June 2026 CKD Insider Newsletter
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
AAKP Policy Summit is July 23rd
The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) Policy Summit is an annual event that brings together kidney patients, policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and industry experts to shape federal policies that improve kidney care and expand access to innovative care. This year’s Summit will take place in Washington, DC, and online on July 23rd, and will focus on new patient-centered regulatory and payment reforms to improve patient outcomes and build a more effective and sustainable kidney healthcare system, strengthen transplant readiness, and foster innovation.
You can register and learn more about the event here.
New Kidney Transplant Resources from the American Kidney Fund
The American Kidney Fund (AKF) has launched new educational resources to help kidney transplant patients and their families navigate every stage of the transplant journey, from evaluation and surgery to recovery and long-term care. The new offerings include a downloadable Your Guide to Life After Transplant (av so find the latest interactive online course, Step Forward: The Road to Kidney Transplant and Beyond, which was recently added to AKF’s Kidney Education Center.
Your Fun Tip of the Day
Tips to Stay Cool This Summer Without Going Over Your Fluid Limit
Summer is a great time to get outside, but if your on dialysis hot weather can make you feel thirstier and increase the risk of dehydration or fluid overload. Particularly, If you are experiencing a heatwave where you live it's important to think ahead.
Below are a few simple tips to help you stay comfortable while following your kidney care team's recommendations.
Beat the Heat
Avoid the hottest part of the day. If possible, plan outdoor activities for the morning or evening. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., stay in the shade or an air-conditioned space whenever you can.
Cut back on salty foods.Foods like chips, pretzels, processed meats, and fast food increase thirst, making it much harder to stay within your daily fluid allowance.
Sip instead of gulp.Rather than drinking large amounts at once, take small sips throughout the day if your healthcare team has approved fluids. Using a smaller cup can also help you pace yourself.
Fight dry mouth without extra fluids.Feeling thirsty doesn't always mean your body needs more fluid. Try:
Sugar-free gum
Sugar-free hard candy or sour candy
A slice of lemon or lime
Keeping your lips moisturized with lip balm
These tricks can help relieve dry mouth without adding to your fluid intake.
Cool off with frozen treats.Freeze small portions of fruit or approved beverages into ice cubes or popsicles. Remember that melted ice and popsicles count toward your daily fluid limit, so include them in your total.
Dress for the weather.Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen when outdoors. Take breaks in the shade and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours.
Know the Warning Signs
Call your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as:
Dizziness or feeling faint
Confusion
A racing heartbeat
Extreme weakness
Very dry mouth that doesn't improve
Dark-colored urine (for people who still produce urine)
If you develop severe symptoms such as confusion, loss of consciousness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately.
If You Swim...
Swimming can be a great way to stay active and cool. If you receive hemodialysis, ask your care team how to protect your dialysis access before getting into the water. If you use peritoneal dialysis (PD), keep your catheter securely capped and protected, and avoid swimming in lakes, ponds, rivers, or other untreated water where the risk of infection is higher.
Talk with Your Kidney Care Team
Hot weather can affect everyone differently. Ask your healthcare provider:
Should my fluid allowance change during very hot weather?
Do any of my medications require extra precautions in the heat?
When should I call the office if I'm feeling unwell?
A little planning can help you enjoy summer safely while keeping your kidneys and the rest of your body as healthy as possible.
Latest research to help children with chronic kidney disease
Yale Researchers Identify New Biomarker Panel to Assess Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease Progression in Children
What it is: Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have identified a new panel of blood and urine biomarkers that more accurately predicts which children with chronic kidney disease are at highest risk of disease progression. In a study of nearly 600 children, the biomarker panel outperformed current clinical measures.
Why it's important: If your child has chronic kidney disease, this can provide you a more accurate monitoring test and can enable earlier care to slow disease progression for high-risk patients and reduce unnecessary medical visits for lower-risk children. The results were published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Speak with your physician and discuss this report.
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