National Kidney Month: Raising Awareness and Taking Action for Kidney Health

In recognition of National Kidney Month this March, Norman Regional Health System is raising awareness about kidney disease and celebrating our talented nephrology team. One year after launching in-house dialysis services at Norman Regional Nephrology Associates, our staff has proven success in transforming this important piece of patient care.

The Significance of National Kidney Month for Oklahomans

The National Kidney Foundation estimates over 35 million Americans are affected by kidney disease, making it the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. This is often due to untreated or neglected symptoms that arise suddenly, making it difficult to know where to seek timely and effective treatment. For Oklahomans, National Kidney Month is an important time to acknowledge how kidney health is affecting our communities:

• Over 8,000 Oklahoma residents are living with kidney failure or go without proper treatment.
• Only one in every two Oklahomans received a life-changing kidney transplant.
• The leading causes of kidney failure in Oklahoma adults are diabetes and high blood pressure.
• 98% of Oklahoma kidney failure patients were placed on dialysis.

“National Kidney month provides us with a unique opportunity to educate Oklahomans on kidney health, spread awareness about kidney disease and ultimately, inspire action,” said Denny Hinkle, Nurse Manager of Norman Regional’s nephrology department.

Common Signs and Symptoms

An essential aspect of preventative kidney healthcare is recognizing the common signs and symptoms of kidney disease and seeking timely treatment. The National Kidney Foundation has identified common signs and symptoms:

• Swollen ankles and feet
• Persistent puffiness around eyes
• More frequent and bloody urination
• Dry and itchy skin
• Difficulty sleeping
• Decreased energy and concentration

Additionally, knowing your family history of kidney health is essential to being eligible for preventative treatment options.

“It’s always a good idea to start talking to your primary care physician earlier, especially when you know kidney disease runs in your family,” said Hinkle. “Having the chance to create a preventative care plan with both your primary care and nephrologist is extremely important,” he explained.

Reducing Your Risk: 7 Steps to Kidney Health Management

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Disease recommends following these seven steps to regularly monitor your kidney health and manage preventative treatment:

1. Schedule regular appointments with both your primary care physician and kidney specialists.
2. Manage your blood pressure and regularly monitor your blood glucose levels.
3. Avoid taking ibuprofen; instead, follow prescribed medication plans and consult your doctor.
4. Work with your doctor to develop a nutritious meal plan.
5. Prioritize physical activity and implement stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine.
6. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule.
7. If you smoke, take steps to quit.

“Honestly, it’s all about what we put into our bodies,” Hinkle said. “We live in a time where processed foods and drinks are more popular than water and whole foods. Preventing kidney disease starts with fueling our bodies properly every day,” he said.

Norman Regional’s Kidney Health Success by the Numbers

Since launching in-house dialysis services one year ago, Norman Regional nephrologists, Kendral Knight, MD and David Williams, MD have expanded their availability to patients and demonstrated success in treating chronic kidney disease.

Norman Regional Nephrologist, Kendral Knight, MD

“We have been able to shatter all of our expectations for this program,” Hinkle said. “Our team has made strides in the Norman community and we are very proud to be a part of it,” he explained.

Norman Regional Nephrology Highlights:

• Treatments: The number of treatments increased by 279%, with just over 2,000 Tablo treatments completed in a 12-month period.
• Success Rates: Over 2,400 successful treatments were completed in the last year.
• Fluid Removal: In 11 of the last 12 months, over 91% of fluid removals were successful.
• Treatment Time: In the last six months, treatment times have reduced by almost 400%.
• Patients: 50% of patients range from ages 60 to 80, and 47% of those patients were administered a temporary catheter to maximize treatment options and minimize discomfort.

In recognition of their successes in this underrepresented field and combined with National Kidney Month, Dr. Williams and Denny Hinkle have been invited to present their work at the National Kidney Foundation’s Spring Conference in Boston, MA.

“To even be invited to the National Kidney Foundation’s Conference is a huge honor,” said Hinkle. “We will be presenting data on the last year of our services and how we’ve seen such growth in our department. We are really excited to be able to showcase our work at Norman Regional,” he explained.

Seeking Kidney Health Care in Norman

If you or someone you know are experiencing symptoms of kidney disease, you should seek the care of a nephrologist. Dr. Knight, Dr. Williams and the rest of the skilled nephrology staff at Norman Regional Nephrology Associates are dedicated to improving the health and wellness of patients with kidney-related conditions.

As National Kidney Month comes to a close, now is a great time to make an appointment with one of Norman Regional’s nephrologists. Call Norman Regional at 405-515-5000 for information on establishing care today.