Tag: health

“Ms. Smith” Goes Back to Washington

Last year at this time I excitedly announced here that I’d be going to Capitol Hill–in person!–for legislative meetings as part of the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Patient Summit. Because of the pandemic, the previous several summits had been virtual–important, productive, yes, but no substitute for the real thing.

I surprised myself by writing that though the logistics of getting from point A to point B, and so on, made me nervous, I realized that the actual meetings didn’t phase me. I explained that multiple trainings and meetings had driven home the message that personal stories of kidney donation and transplant are what make the biggest impression on legislators and their staff.

Last year’s team: Necole & Dre Roundtree, me, Alan Levy.

I’ve been telling mine (about donating my kidney to my adult son) for years to anyone who’ll listen.

This year I’m happy to say I’ll be going back to Capitol Hill for another in-person summit. This time I’ve been invited to also participate in a separate smaller group of advocates for a “series of deep-dive policy discussions” before the summit begins. I’m very excited to be honored with a seat at the table to consider critical issues, such as the status of the nationwide allocation system for deceased-donor organs in the wake of recent reform legislation, obstacles in furthering legislation to improve access to home dialysis, and the increased attention to addressing rare kidney diseases.

Stay tuned for more information.

For related posts and information on my book, The Insider’s Guide to Living Kidney Donation, be sure to explore the rest of my website

More New Year’s Resolutions

Every year before I make new new year’s resolutions, I try to look back to see how I did on last year’s. Alas, they’re almost always still relevant. I don’t think I’m unusual in that respect. I know that starting next week, for example, my Zumba classes and the workout area of my gym are going to be jammed. I used to be concerned but soon saw that in a matter of weeks, the crowds invariably start to thin, and by late February they’re always back to near-usual levels.

So, I thought I’d dust off my old new year’s resolution blog post and share these again. They’re relevant for everyone–if you’re a donor or never plan to be one.

Whether you’re being evaluated as a living donor already, or just thinking about it, here are a few suggestions that will benefit you and your kidneys–wherever they happen to be.

1- Take good care of yourself (and your kidneys).

–Exercise regularly.

–Get plenty of rest.

–Stay hydrated.

–Eat a healthy diet.

2-For your safety and your future recipient’s, be sure to get the latest Covid booster as soon as you’re eligible. Transplant recipients and anyone else who is immunocompromised, such as people with cancer or autoimmune diseases, can’t count on full protection from the vaccines. It’s all the more important that the rest of us add that protection.

3-Avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs—they’re hard on the kidneys for anyone—particularly important if you’re a donor or recipient.

4-Learn about kidney function. Kidneys are amazing!

5-Read up on all facets of kidney donation—for example, order a copy of The Insider’s Guide to Living Kidney Donation.

To all of you and your loved ones: a happy and healthy new year!

For related posts and information on my book, The Insider’s Guide to Living Kidney Donation, be sure to explore the rest of my website.