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| AAKP News of the Month: Join Us for Kidney Beginnings: Live!
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Join us in St. Louis, MO, November 7 and West Palm Beach, FL, November 15 for Kidney Beginnings: Live!
Kidney Beginnings: Live is a FREE educational program designed to educate individuals about the basics of kidney disease and proper kidney care. Programs last approximately three hours and feature presentations by health care professionals. Topics include what the kidneys are and how they function, managing conditions that lead to CKD, side effects and challenges CKD patients face, diet management and much more!
For more information about or to register for Kidney Beginnings: Live, please visit the AAKP Web site or call (800) 749-AAKP. |
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| Weight Loss is Good for the Kidneys |
 Losing weight may preserve kidney function in obese people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). More than a third of U.S. adults are either obese or overweight. Weight loss can improve a number of health problems including diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Researchers found weight loss through diet and exercise reduces proteinuria (excess protein in the urine) and may prevent additional decline in kidney function in obese patients. Findings also indicated surgical interventions can normalize the filtration rate of the kidneys in obese patients. The study appears in the Clinical Journal of American Society Nephrology (CJASN). |
| Patient-Doctor Communication Worse for Blacks |
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 Black patients with high blood pressure experience poorer communication with their doctors than white patients do. The results of the study, appearing in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, showed black patients had shorter office visits, less biomedical and psychosocial exchange and less rapport building with their doctors. Poorer communication is associated with worse patient satisfaction, adherence to therapy and blood pressure control, which may lead to worse disease outcomes.
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| Researchers Find Gene that Causes Insulin Resistance |
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Researchers have uncovered a new gene that could lead to better treatment of type 2 diabetes. The new gene, called Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 (IRS1), affects how the body responds to insulin already in the bloodstream. IRS1 is the first to be activated by insulin. In some diabetics, the signal to turn this gene on and off might be impaired. Co-author of the study Dr. Robert Sladek of McGill University said he hopes this discovery may lead to new therapeutic lines of attack in the future. |
| Join the AAKP Survey Panel |
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AAKP invites patients, family members, health care professionals and individuals with a concern for kidney disease to join its Survey Panel. The AAKP Survey Panel's purpose is to assist with the understanding of kidney disease and its impact on the day to day lives of individuals affected by reduced renal function.
The AAKP Survey Panel will ask you a few general questions and then asks your permission to contact you in the future regarding detailed topics, such as prescription costs, insurance benefits, treatment options, etc. Joining the AAKP Survey Panel is FREE and as a member your input can influence the products and services offered to kidney patients and their family members.
For more information, visit the AAKP Web site or call (800) 749-2257. |
| Low Vitamin D Raises Blood Pressure in Women |
 According to a new study, younger white women with vitamin D deficiencies are about three times more likely to have high blood pressure in middle age than those with normal vitamin levels. Researchers observed participants over 15 years and found those with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to have high blood pressure later in life.
The human body can make vitamin D from sunlight, and it is also found in fatty fish, fortified milk products and dietary supplements. Almost half the population worldwide has lower-than-optimal levels of vitamin D, which researchers say is due to people spending more time indoors. Deficiencies are linked to cancer, immune system problems and inflammatory diseases. |
| Staying Active Might Mean Staying Alive |
 A study in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology indicates exercise has significant health benefits for individuals with kidney dysfunction. Many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) die prematurely but not from effects directly related to kidney problems. Researchers divided participants into inactive, insufficiently active and active groups based on the frequency and intensity of their physical activity. Participants were followed for seven to nine years.
Researchers found 28 percent of CKD patients were inactive compared to 13.5 percent of non-CKD individuals. Active and insufficiently active CKD patients were less likely to die during the study than inactive CKD patients. The data suggests increased physical activity might have a survival benefit in the CKD population. |
| Get a Head Start on Your Holiday Shopping and Support AAKP |
 Donating to AAKP has never been easier! GoodShop will donate up to 37 percent of your purchases from over 1,300 online stores to the charity of your choice. It takes just a few seconds to go to www.goodshop.com, select your charity, and then click through to your favorite store and shop as usual. You pay the same price you normally would, but a donation goes to help AAKP!
Please keep AAKP in mind this holiday season! |
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