Are you a kidney expert? A kidney novice? If you were on Jeopardy and “Kidney Health” was a topic, would you sweep the category or avoid it altogether? Let’s test your kidney smarts and find out. Empower yourself and get the facts about kidneys and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with our quiz!
Over 37 million Americans have some form of kidney disease and 90% don’t even know they have it. Make sure you understand kidney disease, the risk factors, and how you can take care of yourself if you are at risk.
Doctors and nurses often use medical jargon that can be confusing, but we’re here to help! Whether you’re newly diagnosed, caring for a loved one, or just need to refresh your memory, understanding some key terms about kidney disease can help you feel empowered and informed. Test your kidney smarts with a quick refresher on some key CKD terms!
Sometimes, setting goals or trying to implement a new lifestyle adjustment or habit can be overwhelming. But, don’t let that stop you. The benefits outweigh the challenges! Plus, we’ve pulled together some tips and tricks for making your goals achievable and successful.
The holiday season is a special time of year often spent with friends, family…and tasty food. But did you know that some of our favorite traditional holiday dishes can be high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and added sugars? From mains and sides, to snacks and desserts, Somatus Dietitians have cooked up some easy swaps that will satisfy your cravings for some seasonal favorites, while making your kidneys happy!
With changing weather conditions and dropping temperatures, you never know when you might lose electricity or get stuck at home—and you can’t predict how long it might last! Being prepared with the essentials (just in case) will not only ease your mind, but can help keep you safe and healthy in the event of an emergency situation. So, let’s make sure you’re prepared!
Can you believe the winter holidays are right around the corner? The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be both exciting and overwhelming. Juggling relationships, finances, and the physical demands of this time of year can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and guilt. We sat down with a Somatus Social Work Program Manager, Rayna, for her tips on how to manage your mental health during the holidays, and hear what advice she gives her patients to combat holiday stressors.
Dining out on a kidney-friendly diet can still be an enjoyable experience, and you don’t have to completely ditch your favorite cuisines. Reminder: a kidney-friendly diet is typically low in salt, potassium, and phosphorus. With a few modifications and help from the restaurant staff, you can treat yourself to a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your health needs.
Kick off the holiday season with Somatus’ latest recipe drop! This month, Somatus’ team of dietitians have crafted the perfect holiday menu for you, your friends and family, and your kidneys. It’s not always easy to stick to a healthy diet during this time of year, but these recipes will satisfy all the savory and sweet cravings the holidays bring using nutritious, tasty, and seasonal ingredients.
We’ve all been there. You forgot to refill one of your prescriptions and now the pharmacy is closed for Christmas Eve. You’re running late to your doctor’s appointment and the public transportation is running on a limited holiday schedule. Not this year! A little planning and preparation can reduce the potential of an unwanted trip to the hospital. That’s why we put together a checklist of ways to keep yourself healthy.
We know it can be challenging to stay on top of appointments and follow a kidney-friendly diet during the holiday season, but staying healthy and out of the hospital is more important than ever during this time of year. Studies show that patients admitted to the hospital during the holiday season are roughly 25% more likely to be admitted again within 30 days of discharge. The Somatus health support team has put together some simple tips to keep you healthy at home, while still taking part in the holiday fun!
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by trying Somatus’ new Hispanic-inspired recipes! To honor the culture and experiences of our Hispanic communities, Somatus Dietitians have designed these recipes using kidney-friendly ingredients, spices, and cooking methods.
Living with a chronic condition, like kidney disease, can affect more than just your kidneys. At Somatus, we recognize that mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being. That’s why our clinical experts assess both your physical and emotional health during the health screening process and develop a plan of action to help.
We gather more often at BBQs and cookouts with friends and family during the summertime, and it can be hard to make kidney-healthy food choices. But, not anymore! Somatus Dietitians have designed these recipes using seasonal and natural ingredients that will satisfy all your summertime cravings while keeping your kidneys happy.
At Somatus, our care teams surround chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with support that can help keep both the mind and body healthy. It’s important to recognize the direct impact stress can have on our mental and physical health, particularly for patients with chronic conditions, and how impactful effective stress-management techniques can be.
This year’s World Kidney Day theme is Kidney Health for All – Bridge the knowledge gap to better kidney care. Approximately 1 in 10 people worldwide have chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is estimated that 37 million Americans have chronic kidney disease.
Kidney health and a healthy diet go hand in hand. Good nutrition is critical to keeping your kidneys healthy—particularly for those with or at risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD).
February 18 is National Caregivers Day — and this year, we are showing our appreciation for our members and their caregivers by sharing the inspiring story Somatus member, Phyllis, and her son, Christopher.
Have you set your 2022 New Year goals? Setting goals for your kidney health is the perfect way to start out the New Year. We’ve asked Donna Brouda, Somatus Registered Dietitian, for advice on how to set goals that stick!