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Heart disease is very common in people with kidney disease or kidney failure. In fact, it is the leading cause of death in people with kidney failure. But there are things you can do to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. If you already have heart disease? You can...
Natural disasters (blizzards, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.) or electrical power blackouts can disrupt healthcare services, such as dialysis treatment. The aim of the information on this website is to help you prepare for possible emergencies. By knowing what to do and preparing...
As a hemodialysis patient, you want to learn all you can about your treatment and what you can do to ensure your health is at its best. One important area you should know about involves infectious diseases. These are diseases that happen when harmful germs get into your body and make you ill....
Good health care is always a team effort - especially for people with chronic kidney failure. Since each member of the health care staff contributes to your care, it is important for you and your family to build a good working relationship with them. The health care team will probably include:...
Good health care is always a team effort—especially for people with chronic kidney disease. This fact sheet tells you about the health professionals who care for dialysis patients. For information about the health care professionals who care for transplant recipients, see “Your Transplant Care Team...
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...
Knowing what to eat when you have kidney disease is very important. Kidneys filter wastes created by the foods you eat to help to keep the right balance of nutrients and minerals in your blood and in your body. We all need protein in our diet every day. Protein is used to build muscle, heal, fight...
Why are kidneys important for bone health? Healthy kidneys do many important jobs. They remove wastes and extra fluid from your body, help make red blood cells, and help keep bones strong. They also help to keep the right amount of minerals in your blood. Minerals are nutrients that your body needs...
What is iron? Iron is a mineral needed for healthy red blood cells and for overall good health. Iron is found in a wide variety of foods. You can also get iron from supplements taken by mouth and from iron medicines prescribed by your healthcare professional. What does iron do? Iron helps your body...
Although many medical advances have been made in the treatment of kidney and urinary tract disease, the emotional effects of kidney failure on patients and their families remain great because many areas of everyday living have to be changed. Receiving Treatment for Kidney Failure Returning to...
Why do I need an emergency meal plan? This meal plan is for you to use in case of an emergency or a natural disaster when you may not be able to got to dialysis. It is important to follow a limited diet if you miss a dialysis session. A grocery list and a three-day meal plan for an emergency are...
People with kidney disease or kidney failure are at risk for heart disease. In fact, it is very common. These ten tips can help you lower your risk for getting heart disease —or help keep heart disease from getting worse. Tip 1: Control Blood Sugar If You Have Diabetes ...
I’ve heard different terms for not receiving dialysis. What do they mean? You may have heard of stopping or not starting dialysis. This is also called “conservative care” or “medical management.” This type of care can meet different goals depending on your specific needs and overall health....
If you get your dialysis at an outpatient dialysis clinic, have you been asked if you would like to learn how to insert (cannulate) your own needles for hemodialysis? The Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) policies state “Patients have the right to know and participate in their care and...
Diagnostic tests such as MRIs, CT scans and angiograms are routinely used because they provide important information about many diseases or injuries and can help in diagnosis and treatment. In many cases, the use of a contrast dye is necessary to enhance these tests, but sometimes these dyes can...
What are parathyroid glands? Parathyroid glands are four small glands that are located near the thyroid gland in your neck. They are each about the size of a pea. The parathyroid glands make and release parathyroid hormone (hormones are secretions made by your body to help your body work and keep...
Now that you are beginning hemodialysis, there may be many changes in your daily life. Your doctor has probably told you that you may need to make some changes in your diet. The renal dietitian at your dialysis center will help you plan a diet for your special needs. Why do I need to be on a...
As a patient beginning peritoneal dialysis treatments, you are adjusting to many changes in your daily life. Your healthcare professional has probably told you that some changes in your diet will be necessary. Why will you have to follow a special diet? Because your kidneys are not able to get...
Myth: The only option for receiving dialysis treatment is to travel to a center at least three times per week for hours at a time. Fact: Dialysis can be done in many ways: You can do dialysis in a hospital or an outpatient dialysis clinic or in your own home. Hemodialysis at a dialysis center is...
Hemodialysis is a life-saving treatment when your kidneys are no longer able to remove waste products and extra water from your body. The dialysis machine takes over this function for your kidneys. Dialysis treatments are usually done 3 times a week and each treatment lasts about 4 hours. Is...
Why do I need an emergency meal plan? This meal plan is for you to use in case of an emergency or a natural disaster when you may not be able to attend dialysis. It is important to follow a limited diet if you have to miss dialysis. A grocery list and a three-day meal plan for an emergency are...
For many people with kidney failure, dialysis helps them live longer and improves their quality of life. But for some people, the improvement they feel may be a lot more limited— often because of their serious health problems. It is important to know that in such a situation, you have the right to...
What is protein? Protein is an important nutrient that helps build muscle, repair tissue, and fight infection. Protein is made from amino acids. Amino acids are like building blocks that combine to form many different types of protein. Your body makes some of the amino acids you need. ...