Kidney Disease

Education Center

Education Center

NephU is an engaged community of health care professionals and advocates collaborating to improve kidney health. The experts at NephU have partnered with OPEN to develop scientifically validated resources that explore topics about living or caring for someone with kidney disease.

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Kidney Health Resources Developed by NephU

Select a category below to find topics related to kidney health and tips for living or caring for someone with kidney disease.

Mental Health In Patients With CKD

Depression & anxiety are common in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients and their care partners. Patients on dialysis may experience poor mental health due to the changes in their quality of life and physical condition. Download this infographic to learn more about mental health and CKD.

Kidney Disease Across The Lifespan

Kidney disease affects people of all ages across the lifespan, impacting both patients and their families. This infographic provides the details about kidney disease and its causes at each stage of life including birth defects. It provides information about kidney diseases that occur during childhood through adolescence, into adulthood. It also provides information about hereditary kidney disease and kidney replacement therapy. Download the infographic for more details.

Racial Disparities In CKD

This infographic provides several key statistics that illustrate health disparities between Black and White Americans with chronic kidney disease.  For instance, Black Americans are 25% less likely than Whites to be placed on a kidney transplant wait list.1 Poor diet and lack of convenient access to kidney-healthy foods in lower income communities also contribute to the disparities in kidney health. Download the infographic for more details. 1. Kim JJ et al. Awareness of Racial Disparities in Kidney Transplantation among Health Care Providers in Dialysis Facilities. CJASN May 2018, 13 (5) 772-781.

Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a dramatic impact on people who are affected by the disease. This infographic highlights some important statistics you may not know about CKD. This includes such issues as the amount of time patients with CKD spend in dialysis, as well as the length of time it takes to receive a donated kidney from a deceased kidney donor. You will also find some helpful resources where people with CKD can find help, information and support. Download the infographic for more details.

Nutrition & Diet in Patients With CKD

Some people may not realize the vital role that proper nutrition and diet plays, not just for their overall health, but in helping to fight kidney disease. If you or someone you care about has chronic kidney disease, the information shown in this infographic may help with making better and healthier food choices. Learn more about making the best food choices for overall kidney health, the specific nutrients needed, as well as which foods to avoid. Download the infographic for more details.

Nephrology Provider Overview

The illustration below provides a view of the different health care specialists who make up a nephrology care team. Because other health conditions may develop that are associated with kidney disease, other types of specialists may be involved in your care. Each member of the team plays an essential role in helping patients with kidney disease. For instance, following a special kidney healthy diet is often recommended for people who have kidney disease and that is why a nutritionist would be part of the treatment team. What’s most important to understand is that all members of a nephrology care team work together to deliver the highest quality of care for your well being and good health. Download the infographic for more details.