FacebookXYouTubeInstagramLinkedIn

What is Polycystic Kidney Disease?

2026-09-09T11:55:43-04:00September 9th, 2026|Categories: eNews, Lifestyle, News & Events, Pediatric Kidney Disease, Staying Healthy, What Causes Kidney Disease|

Do you know? “Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that causes many fluid-filled cysts to grow in your kidneys. Unlike the usually harmless simple kidney cysts that can form in the kidneys later in life, PKD cysts can change the shape of your kidneys, including making them much larger. PKD is a form of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that reduces kidney function and may lead to kidney failure. PKD also can cause other complications, or problems, such as high blood pressure, cysts in the liver, and problems with blood vessels in your brain and heart.” Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that causes many fluid-filled cysts to grow in [...]

Dental Hygiene

2026-08-04T11:29:52-04:00August 4th, 2026|Categories: eNews, Lifestyle, News & Events, Physical Health, Staying Healthy|

When was the last time that you went to the dentist? Did you know that diseased gums can prevent or delay a kidney transplant? There are many reasons why an individual does not go to the dentist—fear, lack of funds, one may think that dental appointments are not as important as medical appointments, no dental insurance and other factors. It is important to adopt the mindset that diseased gums can infect the entire body.  Infection is something that all patients should avoid. Education about the prevention of infection is vital. Timely dental appointments and daily dental hygiene can help to prevent [...]

How Do You Do This?

2026-03-12T09:22:05-04:00March 5th, 2026|Categories: Dialysis, eNews, Hemodialysis, Home Hemodialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Nutrition, Physical Health, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy, Treatment, Uncategorized|

Ann stood in front of the dialysis center with a big smile on her face. She just had a dialysis treatment, and was waiting with another patient, Lydia, for transportation to get home. She felt good, kept a smile on her face, and spoke to people who did not speak back. Finally, Lydia, who did not speak to anyone, said, “How do you do this three times a week and still smile?”. Ann replied that: she woke up with enough strength to get another treatment to see another day; she is able to kiss her children before she leaves for [...]

The Holidays!!!

2025-12-08T10:42:53-05:00December 8th, 2025|Categories: Lifestyle, Mental Health, Nutrition, Physical Health, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy, Stress Management|

The holidays are here! Let us not forget that the holidays are not always joyous for everyone, especially those with chronic diseases. Holiday events tend to focus on food and often food that is not renal friendly. Research foods that still taste good but are also good for you! Get plenty of rest and watch your fluids. You can still have fun but just be mindful so that you can enjoy the holidays because of being compliant. On another note, some individuals may be sad for many reasons—lack of support, loss of a loved one, finances, not feeling well most of [...]

Living Well with Kidney Disease

2025-10-10T14:57:01-04:00October 1st, 2025|Categories: Dialysis, Immunizations, Lifestyle, Medication, Mental Health, Nutrition, Physical Health, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy, The Kidney Citizen|

Velma Scantlebury MD, FACS, GCM, DPC Education Center Health Care Consultant In the United States, there are over 35 million persons who have chronic kidney disease, which accounts for one in every seven adults. Unfortunately, many millions also have chronic kidney disease and are not aware of the diagnosis. However, having chronic kidney disease may mean having to alter some of your lifestyle habits to protect your kidney function, but many of us must make sacrifices to stay healthy: limiting fats and high calorie drinks, increasing vegetables and healthy greens, and engaging in regular physical activity. However, with hypertension [...]

Empowerment in My Voice

2025-10-10T14:28:38-04:00October 1st, 2025|Categories: Dialysis, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Nutrition, Physical Health, Quality of Life, The Kidney Citizen|

Quiana Bishop, DPC Board President When my father was diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), our family stepped into unfamiliar territory. We didn't know what it meant, how to help, or even what questions to ask. We learned fast – but we learned through fear, frustration, and love. Today, I share our journey not just to honor him, but to help others avoid that helplessness and find hope sooner. My mother became the caregiver overnight. One minute she was his partner; the next, she was managing medications, appointments, and emotions that none of us had language for. The strength [...]

One Day at a Time: Life Beyond Kidney Failure

2025-10-10T14:09:18-04:00October 1st, 2025|Categories: Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Physical Health, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy, The Kidney Citizen, Treatment|

Adrian Miller, DPC Board Member Thirteen years ago, I thought my story was over before it really began. I was walking with my brother on Super Bowl Sunday in February 2012, following our tradition of visiting neighborhood bars before heading to our parents' house. But that day, I couldn't even make it a block without stopping to catch my breath. I was gasping for air like I'd just run a marathon. Deep down, I knew something was seriously wrong. The next morning, I asked my sister to take me to the emergency room. When they checked my blood pressure [...]

Let’s Get Away!

2025-06-09T16:40:04-04:00June 4th, 2025|Categories: Dialysis, eNews, Hemodialysis, Home Hemodialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, Lifestyle, News & Events, Nutrition, Peritoneal Dialysis, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy, Treatment|

Are you ready to take a small trip, a vacation or a weekend getaway? Every month, we bring you current renal news articles but we have decided to focus on travel tips for renal patients. Many patients are reluctant to travel for many reasons but hopefully, these tips will help you to feel more confident as you plan to travel. Get excited, plan a trip, enjoy the summer! The following tips are being shared with you from DaVita Kidney Care (www.davita.com). Vacation on Dialysis  People on dialysis can enjoy different types of vacations. You can set sail on a cruise ship, book a [...]

Preventing Infections in Hemodialysis

2025-06-11T10:54:18-04:00May 7th, 2025|Categories: Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Lifestyle, Physical Health, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy, The Kidney Citizen, Treatment|

Dr. Anil Agarwal, Nephrologist Download PDF Article Descargar artículo en PDF For patients undergoing hemodialysis, infection prevention is not just a recommendation, it’s a necessity. Hemodialysis patients have a compromised immune system and face a heightened risk of infections, which can affect their lives in a multitude of ways. Many suffer from bloodstream infections, which can lead to hospitalization and even life-threatening complications like sepsis. Catheter-related infections and skin infections near the vascular access site, also quite common, can put patients in the hospital as well. Any of these infections can delay hemodialysis patients’ upcoming kidney [...]

Exercise: A Resolution or a Commitment?

2025-01-08T11:43:50-05:00January 8th, 2025|Categories: Dialysis, eNews, Lifestyle, Physical Health, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy|

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, [...]

Toggle Sliding Bar Area

DPC Education Center

1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1230 Washington, DC 20036

Phone: 1-855-291-3725

Fax: 1-888-423-5002

Web: Dialysis Patient Citizens Education Center

Recent News

Go to Top