Mathea Ford's Blog, page 89
April 21, 2014
Take the Time for Stress Relief
Stress is often a daily occurrence. Most stressors are easily dealt with as they come, and are soon forgotten. Every so often, however, stressors can seem to pile up and threaten to overwhelm you.
Taking the time to relax and shake off the stress and troubles of the day is important. Your busy schedule is hectic enough without being overwhelmed by tension and stress. It might seem a daunting task, but finding a few minutes each day for yourself is important.
Just a few moments a day can make a huge difference in your stress levels and your overall outlook on life.
Make a Cup of Tea
Take just a minute to brew yourself a cup of hot herbal tea. Just the mere act of making tea can be relaxing. The rhythmic dunking of the tea bag can be soothing while the effervescent aroma of sweet herbs surround and invite you. Even better, you can sip while you work, so it takes minimal time out of your day.
Look for non-caffeinated herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, or vanilla. Caffeine will only serve to make you jittery, and the herbals have real calming effects on your body and mind.
Go For a Walk
Even if it is just a short walk around your building during your lunch hour, taking a walk is great for you. Not only does it allow you to work in a little exercise, but taking a short walk is a great mood enhancer and energy boost.
If you are getting particularly stressed out during a tough day, slip out if you are able and walk off the tension. Sometimes just getting away from the situation can help you come at it from another angle and really make a difference.
Soak in the Tub
After a long day at work, there is nothing quite like a steaming hot bath. Soak all the tension out of your body and just lay back and relax for just a short while.
Add aromatherapy products like essential oils or scented bath products to give yourself a relaxing spa experience at home.
Meditate
When most people think of meditation, they think of a bunch of hippies sitting in a circle, holding hands and humming. While that is certainly one way to go about it, meditation is really just about clearing your mind and focusing on your breathing.
You can “meditate” just about anywhere. At home, or even in the office, just take a few moments to close your eyes and breath in and out, focusing on each breath until you are able to relax your body and mind.
There are a lot of methods of stress relief that don’t involve long, expensive spa weekends or beach vacations. While those might be nice, you don’t always have the time or means to really escape your everyday stressors.
Taking the time, even if it is just a few moments, to relax and manage your stress is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. A few moments is all it takes, and it will be well worth it in the end.
For other stress relief, click here.
Follow these topics: Featured, Renal Diet Headquarters Blog
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Renal Diet Menu Headquarters -
Suggested Reading:
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 016 – Dealing with Other People’s Stress and Exercise
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 017 – Improve yourself and your stress plus new book!
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 015 – Stress and Chronic Kidney Failure


April 16, 2014
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 017 – Improve yourself and your stress plus new book!
Podcast #17 Released on April 16, 2014.
Send in your questions about stress to podcast@renaldiethq.com
This week it’s all about 3 things:
Stress is the theme for the month, and I want you to send in your questions about it. I am going to spend time talking about how stress affects us and how to improve your health and reduce stress.
#1 – New book out on Anemia and CKD – check it out at www.renaldiethq.com/go/anemia
#2 – I also gave some preview information about our new product this month that I have been working on all of March – it will be released by the end of April. I am offering a “pre-order” discount and here is the link to more information: http://www.renaldiethq.com/go/caregiver. It’s going to be a 100+ page 3 ring bound notebook on “All Things Caregiving For Chronic Kidney Disease”. You will find it to be a great resource, and it will be available in pre-order for less than half price – just for ordering early! To order for just $47 – you will get both the hard copy and digital copy if you are in the US – sorry, no shipping outside the US but I will have a digital only price. You will just have to wait until the 30th of April, but you will be rewarded – instead of paying $97, you get to pay only $47! Thanks.
#3 – Improving yourself with some simple steps and changes, helps you get there quicker and easier. Don’t worry, it’s ok to have a plan and keep it going. You might not know where you are going now, but after this podcast, you will. I also talked about a book on basic training moms – Basic Training
Thanks for listening, more information coming soon on the caregiver guide.
Email me at podcast@renaldiethq.com for suggestions
Find us on iTunes at: www.renaldiethq.com/go/itunes
Find us on stitcher radio at: www.renaldiethq.com/go/stitcher
Follow these topics: Podcast, Renal Diet Books, Renal Diet Headquarters Blog
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Renal Diet Menu Headquarters -
Suggested Reading:
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 015 – Stress and Chronic Kidney Failure
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 016 – Dealing with Other People’s Stress and Exercise
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 013 – 5 Tips To Reduce Caregiver Stress


April 14, 2014
Kidney Disease and Hypertension

Hypertension is a condition where blood pressure levels are elevated above what is considered to be normal.
Both of these conditions have varying levels of severity and need to be monitored closely. In some patients, these conditions can occur at the same time.
Doctor’s Orders
It is of the utmost importance that anyone with kidney disease with hypertension pays close attention to doctor’s orders. Take careful notes and listen closely to any recommendations he or she might give you.
Medications
In many cases, medication may be needed to treat kidney disease with hypertension. Make sure to take any and all medications prescribed as directed by your physician. If you ever have any questions about how and when to take your medications, no matter how small, make sure to ask.
Monitor and Record
It is a good idea to monitor your blood pressure levels at home and record the values in a diary that you can share with your physician. Home blood pressure monitors can be found at almost any pharmacy store.
Diet and Exercise
Your physician will probably discuss diet and exercise with you. It is important for you to follow these recommendations. The proper diet and exercise can often make the biggest difference and my even reduce the need for medications.
Meal Planning
Meal planning is the best defense for a healthy balanced diet. Careful planning of each meal and snack can make following an appropriate diet much easier in your day to day life.
After planning out your meals and snacks, make a grocery list based on your meal plan and when shopping, only get the items on your list. This will help you stay true to your meal plan and avoid cheating.
Foods to Avoid
Especially for kidney disease with hypertension, there are foods that your doctor might tell you to avoid.
Watch Sodium Intake
Sodium is the most common and most important thing to monitor in your diet for kidney disease with hypertension. This is because sodium has a big effect on both your kidneys and your blood pressure levels.
Sodium intake greatly affects your kidneys, especially because sodium encourages fluid retention. When your kidneys are not functioning as they should, monitoring fluids is very important. It is one of the main functions of the kidneys to filter and remove excess fluid. Fluid retention makes this process even more difficult.
Fluid retention caused by sodium also is responsible for elevated blood pressure. This is because fluid retention puts excess strain on your entire body, including the arteries that your heart is pumping blood through.
With careful planning and help from your physician, living with kidney disease and hypertension does not have to be a jail sentence. You can still live a happy, healthy life and do most of the things that you love.
Following these tips, and your doctor’s plan, you can ensure a much healthier way of living with kidney disease and hypertension.
For more information on kidney disease click here.
Follow these topics: Renal Diet Headquarters Blog
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Renal Diet Menu Headquarters -
Suggested Reading:
Meal Planning for Kidney Disease
A Chronic Renal Failure Meal Plan Is Important in Pre-Dialysis Kidney Disease
Kidney Disease and Diabetes: Six Things You Should Know to Prevent Renal Failure


April 9, 2014
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 016 – Dealing with Other People’s Stress and Exercise
Podcast #16 Released on April 9, 2014.
Send in your questions about stress to podcast@renaldiethq.com
This week it’s all about 2 things
Stress is the theme for the month, and I want you to send in your questions about it. I am going to spend time talking about how stress affects us and how to improve your health and reduce stress.
#2 – I also gave some preview information about our new product this month that I have been working on all of March – it will be released April 15th. I am offering a “pre-order” discount and here is the link to more information: http://www.renaldiethq.com/go/caregiver. It’s going to be a 100+ page 3 ring bound notebook on “All Things Caregiving For Chronic Kidney Disease”. You will find it to be a great resource, and it will be available in pre-order for less than half price – just for ordering early! To order for just $47 – you will get both the hard copy and digital copy if you are in the US – sorry, no shipping outside the US but I will have a digital only price. You will just have to wait until the 15th of April, but you will be rewarded – instead of paying $97, you get to pay only $47! Thanks.
#3 – Dealing with other people’s stress that they try to “give” to you
#4 – Exercise and stress – how much and when? Chair aerobics DVD’s on Amazon – find them here
Email me at podcast@renaldiethq.com for suggestions
Find us on iTunes at: www.renaldiethq.com/go/itunes
Find us on stitcher radio at: www.renaldiethq.com/go/stitcher
Follow these topics: Podcast, Renal Diet Books, Renal Diet Headquarters Blog
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Renal Diet Menu Headquarters -
Suggested Reading:
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 015 – Stress and Chronic Kidney Failure
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 013 – 5 Tips To Reduce Caregiver Stress
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 014 – Alternative Therapies for CKD


April 7, 2014
Sure Signs of Caregiver Burnout
It is hard taking care of other people. Often caregivers are on duty almost 24 hours a day, with little thought of breaks or days off. Especially when you are caring for a loved one or someone who is very sick or very demanding, caregiver burnout is common.
A caregiver cannot properly take care of another person if they do not take care of themselves also. To prevent over exhaustion and complete burnout, caregivers should know the signs of caregiver burnout.
First signs of caregiver burnout are usually fairly mild, but should not be ignored. Often, the first symptoms are overlooked as “bad days”, but eventually you might start to notice that you have more bad days than good. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you might consider taking a day off to unwind.
• Disinterest, often exceeding mere boredom
• Forgetfulness when it comes to taking care of your own needs (skipping meals, etc)
• Feeling more tired than usual, and sluggish
If the first, smaller signs of caregiver burnout are ignored, they can escalate. Moderate signs of caregiver burnout can start to affect not only you, but the patient you are caring for. These symptoms should not be ignored, and if you are experiencing them it might be time to find some additional help.
• Irritability, often affecting how you hear or talk to your patient
• Withdrawal from your usual social activities, including the time spent with family
• Sleeplessness or changes in your sleep patterns
• Loss of appetite or forgetting meals
If still ignored, caregiver burnout can become a real problem and can endanger your health and the appropriate care of your patient. At this point, you could be putting yourself and your patient in danger.
• Forgetfulness and confusion, especially when it comes to the needs of your patient.
• Feeling over-emotional, breaking down in tears over small stressors.
• Frequent headaches, often radiating from the neck or shoulders.
• Outright physical exhaustion and full body soreness.
All of these are sure signs of caregiver burnout. Symptoms typically start out slow, but exhaustion can gain momentum quickly. If you are feeling over stressed, over worked, or exhausted, it might be time to consider taking steps to avoid caregiver burnout. Unchecked caregiver burnout can easily turn into the kind of exhaustion or mental breakdown that leaves the caregiver unable to work for an extended period of time, and can even put you in the hospital.
Often, caregivers are so busy taking care of other people that they overlook their own needs. They might even feel selfish for thinking about taking a day off, but that certainly is not the case. In order to give the best care possible, you have to be alert and healthy.
Caregiver burnout is a very serious matter. Especially when you are caring for another individual, you need to be able to take care of yourself as well. Consider recruiting some help or taking some time off if needed.
For more information about caregivers, click here!
Follow these topics: Featured, Renal Diet
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Renal Diet Menu Headquarters -
Suggested Reading:
The Top 5 Signs of Kidney Failure and What To Do About Them
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 013 – 5 Tips To Reduce Caregiver Stress
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 012 – 10 Tips To Be A Better Caregiver


April 2, 2014
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 015 – Stress and Chronic Kidney Failure
Podcast #15 Released on April 2, 2014.
Send in your questions about stress to podcast@renaldiethq.com
This week it’s all about 4 things
#1 – Stress is the theme for the month, and I want you to send in your questions about it. I am going to spend time talking about how stress affects us and how to improve your health and reduce stress.
#2 – I also gave some preview information about our new product this month that I have been working on all of March – it will be released April 15th. I am offering a “pre-order” discount and here is the link to more information: http://www.renaldiethq.com/go/caregiver. It’s going to be a 100+ page 3 ring bound notebook on “All Things Caregiving For Chronic Kidney Disease”. You will find it to be a great resource, and it will be available in pre-order for less than half price – just for ordering early! To order for just $47 – you will get both the hard copy and digital copy if you are in the US – sorry, no shipping outside the US but I will have a digital only price. You will just have to wait until the 15th of April, but you will be rewarded – instead of paying $97, you get to pay only $47! Thanks.
#3 – Natural ways to lower your stress – find out what you can do proactively to lower stress.
#4 – Aromatherapy for stress – what to do and what to use to lower your stress levels.
Email me at podcast@renaldiethq.com for suggestions
Find us on iTunes at: www.renaldiethq.com/go/itunes
Find us on stitcher radio at: www.renaldiethq.com/go/stitcher
Follow these topics: Podcast, Renal Diet Books, Renal Diet Headquarters Blog
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Renal Diet Menu Headquarters -
Suggested Reading:
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 013 – 5 Tips To Reduce Caregiver Stress
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 014 – Alternative Therapies for CKD
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 012 – 10 Tips To Be A Better Caregiver


March 31, 2014
Kidney Disease and Anemia

Kidney disease is a chronic condition where the kidneys are no longer functioning properly.
Anemia is a condition marked by low red blood cells in the body.
Both of these conditions occur at varying levels of severity and need to be monitored closely. It is very common for kidney disease patients to also have anemia.
How are kidney disease and anemia related?
Anemia occurs commonly in patients with kidney disease because the production of red blood cells is directly related to healthy kidney function. When kidneys are functioning properly, they release a hormone called erythropoietin. This hormone is what stimulates the bone marrow to create red blood cells.
Anemia can also occur as a direct result of some necessary treatments for kidney disease. Hemodialysis can contribute to anemia through blood loss during treatment. Anemia is a condition that will be tested for and monitored throughout your treatment for kidney disease.
What are the dangers of anemia?
Proper blood production helps transport oxygen throughout the body. The entire body relies on red blood cells to get oxygen. When your organs and body tissues are not receiving enough oxygen, your body suffers. You can feel weak and tired, for starters. Severe anemia can mean that your vital organs, such as your heart, are not getting enough oxygen.
What are the symptoms of anemia?
Common symptoms of anemia are fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches, and irregular heartbeat to name a few. If you are experiencing these symptoms, especially if you are a kidney disease patient, you should alert your doctor.
How is anemia diagnosed?
Anemia is diagnosed through a series of simple blood tests. Often, the first test that hints anemia may be present is a creatinine test, which is a common test to measure kidney function. When creatinine levels are at a certain level, a specific test for red blood cell levels is performed. This test is called a hemoglobin test.
What are the treatments for anemia with kidney disease?
The most common treatment for anemia for kidney disease patients is to increase the level of erythropoietin. This is accomplished by injecting a manufactured form of erythropoietin to help force production of red blood cells. There are two ways erythropoietin can be injected into the system. One is via regular subcutaneous injections, usually multiple times a week.
The other method of injection is intravenous, often performed at the same time as hemodialysis treatment. This method is not always as effective as the subcutaneous method, and is more expensive because it requires a larger amount of the medication.
Are there other causes of anemia?
There are, of course, other causes of anemia. Poor diet, immune disorders, and other medications could contribute to the problem. Anemia is a very common complication for kidney disease patients. Anemia occurs commonly at all levels of renal disease, but especially those with advanced forms of kidney disease. By arming yourself with knowledge and discussing any symptoms with your doctor, you are on the road towards managing your kidney disease and anemia successfully.
For more concerns about your kidney disease click here!
Follow these topics: Renal Diet, Renal Diet Headquarters Blog
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Renal Diet Menu Headquarters -
Suggested Reading:
Following a Kidney Diet Menu is Important
A Chronic Renal Failure Meal Plan Is Important in Pre-Dialysis Kidney Disease
Kidney Disease and Diabetes: Six Things You Should Know to Prevent Renal Failure


March 26, 2014
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 014 – Alternative Therapies for CKD
Podcast #14 Released on March 26, 2014.
This week we discuss the caregiver guide and how to get an early in on the new product. And I talk about alternative therapies for chronic kidney disease using aromatherapy. I get into the details about how to use aromatherapy to improve your life as a caregiver. And I name names! Send in your questions to podcast@renaldiethq.com
You can read more about National Kidney Month at the NKF.
This week it’s all about 3 things
#1 – The AAKP announced it’s patient meeting – here is the link: https://www.aakp.org/community/programs-events/aakp-national-patient-meeting.html
#2 – I also gave some preview information about our new product this month that I have been working on all of February – it will be released April 15th. I am offering a “preorder” discount and here is the link to more information: http://www.renaldiethq.com/go/caregiver. It’s going to be a 100+ page 3 ring bound notebook on “All Things Caregiving For Chronic Kidney Disease”. You will find it to be a great resource, and it will be available in pre-order for less than half price – just for ordering early! To order for just $47 – you will get both the hard copy and digital copy if you are in the US – sorry, no shipping outside the US but I will have a digital only price. You will just have to wait until the 15th of April, but you will be rewarded – instead of paying $97, you get to pay only $47! Thanks.
#3 – Alternative therapies for Chronic Kidney Disease. Listen as I talk about ways to use them and the best oils to use for CKD.
Email me at podcast@renaldiethq.com for suggestions
Find us on Itunes at: www.renaldiethq.com/go/itunes
Find us on stitcher radio at: www.renaldiethq.com/go/stitcher
Follow these topics: Podcast, Renal Diet Books, Renal Diet Headquarters Blog
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Renal Diet Menu Headquarters -
Suggested Reading:
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 013 – 5 Tips To Reduce Caregiver Stress
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 012 – 10 Tips To Be A Better Caregiver
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 011 – The FDA Proposes A New Food Label


March 24, 2014
Low Salt Breakfast Options for Renal Diets
When following a strict renal diet, everything you put in your mouth has to be monitored. The foods you eat greatly affect your health and body function, especially when it comes to sodium content. So why not start your day off right with a low salt breakfast?
On a renal diet, sodium has to be monitored to maintain a healthy fluid balance. Too much sodium can cause your body to retain fluids. Fluid retention can be very uncomfortable and can lead to a condition called edema, which is severe swelling of the limbs. Fluid retention can increase your heart rate, which in turn elevates your blood pressure. In extreme cases, fluid retention can even lead to heart failure.
With all of that in mind, it’s no wonder that sodium plays such an integral part in renal diets.
Often, breakfast can be the hardest meal of the day to fit into a diet meal plan. Sometimes you just don’t have the time to cook a complicated breakfast, and honestly, sometimes you just don’t want to.
Here are some low salt breakfast options for your renal diet:
Whole Grains
The whole point of eating breakfast in the first place is to fill yourself up and give yourself energy to face the day. Whole grains fill you up and keep you full, providing you with the necessary fuel to get you through to your next meal.
Even better, these low sodium options taste great without any added salt. Look for steel cut oats or bran cereal. While these options are low sodium, they still will tally up at about 200-250mg of sodium to your day so they will still be an allotment. Pay attention to serving sizes. Dress them up with a sliced apple or some blueberries for a healthy burst of flavor. If you like toast, look for low-sodium whole wheat bread in your grocery store.
Most fruits are naturally low sodium. Remember to stick to fresh always and never canned. Apples, cherries, blueberries, blackberries and cranberries are all delicious low sodium foods and can make any meal or snack sweet.
Omelets
Eggs are a high protein, low sodium option for breakfast. Add some fresh vegetables and maybe some shredded chicken breast left over from dinner and you’ve got yourself a delicious and low sodium start to the day.
Pancakes
Just because you’re on a low sodium diet, doesn’t mean you can’t eat any of the foods you love. There are low sodium options for store bought pancake mixes, or you can make it yourself. Try this recipe for your next Saturday morning pancake breakfast: One cup of flour, one tablespoon baking powder, one tablespoon sugar, one egg, one cup milk, and ¼ teaspoon salt substitute. Mix it all together and pour small amounts onto a griddle. Cook until golden brown on both sides, and enjoy with pure maple syrup which is low sodium.
Being on a low sodium diet doesn’t mean giving up all the foods you love. With a few modifications, you can start your day with a healthy, balanced, and delicious low sodium breakfast.
For other kidney friendly recipes, check out The Kidney Friendly Diet Cookbook on Amazon
Follow these topics: Recipes, Renal Diet, Renal Diet Headquarters Blog
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Renal Diet Menu Headquarters -
Suggested Reading:
Finding Low Sodium Canned Foods
I Need A Low Cholesterol, Diabetic, And Pre-Dialysis Diet – Help!
Low Phosphorus Diets Help With Pre-Dialysis Kidney Disease


March 19, 2014
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 013 – 5 Tips To Reduce Caregiver Stress
Podcast #13 Released on March 19, 2014. Wow, thanks for all the great comments from the last week and I really appreciate your notes.
Send in your questions to podcast@renaldiethq.com
You can read more about National Kidney Month at the NKF.
This week it’s all about 3 things
#1 – The AAKP announced it’s patient meeting – here is the link: https://www.aakp.org/community/programs-events/aakp-national-patient-meeting.html
#2 – I also gave some preview information about our new product this month that I have been working on all of February – it will be released April 15th. I am offering a “preorder” discount and here is the link to more information: http://www.renaldiethq.com/go/caregiver. It’s going to be a 100+ page 3 ring bound notebook on “All Things Caregiving For Chronic Kidney Disease”. You will find it to be a great resource, and it will be available in pre-order for less than half price – just for ordering early! To order for just $47 – you will get both the hard copy and digital copy if you are in the US – sorry, no shipping outside the US but I will have a digital only price. You will just have to wait until the 15th of April, but you will be rewarded – instead of paying $97, you get to pay only $47! Thanks.
#3 – Top 5 Ways to avoid Caregiver burnout – I talk about some really passionate stuff that I care about here. Listen.
Email me at podcast@renaldiethq.com for suggestions
Find us on Itunes at: www.renaldiethq.com/go/itunes
Find us on stitcher radio at: www.renaldiethq.com/go/stitcher
Follow these topics: Podcast, Renal Diet Books, Renal Diet Headquarters Blog
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Renal Diet Menu Headquarters -
Suggested Reading:
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 012 – 10 Tips To Be A Better Caregiver
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 010 – 10 Tips To Heart Healthy Living
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 011 – The FDA Proposes A New Food Label

