CKD: Prevention and Control Through Lifestyle Adjustments and Education - Essay Sample

Itnroduction

The prevention and control of Chronic Kidney Diseases are not only tailored to the use of medical interventions but also lifestyle adjustments to reduce the impacts of variable aspects. Some of the most substantial modifiable features related to Chronic Kidney Illness include physical inactivity and poor dietary practices. However, there exist specific non-modifiable components, such as age and genetics. The state and community need to offer education to vulnerable populations and chronic kidney survivors and to link them with the required resources to assist them in boosting their overall health. Thus, it is vital to analyze the national resources for chronic kidney patients in Palm County and the associated benefits and disadvantages.

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National Resources for Chronic Kidney Patients

At the national level, Chronic Kidney Patients in Palm County receive various resources allowing them to seek support and information to enable them to manage their state. These resources help caregivers in advancing their capability to care for chronic kidney patients. Among the critical national resources include the American Kidney Fund, Kidney Smart, and Renal Support Network.

American Kidney Fund (AKF)

The AKF is based in the United States, where chronic kidney patients can access vital information regarding their condition. AKF connects with individuals through social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and a website where people can sign up for free. These networking sites help kidney patients to ask questions and access vital information regarding their health. For example, patients can form support groups where those with Chronic Kidney illness can ask questions or share their knowledge about their condition through a site known as kidney online support community. The patients are not required to give any private information and full names to guarantee their privacy. According to the American Kidney Fund (n.d), it helps patients with benefits such as transportation costs, health insurance premiums, and prescription medications. The AKF has enhanced clinical practice strategies for the treatment of kidney disease and failure, and there is a help desk that aids in tracking the member's communication. The chief merit of this resource is that patients can access information at any period as the provided data is free.

Kidney Smart

DaVita Forum is a leading service that provides kidney care and is committed to enhancing the quality of life for chronic kidney patients. The website delivers educational information at no cost to chronic kidney patients. It encourages potential caregivers, patients, or individuals seeking to gain more knowledge regarding illness, travel, and risk features to join the forum. The patients can utilize their official web site when they require any information about their state. An individual has to click on the desired information displayed as the movements target numerous conditions. The forum publishes data about a particular disorder on their website accessible by the public as they aim to create awareness and advise the community to pursue medication and treatment (DaVita, 2013). Besides, the forum has particular contact information such as telephone numbers, email addresses, and social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Thus, all people, including the patients, can access information about a particular kidney illness, can contact the forum.

Renal Support Network (RSN)It is a nonprofit organization that offers non-medical amenities to chronic kidney patients. RSN empowers people who have kidney illness to gain more knowledge concerning their condition, active in their care, and establish relationships that last a lifetime (Hartwell, 2012). The organization cooperates with various healthcare professionals to prevent, manage, and treat chronic kidney diseases. It collaborates by supporting innovative research, offering lifesaving tools and information, and fighting for robust public health strategies. A significant element of this support network is that it is nonprofit; thus, patients do not require a registration or subscription fee to obtain some information and services. There is full participation eligibility as the resource focuses on chronic kidney patients, health professionals, and individuals at-risk populations. Members of the groups through scheduled meetings can share their experiences and information regarding their condition (Hartwell, 2012). The organization utilizes website and social media resources to educate the people. Also, it has consumer publications, call center, health initiatives, fairs, and campaigns which help to manage the illness to the patients. It is suitable to look for this resource as preventing chronic kidney disease is the ultimate objective of the organization.

Integrating the Resources into a Care Plan

There is a need to incorporate these resources into a care plan effectively. I will access the patient's understanding of using the internet and computers. Subsequently, most of the information is accessible through online platforms; thus, there is a need to identify the patient's knowledge regarding the use of the internet. Also, a part of the training, I might bring a computer or a smartphone to use to show the patients how to get the resource online. A schedule of local kidney meetings will be advantageous to the patient. Referral information for the home inspection services and local health department available will be provided to ensure the patient receives critical care.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Resources to Vulnerable Populations

Vulnerable populations seeking these resources might find both disadvantages and advantages with the three presented options. Vulnerable people, due to their living conditions, might find it challenging to access the internet frequently. Therefore, this limits their use of the AMF, Kidney Smart, and RSN. These resources require a computer, tablet, or smartphone and a connection to the internet. Thus, vulnerable populations might get limited access to these resources due to the frequent internet connection to obtain information.

On the other hand, the Renal Support Network could be advantageous to vulnerable populations as it can offer vital information about their state. Since the vulnerable population might not have adequate internet access, they can attend the planned meetings. Also, these groups may lack support from family members or friends; the intimate connections established through the conferences and forums can assist in the provision of emotional support. However, this can be challenging due to the location of the support groups.

Conclusion

Evidence shows that CKD is a substantial health problem that necessitates medical interventions and support programs. There exist numerous available resources for chronic kidney patients. Support groups for chronic kidney diseases are essential in empowering the patients to adjust to the new life of acceptance. AKF, Kidney Smart, and RSN are vital national resources for chronic kidney patients. These resources differ from face to face meetings to internet-based information sources. Patients can get support from these national resources as it aids in building an intimate association hence promoting emotional support. Federal strategy initiatives are promoting healthy environments to increase the resources and support available to chronic kidney patients. It is vital to offer resource information to chronic patients addressing their condition as it provides them with support and knowledge, helping them to be proactive in managing their disorders.

References

American Kidney Fund (n.d). Financial Assistance. https://www.kidneyfund.org/financial-assistance/

DaVita. (2013). Kidney Smart Education Program. https://kidneysmart.edmeasures.com/welcome.php

Hartwell, L. (2012). Why support groups provide help and hope. https://www.rsnhope.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/WhySupportGroupsProvideHopeandHelp.pdf