Patient Symposium

Bridging the knowledge gap to better kidney health

MediaBakery.com

by Trish Reynolds

The Kidney Foundation delivered a meaningful one-day virtual symposium on March 24 bringing together patients, care partners and healthcare professionals from across Ontario to share information and education on COVID-19, dialysis, transplantation and active living.

“Our virtual symposium helped address some of the most pressing questions and concerns shared by our community” said Craig Lindsay, Senior Manager, Programs and Public Policy. “Leaders from our nephrology community and patient experts shared their knowledge and experience to support continued learning and growth with our community.”

The day kicked off with a timely conversation about COVID-19 and Managing Risk in the New Normal. COVID has presented many challenges and increased risks to those living with chronic kidney disease. As restrictions and precautions change across Ontario, the “new normal” for those on dialysis or living with a transplant looks quite different. James Bellamy, Director of the Renal Program at Grand River Hospital, guided an important discussion with Gail Burns, Program Di-

rector, Nephrology Program at Halton Healthcare, and Vydia Nankoosingh, Manager, Infection Prevention and Control at Scarborough Health Network. The panelists shared information and ideas on how people can help manage their risk, protect their health, and live as full and active a life as safely as possible. (See page 4 for a Q&A developed from this session to answer some of your questions.)

Patient expert, Dan Slater, moderated a discussion on Expectations vs. Reality: Identifying Challenges with Life After a Kidney Transplant. Dr. Joseph Kim, Director, Kidney Transplant Program, Ajmera Transplant Centre and Dipika Munyal, In-patient Transplant Pharmacist, University Health Network joined the discussion around the challenges that come following a successful kidney transplant. Patient expert Maral Azimi added to the conversation by sharing her lived experience with a transplant.

The session, Thriving vs Surviving: Life After a Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease, was moderated by Nadia Khaiati, a patient expert on dialysis. Nadia skillfully guided a session featuring Ethan Holtzer, Director of Operations and Quality at Dialysis Management Clinics, and patient experts Alex Moore and Lynn Clark, as they shared their experiences living with chronic disease, life on dialysis and how they live their best lives.

Registered Kinesiologist, Monika Dylewski led an interactive session on Active Living, sharing information on the benefits of movement and mindfulness and the significant role movement plays in one’s kidney health journey.

The sessions were recorded are available for viewing on-demand on our website at www.kidney.ca/ webinars. 

Active Living for Life Now offered virtually!

• FREE exercise program designed for kidney patients • led by a registered kinesiologist • must have access to the internet and a device with a camera and • microphone • each session includes a warm-up, strengthening and balance exercises and cool down

Active Living for Life is generously supported by the Kazman Foundation in partnership with William Osler Health, Sheridan College and The Kidney Foundation.