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By Janelle E. Gonyea, RD, LD After receiving a new kidney, you naturally look forward to freedom from the restrictive diet you needed to follow while you were waiting for a transplant. There are so many "no nos" while following a diet designed to preserve remaining kidney function and maintain a...

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...

Being a teenager can be tough with or without kidney disease.  But having kidney disease can make it even harder. The good news? Learning to cope with your feelings can help.  It can make the extra challenge of living with kidney disease easier. Why are my emotions all over the place?...

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...

Diabetic kidney disease is a decrease in kidney function that occurs in some people who have diabetes. It means that your kidneys are not doing their job as well as they once did to remove waste products and excess fluid from your body. These wastes can build up in your body and cause damage to...

By Jennifer S. Scherer, M.D.   A few years ago, I left my nephrology private practice because I was driven to do more for my patients. Throughout my training and career in nephrology, I had been intensely aware of how kidney patients – even those doing well – often have poor quality of...

By Laura Byham-Gray, PhD, RD, CNSD Diabetes and the Kidney Keeping in good blood glucose control is important for lowering your risk for health complications. Glucose, often described as sugar, is made by the body, usually after eating, and serves as the fuel for every body cell. Diabetes mellitus...

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...

Are you considering giving one of your kidneys to someone in need? A good living donor candidate is healthy, well-informed, and makes a voluntary decision to donate. If you are a potential living donor, you will be starting an amazing journey. But before you can donate, the transplant center must...

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...

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...

Choosing plant-based foods instead of meats may help prevent and treat chronic kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

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...

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...

Will my sexual health improve after a kidney transplant? Many people who experienced sexual problems while on dialysis will find improvement after a kidney transplant. Your new kidney will help you feel better and have more energy. This will help to make your sexual life more enjoyable. In fact,...

Can I be listed at multiple transplant centers? Yes, it is possible to list at multiple transplant centers. Often people choose a transplant center closest to their home for convenience, but it is possible to list at multiple transplant centers if you wish.   Why do some people choose to be...