News & Events
Discover new information and educational offerings that we provide. Explore our newsletters, blogs and upcoming webinars/conference calls.
Contents:
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!
Support Groups
Coping with a chronic disease is not an easy task! The journey is challenging, tiring, frustrating--often depressing, and lonely. One can feel that no one is experiencing or understanding their respective circumstances. A support group is a confidential and safe place to share with others, as well as a place to develop a special and unique comradery with those who participate. The Dialysis Patient Citizens Education Center formed a support group called the “Kidney Chat”. The group meets every second Tuesday at 2:00 pm EST via telephone. The telephone number is (866) 230-9002; the code is 420 835 078#. Various guests, such as nephrologists, transplant surgeons, psychologists, nurses, nutritionists, social workers—just to name a few, [...]
Recipe of the Month: Chicken Tortilla Soup
October's featured recipe is an easy and comforting soup that is perfect for a chilly fall night - Chicken Tortilla Soup!
Goals: The Secret Ingredient for Success
Eniola King, MPsy, PsyD Candidate, Institute for the Psychological Sciences Stacy Ogbeide, PsyD, ABPP, Board Certified Clinical Health Psychologist, UT Health San Antonio Goals, goals, and more goals – a topic important for those living with chronic kidney disease and going through dialysis. Self-management is one of the hallmarks of having a chronic disease, yet many people living with chronic conditions do not know where to start. If you feel stuck in the management of chronic kidney disease or your options are no longer working, setting goals that are “SMART,” or specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound may be for you! There is research to support that those who [...]
My New Normal
By Karim Rattani, DPC Patient Ambassador My journey with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has included much suffering, but it has also shaped me into a stronger, more loving man. Throughout all of it, I’ve adjusted to a “new normal” with ESRD and found that life can still be fulfilling and full of possibilities. I worked as a chauffeur and ran a public transportation Limousine service business just before the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Once the pandemic hit, most of the businesses were shutdown with an executive order and therefore I, like many others, also lost most of my customers and could no longer work. The financial stress of the pandemic [...]
Sometimes It’s a Blessing in Disguise
By Layce Ryan, DPC Patient Ambassador I remember when I first learned about my kidney disease. I was a college student living in Kalamazoo, Michigan, when I suddenly fell very ill. After running some tests, the doctors diagnosed me with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a type of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is the early stages of full kidney failure, also known as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). In an instant, my life changed dramatically, and I was faced with the reality that the worst was yet to come. It would be 10 years before I began dialysis at the age of 29. Despite my diagnosis, I refused to let it define [...]
Ask the Doctor September 2024
Velma Scantlebury, MD, DPC Education Center Health Care Consultant 1. I have been on dialysis for three months. After treatment in the dialysis facility, I am tired and feel bloated. When will I begin to feel better? Dialysis removes excess fluid and waste products. This happens by shifting fluid from one compartment so that the dialysis process can remove the extra fluid. This «dialysis fatigue» is experienced by about 50% of patients. Anemia, electrolyte imbalance, and stress can also be contributors to the condition. Many recommend getting plenty of rest, eating more protein, eating a balanced diet, and exercising, which can help improve one's mood over time. 2. Why should I get [...]
I Can Do Anything I Set My Mind To
By Stephanie Dixon, DPC Patient Ambassador When I was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in 2001, I felt like my life was over. Many newly diagnosed ESRD patients share this fear, but it's possible to live a full and happy life on dialysis. While ESRD requires adjusting to a "new normal," this journey provides opportunities for growth and valuable lessons. When I was first diagnosed with ESRD in 2001, I was immediately concerned for my two children, Jason and Joy. As the year passed, my body shut down, and I could no longer walk. Finally, I decided to have peritoneal access surgery and began dialysis in 2002. My life improved [...]
DPC’s 2024 Advocacy Day and 20th Anniversary Celebration
Megan Hashbarger, DPC Vice President of Government Relations This past May, DPC hosted our annual Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., where we brought together patients, family members, and care givers to meet with their Members of Congress to elevate the patient story for dialysis patients. This year, we had 65 advocates attend, representing 25 states, who had almost 80 Congressional meetings. Our patients spoke to Congressional offices asking them to support H.R. 6860 – The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act and H.R. 5027/S. 4469 – The Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act. These two bills would improve access to quality health care coverage as well as innovative treatment [...]
The Kidney Citizen Issue 19
Welcome to the New Normal issue of the Kidney Citizen! The DPC Education Center is excited to share with you articles that embody patient adaptability and resilience, provide knowledge, and help you to live your best life with kidney disease.
Recipe of the Month: Zucchini Cake
September's featured recipe, Zucchini Cake, is an excellent way to put your summer's end abundance of zucchini to use!
Insomnia
Insomnia is often a constant complaint for a great deal of renal patients. It can be especially annoying when one has to get up early the next day for whatever reason. Sleep is necessary and the deprivation of sleep can affect the body in many ways. DaVita Kidney Care has outlined why insomnia may occur and tips to help avoid insomnia. The following information can be found on DaVita's website (davita.com). Sleep Issues and Chronic Kidney Disease People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Your physical and mental health can contribute to your sleep problems. These are some common causes for disrupted sleep patterns in kidney disease patients. Restless leg syndrome Restless leg syndrome (RLS) [...]
August is National Immunization Awareness
Many experts recommend that dialysis and transplant patients get timely immunizations and vaccinations. These patients are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from infections because of their immune systems. We suggest that patients speak to their respective medical providers with any questions or concerns that may arise about recommended vaccinations and immunizations. The following information can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (www.cbp.gov) website, an official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). NIAM raises the awareness about why vaccines are important for people of all ages and how they can help prevent serious, sometimes deadly, diseases and illnesses. NIAM is now more [...]
Recipe of the Month: Shrimp Scampi
August's featured recipe, Shrimp Scampi, is the perfect for when you don't want to spend longer than a few minutes cooking on a hot stove.
Humid Heat Impacts Dialysis Patients
When summer hits, renal patients have another element that they must consider when thinking about their health, the heat. And while dry heat alone is problematic for patients, the effect is even greater when it is humid.
