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What are blood lipids? Lipids are fat-like substances found in your blood and body tissues. Your body needs small amounts of lipids to work normally. How are my blood lipids measured? A blood test called a complete lipid profile is done. It is recommended that this test be done after an...

Until recently, a transplant patient could only receive an organ from someone with a compatible blood type. An organ from someone with an incompatible blood type would be perceived as foreign and vulnerable to attack by the recipient's natural antibodies. Now, through a process called...

Tips for writing a letter or social media post to your friends, family, and/or community: Make it personal, tell YOUR story (what is treatment like, how do you feel) Use information on kidney.org to include facts on kidney disease, living donation, and transplant.  Include a photo with...

While there are variations in specific views, it is clear that most major religions of the world do in fact permit, allow and support transplantation and donation. AME & AME ZION (African Methodist Episcopal) Donation is viewed as an act of neighborly love and charity by these denominations....

I have an Employer Group Health Plan (EGHP). I have private insurance through the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). I have Medicare I have Medicaid I have an Employer Group Health Plan (EGHP). If you are eligible for Medicare, your EGHP will be your primary insurance (pays first) for 30 months...

Martha Walker, DPT, CSCS Chris L. Wells, PhD, PT, CCS, ATC At the time of your organ transplant, you were placed on a regimen of immunosuppressant medications to prevent your immune system from rejecting the donor organ. There are many different immunosuppressant medications you may have been...

Refractory gout is a rare form of gout. This condition can be painful and serious. People with refractory gout can also have problems with the kidneys. Signs and symptoms of the disease include chronic arthritis; joints with swelling, redness, and intense pain, and tophi (lumps around hands,...

What is a nephrectomy? Nephrectomy (nephro = kidney, ectomy = removal) is the surgical removal of a kidney. The procedure is done to treat kidney cancer as well as other kidney diseases and injuries. Nephrectomy is also done to remove a healthy kidney from a donor (either living or deceased) for...

What is lead poisoning? Lead is a natural element found in small amounts in the earth.  Lead has many good uses, but too much can be harmful to humans and animals.  Lead poisoning is a serious health problem. It can happen if lead builds up in your body, usually over many months or years...

Why is exercise important to me? Exercise is important for many reasons: It helps you to: Maintain a healthy weight Prevent many diseases including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease Control blood pressure and cholesterol Build strength and endurance Prevent injuries Build self-confidence and...

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who use bowel cleansing products should be aware of a recent warning issued by the FDA for a type of sudden loss of kidney function or acute kidney injury, as well as, blood mineral disturbances. Phosphate crystal deposition in the kidneys causes the loss...

Good nutrition is the key to good mental and physical health. Eating a balanced diet is an important part of good health for everyone. The kind and amount of food you eat affects the way you feel and how your body works. What are nutrients? Nutrients are ingredients in food that help you: Grow...

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...

When it comes to dairy products in our everyday food intake, most people would say that they have milk or other dairy products daily, if not more! Milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurts, pudding and ice cream are some of the favorite dairy products of young and old alike. Dairy products are...

It’s been just over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the United States, causing countrywide lockdowns and huge changes to everyday life. At about the same time, we started hearing about pandemic fatigue – a term coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and defined as “a lack of...

Free prescription discount card benefiting the National Kidney Foundation Use the card to receive discounts on any of your prescriptions while helping fight kidney disease at the same time! Every time you save using the card, the National Kidney Foundation will receive a donation* from BuzzRx, at...

Your kidneys work 24/7 to keep the body healthy by filtering out toxins and extra fluid and regulating blood pressure. Damage to these vital organs could be irreversible, yet so many are unaware of what might be harmful. During March, National Kidney Month, the National Kidney Foundation offers...