May 2025 Patient Education Kit: Labs and Anemia
Anemia & Dialysis
Renal dietitians know all too well that anemia is a prevalent and potentially debilitating complication of renal disease, especially for our patients on dialysis.
After all, anemia in our dialysis population is complicated... and it goes way beyond eating "more red meat" or taking iron pills.
The multifactorial etiology—including hemodialysis-related blood loss, reduced EPO production, shortened RBC lifespan due to uremia, and inflammation-induced ESA resistance—makes this a particularly difficult complication to address through nutrition alone.
To help you tackle this challenge, we're taking a two-pronged approach:
First, we just launched our "Cracking the Code on Anemia in CKD" course, our deep dive to help you master the complex pathophysiology and evidence-based management strategies for anemia in CKD. Register for the course here →
Second, for May, we're bringing you patient education resources to specifically support your anemia education efforts:
1. "Blood Boosters: Beating Anemia" Handout - Help patients recognize symptoms and understand treatment (also available in Spanish!)
2. "Anemia: Test Your Knowledge" Game - A fun activity that reinforces key concepts
3. BONUS: Lebanese Musabaha Recipe - A high-fiber, high-iron recipe that even Chewbacca would growl with approval for!
To get this "Anemia Patient Education Kit, and all of the other amazing resources we have created for nephrology professionals, join the Renal Education Library TODAY!
May the Force of Good Labs Be With You(r Patients) Bulletin Board
Understanding lab values and knowing how to optimize them are crucial components of successful dialysis treatment. Just like Jedi training, it takes knowledge, discipline, and the right guidance!
Our "May The (Low) Phos Be With You" Star Wars-themed bulletin board (perfect for May the Fourth celebrations!) transforms complex lab concepts into an engaging galactic adventure. Patients will discover the importance of phosphorus, PTH, albumin, potassium, and hemoglobin levels—along with practical, actionable steps to keep these values in their target ranges.
Ready in just 30 minutes (no hyperdrive needed), this print-and-post resource creates an instant conversation starter in your clinic.
Join the Kidney Nutrition Library today for immediate access to all these May resources and our extensive collection of evidence-based tools to support your patient education efforts!
And of course, may the Force always be with you.
Want even more resources to elevate your renal nutrition care AND save you time?
Check out the Advantage Membership in the KNI Renal Education Library & become a member TODAY!
