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THE BEAN:
Kidney Empowerment

How to Help Your Loved Ones with Chronic Kidney Disease

12/29/2022

 
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Having a strong support system is crucial for anyone living with a chronic illness. Kidney disease is no different. It is complex and can be potentially life altering. We’ve compiled some tried and true ways to support a loved one who is living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

Learn about the kidneys and their disease.
  • Empower yourself  with knowledge about what they're going through, changes they may need to make, and the components and contributing factors. The more a support person knows, the better they understand and are able to help. 
Offer to help and participate in their care
  • Encourage your loved ones to remain consistent on their prescribed diets and medication. 
  • Offer to drive them to appointments and/or participate in appointments (with the patient’s consent)
  • Help them grocery shop and meal prep to avoid deviations from dietary restrictions
Engage by sharing information and resources with them.
  • National Kidney Foundation
  • Chronic kidney disease - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
  • FAQs – AAKP
  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) | NIDDK
  • Chronic Kidney Disease Basics
  • The Jacksonville Nephrology Blog: The Bean: Kidney Empowerment
Consider becoming a living donor.
  • Did you know that you can live a healthy life with one kidney? Should your loved one’s kidney disease progress to needing dialysis or transplantation, consider becoming a living donor. While you may not be a perfect match, you could potentially save someone else’s life. 
Empower others by becoming an advocate.
  • There are various ways to become an advocate for those living with CKD. There are various community pages that bring together caretakers, support people, patients, health care professionals, and members of the community. There are also annual walks, social events, and fundraisers nation-wide to support the millions of people with CKD. Jacksonville Nephrology walks annually with the National Kidney Foundation to support our patients and community. 

The Jacksonville Nephrology Team is here to support you on your journey with CKD. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our office.



Resources:
National Kidney Foundation
National Kidney Foundation
Renal Support Network​

Kidney Korner: Understanding Your Blood Pressure Readings

12/22/2022

 
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Diastolic vs. Systolic:
Systolic: This is the number on the top of the reading. It is the pressure inside your arteries when the heart is pumping/contracting, at the time of the heartbeat.
Diastolic: This is the number on the bottom of the reading. It is the pressure inside your arteries when the heart is filling, between the heartbeats. For most people, the diastolic is normally ½ to ⅔ of the systolic.

Blood Pressure Ranges
Blood pressure ranges will vary from patient to patient based on their individual needs. Some patients may have a higher or lower range based on medications, other diagnoses, lifestyle factors, and/or family history.

When to Retake a Reading
If a reading is taken that is unusual or abnormal, it is advised to retake it in the following manner:
  • Check the cuff for proper placement, positioning, and secure connection to the device
  • If it fits correctly, do not take the cuff off. 
  • Remain where you are and take some deep breaths. Think happy thoughts. Do this for 5-10 minutes.
  • When ready, retake the reading. Should this reading remain the same, contact your provider for guidance.
If you retake the reading, the second reading is generally the more reliable of the two as you have had time to relax. If you have a home blood pressure monitor, bring it in to your next appointment to verify its accuracy.

Finding Trends
Every person is different. While a range may be a good general guide, what works for someone, may not work for others. We make adjustments based on trends over time. A singular reading may not accurately represent the average blood pressure. When blood pressure is taken consistently, trends over time are able to be identified. Before making any changes, Dr. Munjal searches for an explanation (i.e. new diet, fluid retention, weight changes, medication changes, stress, sleep, etc.). You can review our previous post “Kidney Korner: Introduction to Blood Pressure” to help identify why you may be experiencing changes in your blood pressure. 

How Dr. Munjal Helps:
Based on individual diagnoses and needs, Dr. Munjal can:
  • Order specialized lab tests
  • Adjust medications
  • Make lifestyle and/or diet recommendations
  • Identify trends to begin to determine cause
  • Continue to monitor qualifying patients closely on the Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) program
  • Suggest health trackers through the Patient Portal and Healow App for ease of access to history of readings at appointments
  • Provide blood pressure logs for ease of tracking readings

Munjal’s Musings:
Think of your blood pressure like a car. When you steer the front, the back end tends to follow. The same goes for blood pressure. When you focus on and adjust the systolic (top number), the diastolic (bottom number) tends to follow. This can be said for most people but is not applicable to all.

If you have questions or concerns about your blood pressure readings, please do not hesitate to reach out to your primary care or nephrologist. We are here to help and guide you. As always, stay safe and healthy!

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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.


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Preparing to Welcome the New Year

12/15/2022

 
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The start of the New Year means the start of a new year of insurance, goals, successes, and failures. We are here to help you prepare and gear up for the best year yet.

Insurance Reminders
  • If your insurance has changed with the new year, please remember to request new cards to bring to your doctors offices. 
  • While your policy number may not have changed, the insurance company may have changed your group number or copay amount. This constitutes a change in insurance information and will require a new card and updates at your doctors offices.
  • Your deductible resets with the start of the new year.
  • New paperwork may be required at your doctors offices as well.
  • Check the labs that are covered by your insurance. Contracts may have changed with the new year. 

Goals
Having goals and something to work toward can be vital to your success. We believe in fostering growth in all areas of life. To facilitate this, we provide goal sheets for our staff and patients alike. The acronym “SMART” can help you with setting achievable goals this year. 
S- Specific
M- Measurable
A- Achievable
R- Realistic
T- Time Bound

Cleaning
The new year is a great time to evaluate your home, belongings, and diet. After taking down holiday decorations and cleaning up from celebrations, take time to go through different rooms and storage in your home. Donate clothes, linens, dishes, decorations, and other knick-knacks that no are no longer wanted, needed, or to make room for new gifts.
The new year is also a great time to reevaluate your diet and exercise habits to help your body recover. Even small diet changes can make a world of difference. Including more vegetables and fruits is an easy way to increase nutrients. You can check out our Facebook page for renal-friendly recipes posted every other Tuesday to start the new year off right.

Create a Vision Board
A vision board can help you visualize and be reminded of the goal you have set for yourself. Vision boards have been shown to help:
  • Improve chances of success
  • Spark creativity
  • Connect to your goals and other areas of your life
  • Feel happier and shift your mindset
  • Increase motivation
  • Set intentions and create a plan of action
Examples of vision boards can be found on sites like Pinterest, Canva, and your preferred search engine or apps for your phone like EnVision App, MoodBoard, or Vision Board.

The new year does not have to be intimidating. We are here to help empower you to make the best choices for yourself. Check back next month for a list of ideas to help you become the best version of yourself in 2023. Happy Holidays!

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NSAIDS and Your Kidneys

12/9/2022

 
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What are NSAIDs?
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are part of a medication class that works to reduce inflammation, redness, swelling, pain, and fever. 
  • Over the Counter (OTC):
    • Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin, 200mg)
    • Naproxen (Aleve 220mg)
    • Aspirin (81-300mg)
  • Prescription:
    • Diclofenac
    • Diflunisal
    • Etodolac
    • Fenoprofen
    • Flurbiprofen
    • Ibuprofen (400-800mg)
    • Indomethacin
    • Ketoprofen
    • Ketorolac
    • Mefenamic
    • Meloxicam
    • Nabumetone
    • Naproxen (500mg)
    • Oxaprozin
    • Piroxicam
    • Sulindac

Why are NSAIDs bad for the kidneys?
NSAIDs can cause the blood vessels to narrow as a result of reducing inflammation and swelling. This can cause an increase in blood pressure, damage the kidney tissue and structures, as well as reduce the flood flow to the kidneys. Over time, this can end up damaging the kidneys. Additionally, as you age, these drugs may have a stronger effect and doses may need to be reduced.

I have chronic kidney disease. What pain medication can I take?
  • Acetaminophen is the preferred over the counter pain relief drug for those with Chronic Kidney Disease. 
  • Other prescription pain medication should be approved by your nephrologist. 
  • Other non-pharmacological pain interventions are available on a case-by-case basis.

Please consult with your nephrologist before starting any new pain medications or if you have questions regarding your prescriptions. As always, stay safe!

​Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742/
https://www.kidney.org/news/kidneyCare/winter10/MedicinesForPain


​​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 provider for more information regarding your specific needs. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Holiday Events in Northeast Florida

12/2/2022

 
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Jacksonville is among the largest cities in Florida with a large number of surrounding communities. It only makes sense that there would be long list of events to celebrate the holiday season. We have compiled a list of these events by area to help you make the most of this season! 

​Jacksonville:

Source: https://www.visitjacksonville.com/events/holidays/christmas-holidays/
  • Alhambra Theatre and Dining Presents White Christmas, November 17 - December 24
  • Deck the Chairs, November 23 - January 1
  • Dazzling Nights, November 25 - January 1
  • Jax Illuminations Annual Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show, November 25 - December 31
  • Jacksonville Light Boat Parade + 904 Pop Up Small Business Saturday, November 26
  • Elf The Musical, December 6-11
  • 20th Annual Gingerbread House Extravaganza - December 8-27
  • Holiday Pops, December 8-11
  • ZooLights, December 9-11, 15-18, 22-24
  • Nutcracker, December 9-11, 16-18
  • Historic Springfield's Annual Holiday Bicycle Ride - December 13
  • Pentatonix: A Christmas Spectacular, December 14
  • TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, December 30
  • New Year’s Eve Celebration, December 31

St. Augustine/Ponte Vedra
Source: https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/holidays/christmas/
  • Nights of lights in St. Augustine, November 19th, 2022-January 29th, 2023
  • Lighthouse Illuminations, November 23, 2022-January 14th, 2023
  • Christmas Parade, December 3, 2022
  • Colonial Night Watch, December 3, 2022
  • Holiday Regatta of Lights, December 10, 2022
  • Light boat parade in Ponte Vedra, December 3, 2022

Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island
Source: https://www.ameliaisland.com/landing-pages/Amelia-Island-Christmas
  • Festive holiday lighting and decor, November 26 from 12pm-6pm Home Tour, December 2 and December 3 from 10am-4pm
  • Lighted Christmas Parade, December 3, 2022
  • New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop, December 31, 2022 at 7pm

​As always, be safe and have fun! Happy Holidays from our families to yours!

    About The Bean 

    The Bean is a blog on a mission to share valuable information in the world of Nephrology.  We believe in empowering through education and The Bean is a great place to find resources and information on topics related to high blood pressure, kidney disease, dialysis, and topics that enhance the kidney minded lifestyle.    Enjoy and be sure to subscribe!

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13241 Bartram Park Blvd., Suite 305
Jacksonville, FL  32258
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Tel: (904) 260-9898
​Fax: (904) 260-9891
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Empowering Through Education.

  • Home
  • Your Team
  • How We Help
    • Dialysis
    • Hyperkalemia
    • Hypertension
    • Hyponatremia
    • Kidney Disease
    • Nutrition
    • Proteinuria
    • Remote Patient Monitoring
    • Transplant Managment
  • Dialysis
  • Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Book List
  • Online Access
    • Connect Health Tracker
    • Healow App
    • Patient Portal
  • Contact Us
  • The Bean