Education can be a life saver
When it comes to kidney disease, education can help save lives. Learning about the prevention of kidney disease and how to prolong kidney function may help people with chronic kidney disease avoid dialysis and transplant.
For those on dialysis, knowing all they can about the treatment, including the role of diet and nutrition, can help improve their quality of life.
Read informative and inspirational articles about kidney disease and dialysis
(All articles link to DaVita.com and open in a new window )
| New to kidney disease |
![]() If you are newly diagnosed with kidney disease, you may experience many difficult emotions. However, early stage kidney disease can be managed with medication, diet and lifestyle changes. By becoming proactive, learning about the disease and making healthy choices, you can help slow the progression of kidney disease. |
| Managing medicines when you have chronic kidney disease |
![]() Managing medicines is an important part of keeping people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) healthier. Many medications are prescribed for people with kidney disease, so getting help to determine what to take and when to take it is a good practice. Discover ways to manage kidney disease medicines once and for all. |
| What's it like to live with one kidney? |
![]() Most people have two kidneys, but some only have one. Is it possible for them to be healthy with only one kidney? The answer is yes. Discover why somebody may have one kidney, and the precautions they should take because of this unique condition. |
| Seven summertime precautions for people with kidney disease |
Summer is here and many people will take advantage of the warm weather. Everyone needs to plan ahead to have a safe summer, including people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Read about the top seven summertime precautions to take so you can stay healthy while enjoying some fun in the sun. |
| Goodpasture's syndrome |
![]() Goodpasture’s syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the lungs and kidneys. It’s not fully clear how people get Goodpasture’s syndrome, but genetics may play a role. In most cases, people can recover from the lung infection, and early detection may halt further kidney damage. Learn more about the signs, causes and treatments of Goodpasture’s syndrome. |
| Common prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs: how they affect people with chronic kidney disease |
![]() A common medication that helps treat a minor health problem could cause harm to the kidneys. Dr. Robert Provenzano shares which over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs affect people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) the most. |
| 5 ways to donate to kidney charities |
![]() Donating to kidney disease charities is a great way to show your support for people who have the disease, are on dialysis or have a kidney transplant. Learn about the five ways you can donate your time and resources to kidney disease awareness and research. |
| What's it like to donate a kidney? |
When a person has end stage renal disease (ESRD) – the last stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) – they either need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live. Donating a kidney is a great gift to a person with ESRD. It’s also an intensely personal decision that can be a different experience for everyone. Learn what it can be like for a live kidney donor to go through the physical and emotional aspects of a kidney donation. |
| Alport Syndrome |
![]() We all have a family medical history and some conditions we may inherit. Alport syndrome is an uncommon genetic disorder which affects the kidneys. Although Alport syndrome is mainly inherited by men, women can also be affected by this disorder that causes chronic kidney disease (CKD). Learn if you are at risk for Alport syndrome, what the signs are and how you can treat this condition when it progresses to end stage renal disease (ESRD). |
| Routine medical screenings for people with chronic kidney disease |
![]() When you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), it may seem as though you visit your nephrologist a lot to make sure your kidney health is taken care of. It is also important to make sure that your overall health is in order. That’s why it is suggested to schedule a routine medical screening once a year with your primary care physician (PCP). Listed are the types of screenings you should schedule with your primary care doctor, recommended ages for certain medical screenings and tips on how to keep your entire health in check. |
| Keeping your job when you have chronic kidney disease |
When you have chronic kidney disease or need dialysis, you can keep working. There are benefits to working such as keeping your insurance and maintaining your lifestyle. However, you may need to make adjustments depending on how you feel or your dialysis schedule. From managing fatigue to knowing which dialysis treatment works best for your schedule; find out how keeping your job when you have chronic kidney disease can be possible and positive. |
| Inflammation diseases of the kidneys |
Inflammation diseases of the kidneys can cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) and eventually a need for dialysis. Glormerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy (Berger’s disease) and lupus nephritis are just a few you will learn about. Discover what the causes, symptoms and possible treatments are for these kidney inflammation diseases. |
| Immunizations- Which shots you need and why |
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| What is COBRA? |
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| Inflammation and chronic kidney disease |
Inflammation is the body’s response to help fight off foreign substances, such as viruses, bacteria and injury. However, sometimes inflammation can become a problem and damage the tissues in the body. For chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis, inflammation can lead to poor appetite, poor nutrition and cardiovascular disease. Learn about inflammation, how it affects people with chronic kidney disease and how to treat it. |
| What is creatinine? |
Have you ever heard your doctor or nurse discuss your creatinine level? Creatinine is a chemical waste product that is released into the blood when muscles contract. With good kidney function, creatinine is filtered from the blood through the kidneys. When creatinine levels are high, it can be an indicator of kidney disease. Doctors will order a blood test for serum creatinine levels to determine kidney function and use the number to calculate glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which can determine the stage of chronic kidney disease. |
| Living with comorbidities and chronic kidney disease |
For many patients living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is not the only medical problem they have to live with. Maintaining good health and quality of life when dealing with comorbidities can require balance in many aspects of a person’s life. Keeping communication lines open with your doctors, working with a dietitian for the best diet plan to follow and taking medicines as prescribed by your doctors can help you manage your kidney disease and comorbid conditions. Learn more. |
| IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease) |
IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is a type of chronic kidney disease that can either cause acute renal failure and one day go into remission, or become chronic kidney disease (CKD) that may eventually lead to end stage renal disease (ESRD). To better understand IgA nephropathy, learn about the symptoms, risk factors, causes and treatments for this type of kidney disease. |
| Hair, nails and chronic kidney disease |
Appearance is important to many people. So when a person with chronic kidney disease goes through changes like hair loss or nail discoloration, it can be uncomfortable. Learn how your hair and nails may visibly change with chronic kidney disease and dialysis, and how you can help get them healthy. |
| Cholesterol and chronic kidney disease |
If you watch television, you may have seen commercials for cholesterol-lowering drugs or that certain cereals can help your cholesterol over time; it seems that high cholesterol is common in the general population. People with chronic kidney disease should also be aware of their cholesterol level, as high cholesterol may lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is common for people on dialysis. Learn about cholesterol, how it affects those with kidney disease and what you can do to stay healthy. |











Immunizations are necessary for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and who are on dialysis. Along with taking your prescribed medicine, receiving dialysis treatments if you have end stage renal disease (ESRD) and following a kidney diet, immunizations are a fundamental part of your kidney care. Learn about which immunizations may be necessary when you have chronic kidney disease.
Many people who find out they have chronic kidney disease (CKD) may feel worried about their health. And trying to figure out what insurance you need may add to the stress. Read on to understand what COBRA continuation coverage is, how it works and who can receive it.



