New Resources for Teens

2024-03-28T21:00:27-04:00March 2nd, 2020|Categories: Additional Resources, Diagnosis of Kidney Disease, eNews, Fact Sheet, Home Hemodialysis, Humor and Laughter, In-Center Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Lifestyle, Medication, Nutrition, Pediatric Kidney Disease, Peritoneal Dialysis, Stress Management, Support, Symptoms|Tags: |

These booklets were developed for tweens and teens who learn their kidneys are not working and they will need dialysis or a transplant. The booklets provide a brief overview of coping with kidney disease, being part of their health care team, the importance of diet, taking medication, and treatment methods. They also touch on feelings related to having a chronic illness, family and friends, and being a teen. The development of both booklets included input from kids currently on dialysis, parents, adults who had kidney disease as children, and nephrologists.  Although both booklets are similar, one focuses on teens who learn [...]

New Online Pain Management Course

2024-03-28T21:00:28-04:00February 27th, 2020|Categories: eNews, Lifestyle, Online Courses, Physical Health, Stress Management|Tags: |

DPC Education Center is now offering an online, free-to-use resource center to learn more about chronic pain and effective ways to live with it. In the program, you will explore the concept of pain, learn ways to talk about it, and discover methods of managing pain including medication, alternative medicine, nutrition and exercise, self-management, and laughter and humor. You will also have the opportunity to tell your story and hear from others about their experiences. Check out the Course

Where Kidney Patients Can Get Help with Medical Bills and Employment

2024-03-28T21:00:29-04:00February 20th, 2020|Categories: Additional Resources, Costs for Treatment, Employment, eNews, Fact Sheet, Support|

There is a resource—developed by patients with kidney disease—that provides an overview of where to get help with medical bills and employment. The types of medical bill tips highlighted include: An overview of Medicare coverage for people with End-Stage Renal Disease Where you may find help in getting supplemental coverage for the 20% Medicare doesn't pay Assistance for special populations (e.g., veterans, children, people with disabilities, etc.) Programs that help cover expenses related to health insurance premiums, living organ donation and medications. Assistance provided by some electric companies for home hemodialysis patients Employment tips [...]

5 Ways to Improve Your Heart Health

2024-03-28T21:00:30-04:00February 13th, 2020|Categories: eNews, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Physical Health, Stress Management, What Causes Kidney Disease|

If you worry that you or someone you love will get heart disease or even have a heart attack, it’s understandable. February is American Heart Month, and heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Research shows you can lower your risk, particularly if you team up with family, friends or co-workers. This kind of social support may be the key to your success. “Studies show that having positive, close relationships and feeling connected to others benefits overall health, blood pressure, weight and [...]

Ideas for Packing a “Go Bag” for Unanticipated Overnight Hospital Stays

2024-03-28T21:00:31-04:00February 6th, 2020|Categories: eNews, Lifestyle, Stress Management|

Sometimes, having a chronic disease—such as End-Stage Renal Disease—can result in spending the night in the hospital unexpectedly. One tip to make the stay more comfortable is having a pre-packed "go bag". This could be helpful for not only patients being admitted, but also the caregivers that accompany them. To get started, below are some areas to focus on when pre-packing the bag: Comfortable clothes and bedding Entertainment Sleep aids Snacks Copies of important documents and helpful lists Toiletries For more details about specific items to include in these categories, read the full article.

Survey: Seeking Advice from Parents of Children with Kidney Disease

2024-03-28T21:00:35-04:00January 25th, 2020|Categories: eNews, Hemodialysis, Medication, Mental Health, Pediatric Kidney Disease|

The DPC Education Center is developing an online program to serve as a resource for parents of children with kidney disease. In order for this program to be successful, we need the guidance of parents willing to share tips and stories about how they helped their child thrive while living with this condition and juggling life's multiple demands. Feedback is needed in the areas of treatment, medication and mental health. If you are a parent of a child with kidney disease and would like to help us with this project, please click this link (or answer the questions in the box [...]

Disability Benefits for Kidney Disease Patients

2024-03-28T21:00:36-04:00January 18th, 2020|Categories: Employment, eNews|

There are more than 37 million people in the US living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and over 700,000 with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). ESRD patients require multiple dialysis treatments a week in order to stay alive. Many CKD and ESRD patients find it difficult to continue working because of the time consuming treatments and the toll it has on their bodies. If you have kidney disease or ESRD and are not able to continue working, you may file a claim for Social Security benefits. While not guaranteed, these benefits help many patients cover some of their lost wages. Many CKD [...]

January is National Mentoring Month

2024-03-28T21:00:37-04:00January 11th, 2020|Categories: eNews, Lifestyle, Quality of Life|

This January marks the 19th annual National Mentoring Month, a campaign aimed at expanding quality mentoring opportunities to connect more of our community’s young people with caring adults. There is a powerful mentoring effect demonstrated by research and the experiences of young people who are connected to a mentor in real life. Mentoring is linked to improved academic, social and economic prospects for young people, and that ultimately strengthens our community. Research has shown that when matched through a quality mentoring program, mentors can play a powerful role in providing young people with the tools to make responsible decisions, stay focused [...]

There’s a Grant for That!

2024-03-28T21:00:38-04:00January 1st, 2020|Categories: Additional Resources, Costs for Treatment, Employment, Humor and Laughter, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Music, Physical Health, Webinar|

Do you have an idea to help others living with kidney disease? Are you interested in going back to school or work? There’s a grant for that. If you’ve never applied for a grant before, don’t worry. With resources to help guide you, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The End Stage Renal Disease National Coordinating Center (ESRD NCC) Patient Grant Library has what you need to help find the grant that’s right for you. It also offers links to sources for writing a proposal, creating a budget and submitting an application.

Dialysis, Caregiving and Emotional Health

2024-03-28T21:00:46-04:00November 25th, 2019|Categories: Fact Sheet, Lifestyle, Sex and Intimacy, Stress Management, Support, The Kidney Citizen|

By Hannah Calkins Dialysis is life-changing in many ways. It may be what makes your life possible, for one. But it may also significantly impact your daily routine, your sense of self and your relationships—and it may impact all three if your significant other or another close relative has taken on a caregiving role. You and your caregiver may be new to this situation or coping with it long-term. Either way, psychologists and social workers who work with people with kidney disease and other chronic illnesses can help you both manage your routines, navigate conflicts and maintain—or even enrich—your relationship through [...]

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