News & Events
Discover new information and educational offerings that we provide. Explore our newsletters, blogs and upcoming webinars/conference calls.
Contents:
Researchers Think They’ve Found the Cause of Organ Rejection
Receiving a kidney transplant is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, wait times to receive a transplant can be long, and the cost of medication to maintain the transplant is very high. Transplanted organs typically last around 10 years, if taken care of well. However, researchers at the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute at the University of Pittsburgh may have found the answer to prevent organ rejection. Fadi Lakkis, the scientific director at the transplantation institute, believed ideally, an organ transplant would last the rest of the patient’s life. Not only this, but the drugs that suppress the immune system, which are necessary to keep the transplant healthy, increase the risk of [...]
Pressed Vegetarian Picnic Sandwich
Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 20 mins Total time: 40 mins Serves: 4 SERVINGS Ingredients Sandwich 2-9" French baquettes 1 cup green beans, trimmed ½ c roasted red pepper, sliced (can by packed in vinegar or make your own in oven) 1 medium eggplant, sliced into disks 1 Tbsp low sodium black olives (~5) 3 eggs, hard boiled and sliced Tapenade (can also use store bought tapenade) 1 Tbsp calamata olives (~ 5) 1 Tbsp black olives, low sodium 1 Tbsp green olives, low sodium if available Vinaigrette ¼ c Olive Oil 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, coarsely chopped 1 Tbsp Fresh Basil 1½ tsp Shallots, coarsely chopped ½ tsp Sugar ½ tsp Dijon Mustard [...]
DASH Diet Linked to Lower Risk of Gout
Gout is caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints and other tissues. Over time, these crystals can lead to painful attacks of gout, typically beginning in the big toe. The relationship between gout and kidney disease is two-fold, those with gout are 83% more likely to have kidney disease and those who have kidney disease are more likely to suffer from gout. Since the kidneys typically process uric acid, those with decreased kidney function will have a more difficult time eliminating excess uric acid. Typical treatment of gout includes taking uric acid-lowering medications, however many of these medications may be harmful to the kidneys. Because of this, those with decreased kidney [...]
A Tomato Free Cinco de Mayo!
What is Cinco de Mayo without a little bit of chips and salsa? “But, I can’t have tomatoes!” you say. And that is where this magnificent creation comes in, because you "can have" chips and salsa even without tomatoes! This wonderful low potassium recipe will make you forget that tomatoes ever existed in pico de gallo. This recipe is sans-tomatoes. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Even better, it is low in sodium! It pulls its flavor from fresh lime juice and cilantro and little bit of crunch from some fresh jicama. Paired with a low sodium corn chip you don't even notice the tomatoes aren't there, nor will you miss them. RED PEPPER PICO DE GALLO Author: [...]
Next Education Seminar: Depression and Kidney Disease
Life with a chronic illness can be a bumpy road with many hurdles to navigate along the way. Emotional ups and downs due to stress are common among people undergoing dialysis treatments. If you find yourself experiencing issues of depression, anxiety, fear and anger, you are having a normal reaction to stressful circumstances. And you are not alone in this. Yet, despite being surrounded by other people, a sense of isolation may arise. There are ways to address these normal feelings. This webinar will present some guidelines for coping with the array of emotions common to life with dialysis and chronic illness. You also will learn positive ways to manage the stress associated with a [...]
Additional Factors Play Part in Kidney Transplant Success
The process of receiving a kidney transplant is rooted in finding a compatible donor, whether living or deceased. Compatibility is determined by both blood type and the matching of Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA). HLA’s are what stimulate the production of antibodies, which are produced by the immune system in response to a foreign body. HLA make-up is inherited from your parents, which typically makes immediate family members the best match for donation. However, it is possible for individuals to develop sensitivities to HLA antigens because of pregnancies, blood transfusions or viral/bacterial infections. These sensitivities are also tested to determine overall compatibility of the donation. What other factors can determine transplant success? A recent study suggests [...]
National Minority Health Month
There are many aspects that impact your overall health and wellbeing. Genetic factors and lifestyle choices are among the most common determinants of your health. Given this, why are certain populations more susceptible to certain conditions than others? What other factors are at play to impact minority populations more than Caucasian populations? National Minority Health Month seeks to answer these questions while raising awareness of the widespread health disparities among populations. National Minority Health Month is an initiative of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH). This year, the theme is “Bridging Health Equity Across Communities” in an effort to spread awareness about the social determinants of health—environmental, social and economic conditions. [...]
Kidney Friendly Deviled Eggs Just in Time for Easter!
Boiled eggs are no stranger in our fridge with Easter this month. What better way to enjoy all those boiled eggs then whipping up some simple deviled eggs to snack on! Don't just stop at a simple deviled egg either. Deviled eggs are simple enough, so you can add all sorts of dynamic flavors to fit your fancy. We tried three new flavors for our deviled eggs: smoked paprika, curry, and fresh garden herb. All of them were fantastic, although all very very different one from another. Alternatively, you could use any of these same seasoning to make a delicious egg salad. We give this simple, familiar recipe two thumbs up for making a boring [...]
Education Seminar: [RUSH]ED Living With Dialysis
Touring with Pitbull while on dialysis? David Rush didn't let his diagnosis stop him! David Rush is a platinum selling recording artist signed to Pitbull's label, Mr.305 inc. As a patient in center, home, transplant recipient and back to home David Rush truly knows what it means to live life while on Dialysis. As a Nxstage patient David took his machine on a 40 city world tour in 2009 with Pitbull as an opening act. In present-day David Rush is now married with two children after a successful transplant in November 2010 that was given to him by his brother. David went back to Home Hemodialysis in January 2017 when his transplant failed. He works [...]
The Kidney Citizen Issue 5
Get a primer on the new healthcare landscape, the benefits of music and healing and tips on traveling while on dialysis!
Lupus and Kidney Disease
Fictional doctor Gregory House usually suspects Lupus first as the underlying cause to his ailing patient. In his case, it’s never Lupus. However, Lupus Nephritis is a very common cause of kidney disease and the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK) has partnered with the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NAIMS) to increase awareness of both of these related conditions as part of National Kidney Month. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system attacks it’s own cells and organs. Because of this, lupus can cause kidney disease which may get worse over time and lead to kidney failure. Symptoms of lupus are very similar to symptoms of kidney [...]
Sex and Intimacy with CKD Recording Now Available!
Our next education seminar is scheduled for Thursday, March 23 at 4:00 PM. Our presenter, David Spero, has been a nurse for 40 years and has lived with multiple sclerosis (MS) for 30 years. He knows chronic illness from inside and out. While CKD can interfere with physical intimacy, it can’t prevent it. Join us Thursday to learn about why sex is important, possible, and beneficial. Please note this presentation will contain adult content regarding intimacy and CKD. View the recording:
New Resources Available for Advanced Care Planning
As the population ages, health professionals and scholars are investing time to determine how to best communicate advanced care planning to patients. Research from Yale University suggests too few older adults plan ahead for end-of-life medical decisions, and when they do, their preferences aren’t always communicated or understood. The goal of advance care planning is to allow adults to prepare for future treatment decisions, however research has shown that surrogates often don’t know their patients preferences and goals outside of end of life decisions. Dr. Terri Fried interviewed 350 veterans 55 years or older as well as their surrogates. Dr. Fried asked if the patient would prefer treatment even if the treatment would leave the patient severely [...]
Spring Breakfast
English muffins are a breakfast classic. Usually they are topped with jelly and butter or eggs and cheese. This English muffin alternative is a great spring breakfast when you want something simple, refreshing, and filling. You can fill up on some healthy fresh produce with this quick on-the-go breakfast. So whether you can barely get yourself out of bed in the mornings, or you greet the sun with a smile, this one is for you! Simple English Muffin Breakfast Sandwiches Author: Rebecca Barksdale Recipe type: Breakfast Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 10 mins Total time: 15 mins A simple kidney-friendly breakfast or snack Ingredients 6 blackberries, Raw 10 raspberries, raw ⅛ cup blueberries, raw 3 tablespoons cream cheese Cream [...]
