Chronic kidney disease is a gradual process where kidney function declines over time. At the Nephrology Associates of Greater Cincinnati, we believe early detection and prevention are critical to preserving kidney function and reducing the risk of kidney failure. Kidney failure can occur when damage is extensive enough that the kidneys can no longer function with dialysis or transplant. 

While kidney disease can’t be reversed, it’s important to understand the risk factors to slow the progression of the disease. 

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the deterioration of kidney function over time. When kidney function declines, the body can no longer filter waste products from the blood effectively.

CKD affects individuals of all ages. Common risk factors include high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, heart failure, and family history. There is no cure for chronic kidney disease – it must be managed with treatments like dialysis and kidney transplant.

But the good news is that early detection of chronic kidney disease can keep it from getting worse, leading to a better quality of life for patients. Here are a few things to keep in mind. 

If you’ve just been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), you’re likely feeling overwhelmed by how your life might change and unsure of what your future looks like. At the Nephrology Associates of Greater Cincinnati, we empower our patients to take an active role in their kidney health from day one. There will be much to learn on this journey, but it’s never too early to start taking control of your health. Here are four things you can do after receiving a CKD diagnosis. 

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently announced that certain individuals are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot. Did you get a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shot at least 6 months ago? Or, did you get a Johnson & Johnson shot at least 2 months ago? If so, as a chronic kidney disease patient of any age, you qualify for a booster shot. 

It’s normal to wonder how your life will change and how you’ll manage the changes that come with a new diagnosis of kidney disease. The lexicon of kidney disease can add another layer of complexity to navigating this transition. Familiarizing yourself with some of the medical terms you’ll hear your Nephrology Associates of Greater Cincinnati care team use can help you feel more at ease about the changes happening in your body and empowered to be an active participant in your health. 

In a year full of exceptional challengers, chronic kidney disease patients have needed to take vigilant care to protect themselves from COVID-19 while maintaining their dialysis treatment schedules. Our care team at the Nephrology Associates of Greater Cincinnati have seen our patients overcome tremendous obstacles to preserve their health. If you’re wondering what to give the dialysis patient in your life this holiday season, look no further. Here are a few thoughtful gift ideas to make their day.

This has been a difficult year in so many ways, but that doesn’t mean we have to let it steal our holiday spirit. Fall and winter festivities are going to look a bit different, especially for chronic kidney disease patients. Instances of COVID-19 are rising rapidly in the Greater Cincinnati area, making it all the more important for high-risk individuals to play it safe.

Luckily, there are a variety of ways to safely celebrate the upcoming holidays. We know it’s not the same as your usual traditions, but from all of us at Nephrology Associates of Greater Cincinnati, we hope you try some of these ideas to find a little joy this season.

Getting a flu shot is important every fall, but even more so this year with COVID-19. Coronavirus and the flu are caused by different viruses, making it possible to contract both at the same time. By getting your flu shot this year, you can reduce your chances of flu complications and potentially conserve healthcare resources for COVID-19 patients.

You’re likely aware that COVID-19 can cause significant respiratory issues in infected individuals. But did you know that the coronavirus can also attack a person’s kidneys? A National Kidney Foundation – Harris Poll Survey revealed that just under 1 in 5 Americans are aware of the potential for acute kidney injury (AKI) as the result of this virus. The presence of AKI in COVID-19 cases has important implications for the long term health of survivors and our health care system.

As a chronic kidney disease patient, keeping your distance from others is necessary to reduce your chances of getting COVID-19. Maintaining a two-week supply of food means you won’t need to leave your house as often and potentially come into contact with virus carriers.

You might be wondering what types of shelf-stable items are safe for your kidneys, especially since many of them are sodium-rich. The Nephrology Associates of Cincinnati have assembled a guide to find foods that are generally low potassium, low phosphorus, and low sodium for CKD patients. Everyone’s kidney-friendly diet varies slightly based on their condition, so always consult with your care team if you’re uncertain about what’s safe for you to eat.