of the lab tests. One does not have to have a medical degree to [...]
Recipe of the Month: Shrimp Linguine
February’s recipe is the perfect meal for two if you need a last minute Valentine’s Day dinner: Shrimp Linguine.
Exercise: A Resolution or a Commitment?
Happy New Year! Happy New You! Many make new year resolutions that are difficult to keep or achieve. Let us make a commitment to exercise and eat nutritionally. Before beginning any changes in exercise and nutrition, please consult your physician! Exercise is important for so many reasons but do not think that you have to act like you are training for a marathon. Some of the best exercises can be done sitting in a chair! The following tips are retrieved from DaVita Kidney Care’s website (www.davita.com): Exercise for Dialysis Patients Many people on dialysis think they cannot exercise. The truth is, most dialysis patients CAN exercise. In fact, regular exercise is the first activity that [...]
Recipe of the Month: Chicken Stir-Fry
January's recipe is the perfect easy and veggie packed recipe for after the holidays: Chicken Stir-Fry
Diabetic Kidney Disease
The following information will focus on diabetic kidney disease and is taken from the National Institute of Health (www.niddk.nih.gov): What is diabetic kidney disease? Diabetic kidney disease is a type of kidney disease caused by diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. About 1 out of 3 adults with diabetes has kidney disease.1 The main job of the kidneys is to filter wastes and extra water out of your blood to make urine. Your kidneys also help control blood pressure and make hormones that your body needs to stay healthy. When your kidneys are damaged, they can’t filter blood like they should, which can cause wastes to build up in your body. Kidney damage can also cause other health problems. [...]
Recipe of the Month: Lamb Chops with Orange Mustard Sauce
December’s recipe is a great option for any festive holiday dinner: Lamb Chops with Orange Mustard Sauce.
The Importance of Immunizations for People with Kidney Disease
Living with kidney disease presents unique health challenges, including an increased susceptibility to infections. Immunizations play a crucial role in protecting people with kidney disease, including those on dialysis or with a kidney transplant, from preventable diseases. This article will discuss the importance of vaccines in general and those protecting against respiratory illness specifically, the risks associated with not being vaccinated, and concerns related to misinformation on vaccination decisions.
Recipe of the Month: Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
November’s recipe would make the perfect side for Thanksgiving or just a cozy dinner on a cold night - Cauliflower Mac & Cheese!
