Hot Topics in Kidney Health

When a kidney from a deceased donor becomes available, it is scored on a system called the Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI). How does the KDPI work and is it accurate at predicting possible transplant survival compared to a lower KDPI donation or a living donor? On this episode, we speak with experts to get the facts.

Nichole Jefferson is a kidney transplant recipient and active member of NKF’s Kidney Advocacy Committee. She has...

It’s hard to keep up with all the new diets that cycle through news outlets and social media. Do you know which ones are right for you and your kidney health? On this episode, you will hear from experts on how to find the diet that's right for you and how to stick to it.

Amanda Hays, MS, RDN, LD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in Austin, TX with over a decade of experience serving thousands of people across all stages of c...

Coping with kidney disease and dialysis can be difficult. Sometimes you have to think outside the box! Have you considered music or art therapy? Today Social Worker Melissa Fry and patient Steve Light are here to share their experiences with using music and art as coping strategies.

In this episode we spoke with, 

Melissa Fry, MSW, CAPSW is a dialysis social worker at Mile Bluff Medical Center. She has worked in the dialysis unit f...

You may have heard the buzzword superfoods but what are they and do they have special qualities? Board-certified renal dietitian, Jen Hernadez is here to break it down.

In this episode we spoke with,

Jen Hernandez RDN, CSR, LDN- Jen Hernandez is a registered dietitian and a certified specialist in renal nutrition. She has served the kidney community in dialysis clinics as well as with the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii to h...

Clinical trials exist to help prevent, screen for, diagnose, or treat diseases and other health problems. Without them, we would not have new treatments or other advances in health and medicine. But how are the clinical trial endpoints, or the preferred outcomes of these trials determined? Today, Anthony Gucciardo NKF’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Dr. Joseph Vassalotti, NKF’s Chief Medical Officer, and Kent Bre...

You may have heard the term mindfulness before but what does it mean, what are the benefits, and how can you integrate mindfulness into your life? On today’s episode Gary Petingola a Social Worker certified to teach Mindfulness-Based Stress Reductionexplains all this and more.

In this episode we heard from, 

Gary Petingola MSW, RSW

Gary has had a strong presenc...

At the National Kidney Foundation, we believe that everyone who needs a kidney should get a kidney. To make this dream a reality, we’ve launched the Transplants for All Initiative. What is this initiative and how will it make a difference in the lives of people with kidney disease? In today’s episode special guests Morgan Reid, NKF’s Transplant Policy & Strategy Director and Haley Jensen, NKF’s Transplant Programs Director expl...

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is incredibly common in patients with kidney disease. In today's special cross over episode from Kidney Commute, you'll hear why it is so prevalent, treatment options, and how to improve communication around this important but often neglected aspect of health.

Additional resources: 

Sexuality and Kidney Disease

Data from the CDC 

Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Email us at NKFpodcast@kid...

Over 50% of LGBTQIA-plus people have experienced some form of healthcare discrimination and over 25% of transgender people reported being denied care due to their transgender status. Not having proper health care or avoiding health care due to discrimination, can result in dire consequences, including an increased risk of health problems like kidney disease. What is this discrimination, and how can you advocate for yourself and LGB...

For far too long treatments for CKD haven’t changed. Launched in 2021, the NKF Innovation Fund works to accelerate funding, and development of therapies that kidney patients deserve. On this episode, you will hear from NKF CEO Kevin Longino interviews Kathleen St. Jean, Chief Commercial Officer of 34 Lives, one of the first recipients of a significant investment from NKF’s Innovation Fund to help further develop a new technology to...

Donating a kidney is one of the most selfless gifts one person can give to another. But what is that experience like for the donor before and after the transplant surgery? Today, we'll hear from Jessica Kolansky, a living kidney donor, and Alexandra Catalyst, a transplant coordinator, about the post transplant experience and what resources are available to donors after the surgery. On today’s episode we heard from:

Jessica Kolans...

Is laughter really the best medicine? On today’s episode we’ll discuss an exciting new coping strategy for dialysis patients called guided group laughing therapy. What is it and how does it help? Dr. Paul Bennet who ran a study on the benefits of laughing therapy and Kimberly Super-Harrigan, a dialysis patient, are here to break it down.

Professor Paul Bennett

Paul has experience in both academia and industry in Australia and th...

Obesity is one of the major risk factors for developing kidney disease, which is measured through the body mass index or BMI. This measurement factors into the process for both living donors and transplant recipients. On today’s episode, you’ll learn how to measure your BMI and hear from both kidney patients on how managing their weight affected their kidney health.

In this episode we spoke with, 

Carol Murray is a Quality Manager ...

In 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned precedent established by Roe v Wade, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion. Family planning decisions can be difficult and complex for kidney patients. On today’s episode, we’ll discuss how this impacts kidney patients and disadvantaged patients with limited access to healthcare.

On this episode we spoke with, 

Harriett Oppenheim

Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Harriett...

Did you know that 40% of chronic kidney disease progression may be preventable with earlier diagnosis and treatment? On this episode, you will hear the facts around treating CKD earlier from Dr. Joe Vassalotti, NKF’s Chief Medical Officer. You will also hear from Jane DeMeis on her journey with kidney disease.

In this episode we spoke with, 

Joseph A. Vassalotti . MD

Dr. Vassalotti is the Chief Medical Officer of the National Kidne...

It is important that certain individuals with CKD limit their fluid intake, but many don’t understand why or where to begin. On today’s episode, we sat down with experts to discuss fluid restriction, such as why it’s important, the negative effects of consuming too much, and ways to manage a fluid-restricted diet.

On today's episode we spoke with: 

Catherine C. Wells, DNP, ACNP, CNN-NP, FNKF

Dr. Wells have been practicing as a Neph...

Keeping your body and bones strong are important when you have kidney disease. Do you know what types of exercise are good for kidney patients? What about for transplant recipients or people on dialysis? In this episode, we sat down with experts to discuss the benefits and recommendations of managing an exercise routine.

On this episode, we spoke with: 

Brittany Glazar

 Brittany has been a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at the Univ...

Undocumented people face increased barriers to accessing health coverage and care, including treatment for kidney disease. In this episode, our guest experts discuss what treatment options are currently available for undocumented people and what kind of advocacy efforts are being made to improve their access to health care. 

On this episode, we spoke with:

Lilia Cervantes, MD