November is National Family Caregiver Month. To honor those who care for our patients, we want to provide ways that you can work toward caring for your caregiver. Caring for loved ones can be the most rewarding, yet most exhausting work there is. Caregiving can look different for a variety of roles they may play. These people can be doctors, nurses, medical assistants, office staff, home health aids, spouses, siblings, children, friends…the list goes on. These people often wear many different hats in life, making self-care low on their priority list. Listed below are some of the ways that you can reverse the roles and help take care of those who care for you.
12 Ways to Care for Your Caregiver
Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Caregiver
Caregivers are vital to the success of many people’s lives. Remember to appreciate those who care for you and others. We want to thank all of the caregivers who selflessly care for our patients. A common misconception about dialysis is that you live life bound to a clinic and a chair. However, that is far from true. There is life on dialysis and we want to help you keep living it. There are four (4) types of renal replacement: in-center hemodialysis, home hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and transplantation. Today, we will discuss the pros and cons of each to help you begin making the decision that best fits your needs.
In-Center Hemodialysis In-center hemodialysis is the modality that most people think of when it comes to dialysis. This type of dialysis is done in a clinic setting 3 days a week for a few hours at a time. These schedules vary from person to person based on their dialysis prescription. Hemodialysis uses a fistula or graft to access veins and arteries.
Home Hemodialysis Home hemodialysis is completed at home on a daily basis, using a permanent access to the blood, typically in your arm. Based on your needs and circumstances, this can be a fistula or a graft. Home hemodialysis is performed 4-6 times per week.
Peritoneal Dialysis Peritoneal dialysis is unique in that it uses the peritoneum, or the lining of the abdomen, to act as a kidney and filter out the toxins and waste from the blood. This type of dialysis can be done at home or other sterile settings to complete the exchange. Peritoneal dialysis is done daily.
Kidney Transplant While it is not dialysis, kidney transplantation is a form of renal replacement that should always be considered and discussed. When you receive a kidney transplant, the donor kidney is placed in the front, lower abdomen. The patient’s own kidneys are not removed.
As you can see, there are benefits and draw-backs to each of these options. You should always discuss your options with your nephrologist and/or dialysis care team to make sure you are choosing the path that best fits your lifestyle and needs. One option may work for some but not for others, and that’s okay. Our fabulous care team at DialySuites would be more than happy to help guide you in finding your best fit. Call today to learn more about DialySuites and your options! (904) 618-3131 We believe in recognizing and acknowledging the growth and hard work our team has shown. To do this, we began a program within the office we call KUDOS+. Our team is able to give praise and acknowledge exemplary work by their teammates throughout the quarter. At the end, the teammate with the most KUDOS+ given by their team is appointed the teammate of the quarter. In'Dia, one of our fabulous Front Desk Coordinators, is our third quarter Teammate of the Quarter for 2023. We had the opportunity to sit down and learn more about what makes her an outstanding employee
What is your schooling, background, and experience? Currently enrolled at St Johns River State College for a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? My hobbies are roller skating with my family and other family fun activities. I have also always been interested in science and how things work. What got you interested in healthcare? My interest in healthcare comes from seeing my loved ones feeling hopeless because they don't know where to turn for help or what is available to them when it comes to needing healthcare services. I always wanted to be a doctor because I thought that was the only way to change the world of healthcare for the better. As I grew in my healthcare profession, I went from being a certified nurses assistant while going to school for nursing to becoming interested in healthcare administration. By working in a healthcare environment, I learned more about the other important roles that influence the advancement of healthcare. Because of my journey through healthcare, I am happy to educate as many people who are in need who may not fully understand what their insurance can do for them or how their care team can assist them to reach their goal to better health. What are your passions? What drives and motivates you? My passion has always been to see others win and to help them as much as I can to reach their personal goals. I appreciate being informative so that I am able to lead others to becoming a better version of themselves. It is also important to me to do the same for myself so that I am able to continue to do so for others. My family motivates me to stay strong and diligent in making a better life for them. I want to be a good example for my kids and any other child that God places in my path. Do you have any special certifications or achievements? If so, what are they? I am a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Do you have any other fun facts about yourself you’d like your team and our patients to know? I love all things surrounding being creative. I enjoy using a variety of outlets to express myself like singing, dancing, and drawing. I also love making fun videos with my children and family. What do you enjoy most about being part of the team? I appreciate being a part of a team of healthcare professionals who all share the same passion for helping others (patients and teammates alike), who strive for personal and professional growth, and who unselfishly share experiences and honest opinions to help each develop into a better team with no judgment. I appreciate a team that meets the individual where they are and speaks to them in their learning style. Way to grow, In'Dia! Thank you for your contributions to our team and patients. Your passion for others shines in all that you do! It's time to revisit an old favorite from last year! With Halloween right around hter corner, candy is going on sale and will be given in abundance in the coming weeks. Empower yourself with what candies are and are not renal friendly so you can make wise choices.
While it may be small, candy can have a large impact on the renal diet. Halloween candy can contain phosphorus and potassium which play an integral role in your kidney function. Additionally, if you have diabetes, it is important to consult with your endocrinologist, dietician, and/or primary care physician to determine what is best for your personal health goals. Below are some general tips and guidelines as well as which candies are tricks and which candies are treats. Guidelines to Halloween Candy:
Treats:
Tricks: Candy can contain higher levels of phosphorus and potassium due to being made with solid chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, coconut, peanut butter, and caramel.
Resources: https://www.kidney.org/content/halloween-fun-kids-kidney-disease Penny Miclat, RN, Director of Nursing, DialySuites Bartram Park ‘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:
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:
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:
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 By: Kayla Holmes In the past, we have shared renal-friendly recipes on our Facebook bi-weekly in a segment called Tasty Tuesday. We are shifting this to our blog to focus on seasonal foods, gardening, and recipes on a monthly basis. We want to include what to start in your garden, foods that are in season (and may be on sale), and recipes to use these abundant whole foods. In this introduction post, we will share resources for recipes, local nurseries, and informational sites to visit to find more information on how to begin eating with the season.
Seasonal foods are generally more nutrient dense and tastier due to optimal growing conditions and being harvested at their true peak. Very few additives and chemicals are needed to change the environmental conditions to enhance or alter the growing process. Additionally, seasonal foods are also a great way to change up the fruits and vegetables we eat regularly as well cut back on food spending. These foods provide us opportunities to expand our palettes and explore new recipes that we may not have considered otherwise. Renal Recipe Sites: These sites provide a wide variety of kidney-friendly recipes. Some of these sites have search features that allow you to narrow your search to the desired ingredients or dietary restrictions. You can also use the seasonal food guides as a reference point for looking for recipes. National Kidney Foundation Mayo Clinic Northwest Kidney Center American Association of Kidney Patients Renal Support Network Gardening: UF/IFAS Gardening Guide Farmer's Almanac Seasonal Food Information: Seasonal Food Guide USDA Seasonal Produce Guide Savings Guides: Weekly Sales Flyers Nerd Wallet: Grocery Savings Tips Eating healthy and with the season does not have to be difficult. Join us in this series as we eat with the seasons! By: Kayla Holmes This segment of the Kidney Korner is all about dialysis. Who needs it, what it is, the different modalities, our dialysis clinic, and more. We want to empower our patients by helping them understand that there is life on dialysis and we are here to help you live it to the fullest. This post will go over the most basic points of dialysis so we can expand upon them in the coming posts.
What is dialysis and who needs it? Dialysis is a type of renal replacement therapy for patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). In some cases, patients with more severe acute kidney injuries will require dialysis until their kidney function returns to their normal levels. Dialysis is not a cure for ESRD; it is required for the rest of the patient’s life or until they receive a transplant. Essentially, the process of dialysis acts as an artificial kidney, filtering out the waste and toxins and transferring the clean blood back into the body. It works to do the job of a kidney by balancing the fluid and minerals in the body as well as work to maintain blood pressure. Read more about how kidneys work in previous Kidney Korner segments here and here. What are the different types of dialysis? There are a variety of types, or modalities, of dialysis to consider. It is important to explore all options to suit your goals and lifestyle. There is life on dialysis and we want you to be able to keep living it as you wish. The 3 types of dialysis are:
Where can I receive dialysis treatment? Depending on the dialysis modality and situation, there are a few locations where patients can receive treatment:
What do I need to change to be successful? Success on dialysis depends on your attention to your health as well as open, honest communication with your care team. Your team wants the best for you and is there to support and guide you through these changes. These can look like:
We will touch more on the different modalities, treatment centers, and lifestyle changes needed to be successful on dialysis in the following Kidney Korner segments. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your care team. As always, stay safe and healthy! At Jacksonville Nephrology, we work to utilize technology as much as possible. We believe that it provides secure, efficient care with a large number of benefits to patients and providers alike.
Ease of Access: The increase of technological developments and usage has also greatly increased the accessibility of pertinent information, leading to more efficient and effective care.
Security: Our top priority is keeping your information safe. To do this, we have a number of security measures in place to ensure that your data is secure and utilized appropriately. Here are a few ways that we keep your information secure:
Technology can be one of our greatest tools in our toolbox. We can utilize it in a myriad of ways to benefit our patients and provide next-level care. As always, stay safe and healthy! By: Kayla Holmes We strive for excellence and efficiency at Jacksonville Nephrology. We work to serve all patients with a smile, going above and beyond in your care from the moment you walk in the door. New patients can expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour in our office during their first appointment. This includes paperwork, meeting with the medical assistant and doctor, and scheduling a follow-up. Follow-up appointments can expect to take approximately 30 minutes from check-in to check-out. Some additional, annual paperwork may be due, so please arrive early when possible.
Let’s walk through what an in-office appointment with Jacksonville Nephrology looks like.
We also offer virtual visits. Here’s how the process works:
If you're a new patient with us, take a moment to go read "How to See Dr. Munjal: The Referral Process" to get a better idea of what is needed for a new patient appointment and how to establish at our practice. *Please note that virtual visits require up-to-date paperwork to be completed and on file with us within the past year. These appointments are subject to insurance coverage and are set to be discontinued by December 2024 by Medicare. Many commercial insurance carriers have already incorporated virtual coverage into their plans. Please contact your insurance carrier should you have questions regarding your virtual visit coverage.* We work to see patients in a timely manner, with all details accounted for to create the most efficient and effective appointments possible. If you are interested in scheduling, please contact our office at (904) 260-9898. We look forward to being a part of your care team! By: Kayla Holmes We know that addressing changes in your health can be a scary, difficult time. You may find yourself asking a million and one questions, leading to feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Our team at Jacksonville Nephrology is here to help. Find our most frequently asked questions and Dr. Munjal approved answers below!
What is Chronic Kidney Disease? Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the gradual decline in kidney function over time. It is expected that everyone’s kidney function will naturally decline with age due to normal “wear and tear.” It is determining if it is a normal decline or excessive and determining the root cause. I have protein in my urine. What does it mean? Are my kidneys failing? Think of your kidneys as a coffee filter. It has two jobs: let the coffee through and keep the grounds in. Similarly, kidneys want to get rid of waste, but keep the good things in. We check protein levels in the urine. Protein particles are large and should not be getting through the filter. High protein levels in the urine are indicative of kidney damage. I had a high blood pressure reading. Do I have hypertension now? When we look at your blood pressure, we are looking for a trend over time. One reading may be an outlier or an anomaly. We want to see what your home readings look like on a daily basis, rather than just once in the doctor’s office. Many patients experience “White Coat Syndrome” or higher blood pressure and/or pulse due to being at the doctor’s office or in a medical setting. However, if this high reading is accompanied by symptoms like headache, irregular/fast heart rate, or nosebleeds, please seek medical attention. My kidney function came back abnormal in my recent lab results. Do I need to go on dialysis now? You most likely do not need to go on dialysis. It’s important to review just how abnormal a lab result is. People can live with a full life with decreased kidney function for years. For example, someone who gives a kidney will have 50% of the normal kidney function, but still be able to live a full, prosperous life. Dr. Munjal will look at your lab results and your medical history to work to determine the root cause of what caused the change in kidney function. I only have high blood pressure. What do my kidneys have to do with that? The kidneys play an integral role in the balance of sodium and fluids in the body. If the kidneys begin to not work properly and these levels become unbalanced, then we can see changes in the blood pressure. They also manage and balance the other electrolytes and some hormones that can contribute to blood pressure. Everyone is unique and requires individual attention to details. Dr. Munjal works to look at the facts and treats the root cause. Every situation and treatment course is all dependent on the unique patient. If you have questions or concerns about your kidney function, please do not hesitate to contact us and set up an appointment! |
About The BeanThe 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! Archives
March 2024
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