By: Kayla Holmes
‘Tis the season for the sniffles. As the summer season comes to an end and fall starts, flu season kicks into high gear. Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are at a higher risk for developing more serious symptoms and complications from the flu. It is imperative that CKD and ESRD patients receive the vaccine and protect themselves from the flu. Let’s talk about all things flu- from how to stay safe, vaccines, and symptoms to look out for to keep you safe this season.
Flu season is generally October to May with the peak between December and February. During this time it is increasingly important to follow health guidelines. The following are recommended health and safety practices for the flu season:
Practice good hand and personal hygiene
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands
Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Stay home when you are sick
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
Stay on top of best practices and procedures for work and school environments
Beyond good hygiene practices, getting the flu vaccine is a good way to protect yourself from the flu or severe flu symptoms. Essentially, the injectable flu vaccine is a dead flu virus that works to help your body identify and fight the active/live flu virus. Oftentimes, patients may feel flu-like symptoms after receiving the vaccine, which is normal. What you are experiencing is your immune system’s reaction to the introduction of the dead virus. Listed below are locations you can get a flu vaccine:
Minute Clinic in CVS
Walgreens
Publix Pharmacy
Primary Care practices (that you are established with)
Dialysis Patients ONLY: in-center at your dialysis clinic- inquire with your care team
So you know how to keep yourself safe, but what if it doesn’t work and you get sick? Monitor for the following symptoms below:
Fever and chills
Sore throat
Stuffy or runny nose
Muscle and body aches
Headache
Fatigue
The CDC has a great resource for information and FAQs regarding the 2022-2023 flu season. You can find more information from the CDC here.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the flu season, contact your primary care provider or your local pharmacy. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and have an appointment with us, please give us a call at your earliest convenience so we can discuss appointment options. As always, stay safe and healthy!
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm
The Importance of Setting Goals and Creating Healthy Habits
By: Kayla Holmes
Habits and goals work together to become a dynamic duo when working towards accomplishing a task. Set a goal, then create habits to help facilitate the desired outcome. Let’s discuss the benefits of setting goals and creating habits.
- Goals give us something to work towards. By setting goals, we are acknowledging that we are committing to working towards something meaningful to us. Whether that goal is walking for 30 minutes a day, taking more consistent blood pressure and weight readings, or making healthier food choices, we are committed to achieving success in that area of our lives. Goals can give us a sense of purpose. There are different ways to set goals as well. Here are a few:
- Setting goals with others can help us create a network of support and accountability as well as foster a sense of belonging
- Setting smaller goals before the end-goal can help us feel more accomplished and motivated. Larger goals can seem daunting and we may lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel. Milestones help to increase motivation and passion towards the end goal.
- Create a vision board or place a visual of your goal(s) somewhere you look daily. By visualizing and being reminded of the goals daily, you are more likely to succeed in accomplishing them.
- Habits assist in helping us achieve the goals we set. There are a lot of ways to begin building habits. These can include:
- Habit stacking: This is when someone does two habits at the same time. This uses an old habit to build a new one. An example of this could be something as simple as “After I take my medications, I’ll take my blood pressure,” or “I’ll take my weight and then brush my teeth.”
- Habit Trackers: Habit trackers are a visual way to see progress on building a new habit. Habit trackers come in a variety of different formats, so it may take some trial and error to find one that works for you. I have found that a color-coded coloring habit tracker is the most effective for me.
- 21/90: They say it takes 21 days to create a new habit and 90 days for it to become a part of a lifestyle. Give yourself some time and grace when trying to get something to stick. Mark these on your calendar or habit tracker to help visualize that timeline.
Goals and habits can be particularly helpful for those with chronic illnesses that may need more in-depth and consistent healthcare. By creating healthy habits, like taking weight and blood pressure readings regularly, patients are able to better assist their healthcare teams in identifying trends and intervening more effectively and efficiently. This can help to increase time between required or recommended appointments as well as reduce emergency interventions, like hospitalizations.
We have created a habit tracker for tracking weight and blood pressure that can be found on our website here. There are also a number of books and resources that delve deeper into the importance of habits and goals.
If you are setting goals that may alter your lifestyle or health significantly, please consult with your physician(s) before continuing to ensure it is safe. As always, stay healthy!
Which -ology is Right for You?
Urology vs. Nephrology
By: Kayla Holmes
Nephrology and Urology work hand in hand to treat the kidneys and urological system. There is often overlap in what organs and systems are involved in these specialities. So what’s the difference? How do I know which I need to see? Read below to learn more about how these two specialties come together to create a dynamic duo for kidney health.
Urology
According to the Urological Care Foundation, “Urology is a part of health care that deals with diseases of the male and female urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra). It also deals with the male [reproductive] organs… Since health problems in these body parts can happen to everyone, urologic health is important.” Common conditions that urologists treat are:
Kidney Stones
Kidney Cysts
Frequent Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary Incontinence
Male Fertility
Nephrology
Nephrology is a branch of medicine that treats the kidneys. This can include the treatment of kidney diseases, monitoring kidney function, maintaining kidney health, and beginning renal replacement therapies. Common conditions that nephrologists treat are:
Chronic Kidney Disease
Hyper- and Hypotension
Electrolyte Imbalances
Adrenal Dysfunction
Gout
How do they work together?
Urology and nephrology each treat different sides of the same coin. Kidney stones are a great example of how these two specialties work together. Nephrology will treat the prevention of stones through assessing lab work and imaging studies and suggesting changes to the diet or medication regimen. Urology will perform the necessary procedures to remove the stones if/when they become an issue.
Who do I need to see?
If you are experiencing frequent urinary tract infections, kidney stones, kidney cysts, or other conditions that involve the urinary and renal systems, urology is usually your best option. However, if you feel you need to see a nephrologist and are concerned about your kidney function, we are more than happy to see you and evaluate your needs.
Munjal’s Musings:
Urologists are the surgeons who deal with the hardware, removing the bad parts and making repairs. Nephrologists are medical doctors that will handle the software, making sure the kidneys are filtering and functioning properly.
Resources:
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/what-is-urology
Sodi-YUM: Replacing Salt While Cooking
When a patient gets diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease, a lot of questions about diet and fluid intake tend to come up. How much should I drink? What should I eat? What needs to be taken out or altered in my normal diet? These can be daunting and seem overwhelming. An easy switch can be to reduce the added salt, or sodium chloride, when cooking. Added salt can come from your table salt shaker or other seasoning mixes commonly found in your spice cabinets. Added sodium can also come in the form of preservatives in canned goods, frozen foods, and boxed meals or ingredients. For more information on sodium, you can review our Kidney Korner segment on sodium here.
Common Seasonings with Added Salt
Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning
Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
Kinder’s Seasoning
Adobo All Purpose Seasoning
Sazon
Garlic/Onion/Celery Salt
Slap Ya Mama
Many “all purpose” or pre-mixed seasoning packets will contain added sodium. Be sure to check your labels and ingredients!
Seasonings as Salt Replacements
Cayenne Pepper
Fresh or Powdered Onion
Dried or Fresh Ginger
Fresh or Powdered Garlic
Fresh or dried herbs
Oregano
Parsley
Thyme
Rosemary
Cilantro/Coriander
Basil
Mint
Sage
Lemongrass
Paprika
Crushed Red Pepper
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Star Anise
Allspice
Chinese 5 Spice
Mustard (seed, powder, paste, etc.)
Caraway Seeds
Cumin
Fresh celery or celery seeds
Chives
Cardamom
Cloves
Citrus juice (lime, lemon, orange, etc.)
Be sure to check the labels of your spice bottles in all circumstances to ensure that it is truly free of sodium. When they have phrases like “No Salt Added,” “Salt Free,” and “Low Sodium,” it can mean that the salt has been replaced with potassium chloride, a different version of salt. This can be just as problematic as sodium chloride for patients with kidney diseases and hypertension.
You can learn more about how to cook and season your food with spices instead of salt from the National Kidney Foundation here.
If you have any questions or concerns about salt and sodium in your diet, you can contact your care team for additional assistance. As always, stay safe and healthy!
Resources:
Hurricane Season 2023
Hurricane season (June 1- November 30, 2023) is upon us. It’s important to be prepared if or when disaster strikes. More information and advice for preparing for hurricane season can be found here:
https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/preparing-for-hurricane-season/
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.html
Tax Free:
May 27- June 09, 2023
August 26- September 08, 2023
https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/tips/Documents/TIP_23A01-02.pdf
In addition to basic food and household supplies, it is important to have an emergency supply of prescription medications. We recommend that there is at least 2 to 3 weeks worth of medications on hand in an emergency preparedness kit. A great way to store these are with pill bags or resealable plastic bags. The prescription name, dosage, frequency, and expiration date can be written on the front of the bag for ease of identification. Please contact your pharmacy for timely refills of your medications.
For those who may want or need to evacuate or do not feel comfortable traveling to our office, we will be continuing to offer virtual visits. Virtual visit coverage for Medicare patients has been extended to December 31, 2024. For commercial insurance, please contact your insurance carrier to inquire about virtual visit coverage under your plan’s contract. This is subject to change as more information is released.
References:
Florida Dept. of Revenue – Home. Florida Department of Revenue. (n.d.). Retrieved June 6, 2022, from https://floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep/Pages/default.aspx
Home. FloridaDisaster.org. (n.d.). Retrieved June 6, 2022, from https://www.floridadisaster.org/
https://www.flsenate.gov/Media/PressRelease/Show/4446#:~:text=The%20legislation%20creates%20a%2014,2023%2C%20for%20disaster%20preparedness%20supplies.
URINE for a Surprise: What Your Urine Says About Your Health
Urine can tell us a lot about your health, like hydration levels and kidney function. It is important to monitor your output to catch any significant changes, especially if you have pre-existing conditions known to potentially affect your kidneys and urine.
Appearance, Smell, and More:
Foamy= Proteinuria, due to differences in the surface tension
Red= Hematuria, blood in the urine, can indicate kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTI), or other conditions
Cloudy= Change in pH to alkaline indicating a number of potential causes like diabetes, infection, kidney disease or stones, vaginal discharge, or dehydration
Dark= Dehydration
Clear/no color= Over-hydrated
Frequent urination= Urinary tract infection (UTI), overhydration, presence of waste in urine like sugars or protein
Odd smell= Diabetes, urinary tract infection (UTI), dehydration, metabolic disorders
Pain with urination= Kidney stones, urinary tract infection (UTI)
Urine Tests:
Lab tests can be ordered to examine the urine and begin to determine or monitor symptoms. These tests can include: Protein Total, 24-hour collections, Urinalysis with Culture, and more. Urine tests can monitor the levels of protein, bacteria, red/white blood cells, glucose, crystals, and hormones.
According to Dr. Munjal, your urine should look like lemonade. This color comes from the waste the kidneys filter out. The concentration, or intensity of the color, is based on the water content of the urine.
If you have any concerns about your urine or kidney function, speak with your care team for further evaluation. As always, stay safe and healthy!
This website is for informational and educational purposes ONLY. While we strive for accurate, general medical information, this does not replace professional medical advice. Do not rely solely on this information. Please consult with your physician for more information regarding your specific needs. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
Resources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21894-cloudy-urine
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/urine-odor/basics/causes/sym-20050704
Relaxation Techniques
We often hear that we need to relax, calm down, and rest, but often find ourselves feeling guilty about tasks we could or should be doing, wasting time, or feeling as though we are neglecting others by taking time for ourselves. However, self care and relaxation are vital in helping to reduce anxiety, depression, blood pressure, and chronic pain, among other things. So how, exactly, can one truly relax? Listed below are a variety of ways to focus on yourself and your wellbeing.
Apps
Yoga
Yoga is a great way to begin to focus attention on your body and breathing. Yoga can help to create mindfulness and clarity.
Breathing Exercises and Meditation
More often than not, relaxation starts with focusing on breathing.
Walking and Exercise
Fresh air and a change of scenery can work wonders for a person. Moving the body also releases endorphins, a “feel-good” chemical in your brain. Exercise can also improve one’s mood and reduce the harmful effects of stress.
Hobbies
Engaging in a new hobby can help to bring our focus and attention to something other than stressors or our daily tasks. These can include: reading, crochet/knitting, painting, writing poetry, listening to calming music.
Which of these methods will you try to help you relax? Share your thoughts on our facebook pages! As always, stay safe and healthy!
*This post is not sponsored by any of the above listed apps, websites, or companies.*
This website is for informational and educational purposes ONLY. While we strive for accurate, general medical information, this does not replace professional medical advice. Do not rely solely on this information. Please consult with your physician for more information regarding your specific needs. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
Resources:
Exercise and Stress- Mayo Clinic.
Safe Exercises for Older Adults or Adults with Limitations
For older adults and adults with mobility limitations, getting exercise can be a daunting task. The fear of falling, getting injured, or needing assistance can create barriers to achieving better health. It’s important to focus on form and building strength and flexibility slowly and safely. By beginning with exercises that focus on flexibility and increasing mobility, injury becomes less likely.
Exercise and its benefits can look different for everyone, so it is important to know your limitations. Gentle exercises can have a wide variety of benefits. These can include:
– Improved cardiovascular health
– Mental clarity
– Greater range of motion
– Reduced joint and chronic pain
– Increased appetite
Exercise can also be done in a variety of ways, like groups or partners, indoors or outdoors, and virtually or in person.
The following sites provide simple, safe exercises:
Sitting Exercises- NHS
5 Easy Chair Exercises- British Heart Foundation
9 Chair Exercises- GoodRx
Virtual Fitness and Wellness Events- Senior Planet
Consult with your doctors before implementing new exercises into your routine to reduce risk of injury. As always, stay safe and healthy!
This website is for informational and educational purposes ONLY. While we strive for accurate, general medical information, this does not replace professional medical advice. Do not rely solely on this information. Please consult with your physician for more information regarding your specific needs. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.-
FUNdraising: We Walk for Kidney Disease Awareness
Our team connects with our community and walks annually to raise awareness for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). In the month prior to the event, our office has some fun events to raise money and educate our patients. Here is how we celebrate to raise funds and awareness:
Kidney disease is known as the silent killer. It is so important for us to help raise awareness to empower others to keep up with their health. Here are some kidney disease facts from the National Kidney Foundation to kick-start our mission this year:
Join us this year on Sunday, May 7, 2023 for the Kidney Walk or walk with us virtually should you wish to avoid crowds. You can create a fundraising page or donate to our team page here. You can also donate online on the National Kidney Foundation website here.
Resources:
https://www.kidney.org/
Dream On: The Importance of Getting a Good Night's Sleep
Sleep is a vital part of the human body’s recovery and healing process. Without proper sleep, our bodies may experience a myriad of symptoms and chronic issues that can affect our quality of life.
Symptoms associated with lack of sleep:
Each person’s symptoms of sleep deprivation can vary depending on genetics, the type of sleep deprivation, and use of stimulants (like caffeine). Common symptoms of sleep deprivation are:
Low energy
Mood changes
Lack of focus
Poor memory
Inhibited or risky decision-making
Chronic sleep deprivation can also lead to increased risk of a variety of illnesses and conditions. These include, but are not limited to, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, mental disorders, and hormone imbalances.
How sleep helps the body:
Sleep works to support your physical and mental wellbeing. During sleep, our bodies do a variety of important tasks.
Fight disease
Develop immunity
Manage risk for chronic illnesses
Maintain metabolism
How to improve your sleep:
Put devices down at least 30 minutes before bed.
Try a calming decaffeinated tea.
Get into a normal bedtime routine.
Play guided meditations or soft classical music.
Take a melatonin supplement as needed.
Do not take stimulants like caffeine, pre-work out supplements, and sugar after 3:00pm.
Avoid naps if possible.
Maintain a healthy diet.
Some changes to sleep won’t happen overnight. Dedicate yourself to a nighttime routine to see improvement over time. If you still have concerns, talk to your primary care physician. Do not make significant changes without speaking to your providers first.
Resources:
The Sleep Foundation: Sleep Deprivation
University of Michigan: Why Sleep is so Important
This website is for informational and educational purposes ONLY. While we strive for accurate, general medical information, this does not replace professional medical advice. Do not rely solely on this information. Please consult with your physician for more information regarding your specific needs. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
Be Empowered: 7 Ways to Empower Yourself as a Patient
At DialySuites, we believe that an empowered patient is more involved in their care and will subsequently make better, more informed decisions regarding their care. Here are 7 ways that you can empower yourself as a patient.
Ask questions at your appointments. Your doctors and care team should be open and honest with you and be willing to answer any questions you may have. Some questions to ask may include:
What are the potential risks and benefits of this treatment?
Are there any alternatives to this treatment? What are my other options?
What can I expect in the future with this condition and treatment plan?
What is the best case scenario? Worst case scenario? Most realistic? How can I manage my expectations?
Are there any side effects?
When should I expect to see a change?
How might this affect my lifestyle?
Do independent research on your condition(s). It is important to do research and educate yourself to gain a better understanding of what you may be facing. You can also ask your doctor for trusted resources regarding your diagnosis, condition, or treatment.
Advocate for yourself and your beliefs. You are able to decline treatments, medications, and medical advice if they go against your beliefs. Your care team will go over their advice, offer alternatives, and educate you on their reasoning, recommendations, and risks.
Read your bills and explanation of benefits. Understanding your insurance and bills can be a daunting task. By reading your bills and explanation of benefits, you may be better able to understand your financial responsibility and better plan for future procedures and insurance changes in the future.
Ask for clarification. If you don’t understand what is being said, ask for clarification. Any and all procedures, treatments, and appointments should be explained to you in a language and terms that you understand.
Self-care is key. Remaining calm and relaxed when going to appointments or dealing with anything health related is a crucial part of empowering yourself as a patient. Self-care that may be beneficial can include:
Positive affirmations
Relaxation apps
Deep breathing exercises
Talking to supportive friends and family
Surround yourself with people that support you. A strong network of love and support can help to ease the burden of facing changes alone.
We are here to help you make the best decisions for yourself. Stay safe and healthy. Be empowered.
The Importance of Routine Care
Regular follow ups with primary care and other specialists are vital to maintaining overall health and wellness. Below are lists of vaccines, suggested screenings, and testing that is recommended on a regular and/or annual basis.
Vaccines:
For additional information on vaccines: https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/adults/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-JacBhC0ARIsAIxybyMJAUssac8FjugH_be4E_uzcN10M2LvJqypt2_EHcveq4Gju0eM3cIaAsIdEALw_wcB
Suggested Annual Screenings for Adults:
Most of this is taken care of by a Primary Care Physician (PCP). It is important to maintain a relationship with your established PCP to ensure timely care and referrals. In addition to the recommended annual physical, it is important to ask about the following:
Preventative Care Testing May Include:
Everyone’s care looks different. If you are unsure who you may need to see, start with a primary care physician. They can assess and direct you where you may need further care. Don’t forget to schedule your appointment with your favorite nephrologist, Dr. Munjal! As always, stay safe and healthy.
This website is for informational and educational purposes ONLY. While we strive for accurate, general medical information, this does not replace professional medical advice. Do not rely solely on this information. Please consult with your physician for more information regarding your specific needs. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
Book of the Quarter: Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown
Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown is a book that explores the power of independence, courage, and belonging. Brene uses the term “wilderness” as a metaphor to describe the elements we must face to find belonging: solitude, vulnerability, vast and dangerous environments, and the beauty of nature. You must find your own way through the wild, straying from the beaten path, listening to yourself. It’s about intentionally putting yourself with those who are different from you in culture, beliefs, and ideologies and learning to be with others without sacrificing who we are. Brene uses the acronym BRAVING to help assess trusting others and yourself.
Boundaries: Asking for and respecting boundaries
Reliability: understanding competencies and limitations to do as you say
Accountability: owning mistakes, apologizing, and making amends
Vault: not sharing things that are not yours to share and upholding confidences
Integrity: choosing courage over comfort and what is right versus what is easy
Nonjudgement: speaking without judging or being judged
Generosity: extending the most generous interpretations of intentions, words, and
Actions
Brene goes on to discuss topics around boundaries. She explores how to embrace our own humanity to connect with others, practicing civility, and conflict management. She explains that changing perspective and working with the mind can be more beneficial than changing physical surroundings to make someone more at ease or comfortable. Life isn’t comfortable. Brene courageously shares her own vulnerable stories of connection, fear, and longing to help show that we are not alone, but we can certainly stand alone.
How it helped us:
Braving the Wilderness has helped our Patient Educator, Kayla, in her ability to grow as a professional. “I was able to connect with others on a more personal level. I was more courageous to admit mistakes and failures. We are all human. We are not alone in our mistakes, faults, and struggles. I felt like I was able to handle tough conversations and conflicts with ease and civility.”
How it can help our patients:
Braving the Wilderness can help our patients realize that they are not alone in their chronic illness and the associated challenges. Gaining perspective on vulnerability and connection can greatly benefit patients and how they connect with their care teams and support people.
How can you practice braving the wilderness in your daily life?
Eating Healthy on a Budget
Eating healthy can seem like an impossible task nowadays. However, it may be easier than you think. Listed below are some tips to keep your health on track and your wallet happy.
What is “healthy eating”?
Healthy eating can look different for everyone based on dietary needs and health conditions. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines “eating healthy” as a “healthy eating pattern that includes a variety of nutritious foods and drinks. It also means getting the number of calories that’s right for you (not eating too much or too little).” It is especially important for patients with kidney diseases or on dialysis to consult with their healthcare providers and dieticians when considering changes in diet.
Tips:
For more information on healthy eating, we have provided some resources below. Please contact your healthcare provider(s) before changing your diet or health habits should you have any conditions that require dietary restrictions.
Health.gov
World Health Organization
CDC
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be scary or a chore. Let us know what works best for you! As always, stay safe and healthy!
Walk it Out: The Benefits of Walking
Walking is an underrated form of exercise that has a long list of useful benefits. Here are 10 benefits of walking that can improve your health.
Improve balance and coordination. Walking can help to decrease your fall risk.
Improve mood, memory, and cognition. Light aerobic exercise has been shown to increase the circulation to the brain and can influence parts of the brain to change reactions to stress, thus helping to reduce anxiety and depression.
Decrease risk of chronic illnesses. These illnesses can include heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Strengthen bones and muscles. Regularly using your muscles, especially on a variety of terrain, will keep bones strong and muscles active.
Increase energy levels. Walking increases the amount of oxygen in your blood and increases the levels of hormones in your body that are shown to increase energy.
Manage weight. Walking is a light exercise that can help one lose fat and gain muscle to maintain a healthy weight.
Increase cardiovascular fitness. Walking at least 30 minutes a day, for 5 days a week, can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by 19%.
Improve mental health. Anxiety and depression levels have been shown to decrease with a regular walking routine.
Keep joints flexible. Walking can help protect the joints, including your knees and hips. It helps lubricate and strengthen your muscles that support the joints. Walking 5 to 6 miles a week may help prevent arthritis.
Boost social life. Walking with a buddy or group will help to increase and improve one’s social life and create a deeper bond with others.
Safe Walking Practices:
Find a walking buddy. Having someone to walk with can increase your motivation to walk. Walking with another person is also beneficial to ensure that, should something happen, you are able to get assistance quickly.
Walk during daylight hours. Walking at night can decrease one’s awareness of their surroundings.
If walking outside, stay close to home or your vehicle. By maintaining a shorter distance to safety, it can reduce the risk of becoming stranded due to exhaustion.
Bring water. It is important to stay hydrated when exercising to decrease the risk of dehydration. Consult with your physician should you have fluid restrictions.
Bring a phone. Cell phones are convenient for playing music, audiobooks, podcasts, or to contact someone should an emergency arise.
Bring something to assist with walking. Canes, walkers, or walking sticks can help increase stability and decrease fall risks.
Wear sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent sunburns.
Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Proper, supportive shoes can reduce the risk of injury and assist with creating a proper gait.
Consult with your healthcare provider(s) before altering or increasing your exercise habits to ensure that walking is a safe exercise for you. As always, stay safe and healthy!
Resources:
Sharma A, Madaan V, Petty FD. Exercise for mental health. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(2):106. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a. PMID: 16862239; PMCID: PMC1470658.
https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-walking#muscle-tone
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20046261
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Walking-the-benefits-for-older-people
To Bring or Not to Bring: Accepted and Prohibited Items for Dialysis Treatments
DialySuites is a state-of-the-art facility that follows federal and state regulations regarding cleanliness and safety. This means there are strict rules and regulations that dictate what items are allowed, what’s prohibited, and best practices for safe and effective treatments.
What to bring:
Each suite has an individual TV for the patient’s entertainment while they dialyze. Phones and tablets are allowed. However, should you want additional entertainment, below are some dialysis-safe ideas:
Reading
Catch up with friends and family by calling or on social media
Virtual tours
Listen to music, audio books, or podcasts
Dialysis can make you cold. We suggest bringing some comfort items to keep you warm. Remember, your access must be visible at all times.
Socks with grips on the bottom
A blanket
Pillow(s)
Gloves
Stuffed animals
Prohibited Items:
Prohibited items can vary from clinic to clinic. Please review our list of prohibited items before you begin treatments at our facility.
Weapons of any kind, regardless of certifications or licenses to carry them.
Food and drinks on the dialysis floor– no eating or drinking is allowed during treatments for patient health and sanitary purposes.
Products containing tobacco and/or nicotine including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, vapes, and chewing tobaccos.
Heating pads and electric blankets– we have luxury, heated dialysis chairs and provide our patients with a fleece blanket.
Pets– personal and service animals are not permitted
Your access must be visible at all times. Additionally, please review your patient handbook for your patient rights and responsibilities. Should you have any questions or concerns about policies regarding items that you wish to bring to your treatment, please contact your DilaySuites care team for assistance.
What to Expect at Your First Dialysis Treatment
First times can be scary. We are here to support and guide you through your first time at dialysis. This post will walk you through what to expect, who you’ll meet, and some frequently asked questions for your first appointment.
The paperwork and process:
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment to account for paperwork. There is a comprehensive list of administrative consents that must be signed before your first treatment can begin. Your Facility Coordinator and/or Social Worker will guide you through the paperwork process should you have any questions.
Be sure to bring your government-issued photo ID, insurance cards, vaccination records, and home medications in their original packaging.
If you require an interpreter, you are welcome to bring your own or we can provide one to you.
No visitors are allowed unless medically necessary at the discretion of the Medical Director.
Who you’ll meet:
Social Worker: The Social Worker will assist with verifying insurance and will provide support for your overall well being while you adjust to major lifestyle changes.
Reception: Our front desk will greet you and get you checked in.
Facility Coordinator: The Facility Coordinator will begin your paperwork process and get you acquainted with the facility.
Patient Care Technician (PCT): At the time of your dialysis shift, your PCT will come and get you and take you to your suite. From here, they will weigh you and take your blood pressure. They connect you for your dialysis treatment after the nurse’s assessment has been completed. They will take your blood pressure every 30 minutes and report back to your nurse.
Dialysis Nurse: Your dialysis nurse will explain the dialysis process and assess you prior to being connected for your treatment. They check on you as needed throughout your treatment based on information from your PCT.
Physician: Your physician will visit weekly to verify that your prescription is still accurate.
FAQs:
How long will it take?
Depending on your dialysis modality type and prescription, your hemodialysis treatment time will vary.
Will it hurt?
Dialysis should only cause temporary pain at the site of your access. Most patients do not experience any pain or discomfort throughout the treatment process. Should you experience any pain or discomfort, please discuss it with your care team immediately.
Will my insurance cover it?
Federal insurance covers dialysis as it is a medical necessity. Medicare will pay 80% of the allowed cost. Most private insurances and Medicaid will cover or assist in covering treatments. If you have concerns about insurance coverage, your Social Worker can help guide you. You can also call your insurance for more additional contract information.
How will I feel after?
Each patient’s reaction to dialysis is different. It is normal to feel extreme fatigue after a dialysis treatment. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions should you experience any symptoms after dialysis treatments.
We are here to guide you through your dialysis journey. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our facility.
Welcome to DialySuites!
Dr. Munjal was deeply saddened, yet inspired by one of his patient’s descriptions of dialysis. This patient used phrases like “being herded like cows” and discussed the perceived and inherent lack of privacy. Dr. Munjal knew that he wanted to change the way that his patients were treated. DialySuites was designed with the patient in mind to protect privacy, establish a new standard of care, and most importantly, encourage healing.
At DialySuites, we believe that by educating our patients, we can empower them to make more informed decisions and become a more active participant in their care. Our goal is to create better health outcomes and increase the overall wellbeing of our patients. Our patient-centered approach works to transform and enrich the lives of our patients and their care teams.
Our blog is one of the resources we’ll use to increase accessibility to reliable information for continuing education for our patients. We’ll be posting regularly with weekly and monthly rotating topics. We will be sharing a wide variety of information such as renal-friendly recipes, focused topics, educational materials, events within the kidney community, travel tips and local vacation spots, and more. Our posts will often encompass the prescribed monthly educational topics the dialysis care team will be teaching each month.
There is life on dialysis and we are here to help you live it to the fullest.
Subscribe to the blog to get updates when we post and additional special information. We look forward to learning with you!
Sincerely,
Your DialySuites Team