KidneyTalk - An Online Radio Show By Renal Support Network

Mark Neumann is the Executive Editor of NNI, a position Stephen compared to the curmudgeonly but beloved character played by Ed Asner on TV. Find out directly from Mark how you as a patient can submit an article or write a letter to the editor, get the inner scoop on Mark's favorite topics, the recent issues he has covered and what he has learned in over 18 years on the job. Get informed! Stay informed!

Dr. Roberto Vargas works hard at preventing kidney disease, and working for the best outcomes if someone already has it. In this invaluable show, you will learn what the early warning signs of kidney disease mean, why some minority cultures are at higher risk, and the importance of getting tested, especially if there's been kidney disease in your immediate family. Dr. Vargas holds out hope for patients not to progress to a higher stage of CKD, and even, when conditions are favorable, to regress back to an earlier stage. This is a must-listen for everybody - diagnosed or not.

Kathe LeBeau, Program Manager for RSN's weKAN program, and a student in "Clown School," went in for gallbladder surgery only to discover that her kidneys had 50% of their function. She cancelled the surgery and began a journey of self-discovery by learning about the disease. Travel her amazing path with her and learn why Kathe opted for home hemodialysis. An exciting show that reminds us to live our lives as though we didn't have kidney disease, but observe the guidelines!

Dori Schatell, Executive Director of the Medical Education Institute, visits KidneyTalk to talk with Lori and Stephen about the Institute's Kidney School (www.kidneyschool.org). No, it doesn't have a football team, and no cheerleaders (Stephen was so disappointed), but this online educational program for people with kidney disease consisting of 16 interactive modules of about 20 minutes each will tell you something that makes a difference in your life!

Rabbi Andrew Bossov needed a kidney. Reverend Karen Onesti said, "I'll give you one of mine." Catching up at their Interfaith Clergy meeting, and unaware of his condition, Rev. Onesti asked Rabbi Bossov why people were asking him how he was feeling. The rest of this heartwarming tale is the subject of a show filled with hope, faith and the goodness of human beings toward each otherand particularly timely at the beginning of April, National Donate Life Month.

The Offer Family went through a crisis that many kidney dialysis patients know about: going from leading a carefree, regular life one day to walking into a dialysis clinic for treatment the next. But Daniel Offer is a physician as well as a medical researcher and professor at a university. He was still shocked, as was his family, which includes his wife and his daughter. So they wrote a book together called Dialysis Without Fear to help other people going through dialysis treatments.

Can you imagine what it must be like as a transplant surgeon to undergo liver transplant surgery yourself? Probably as difficult as a doctor trying to imagine what kidney patients to go through just waiting for the results of their continual tests! Steven Woodle, M.D., transplant surgeon at the University of Cincinnati Hospitals, Department of Surgery, who "transplanted" Stephen Furst's kidney, has been on both sides of the knife. A renowned surgeon and a leader in transplant surgery, Steve Woodle has a lot of wisdom and hope to offer those not sure about getting a kidney transplant. And just imagine what Stephen can do with this topic!

Spending time in dialysis units is what Glenda does to help protect Patients Rights. Observations, questions and inspections insure that units meet the minimum Medicare requirements. Listen and learn what your dialysis unit should provide to YOUand what it doesn't. Glenda Payne has been a nurse for over 30 years and works for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as an educator and surveyor.

What does Vitamin D do for your body? What foods are the best source of Vitamin D? Why are so many people who have chronic kidney disease deficient in Vitamin D? Gail DeWald who has over 24 years as a Certified Nephrology Nurse, will answer these questions.

Do you smell microwave popcorn while at dialysis? Has a nurse or technician yelled at you because of your fluid intake? Is waiting in the lobby for 30 minutes or more for your dialysis appointment acceptable? Listen to this weeks show as social worker, Ramiro Valdez, Ph.D gives advice to Lori and Stephen about how to deal with these and other situations. Learn that the staff is sometimes afraid of the patients, just as the patients are afraid of the staff.

Mary Houglum is the type of nurse that every dialysis patient would love to have. Her compassion and desire to be a nurse came from a night nurse she had in the hospital when she was 8 years old. This program will let you hear how she takes the time to listen to her patients to answer questions, resolve issues and explain treatments. Mary tells Lori and Stephen that it is important for the patient to be open and honest with their nurses.

Besides having the same rare blood disease, learn how many things Jessica, now 19 years old, has in common with Lori including the love of animals and laughing at Stephen's jokes. You will hear her positive attitude.

Do you know what an altruistic donor is? What should you know about your transplant before you leave the hospital. Listen as Lori helps calm Stephen's nerves by answering his questions, as he prepares for his kidney transplant!

Jack Barnard, motivational speaker, coach, and trainer says you need a true connection with your audience or your healthcare professional and the best way to accomplish this is with a personal story. To aid in the digestion of the material humor is a great tool. He tells you how he was inspired by "Kidney Beans" at a PEPP training session.

That is the description that Bill Dant, a pioneer in kidney disease gives to his first dialysis machine, in August 1977. His first hand knowledge and attitude, in 3 decades of living with CKD has changed from denial to advocate and being chronically persistent. Listen and learn why he says that "Whether you live or die is your responsibility."

Ladies... this is the show you've been waiting for. Get candid with Dr. Josephine Hall, MD as she speaks woman to woman. You might find the answer to the question you've been too afraid to ask.

What do we mean by taking charge of your dialysis you may wonder? 'Doesn't the staff usually take care of everything? Susan Hansen, RN says; "People who do best are not only people who master their diet and medication, but take charge of their dialysis." With 42 years of experience in dialysis, Susan gives Lori Hartwell and Stephen Furst great advice and insight on how to take charge of your dialysis and ultimately your life.

The ability to communicate with your physician will make a difference in your relationship and ultimately your care! Dr. Michael Lazarus, Medical Director for Fresenius Medical Care (FMC) returns to KidneyTalk to inform patients how to connect with their physician. He will also share what physicians need from patients to make the most of their office visit. Tune in and learn a few tips on how to communicate effectively with your physician.

Counselor and motivational speaker Bill Gallagher gives us new insight about our personalities. How can knowing your personality and its origins help improve your day-to-day life? Listen to this fantastic show and learn how you can make your personality work for you instead of against you. You'll be amazed!

Mike Josbena, MS, RPH, elaborates on the myths, the truths, and the wishful thinking about medication. The words of Mary Poppins may be true after all: "Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down." Tune in to this brand new show to find out!