Five tips for kidney patients this holiday season

Five tips for kidney patients this holiday season

Health, Recipes -

If you have kidney disease, you’ve likely changed your diet to keep healthy. Following the kidney diet can be tough anytime of the year but especially challenging during the holidays, when parties and events, complete with platters of tempting, non-kidney-friendly food, are ever present. Don’t let this keep you away from enjoying fun times with your loved ones this holiday season! Here are five tips for surviving holiday parties and gatherings while sticking to the kidney-healthy diet:

1. Eat beforehand. Don’t show up to a party with an empty stomach. It’s so much harder to stick to your diet when your stomach is rumbling! Eating beforehand will help you avoid temptation and give you more time to focus on why you’re really there—to enjoy good company during the holidays.

2. Offer to bring a kidney-friendly dish. Yes, this means you’re not off the hook for cooking, but it also means you’re guaranteed to have something kidney-friendly to munch on wherever you go. Plus, you’ll be able to introduce other party-goers to a low-salt, kidney-healthy meal, something that’s good for just about everybody! Check out our kidney-friendly recipes if you’re looking for a dish to make.

3. Avoid processed foods, including processed meats. Processed food equals high salt, a definite no. Steer clear of these items; choose low-sodium proteins and fresh foods instead.

4. Control your portions. Have your eye on some tasty treats but know they aren’t particularly kidney-friendly? Have just a taste to satisfy your craving, then use your willpower to move on.

5. Plan an active gathering. If you’re hosting, plan an activity instead of centering the party around food. Going for a walk or a short hike, will take the focus off food and get those endorphins going, leaving everyone feeling good about getting some exercise during the long winter months. Playing board games and family sports is also a nice way to spend quality time and make memories not centered on eating.

You don’t have to avoid holiday parties just because there may be foods you can’t eat. Follow the tips above and you’ll be setting yourself up for a great time with family and friends!

The road to transplant: Armando’s journey

Community, Patient stories - -

Armando’s early days of dialysis.

In 2007, 17-year-old Armando Gonzalez Valadez was tired, didn’t have much energy and always felt sick.

Soon after, Armando was diagnosed with kidney failure and started dialysis in the Mount Vernon area. After about six months, he moved to Lynnwood and became a Puget Sound Kidney Centers patient in Mountlake Terrace. His idol, Superman, was proudly displayed on t-shirts he wore to treatment.

Armando’s determination and strong will was evident with him working two— sometimes three—jobs to make ends meet. In 2011, Armando began doing home dialysis treatments five nights per week, which allowed him the ability to juggle work during the day. He also began helping the Mountlake Terrace social workers run a monthly support group that provides education to only Spanish-speaking patients.

Armando after his kidney transplant.

Not content at just working and living in this country, Armando was passionate about becoming a U.S. citizen. All his hard work and determination paid off in March of 2014 when he finally obtained his citizenship. Then, on December 27 of the same year, he received “the call.” It was his turn for a transplant.

The operation was successful and Armando received what he describes as “The best Christmas present, ever!”

For Armando, life after transplant has only gotten better. Recently, he was promoted to manager of Interstate Batteries, a company that celebrates his transplant anniversary every year with a cake. He has also just purchased his first home and got married.

Armando has shown that not only can Superman “jump tall buildings in a single bound,” he can beat kidney failure too. Like Armando says, “You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life.”

Interested in learning more about kidney transplant? Read more about this treatment option here.

Kidney-Friendly Summer Recipes

Recipes - , , -

It’s now officially August, and that means it’s the hottest time of year for many of us. Whether you’re planning on having friends and family over, or simply cooking for one, the recipes below are absolute musts. They’re packed full of flavor and low in salt — the perfect combination for people with kidney disease (and their friends and family too)! Here’s a brief look at our top summer foods, with links to the full recipes as well.

Chili Lime Dip With Veggies

The perfect appetizer for any summer meal, this Chili Lime Dip recipe is just as scrumptious as it is easy. Limes are a great way to add flavor and acid to a dish, and they really come through in this one. Chop up some carrots and peppers and you’re good to go!

 

Chicken ‘n’ Grape Salad Sandwich

With both celery and grapes included in this recipe, you’ll have plenty of crunch when you sink your teeth into this delicious sandwich filling. Not only is this one kidney-friendly, it’s easy to whip up as well! Check out the full Chicken ‘n’ Grape Salad Sandwich recipe to see just how simple it is to make.

 

Thai Shrimp Kebabs
Thai shrimp kebabs
Looking for a way to mix up your barbecue menu? Look no further than this recipe for Thai Shrimp Kebabs! Like spicy foods? Load on extra marinade for a bigger kick, then pair with our next recipe for a balanced bite.

 

Asian SlawcoleslawThis Asian Slaw recipe could be included in just about any meal, especially one served in summer. The classic cabbage, grapes, carrot and apple combination is tasty and crunchy, especially when drizzled with such a light dressing.

 

Lemon Loaf
Lemon loaf
Every summer meal needs a light and refreshing dessert, and we strongly recommend considering this Lemon Loaf recipe. With bright, citrusy notes, this dessert is easy to make ahead of time and slice up on demand.

 

Want more kidney-friendly, low sodium recipes for summer, and every season? Check out our recipe page for more!

Kidney-Friendly Superfoods

Recipes - , , -

Should you choose natural foods over processed or packaged foods? Yes and here’s why! Many fruits and vegetables have antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients that help keep your body strong and healthy. Although some of the healthiest choices are high in potassium, smaller servings can usually be added if you need to limit potassium. Ask your dietitian if these kidney-friendly superfoods are right for you.

Apples are a good source of fiber, which can lower cholesterol and blood sugar. The apple peel has extra antioxidants, which can help protect brain cells.

Blueberries are high in antioxidants that help protect against cancer and heart disease. They also have fiber and vitamin C, good for immune health and digestion.

Fatty fish like salmon and albacore tuna are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These can help control clotting, improve heartbeat and blood pressure, and lower triglyceride levels.

Kale is packed with vitamins A and C, calcium and other minerals that support eye-health and have anti-cancer benefits.

Strawberries are loaded with fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants that help protect your heart, prevent cancer and fight inflammation.

Spinach is high in vitamins A, C, K and folate, nutrients that help boost your immune system and protect your vision.

Sweet potatoes are full of beta-carotene, vitamins A, C and B6, and fiber. These nutrients boost your immune system and help your vision, red blood cells, cholesterol and digestion.

Look for recipes that include these superfoods for delicious and healthy eating, and make sure to try this delicious recipe for fruit salsa!

Want more kidney-friendly, low sodium recipes? Check out the recipe section of our website!

Congratulations, Kathy Harvey!

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Each year, National Kidney Foundation Council bestows the Susan C. Knapp Excellence in Education Award to one renal dietitian in the country.

Puget Sound Kidney Centers is proud to announce that our Director of Renal Nutritional Services, Kathy Schiro Harvey, has received this distinction for 2018!

Kathy is an expert in nutrition education, having a Master’s in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Washington (UW). For the past 37 years, Kathy has been a renal dietitian and nutritionist, specializing in chronic kidney disease (CKD) education and dialysis.

Kathy accepting her award from the National Kidney Foundation Council on April 11, 2018.

Always looking for new ways to help improve the quality of care for people with CKD, Kathy is active in the CKD community. Her involvement includes working with organizations like the National Kidney Foundation, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Washington State Council on Renal Nutrition.

Kathy is a frequent lecturer on renal nutrition and is a dietitian preceptor at local and out-of-state universities, including UW, Washington State University (WSU), Central Washington University (CWU), Bastyr University, University of Northern Colorado (UNC), University of Houston (UH) and Iowa State University (ISU). Moreover, Kathy has contributed to the production of numerous renal nutrition publications, including textbooks, peer reviews and professional manuals as an author, coauthor and editor.

Congratulations to Kathy for her dedication and hard work! She is an important and valuable member of our team, and we are honored to serve with her.

Survive and thrive with Tena!

Patient stories - , , , -

Happy World Kidney Day! Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, have been on dialysis for some time or are waiting for a transplant, there are a number of ways to prolong the life of your kidneys and improve your overall health.

Two years ago, Tena saw a brochure at her nephrologist’s office for PSKC’s Survive and Thrive with Chronic Kidney Disease program, a free community class hosted by PSKC year round. The goal of the program is to teach people with early kidney problems about making successful lifestyle changes. Subjects covered include healthy eating, exercise, blood pressure management, coping with kidney disease and treatment options. In class, participants meet with a doctor, physician assistant, social worker, dietitians and patient mentors.

Tena H. learned more about dialysis through our Survive and Thrive program.

Tena was newly diagnosed with stage three CKD and had a lot of questions and concerns about living a healthy, happy life. After attending the first class, Tena started to feel that “this disease is not a death sentence and there’s a lot of hope.” Specifically, Tena found hope and support hearing from members of the patient organization, The Road Back to Life. “They really make you listen and know you’re not alone.”

After completing the classes, Tena said she learned many new skills to promote her health or, as she calls it, develop a “new normal.” She learned that the nutrition piece and social work piece are just as important as the nephrology visits. She also learned how to appropriately read food labels, cook with different herbs and spices, and plan ahead to carry out a fulfilled life. Tena’s support network expanded as well. She said she walked away from the class feeling that “when you share, you can connect.”

Now Tena is taking what she learned in class and bringing it to her community. Most recently she connected with PSKC social workers to talk with her peers about advance care planning. Thank you, Tena, for sharing your story and helping us ignite new conversations about health and wellness!

Learn more about our free classes at www.pskc.net/classes.

Lance and Marni: a caregiving story

Community, Patient stories - , -

Lance and Marni met 45 years ago in New Mexico, raised two daughters and have lived in Arlington for the past 20 years. About three years ago, they received some unexpected news. Marni was told that her kidneys were failing and she should prepare for dialysis. Just six months later, they found themselves checking in for dialysis treatment at PSKC Smokey Point.

Marni, on dialysis at PSKC Smokey Point, with husband Lance.

Lance, retired, studied the dialysis process. Since day one, he has documented every one of Marni’s treatments — her blood pressures, medications taken, blood sugar readings and more. Mostly, Lance looks for trends so they can catch it if something is amiss. He is happy to be Marni’s “medical advocate” and so much more by doing all the cooking, cleaning and housework as well.

Marni stays busy outside of dialysis, teaching tole painting classes out of their home every Thursday night. Supplies, including wood characters that Lance builds, are included in the cost of the class.

There are many ways to adjust to dialysis, and together Marni and Lance have figured out a way that works best for them. By writing it all down, Lance provides helpful information to get the best care for Marni and engages himself in a positive way. Marni continues to spread her passion for art even while tackling dialysis and other health challenges. A strong and solid pair, Lance and Marni are an inspiration to all.

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