News & Events
Discover new information and educational offerings that we provide. Explore our newsletters, blogs and upcoming webinars/conference calls.
Contents:
Today is Your Day
Support the Dialysis Patient Citizens Education Center We want to take this opportunity to say thank you. As you know, it is our mission to reduce the occurrence and delay the progression of kidney disease. We work to accomplish our goals by: developing unique educational programs to empower patients and increasing public awareness of kidney disease. Our organization is led by kidney disease patients for kidney disease patients. We cannot accomplish our critical mission without you. Join in our efforts to improve patient quality of life and delay the occurrence of end-stage renal disease by donating today. For more information about our programs, visit us HERE. Make A Gift From all of us [...]
2020 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2020 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs. Medicare Part B Premiums/Deductibles Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and certain other medical and health services not covered by Medicare Part A. Each year the Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayment rates are adjusted according to the Social Security Act. For 2020, the Medicare Part B monthly premiums and the annual deductible are higher than the 2019 amounts. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $144.60 for 2020, an increase of $9.10 from $135.50 in 2019. [...]
Dialysis, Caregiving and Emotional Health
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 this experience. First, expect a period of adjustment to your new roles. Immediately following [...]
Holiday Hints: The 3 Biggest Kidney Disease Diet Mistakes People Make
Join us for this dynamite webinar to learn the three biggest mistakes people with kidney disease make during the holidays with their diet and how to avoid. We’ll go over our best tips to make your food go from “blah” to “hurrah” and give you all the tools you need for your best holiday tips this season.
CDC Advises Patients and Their Families to Be Antibiotics Aware
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising patients and their families to use antibiotics only when necessary to further reduce antibiotic resistance, the spread of superbugs, and protect patients from side effects from antibiotics. During U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week and throughout the year, CDC promotes Be Antibiotics Aware, an educational effort to raise awareness about the importance of safe antibiotic use. The Be Antibiotics Aware initiative educates the public about when antibiotics are needed, when they are not, how to take antibiotics appropriately, and potential side effects of antibiotics. CDC encourages patients and families to: Get the facts about antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work on viruses, such as those that cause colds, flu, bronchitis, or [...]
November is National Diabetes Month
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. One in 10 Americans have diabetes — that’s more than 30 million people. And another 84 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. To raise awareness about diabetes and healthy living, we are proudly participating in American Diabetes Month. Around one in three adults with diabetes has chronic kidney disease. Depending on your age, weight, and other factors, you may be at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that making healthy changes can greatly lower your risk. To help prevent type 2 diabetes: Watch your weight Eat [...]
Treatments and Modality Options for Kidney Disease
During this webinar you will learn: 1) how kidneys work, 2) about chronic kidney disease stages and symptoms, 3) how to slow progression, 4) end stage options for treatment and 5) about accesses. About the Presenter: Joanne Smith is a DPC Education Center Advisory Council member and has had multiple positions in the dialysis field since receiving her RN degree, ranging from Staff RN to Director of Nursing to Home Therapies Manager. She is currently a Kidney Care Advocate responsible for educating CKD and ESRD patients on kidney disease and options for treatment, focusing specifically on home dialysis. Unlike in other nursing fields where patients are encountered on an annual or limited basis, Joanne enjoys working [...]
Are Pupils the Answer to Pain Evaluation?
Some researchers are exploring a new method for measuring pain that involves studying the pupils of a patient. After observing an involuntary response in pupils as a result of pain or medication, a device was developed that "measures a patient’s pupillary response and, using proprietary algorithms, provides a diagnostic measurement of pain intensity, pain type and, after treatment is administered, monitors efficacy." The traditional method for measuring pain involves a 0 to 10 scale that is subjective and self-reported. This approach increases the chances for misdiagnosis, over-treatment or under-treatment since it is not objectively measured. Benefits for this new approach include understanding the effectiveness of alternative methods for pain management (e.g., acupuncture, laughter therapy, virtual [...]
Medicare Plan Finder Gets an Upgrade for the First Time in a Decade
It’s Now Easier to Compare Coverage Options and Shop for Medicare Health and Drug Plans For the first time in a decade, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a modernized and redesigned Medicare Plan Finder. The Medicare Plan Finder, the most used tool on Medicare.gov, allows users to shop and compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. There are more than 60 million people with Medicare coverage. The updated Medicare Plan Finder also provides them and their caregivers with a personalized experience through a mobile friendly and easy-to-read design that will help them learn about different options and select coverage that best meets their health needs. The new Plan Finder walks users [...]
Resources for People with Diabetes and Kidney Disease
If you missed last week's webinar on diabetes and kidney disease, the recording is now available. In addition, below is a handout to accompany the presentation. Herbs Some of these articles provide information about what some people have tried, but the overall research is not necessarily strong. Some of these could be an option for you, but remember: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USING ANY ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS. Herbs for Diabetes: https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/herbs-for-diabetes/ Bitter Melon, Diabetes (one of the speaker's favorites): https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/bitter-melon-diabetes/ Apple Cider Vinegar and Diabetes: https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/apple-cider-vinegar-and-diabetes/ Six Supplements for Diabetes: https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/six-supplements-for-diabetes/ Kidney Diet Diabetes Diet and Kidney Disease: https://www.dpcedcenter.org/staying-healthy/nutrition/diabetes-diet-and-kidney-disease/ A Livable, Lovable Approach to Kidney Disease Nutrition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOEdzhwEFJg Nutrition: https://www.dpcedcenter.org/staying-healthy/nutrition/ [...]
Decisions You Need to Make About Your Transplant Choice
Dr. Keith Melancon will touch on the following three key points: 1) Accepting high risk donors, 2) Understanding transplant wait time and 3) What makes a great transplant recipient.
Elevate the Patient Voice in ADPKD Research
A patient registry is available for people with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The registry is a way to empower patients within a research community while providing information about the impact of ADPKD on the lives of those affected. Participants will be asked to provide information about their diagnosis, symptoms, family history and more. Researchers will connect registry volunteers with studies and clinical trials they may be eligible to participate in. The hope is that registry participation will contribute towards the goal of curing ADPKD. Read more about participating. About ADPKD ADPKD is a genetic disorder—affecting approximately 400,000 people in the US—where cysts form in the kidneys. Symptoms include side and back pain, and [...]
Fight Kidney Disease by Combatting Childhood Obesity
One in 5 children in the United States have obesity. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. In fact, childhood obesity leads to an increased risk of kidney disease—a condition that affects over 30 million Americans. The good news is that childhood obesity can be prevented. In honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, DPC encourages your family to make healthy changes together. Get active outside! Walk around the neighborhood, go on a bike ride, or play basketball at the park. Limit screen time. Keep screen time (time spent on the computer, watching TV, or playing video games) [...]
Short Course on Sepsis and Kidney Disease
Do you know that anyone, including people with kidney disease, can get sepsis? Do you know what sepsis is and what its symptoms are? If you or a loved one gets sepsis. It is very important to get treatment immediately for this devastating and life-threatening condition. September is Sepsis Awareness Month, and we have a short online course that will get you up-to-speed in case this happens to you or someone you know. During this program, you will learn: What sepsis is What the early warning signs of sepsis are What people with kidney disease need to know about sepsis What you can do to prevent sepsis What to do if you suspect sepsis Get [...]
8 Things About Living with A Chronic Disease That Others May Not Understand
"If you see us 'enjoying' ourselves, it doesn’t mean we aren’t sick." This is one of a handful of ideas shared by a woman who has lived with a chronic illness for the past 12 years. She decided to create a blog to share her experience and spread awareness about others that may be going through something similar. If there are friends or family in your life that are having trouble relating to what you are going through, it may be helpful to share this article with them. Or perhaps it will inspire you to put your thoughts on paper and express the feelings you observe while living with kidney disease. Read the full article.
Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Can You Get Better?
During this webinar you will learn: 1) How Diabetes Affects Your Kidneys, 2) How Controlling Diabetes Improves Health and Well Being and 3) Three Proven Strategies for Controlling or Reversing Diabetes. David Spero has been a nurse for 40 years, has lived with a chronic illness for 30 years, writes regularly for Diabetes Self-Management magazine and web site and for other health publications. He is author of The Art of Getting Well: Maximizing Health When You Have a Chronic Illness (Hunter House 2003), and Diabetes: Sugar Coated Crisis – Who gets it, who profits, and how to stop it (New Society 2007) His e-book series: The Inn by the Healing Path: Stories on the road [...]
The Gap Between US Veterans and Kidney Doctors
Less than 60 percent of US Veterans with advanced stages of kidney disease (eGFR <30) receive care from a nephrologist. This is important as kidney disease is 34 percent higher among veterans than the general population. In addition, seeing a nephrologist could delay the progression of the disease and prevent other health issues from emerging. The percentage of veterans that work with a nephrologist varies by age, with patients over 69 being least likely. The data suggests that additional efforts need to be made to ensure veterans with kidney disease are getting the care they need. Read the full article. Understand the stages of kidney disease. Learn about veteran benefits related to kidney disease.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
We all need shots (vaccines) to help protect us from serious diseases. This protection is called immunization. To help our community stay safe, DPC Education Center is proudly participating in National Immunization Awareness Month. Shots can prevent serious diseases like the flu, measles, and pneumonia. They can also prevent some infections. This is especially important for people with kidney disease, as they are at a higher risk for getting an infection, which can be fatal. It’s important to know which shots you need and when to get them. Everyone age 6 months and older needs to get a flu vaccine every year. Other types of shots work best at specific ages or life stages. If [...]
Guía Básica de Alimentación para Personas con Enfermedad Renal
Presentado por María E. Rodríguez, MS, RD, CSR Aprende: ¿Qué es la dieta renal? Lo que necesitas saber sobre proteína, sodio, potasio y fósforo ¿Cómo hacer una buena selección de alimentos? Regístrate para los detalles de la llamada: https://www.dpcedcenter.org/news-events/education-webinars/signup/ English Translation Basic Nutrition Guide for People with Kidney Disease Presented by María E. Rodríguez, MS, RD, CSR Learn: What is the renal diet What you need to know about protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus How to make good food choices Sign up for call details: https://www.dpcedcenter.org/news-events/education-webinars/signup/ Note: This webinar will be presented in Spanish.
Upcoming Renal Nutrition Webinar Will Be Presented in Spanish!
Print out the flier. We invite your Spanish-speaking patients and their family members to participate in the upcoming free webinar: Basic Nutrition Guide for People with Kidney Disease. The webinar will discuss information about the renal diet including sodium, protein, potassium, and phosphorus as well as how to choose foods that are kidney-friendly. The presentation will be given in Spanish by a renal dietitian, María E Rodriguez. She has worked with dialysis patients for the past 10 years and with chronic kidney disease patients for the past 6 years. Learn More
