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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...

The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and is located below the bladder, the organ that stores urine. The prostate gland is part of the reproductive system in men. The job of the prostate gland is to make fluid for semen, which is used to carry sperm during ejaculation. Why does the...

Many people don’t know it, but common childhood infections can cause kidney damage and kidney failure.  This is especially true for children.  Two childhood infections to be aware of are 1) strep infections caused by the Streptococcus bacteria, which leads to strep throat and impetigo (a...

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...

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...

Are you getting enough vitamins and minerals for your health?  If you have chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, here’s what you need to know.

Knowing all your options for treating kidney disease can lead to better quality of life. The National Kidney Foundation has developed a series of videos to help you understand what you can do to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and understand the choices you will face should...

Many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure work full time or part time. Some go to school or take care of their homes and families. Others do volunteer work, have hobbies, or have regular exercise routines. If you have kidney disease or kidney failure, you may have questions...

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...

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...

Nathan Beins, MHPE, MD Pediatric Nephrology Children’s Mercy Kansas City   One of the most common questions asked by parents of children with kidney disease is whether contact sports are safe. Physical activity is very important for overall health and this is especially true for children with...

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...

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...

By Gretchen Wiese, RD and Kathleen Hill Gallant, PhD, RD Why start a plant-based diet? A plant-based diet includes eating more plant foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), and healthy plant oils (such as olive or canola) and less animal foods...

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...

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....

Kidney cancer overview Kidney cancer is a disease that starts in the kidneys. It happens when healthy cells in one or both kidneys grow out of control and form a lump (called a tumor). Kidney cancer signs and symptoms In the early stages, most people don’t have...