Tricia McCarley, a nurse practitioner with Fresenius Kidney Care, sits down with Lori to discuss dialysis lab values and why you should care. Listen in to learn what the different tests show, how your own body processes may affect the results, and which lab values you may be able to control.

Innovations in treating kidney disease were just beginning when Dr. Steven Rosansky, aka Dr. Ro, a nephrology specialist in Columbia, SC, first started his practice. He was drawn to this medical specialty because it gave him the opportunity to really do something to help his patients. In this interview, Lori and Dr. Ro put a kidney disease diagnosis into perspective. Listen in to learn the differences between each of the five stages of kidney disease, plus what you might be able to do to slow the progression of the disease and preserve more of your own kidney function.

What is artificial intelligence (AI), and does it apply to kidney care? Dr. George Aronoff, Chief Medical Officer and Co-inventor at Dosis, has over 30 years of experience in nephrology. He explains how AI-based anemia medication dosing is personalized and precisely based on the patients own demonstrated response. This can potentially lead to maintaining or improving a patients outcome. Be in the know about AI and take part in your anemia management.

Calciphylaxis is a bone and mineral condition that can occur in people who have kidney disease or are on dialysis. Kidneys regulate many things including minerals which can cause the buildup of calcium causing painful wounds that are very susceptible to infections. Dr. Smeeta Sinha and Dr. Sagar Nigwekar explain the warning signs of calciphylaxis, ways to manage phosphorus and what treatments are currently available. Listen in to this show to learn more and about a new clinical trial to find an alternative therapy for calciphylaxis.

Art therapy has been shown to be an effective way to help children and their families cope with having a chronic illness such as kidney disease. It helps to ease the mental and emotional stress that often accompanies their battle with illness. Plus, it allows them to forget about the pain, even for a while, and just relax. Board Certified Art Therapists Raja Aossey and Kathy Peal explain the process, its benefits and how parents can connect with an art therapist or child life specialist for their child.

The Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act that passed in congress in 2020 extends Medicare coverage for anti-rejection drugs from 36 months to the life of the transplant. Troy Zimmerman, Special Projects Director, National Kidney Foundation worked closely with congress to bring this bill to fruition. He explains the details of the bill, when it goes into effect and who will benefit by the new law.

There is an APP for everything. And luckily, there is one to help monitor what is needed to keep your transplanted kidney healthy. Transplant surgeon Dr. David Axelrod is the Kidney, Pancreas, Living Donor Transplant Surgical Director at the University of Iowa. He explains how to get the most from using the APP for post-transplant care. Listen in to learn how to do your part to keep your kidney healthy.

Kidney transplant recipients deal with taking anti-rejection meds for life. Talaris is developing an alternative to immunosuppression. Nancy Krieger, MD, Talaris Therapeutics Chief Medical Officer, explains how this new treatment will work and how it differs from what is currently prescribed. She also talks about how you can learn more about the clinical trials that are available.

Beth Witten, LCSW is an expert in insurance issues. She shares with Lori the basics of Medicare, what is covered and how to save money on drug prescriptions. Listen in to hear answers the most common questions people who have kidney disease have about navigating the complicated process. You don™t want to miss this show.

VidaFuel CEO Bette Parolini and her team envisioned how the gratifying experience of snacking equals the importance of nutrition. The result is delicious! VidaFuel™s innovative snacks for the renal diet include both sweet and savory options. Products also include tasty protein drinks. Things are just getting started, so expect more treats and flavors soon. If you are on dialysis and love chocolate or potato chips, or need a tasty protein supplement, don™t miss this show.