July 2026 CKD Insider Newsletter
- Jul 31
- 5 min read
Welcome to the Chronic Kidney Disease Insider Newsletter. If you are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis, have had a kidney transplant or are helping care for someone who is, this newsletter was created for you! The CKD Insider Newsletter provides actionable information for you and your family to help you manage your health in consultation with your doctor.
In this month’s CKD Insider:
Latest News from Kidney Organizations
Kidney Heroes Giving Day – Nominate and Donate until August 18th
The National Kidney Foundation’s 2026 Kidney Hero of the Year campaign celebrates seven inspiring individuals and families who have made a difference in the kidney community through advocacy, education, and sharing their personal kidney disease journeys. Donations made in honor of a nominee count as votes, and the nominee who raises the most funds by August 18, 2026, will be named the 2026 Kidney Hero of the Year while supporting NKF’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by kidney disease.
You can learn about the Kidney Hero nominees and make a donation at www.kidney.org.
Donations made through the end of the day on August 18th will also be doubled through Apellis.
Renal Support Network 33rd Annual Patient Education Meeting
The 33rd Annual Renal Support Network (RSN) Patient Education Meeting will take place in Burbank, CA on August 16th and online via Zoom on August 23rd. The free event aims to help people with kidney disease and their families gain knowledge, support, and hope through expert-led presentations and community connections. The 2026 program covers topics such as kidney disease prevention, transplantation, mental health, pain management, gut health, kidney function, and emergency preparedness.
August 16th In person, Burbank, CA
August 23rd Online
You can register for either the in-person or online meetings at RSNhope.org
Your Fun Tip of the Day
Take a Walk Among the Trees, Every Step Counts!
Did you know that spending time in nature can benefit both your body and your mind? Research shows that even 5–10 minutes in a park or among trees can help lower stress, improve mood, boost energy, and even reduce blood pressure. Some studies suggest that time in forests may also support your immune system and help you sleep better. Learn more about the healthy effects of forests here and here.
If you're able, try taking a short walk in a local park, on a tree-lined street, or through a nature trail. You don't have to go far, even sitting on a bench surrounded by trees can be refreshing.
Make it more enjoyable by:
Walking with a friend or family member.
Listening to your favorite music or podcast.
Exploring a local park or a new neighborhood.
Tracking your steps and celebrating small milestones.
Remember: Every step counts. You don't have to walk far or fast, just getting up and moving is a great start. If you're new to exercise or have health concerns, talk with your healthcare team about what's safe for you. Learn about immun
FDA Approved New Autoinjector Medication to Help Adults with CKD Reduce Fluid Buildup Quickly
What it is: Furoscix is a medication that helps the body get rid of extra fluid when the kidneys are not working properly. It was already available through a device that slowly delivered the medicine over several hours. The newly FDA-approved Furoscix ReadyFlow™ is an easy-to-use at-home autoinjector that delivers the medication in seconds.
Why it's important: If you have chronic kidney disease and swelling of your legs, feet and ankles, this can occur when your kidneys can't remove enough fluid. This new autoinjector can potentially help you. It allows patients to quickly receive a dose similar to one given through an IV in a healthcare setting. This may help reduce swelling within hours and could help some people avoid a trip to the emergency room or hospital. Check with your doctor to learn if this is right for you.
The FDA Approved Fabhalta® to Help Slow Kidney Function Decline in People with Primary IgA Nephropathy (IgAN)
What it is: Fabhalta is a medication that helps protect the kidneys in people with primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a disease in which the body's immune system damages the kidneys. It works by blocking part of the immune system called the complement pathway. Clinical studies showed that Fabhalta reduced the loss of kidney function by 48% and lowered protein levels in the urine.
Why it's important: IgAN is one of the most common causes of chronic kidney disease worldwide. Fabhalta is the first FDA-approved medication of its kind to slow the decline of kidney function in people with IgAN. By helping protect the kidneys from further damage, this treatment may help patients delay the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. If you have IgAN, speak with your doctor to see if this medication is right for you.
Advancements in Kidney Care
Awake Kidney Transplants Offer an Option for Some Patients Who Cannot Receive General Anesthesia
What it is: Most kidney transplants are performed under general anesthesia, which means patients are completely asleep during surgery. However, some patients have medical conditions or severe reactions that make general anesthesia risky. Doctors can now perform a kidney transplant using local anesthesia, while the patient remains awake or lightly sedated during the procedure.
Why it's important: This approach may provide a safer transplant option for patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia because of allergies or other conditions. For some patients, avoiding general anesthesia may lead to shorter recovery times, fewer anesthesia-related complications, and a shorter hospital stay.
New Guidelines Encourage Coordinated Care for Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, and Diabetes (CKM Syndrome)
What it is: CKM Syndrome stands for Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome, a term introduced by the American Heart Association in 2023. CKM Syndrome is used to describe how conditions affecting the heart, kidneys, and metabolism are closely connected and often occur together. New guidelines published in the medical journal Circulation recommend that healthcare providers treat these conditions as part of one overall health picture instead of individual diseases.
Why it's important: Problems with the heart, kidneys, and metabolism can influence one another. By screening for and managing these related conditions early, healthcare providers may be able to slow disease progression, prevent complications, and help patients stay healthier longer. Because many adults have at least one risk factor for CKM Syndrome, coordinated care can help ensure that important health issues are identified and treated before they become more serious.
Know someone who could use a kidney health boost and a smile? Share this newsletter and help them stay inspired and informed!
Download the OneTrackHealth app and keep the momentum going!
Comments