The Kidney Citizen Issue 9
Maintaining personal relationships while on dialysis, advance care planning, work those kidneys out and more!
NIH Seeks Volunteers to Help Cure Diseases and Solve Health Problems
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is looking for volunteers to participate in the All of Us program, which is a research initiative that tracks the health of U.S. participants. The initiative is not centered around a specific disease or population. Instead, it is intended to accelerate research and improve a large assortment of health conditions by evaluating the impact of lifestyle, environment and biological makeup on health and disease. Participants may elect to help by filling out surveys, sharing electronic health records, getting a physical, sharing fitness tracker data, providing blood and urine samples, and more. The hope is that [...]
When Your Parent is Sick: Tips for Children on Managing Feelings
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 [...]
Become Heart Healthy This February
February is American Heart Month. Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death for people with kidney disease? Furthermore, you are more likely to develop heart disease if you have kidney disease. You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease and kidney disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have these conditions. To lower your risk: Watch your weight Have your blood and urine checked Manage your blood glucose if you have diabetes Control your cholesterol Keep your blood pressure below 140/90 Be active for 30 minutes [...]
It Takes a Village: Preparing Your Support Plan for Transplant Care
During this insightful webinar, help to better prepare your family for transplant care by learning: Who will need help after the transplant surgery What type of help may be needed Who can help meet those needs Presented by: Lara Tushla, Transplant Social Worker at Rush University Medical Center
DPC Education Center Launches New Website
The DPC Education Center just launched a new and fully-responsive website, making it easier than ever for dialysis patients, family members and healthcare professionals to get informed and lead healthier lives. Check out the website today at: www.dpcedcenter.org Education Through Empowerment
Scientists Hope to Eliminate the Need for Anti-rejection Drugs After an Organ Transplant with Experimental Procedure
A patient who received a liver transplant decreased his anti-rejection drugs from 40 to one (with the hope to eventually eliminate all anti-rejection medications being taken) with the help of doctors and an experimental procedure, as published this week by The New York Times. The procedure involves training the immune system of the patient receiving the organ into not attacking the new organ by manipulating white blood cells from both the organ donor and the recipient and later reincorporating those cells into the recipient. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Anti-rejection Drugs In order for organ transplants to be successful, patients must [...]
Two Employment and Financial Resource Overviews for People with and Without Disabilities
Here are a couple employment and financial resources that may be helpful to people with and without disabilities.
When Your Child Is Diagnosed with Kidney Disease: Tips on How to Cope
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
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.