Radiothon

What type of support and advice can you share with other renal professionals on how they can address questions or concerns around body image with patients going forward?

Patients are often overwhelmed with managing their chronic kidney disease. Some are self-managing and taking control of CKD. They educate themselves, reach out for peer support, read material provided by The Kidney Foundation and establish a partnership with their nephrology team. Others, for a variety of reasons, are not so proactive. As nephrology professionals, we have the duty to identify and assess the needs of our most vulnerable patients. We need to find appropriate strategies/resources to engage them and their support network, and to ensure that the patient does not feel alone. Lack of body positivity and healthy self-esteem can lead to an increased risk of social isolation, fluctuations in mood and the onset of depression.

Renal professionals also need to understand the social context of a patient’s life—what their hopes, dreams and goals are—to know how to support them in their life journey while they also deal with their chronic kidney disease. Personally, just when I think I have a good grasp of body image and the impact on my renal patients, I meet a new patient with a new, unique set of concerns. Learning is an ongoing goal for patients, their families and renal professionals. It is important for professionals to be transparent with patients regarding their knowledge and comfort level with body image. They can reassure patients that it takes personal courage to raise these issues and they can reaffirm their professional commitment through active listening and support. Don’t be afraid to say to a patient, “I don’t know the answer to that question, but I will consult with my team members and get back to you.”

I find that if patients are approached without judgment and are provided a private and safe environment to talk, they are easily engaged and relieved to have the opportunity to speak up about their body image and self-esteem. 

The Kidney Foundation’s Chinese Renal Association held its second Radiothon on Sing Tao A1 Chinese Radio on Thursday, September 15. The all-day event invited listeners to hear personal stories from people who live with and are affected by kidney disease as well as physicians, allied health professionals and volunteers throughout the day while raising funds to support crucial programs and services such as short term financial assistance.

“The radiothon was an important opportunity to share kidney health information with our Chinese community,” said Alan Hui, Chair of The Chinese Renal Association. “After months of planning, we were so thrilled to raise over $145,000, surpassing all of our goals,” added Hui.

The Chinese Renal Association is a volunteer-led local Chinese Chapter started by patients and nurses who felt that education, information and support needed to be more readily available to Chinese-speaking communities. Their many years of work resulted in the wealth of information and resources to support Chinese Canadians who are affected by kidney disease.

We would like to express our thanks to the many sponsors and donors who helped make this event such a success: AMGEN, Scarborough Nephrology Associates, Canada Ginger Candies, Lebovic Golf Club, Michael Leung - Right at Home Realty, Immi Realty Inc. Integrated Network Solutions, York Physiotherapy, iTalkBB, Ontario Print Factory, Café Hollywood, Greenfield Golf and the East Asian Internal Support Network – Toronto Police Service. Thank you to the many speakers who shared their expertise and personal journey with kidney disease and to the many volunteers for their time and dedication in organizing the event. 

Raising funds and awareness

by Trish Reynolds