News

Falls - Fall prevention awareness is vital for preventing injury.

Tips:

Winter footwear should be well fitting and have a nonslip base.

While most public places take care to ensure walkways and entrances are well salted or sanded it is important to be prepared for slippery conditions, utilize handrails, and ask for assistance if you are presented with an unsafe situation.  

Ensure you use any ambulatory aides safely and they are in good repair.

Eat a healthy diet.

Stay fit. This is helpful for maintaining balance and strengthening muscles that support bones.  The ‘Active Living for Life’ program offered by the Kidney Foundation has excellent information on how to stay fit and healthy with kidney friendly exercises.  This program can be accessed virtually, see the following link:
Kidney Foundation - The Kidney Foundation of Canada - Programs & Services

Bad Weather Conditions - We all know that winter weather can be quite unpredictable. This can present a challenge when trying to keep your regular dialysis appointments.

Tips:

Establish your ‘back-up’ plan early in the season. You might need someone who can help you get to your appointments.

Communicate with your dialysis team. They may be able to schedule an alternative appointment.

Limit outings to those that are absolutely necessary.

Make sure you have extra batteries and a flashlight in your home.

Stay aware of current weather conditions (local radio station or television station that gives you the local weather status).

Make sure you have at least a three-day supply of food.

Consider speaking with your dietician about a meal plan in case of an emergency.

Flu shot

Tips

The Government of Canada website  Flu (influenza): Get your flu shot - Canada.ca provides useful information on the flu shot and Covid-19.  The site also includes information on symptoms, vaccination locations, videos, and other important resources. 

Why get the flu shot?

It protects people close to you because, when vaccinated, you are less likely to spread the virus to others.

We know that people with diabetes and kidney disease are at elevated risk for serious complications from respiratory illnesses. Getting the flu shot reduces your chances of being infected with the flu and other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, at the same time. This helps prevent serious illness.

What about Covid-19?

Getting the flu shot will not prevent you from getting COVID-19, however. According to the Government of Canada website staying up to date with all vaccinations, including COVID-19, will help to keep you protected during flu season.

Skin care - We know that kidney disease can cause Itchiness, dry skin, and rashes. Reasons for this can include elevations is your phosphate levels, allergies, and changes in your fluid intake.  

Tips:

Take phosphate binders as directed.

Have lukewarm baths. Hot baths can leave your skin even drier which may increase itchiness.

Ensure you moisturize your skin daily; this helps with decreasing the need to scratch your skin as well as making the skin more resilient to other breaks or tears. If you are unsure of what moisturizer to use, ask your health care provider for assistance. Avoid lotions. 

Don’t forget lip moisturizer.

Consider fragrance free soap and detergent.

Keep fingernails short.

Cold compresses to itchy areas can offer some relief.

Medication - Of course, it is always important for renal patients to stay on top of their medication, the potential for harsh weather makes this even more important.

Tips:

Refill any medication you are running low on.

Speak with your Nurse or Physician if you require a prescription renewal.

Keep a current list of your medications with you.

Get rid of any expired medication. The safest way to dispose of medications is to take them to your pharmacist.

Make sure you have enough medication to last a few days should you not have access to a pharmacy. This includes other supplies such as needles, syringes, or glucose stripes.

Consider keeping an emergency supply kit containing three days' worth of medication for any type of emergency. 

Written by Susan Thompson