Northwest Renal Network Index of News Bulletins for Patients

Note: Recent articles are listed at the top of each topic, sorted by date, with most recent first. These entries are preceded by month and year.   Older articles follow, listed in alphabetical order.
Topic	News Bulletins and Resources
A copy of the letter we send to all new patients
Access	See   Vascular Access
Advance Directives	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) Advance Directives National Healthcare Decisions Day April 16, 2008 Planning Ahead   (go to page 4 of this link)
Anemia	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) AAKP HealthLine Programs on Treatment Options and Anemia Just the Facts: Anemia   (English)   (español) New Anemia Brochure from AAKP Understanding Lab Values - iKidney Understanding Why You Need Iron - iKidney
Blood Pressure	See   Hypertension
Bone Health	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month Medicare Covers Bone Mass Measurement Renal Osteodystrophy - NIH   (more info) Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health
Buttonhole	See   Vascular Access
Cannulation	See   Vascular Access
Caregivers	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) Caregiver's Self-Assessment Questionnaire   (English)   (español)   (more info)
Catheter	See   Vascular Access
Chronic Kidney Disease (pre-ESRD)	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) October 2008: CMS Open Door Forum on CKD Patient Education Coverage CDC/NKF Program for CKD screening "Home Dialysis: Your Life, Your Hope, Your Choice" DVD from MEI NIH National Kidney Disease Education Program   (more info) Family Health & Kidney Expo October 27, 2007 in Seattle New NIDDK Patient Education Resources NKDEP Family Reunion Initiative Two CKD Screenings in Oregon in March 2008 World Kidney Day March 13, 2008
Colds	See   Flu
Complaints	See   Grievances
Consumer News	See   Newsletters
Depression	See   Mental Health
Diabetes	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) American Diabetes Association   (English)   (español) Diabetes In Control Newsletter   (more info) Diabetes PHD Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation Educational Brochures   (more info) Diabetic Kidney Problems - NIH   (more info) Exercise Prescription for Diabetes   (go to page 6 of this link) Foot Care for Diabetic Patients   (more info) Foot Care for People with Diabetes New NIDDK Patient Education Resources Kidney School Nutrition Module for Diabetic Persons   (Module 9 of this link)   (more info) Medicare Diabetes Coverage Expanded for 2007
Dialysis Adequacy	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)
Dialysis Facilities	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) Dialysis Facility Compare November 2008: Helpful Things to Know Dialysis Facility Compare Evaluation   (more info) Facilities Worldwide Locate a Facility
Diet	See   Nutrition
Disaster Planning	See   Emergency Preparedness
Drugs	See also   Medicare Drug Coverage Office for Oregon Health Policy and Research   (more info) Partnership for Prescription Assistance   (English)   (español)   or 1-888-477-2669 Public Citizen drug website   (more info) Renagel Patient Assistance Program
Education	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)         See also   Patient Empowerment November 2008: Newsletter for Patients on New Federal Rules November 2008: Helpful Things to Know October 2008: CMS Open Door Forum on CKD Patient Education Coverage August 2008: Patient Advisory Committee Recommends Website Resources for Patients AAKP HealthLine Free Educational Conference Calls AAKP HealthLine Programs on Treatment Options and Anemia AAKP Patient Survey on Treatment Option Education Due July 2, 2008 Fistula Educational Materials Index "Home Dialysis: Your Life, Your Hope, Your Choice" DVD from MEI Hope Street NKF Patient Education and Empowerment Program KidneyTalk Online Audio Talks from RSN March is National Kidney Month New NIDDK Patient Education Resources NIH Medline Plus   (English)   (español) NKF 2008 Patient Education Symposium March 16 at Portland Airport NKF 2008 Patient Education Symposium Registration Northwest Renal Network Consumer News Patients Educating Patients and Professionals Seeking Volunteer Speakers Renal Support Network Launches KidneyTimes Online Library
Emergency Preparedness	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)         See also our   Emergency Preparedness   page.         For Pandemic Influenza see   Flu October 2008: Patient Disaster Info - Getting Prescriptions and Medical Care August 2008: Website Updates on Patient Disaster Preparation Are You Prepared? (see page 3 of this link) Coping with Trauma and Disaster Emergency Preparedness Links Hurricane Relief KIWY Medical Information Form Preparing for Emergencies: A Guide for People on Dialysis:            (English)   (español)   (more info) Questions to Ask Your Dialysis Unit Today (see page 6 of this link) The Role of the Network During an Emergency or Diasaster Situation What if a Disaster Happens Here?
Employment	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) Just the Facts: Rehabilitation   (English)   (español) Keeping Your Job When You Need Dialysis A Kidney Patient's Guide to Working and Paying for Treatment Remaining Active with Kidney Disease State Vocational Rehabilitation Offices Vocational Rehabilitation Toolkit   (more info) Would You Like to Return to Work? (see page 2 of this link)
Empowerment	See   Patient Empowerment
End of Life	See   Advance Directives
en español	Auto-evalución de Cuidadores   (más información) Cobertura de Medicare para recetas médicas: Cómo inscribirse Comprendiendo Sus Opciones De Aplacacion De Hemodialisis Conozca Sus Opciones De Hemodialisis ¡Cuidado! La diabetes y la presión arterial alta pueden causar enfermedades de los riñones Datos sobre los próximos nuevos beneficios en Medicare   (más información) Diabetes La Diabetes y los Latinos (American Diabetes Association en español) Diálisis - Institutos Nacionales de la Salud   (más información) La enfermedad de los riñones La enfermedad renal en la diabetes Enfermedades digestivus Enfermedades renales y urológicas Fistula: la alternativa mejor Indice de filtración glomerular: una juia para pacientes Información esencial: Acceso vascular Información esencial: Anemia Información esencial: Cómo enfrentar la depresión Información esencial: Cómo hablar con su equipo de atención médica Información esencial: Ejercicio físico durante toda la vida Información esencial: El dializador Información esencial: Líquido y diálisis Información esencial: Problemas del cabello y de la piel por la diálisis Información esencial: Rehabilitación Información esencial: Síndrome de piernas inquietas Información esencial: Tener una hemodiálisis adecuada Información esencial: Viajes con diálisis ¡Inquietudes! ¿Preguntas? ¡Problemas! ¿Informacion? Insuficiencia renal: cómo escoger el tratamiento que más le conviene Línea De la Ayuda Del Teléfono 1-866-300-2900   (más información) El mostrador de nutrición Oficina de Salud de las Minorías Partnership for Prescription Assistance 1-888-477-2669 Las piedras en los riñones Plan de la AAKP para el Paciente El Programa Nacional de Educación sobre Enfermedad Renal Prepárese para Emergencias: Una guia para personas en diálisis   (más información) ¿Que Es Su Acceso-Abilidad?   (más información) Recursos para cómo enfrentar un desastre Los riñones y su functionamiento La tensión arterial alta y la enfermedad de los riñones Usando el Método de "Buttonhole" Para Su Fistula Vacuna desactivada contra influenza
Exercise	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) November 2008: Helpful Things to Know February 2008: New Network Consumer News on Remaining Active Exercise Prescription for Diabetes   (go to page 6 of this link) Just the Facts: Exercise for Life   (English)   (español) Matthew Taylor Pulls More Than His Own Weight NIH SeniorHealth Exercise for Older Adults
Finance	See   Paying for Treatment
Fistula	See   Vascular Access
Flu	Avian or Bird Flu CDC Influenza Vaccination Recommendations 2004-05   (more info) FluMist NOT recommended for Kidney Patients or People Close to Them Flu Shot Priority Expires October 24, 2005 Important Immunizations Important News About Flu Shots for People with Medicare   (more info) Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccinations for ESRD Patients   (more info) National Influenza Vaccination Week 2006 Pandemic Influenza Patient Education Materials for 2006-7 Flu Season Three Very Important Vaccinations (see page 8 of this link) 'Tis the Season... Is It Cold or Is It Flu?   (go to page 8 of this link)
Fluids	See   Nutrition
Foot Care	See   Diabetes
Graft	See   Vascular Access
Grievances	See also   Rights and Responsibilities August 2008: State Survey Agency Contacts Revised Concerns! Questions? Problems! Information? Grievance Protocol Guide for Kidney Patients Letter we send to all new patients New Network Grievance/Complaint Package and Facility Posters   (more info) State Survey Agency and CMS Contacts We Are Here to Help (see page 3 of this link)
Healthcare Disparities	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) Organizations Working to Eliminate Healthcare Disparities
Help Line	American Kidney Fund Telephone Help Line:            English 1-800-638-8299    español 1-866-300-2900    (more info) RSN Toll-Free Patient-to-Patient HOPEline
Hemodialysis	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)         See also   Home Dialysis,   Treatment Options AAKP HealthLine Programs on Treatment Options and Anemia Anxious about Needles? (see page 7 of this link) Are You Shortening Your Dialysis Time? (see page 2 of this link) Just the Facts: The Dialysis Machine   (English)   (español) Just the Facts: Fluid and Dialysis   (English)   (español) Just the Facts: Getting Enough Hemodialysis   (English)   (español) Just the Facts: Skin and Hair Problems on Dialysis   (English)   (español) Monitoring Your Hemodialysis Treatment   (go to page 3 of this link) Should I Eat on Dialysis? (see page 5 of this link) Understanding Your Hemodialysis Options (AAKP - in English and Spanish) What Is Your Treatment Modality? (see page 5 of this link)
Hepatitis	See   Flu
High Blood Pressure	See   Hypertension
Home Dialysis	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)         See also   Hemodialysis,   Peritoneal Dialysis,   Treatment Options AAKP HealthLine Programs on Treatment Options and Anemia Home Dialysis Central   (more info) Home Dialysis Central Newsletter "Home Dialysis: Your Life, Your Hope, Your Choice" DVD from MEI Home Hemodialysis - A Patient Perspective (see page 5 of this link) Maps of US Home Dialysis Coverage NKF Brochure on Home Hemodialysis
Hope	Hope Street Patient Education and Empowerment Program RSN Teen Proms RSN Toll-Free Patient-to-Patient HOPEline
Hurricane Relief	AAKP Hurricane Katrina Relief Grants AKF Hurricane Relief Grants
Hypertension	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) High Blood Pressure - NIH   (more info)
Immunization	See   Flu
Infection	The Importance of Washing Your Access
Influenza	See   Flu
Kidney Disease (pre-ESRD)	See   Chronic Kidney Disease
Kidney School	Consumer News Introduction   (go to page 2 of this link) Free Educational Materials for National Kidney Month from Life Options and Kidney School Nutrition Module   (Module 9 on this link)   (more info) Print Versions of Kidney School   (Introduction and Modules 1-8)
Labs	Understanding Lab Values - iKidney Understanding Why You Need Iron - iKidney
Life Options	See also   Patient Empowerment,   Kidney School Just the Facts series in English and Spanish Life Options Rehabilitation Program
Liquids	See   Nutrition
Living Well	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)         See also   Patient Empowerment November 2008: Newsletter for Patients on New Federal Rules AAKP says you can! Coping Effectively: A Guide for Patients and Their Families ikidney's Lifestyle Tips Life Options Kidney School   (more info) Life Options Showcase of Ideas for People on Dialysis RSN Teen Proms Who says you can’t live a long, happy and productive life with dialysis?
Long Term Care	NKF Checklist for Evaluating Long-Term Care Reesidential Care for CKD Patients
Medicare	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)         See also   Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage October 2008: CMS Open Door Forum on CKD Patient Education Coverage Medicare & You 2006 Medicare Basics: A Guide for Family and Friends of People with Medicare Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman Open Door Forum Medicare Benefits Checkup website Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Services Medicare Covers Bone Mass Measurement Medicare-Medicaid Relationship Brochure Medicare Modernization Update Medicare Ombudsman Medicare Website New Medicare Website Your Medicare Rights and Protections
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Medicare Part D)	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) November 2008: Helpful Things to Know 2007 Open Enrollment Period November 15-December 31, 2006 AARP Q&A Booklet Application for Financial Help with Medicare Drug Plan Costs Copayment Help from Healthwell Foundation Cost Estimator Drug Plan Finder Drug Plan Finder Video Webcast Helping the Homeless Obtain Medicare Drug Coverage Identity Theft Prevention Kidney Medicare Drugs Awareness and Education Initiative Landscape of Local Plans Marketing Changes for Medicare Drug Benefit "Medicare & You 2006" Errata Medicare Drug Act   (English)   (español)   (more info) Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage (see page 4 of this link) Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: How to Join a Medicare Drug Plan More Medicare Drug Coverage Tools A National Conversation - Friends and Family First New Medicare Drug Coverage Tools For Medicare Beneficiaries Outreach Toolkit  (more info) Patient Mailings Phone Scam PowerPoint Presentation Prescription Drug Plan Finder Quick Fact Sheets   (more info) Remaining Active with Kidney Disease Scenarios Social Security Information   (more info) State-Specific Plans Tips for Beneficiaries to Help Cover Medicare Drug Coverage Gap Updated Information Packet Comparing Medicare Part D Drug Plans for 2008 Your Guide to Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Meetings	July 2008: Free RSN Regional Patient Lifestyle Meeting in Seattle Area August 17 AAKP Annual Convention in DC in August 28-31, 2008 AAKP 2007 Annual Convention Family Health & Kidney Expo October 27, 2007 in Seattle NKF 2008 Patient Education Symposium March 16 at Portland Airport NKF 2008 Patient Education Symposium Registration Patients Educating Patients and Professionals RSN Annual Patient Meeting
Medications	See   Drugs
Mental Health	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) August 2008: New Issue on Network Consumer News on Depression Coping Effectively: A Guide for Patients and Their Families Just the Facts: Dealing with Depression   (English)   (español)
Network Consumer News	See our overview page on   Network Consumer News November 2008: Newsletter for Patients on New Federal Rules August 2008: New Issue on Network Consumer News on Depression February 2008: New Network Consumer News on Remaining Active December 2007: Transplant Issue of Patient Newsletter with New Format
Network's Role	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) Letter we send to all new patients New Network Grievance/Complaint Package and Facility Posters We Are Here to Help (see page 3 of this link) What Is a Network? (see page 7 of this link)
Newsletters	See also   Network Consumer News   and our   News Bulletins   page Network Consumer News in new format Northwest Renal Network Consumer News AAKP Kidney Beginnings AAKP Kidney Transplant Today Newsletter   (more info) Club iKidney Diabetes In Control Newsletter   (more info) "Diet Tips and Bits" Online Newsletter from AAKP KidneyTalk Online Audio Talks from RSN
Nutrition	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info) AAKP HealthLine Free Conference Call on Meal Planning April 17, 2008 Challenge of Holiday Dining Met by NKF Guide Database on Food Nutrients from USDA "Diet Tips and Bits" Online Newsletter from AAKP Eat Right to Feel Right on Hemodialysis from NIH   (more info) Just the Facts: Fluid and Dialysis   (English)   (español) Kidney School Nutrition Module   (Module 9 on this link)   (more info) Living Well on Dialysis Cookbook from NKF   (go to page 3 of this link) March is National Nutrition Month New NIDDK Patient Education Resources Nutritional Compliance Tips from ikidney Nutrition Counter from AAKP   (English)   (español) Protein Poster Putting Portions in Perspective from Diabetes In Control The Recipe Box from ikidney Renagel Patient Assistance Program Should I Eat on Dialysis? (see page 5 of this link) Supermarket Savvy: The Kidney Patient's Guide to Food Label Reading Understanding Lab Values - iKidney Understanding Why You Need Iron - iKidney The Well Nourished Patient from RenalWEB
Organ Donation	See   Transplants
Osteoporosis	See   Bone Health
Pandemic Influenza	See   Flu
Patient Advisory Committee	November 2008: Helpful Things to Know August 2008: PAC Recommends Website Resources for Patients NKF 2008 Patient Education Symposium March 16 at Portland Airport Patient Advisory Committee (see page 2 of this link) The Work of the P.A,C, Begins (see page 1 of this link)
Patient Empowerment	See also   Education,   Living Well,   Rights and Responsibilities,   Safety November 2008: Newsletter for Patients on New Federal Rules AAKP Patient Plan   (more info) American Association of Kidney Patients 2006 Annual Convention CMEs on Doctor-Patient Communication Decreasing Dialysis Patient-Provider Conflict Hope Street NKF Patient Education and Empowerment Program Just the Facts: How to Talk to Your Healthcare Team   (English)   (español) Life Options Kidney School   (more info) Patients Educating Patients and Professionals Seeking Volunteer Speakers RSN Toll-Free Patient-to-Patient HOPEline Speak Up: Help Prevent Errors in Your Care A Sticky Situation: Patient's Rights and Options Regarding Cannulation
Patients Newsletter	See   Network Consumer News
Patients' Rights	See   Rights and Responsibilities
Patient Safety	See   Safety
Patient Support	Renal Support Network RSN Toll-Free Patient-to-Patient HOPEline
Paying for Treatment	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)         See also   Medicare,   Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage A Kidney Patient's Guide to Working and Paying for Treatment Remaining Active with Kidney Disease
Pediatric Patients	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)
People	Gift of a Lifetime ikidney's Patient Profiles Matthew Taylor Pulls More Than His Own Weight RSN Teen Proms
Peritoneal Dialysis	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)         See also   Home Dialysis,   Treatment Options AAKP HealthLine Programs on Treatment Options and Anemia Peritoneal Dialysis - NIH   (more info) Peritoneal Dialysis Travel Tool Box from ANNA Understanding Your Peritoneal Dialysis Options What Is Your Treatment Modality? (see page 5 of this link)
Planning for Emergencies	See   Emergency Preparedness
Pneumonia	See   Flu
Polycystic Kidney Disease	PKD Conference in Anaheim June 25-26, 2005
Privacy	September 2008: HIPAA Privacy Rules: New Guide for Patients HIPAA Privacy Information Now in Eight Languages Privacy and Your Health Information   (more info) Your Health Information Privacy Rights   (more info)
Quality of Life	See   Living Well
Research	Becoming a Research Volunteer: It's Your Decision brochure
Restless Legs	Just the Facts: Restless Legs Syndrome   (English)   (español)
Rights and Responsibilities	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)         See also   Patient Empowerment,   Privacy November 2008: Revised Web Page on Patients' Rights November 2008: Newsletter for Patients on New Federal Rules Can I Refuse My Nurse or Technician? (see page 4 of this link) Kidney School Module on Rights and Responsibilities   (more info) Model Treatment Agreement NKF Dialysis Patients' Bill of Rights and Responsibilities   (more info) Patients' Rights and Responsibilities A Sticky Situation: Patient's Rights and Options Regarding Cannulation
Safety	November 2008: Newsletter for Patients on New Federal Rules Access Visibility Alert Keeping Your Access Visible at All Times National Patient Safety Awareness Week March 4-10, 2007 A Patient Guide to Machine Alarms Protect Your Access - It's Your Lifeline
Self-Care	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)
Spanish-Language Resources	See also   en español ANNA Resource Guide for Use with Hispanic Nephrology Patients
Support	See   Patient Support
Telephone	See   Help Line
Transplants	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)         See also   Treatment Options December 2007: Transplant Issue of Patient Newsletter with New Format AAKP HealthLine Programs on Treatment Options and Anemia AAKP Kidney Transplant Today Newsletter   (more info) April is Donor Awareness Month April is Organ Donor Month Gift of a Lifetime The Journey of Transplant Evaluation Living Donor Transplant Video Locate a Transplant Center Medicare-Approved Transplant Programs New Kidney Donation Website "Paired Donations" Declared Legal Proposed Transplant Policy Changes reORGANized on Non-Heart-Beating Donors   (go to page 5 of this link) Ten Transplant Tips from iKidney Transplant Edition of Consumer News (Summer 2005)   (more info) Transplantation Fact Sheet from ANNA What Is Your Treatment Modality? (see page 5 of this link)
Travel	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)         See also   Dialysis Facilities International Travel - Dialysis & Transplantation's worldwide facilities that accept visitors International Travel - Global Dialysis's website on travel Just the Facts: Traveling on Dialysis   (English)   (español) Peritoneal Dialysis Travel Tool Box from ANNA You Can Plan Dialysis and Travel! (see page 3 of this link)
Treatment Options	See also   Hemodialysis,   Home Dialysis,   Peritoneal Dialysis,   Transplants November 2008: Helpful Things to Know November 2008: Newsletter for Patients on New Federal Rules AAKP Patient Survey on Treatment Option Education Due July 2, 2008
Vaccination	See   Flu
Vascular Access	See our comprehensive annotated list of   Patient Education Materials   (more info)         See also our   Fistula First   page November 2008: Patients: Your Role in Fistula Cannulation November 2008: Helpful Things to Know Access Visibility Alert Anxious about Needles? (see page 7 of this link) AVF Documents Updated Buttonhole Brochure for Patients Now in Russian Dialysis Needles, Self-Cannulation, and the Buttonhole Technique (HDC article) Fistula First Website Now Includes Section for Patients Fistulas: A Better Choice   (English)   (español) Focus on Fistulas: A Patient's Perspective The Importance of Washing Your Access Just the Facts: Vascular Access   (English)   (español) Keeping Your Access Visible at All Times Patient Fistula Educational Materials Index Protect Your Access - It's Your Lifeline A Sticky Situation: Patient's Rights and Options Regarding Cannulation Vascular Access Types (see page 6 of this link) Understanding Your Hemodialysis Access Options (AAKP - in English and Spanish) Using the Buttonhole Technique on Your AV Fistula   (English)   (Russian)   (español)   (more info) Vascular Access for Hemodialysis What's Your Access-Ability?   (English)   (español)   (more info)
Vocational Rehabilitation	See   Employment
Volunteering	See also   Patient Advisory Committee Benefits of Volunteering (see page 2 of this link) NKF Needs Volunteers to Develop Quality of Life Assessment Tool NKF Seeks Patient Volunteers for March 2008 Oregon KEEP Screenings Patients Educating Patients and Professionals Seeking Volunteer Speakers
Work	See Employment
Topic	News Bulletins and Resources

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