Dialysis patients usually need treatment every other day to stay alive and well. This does not mean these patients cannot lead healthy, successful lives.
 
Tips for Healthy Living for Dialysis Patients:

• Keep your fluid levels under control to protect your heart and overall health. Your physician or dietitian can help you find out how much fluid you should consume each day. Helpful hint: To help control your fluid intake, eat soup or cereal with a fork. 
• Plan meals ahead of time, especially if you're dining at a restaurant or party. Helpful Hint: Have a healthy snack before the event, so you're less tempted by food you should avoid when you arrive.
• Keep your potassium, sodium (salt) and phosphorus levels within the range that's right for you. Helpful Hint: Be careful using salt substitutes. They can contain large amounts of potassium.
• Exercise regularly. Talk with your healthcare team about the best exercise to keep you healthy. Helpful Hint: Keep a record of the minutes you exercise per day to measure your progress.

For more helpful tips, visit AAKP's Web site, www.aakp.org.

This article originally appeared in the April 2008 issue of AAKP Diet Tips & Bits.