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What is HIV? HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that infects and damages your immune system. Your immune system helps your body defend itself against infection and other disease. HIV attacks and destroys the disease-fighting cells of your immune system and leaves your body weak against...

Can people with kidney disease or kidney failure still enjoy sex? It's important to remember that people with kidney failure can have healthy marriages and meaningful relationships. They can fall in love, care for families, and be sexual. Staying intimate with those you love is important. It's...

33% of American adults are at risk for kidney disease. Yes, one in three people. If you are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander, American Indian, or Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, heritage you may be at an increased risk...

What is lithium? Lithium is a common medicine used to help calm mood for treating people with mental disorders. Since such disorders need lifelong treatment, long-term use of lithium may be harmful to organs, such as the kidneys. How does lithium cause kidney damage? Lithium may cause problems with...

What is carbohydrate counting? Carbohydrate counting is a way for you to keep track of the amount of sugar, known as carbohydrates, that you eat. If you have diabetes, it is important to learn about carbohydrates found in food. Keeping track of your carbohydrate intake will help you control your...

If your child has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, you are no doubt feeling distressed and bewildered. These feelings are normal. And once you realize that your child's illness is a reality the family must accept, you can develop some practical ways to cope with the day-to-day aspects of...

A new baby is a joy for any family. But pregnancy can put a lot of stress on your body. If you have kidney disease or kidney failure, it can put you and the health of your unborn child at risk. Are you thinking about pregnancy? If so, you should discuss it beforehand with your doctor or other...

How diabetes affects your whole body When diabetes is not well controlled, the sugar level in your blood goes too high. This is called hyperglycemia. High blood sugar can cause damage to many parts of your body, especially: kidneys heart blood vessels eyes feet nerves Diabetes is the leading...

It’s important to stay up-to-date with your vaccinations, especially if you have kidney disease, kidney failure, or a transplant.  There are several vaccines that you need.  One important vaccine that you may not know about is the vaccine for pneumococcal disease.    What...

Introduction What is an Advance Directive? I’m 18 Years Old…Why Do I Need an Advance Directive? Advance Directives and Dialysis Other Important Points Discussion Topics Other Resources Introduction The Patient Self-Determination Act, in effect since 1991, gives adults with the capacity to make...

Bladder: An organ in your body that holds urine (pee) produced by kidneys. Blood pressure: The force of blood pushing against the inner walls of blood vessels. High blood pressure means the force is too high. Chronic: Constant, long-term, does not go away. Chronic disease: A health problem...

How many kidneys do I have? Most people have two kidneys. Kidneys are inside the body. They are about the size of your fist. Where are your kidneys? Kidneys are in your lower back. What do kidneys do? Kidneys are busy! They are like washing machines for the blood in the body.  The kidneys...

High blood pressure is common in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Because of their young age when they develop CKD and high blood pressure, there is a high risk that these children may eventually have heart problems and a worsening of CKD. It is very important for children with CKD to be...

Physical fitness is very important in today's world. Everyone is enjoying the benefits of greater strength and feeling better. Exercise keeps your body strong and healthy. Can I take part in vigorous physical activity? Yes. People who decide to follow an exercise program are stronger and have more...

Hemodialysis is a treatment used when your kidneys fail (Stage 5 Kidney Disease) and can no longer clean your blood and remove extra fluid from your body. A hemodialysis access or vascular access is a way to reach your blood for hemodialysis. If you receive hemodialysis, your access is one of the...