Types of Fistula and Vascular Access for Dialysis What You Should Know
When a person’s kidneys can no longer filter blood properly, dialysis becomes essential. But to perform dialysis, doctors need a safe and reliable way to access the bloodstream. That’s where vascular access comes in. It is a specially created access point that allows blood to flow to and from the dialysis machine. There are different […]
How to Prepare for Dialysis Fistula Surgery What You Need to Know
If you need long term hemodialysis, your doctor may recommend creating an arteriovenous AV fistula. This is a surgical procedure that connects an artery to a vein, usually in the arm, to provide reliable blood flow for dialysis. Preparing properly for fistula surgery helps ensure the procedure goes smoothly, supports healing, and gives your fistula […]
How to Safely Manage Dialysis During the Holidays: A Patient’s Guide
Holidays and celebrations are a time for joy, family, and travel. But if you’re on dialysis, they can also be stressful. Missing sessions or forgetting supplies can impact your health. This guide shows you exactly how to plan from scheduling treatments to packing supplies so you can enjoy the holidays without compromising your kidney care. […]
Approaching Plant-Based Eating for Kidney Health
Plant-based eating has become increasingly common in recent years, and it’s especially meaningful in kidney care. ANC’s PA and dietitian, Ella Harpole, breaks down the appeal from both personal experience and what she sees in her patients. In this week’s blog. Keep reading to learn how shifting meals toward plants can lower stress on the […]
Dietary Tips for the Holidays and Beyond
The holidays are a joyful time filled with family, festivities, and, of course, plenty of food! But for those living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, diet becomes an especially important factor. This week, ANC’s PA and dietitian, Ella Harpole, shares a few kidney-friendly holiday eating tips […]
Gout and Your Kidneys: What’s the Connection?
This week, we’re diving into Gout, a painful form of arthritis, and how it relates to folks struggling with kidney disease. To learn more about how these two issues overlap, we sat down with Dr. Yang to gain better insight. Keep reading to get the full scoop! What is Gout and how does it […]
What Makes a Great Nephrology Provider?
At ANC, our providers know that great kidney care is about more than labs and prescriptions; it’s about showing up for people consistently and compassionately. We sat down with Amy Sibley, NP, to talk about what makes a great nephrology provider and why she chose this path. Amy’s journey began in the ICU, but […]
Kidney Care vs. General Care: Why Nephrology Makes a Difference
It’s easy to think that your primary care provider can handle everything related to your health. And for many things, that’s true. But when it comes to kidney health, there are times when specialized care really does make all the difference. In Minnesota, patients often ask: “Why should I see a nephrologist if I already […]
Managing Chronic Kidney Disease: Tips from Nephrology Experts
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) often starts quietly. Many people don’t realize they have it until routine labs show something’s not quite right. While the diagnosis can feel overwhelming, the good news is that with the right support and daily habits, you can manage CKD and protect your kidney health for years to come. At Associated […]
Top Signs You Should See a Nephrologist in Minneapolis
Most of us don’t think about our kidneys until something feels “off.” Maybe it’s unusual fatigue, swelling in the ankles, or rising blood pressure that won’t settle down. While these may seem small at first, they can be early warning signs of kidney issues. The good news? In Minneapolis, help is close by. “Early conversations […]