Living with Kidney Disease
The more you know about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), the more you will be able to understand what is happening and why. You will get lots of help from your doctors, nurses and dietitians every step of the way!
This website was made for you and has some tips and tricks from other kids with CKD and dietitians who have taken care of kids with CKD. We hope you find the information here helpful.
School
Starting school or a new school year is exciting! Breakfast, snacks and lunch are important for all children at school. Breaks are a fun time to spend with friends and enjoy eating together.
There can be extra things to think about when planning meals and snacks for school, like deciding if you will eat the school meals or pack a lunch and snacks. You can also do both!
The school staff can work with you if you have special diet needs. You just need to make a plan and talk with the teachers and cafeteria staff. Menus are available from schools in advance. You can get the menus and talk with your dietitian about which meals to choose every day.
The information sheet below has more tips on eating at school.
Physical Activity and Chronic Kidney Disease
Choosing an enjoyable physical activity that the whole family can do together is a great first step to be more active. Start with small amounts daily and increase the time each day. There are many fun ways to stay active and enjoy time together with family. We have developed some resources to help you along the way.
More information for parents and caregivers
Being physically active improves long-term health and wellbeing of children and adolescents at all stages of CKD, dialysis and post-transplant [1-3]. Studies have shown benefits in improved endurance, energy levels and muscle strength[1-3]. Exercise can help to achieve healthy growth and improve heart fitness. When children enjoy activity, this boosts overall well-being and supports a positive outlook[4]. Regular physical activity supports overall health.
Download our resources below for more information on the beneficial effects of physical activity and some ideas to get started.
References:
1. Akber, A., A.A. Portale, and K.L. Johansen, Pedometer-Assessed Physical Activity in Children and Young Adults with CKD. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 2012. 7(5): p. 720-726.
2. Akber, A., A.A. Portale, and K.L. Johansen, Use of pedometers to increase physical activity among children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease. Pediatric Nephrology, 2014. 29(8): p. 1395-1402.
3. Alaylı, G., et al., Physical function, muscle strength and muscle mass in children on peritoneal dialysis. Pediatric Nephrology, 2008. 23(4): p. 639-644.
4. Hamiwka, L.A., et al., Physical activity and health related quality of life in children following kidney transplantation. Pediatric Transplantation, 2009. 13(7): p. 861-867.
