The Importance of Routine Exercise for Dialysis Patients

NIT
Volume 3
Issue
1
August 2004
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N A T I O N A L
I N S T I T U T E
The Importance of Routine
Exercise for Dialysis Patients
and Transplant Recipients
(Adapted from The Importance of Starting and
Sticking with an Exercise Program for Dialysis
Patients by Beth McQuiston, MS, RD, and Maria
Karalis, RD, LD.
To see the full article go to
www.iKidney.com. Reprinted with permission from
www.iKidney.com)
Exercise Benefits
Studies have shown that no matter how old
you are, exercise can make you stronger and
give you more energy. People on dialysis
that exercise do more, feel better, and have a
greater sense of control over their lives.
Other benefits of exercise include:
• Increase in strength, endurance, and
flexibility;
• Keeps your heart healthy;
• Improves your sense of well-being;
• Lifts your mood and helps fight
depression;
• Helps control blood pressure (you may
even be able to cut down on blood
pressure medication);
• Lowers blood sugar (if you are diabetic);
• Reduces your risk of having a heart
attack;
• Helps you sleep better; and
• Keeps your bones healthy.
O F
T R A N S P L A N T A T I O N
H E A L T H Y
L I V I N G
1. Before Starting an Exercise
Routine, Consult Your Doctor, and
Start Out Slow
Talk to your doctor or other healthcare
professionals to see what types of exercise
are best for you. Questions to ask include:
“What exercises are best to improve my
strength?”; “What exercises are best to
improve my heart?” and “Should I avoid
any type of exercise?”
After you have consulted with your doctor
or healthcare team, start your exercise
program slowly. Don’t try to do too much
too fast.
No matter what your physical condition,
your healthcare team can help design a
fitness program that will work for you. If
you are on dialysis, ask if specially designed
exercise bikes are available so you can
exercise while dialyzing.
(Refer to
www.iKidney.com to view full article that
includes contact information for exercise
equipment that is user friendly for dialysis
patients.)
2. Make It Fun
Choose something that is easy and that you
will enjoy doing.
Most people quit
exercising because they are bored and not
having any fun. If you are a very social
person, consider recruiting a buddy to
exercise with you, or find an exercise group
in your neighborhood. You may want to
start a mall walking group, or some other
activity.
Build variety into your plan. Change the
activities and where you engage in those
activities. If you’d rather exercise on your
own, try walking, yoga or tai chi. You don’t
have to run a marathon to improve your
health. Simply folding your laundry, doing a
few stretching exercises, or arm lifts count.
&
T R A N S P L A N T A T I O N
3. Keep At It and Add Some Variety
Get moving and stick with it. No matter
how small you start out (even if it’s only
waving your arms or swinging your legs for
a few minutes, resting and doing it again),
whatever you are doing is more than you
were doing before, and that is great!
If you find you don’t like the exercise you
are doing, pick something else. No matter
what you do, keep moving and stay
motivated. If you start to get bored or lack
motivation, form an exercise “support
group” to keep you on track. Play music.
Reward yourself. Make it fun. Also be sure
to set some small goals for yourself and
celebrate your successes!
Healthy Living After
Transplantation
Question & Answer:
Q. What can I eat after my transplant?
A. You can eat almost anything, but
in moderation, especially foods
that are high in fat. You can not
eat raw fish for about six months
after your transplant.
Q. When can I resume sexual activity
after my transplant?
A. You can resume sexual activity
four to six weeks after your
transplant at your own pace.
Q. Do I need to get rid of my pets
after my transplant?
A. No, but you cannot handle their
waste products. Be sure to wash
your hands immediately after you
touch your pets.
H E A L T H Y
L I V I N G
&
T R A N S P L A N T A T I O N
Rice with Veggies
& Gravy
To Learn More:
by Culinary Kidney Cooks
Available Booklets:
Servings: 4
Serving size: 3/4 cup
Ingredients:
• 1-1/2 cups hot cooked white rice
• 1-1/2 cups frozen mixed carrots, peas and
onions
• 1 cup Health Valley® no salt added chicken
broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sherry wine
• 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash® onion herb
seasoning
Transplantation:
An Option for Advanced Kidney Disease
(English and Spanish)
Preparations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Prepare frozen vegetables according to
package directions. Mix with hot cooked
rice.
Pour broth and water into a 1-quart jar with
a tight lid and add flour, sherry wine, and
Mrs. Dash® herb seasoning.
Shake well. Pour into saucepan and bring to
a boil, stirring constantly until thickened.
Pour over rice and vegetable mixture. Stir
and serve.
Nutrients per serving: 3/4 cup
Calories 140
Protein 5 g
Carbohydrate 27 g
Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 6 mg
Sodium 83 mg
Potassium 189 mg
Phosphorus 67 mg
Renal Food Choices:
1-1/2 Starch
1 Vegetable medium potassium
CulinaryKidneyCooks.Com
Recipe for the Week of July 19th, 2004
Reprinted with permission
www.CulinaryKidneyCooks.com
©
Visit the NIT website www.transplantation.com
Donating A Kidney:
What You Should Know
(English and Spanish)
Kidney/Pancreas Transplantation:
An Option for Diabetics with Advanced Kidney
Disease
(English only)
Are you at Risk for Kidney Failure
(English and Spanish)
To request a free copy any of the above, call
213.413.2779 Ext. 200
H E A L T H Y
L I V I N G
&
San Diego’s Patient Meeting:
Renal Support Network
The Renal Support Network (RSN) will
be hosting a FREE patient education
seminar for kidney patients and
their family members, entitled “Be
Your Own Expert”, in San Diego
on September 12th. For more
information call 818.543.0896 or
Info@RenalNewtwork.org.
Notice of Disclaimer:
Always consult with your physician or health
care professional prior to pursuing any changes
regarding diet, medication, exercise or other
health related issues that may be mentioned in
this newsletter.
National Institute of Transplantation
S. Mark Taper Foundation Transplant Center
2200 West Third Street, Suite 100
Los Angeles, California 90057
T R A N S P L A N T A T I O N
Healthy Living & Transplantation
The Healthy Living & Transplantation
newsletter is published by the National
Institute of Transplantation for patients
awaiting transplantation and those who
have already been transplanted.
Content may be reproduced only with
permission of the editor. Inquiries should be
sent to:
National Institute of Transplantation
S. Mark Taper Foundation Transplant Center
2200 West Third Street, Suite 100
Los Angeles, California 90057
Telephone: (213) 413-2779
www.transplantation.com
Editor:
Co-Editors:
Nicole Pinkerton
Ellen Liao
Blanche Lozada-Robak
Jim Schellenberg
Non-Profit org.
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PAID
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