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 […]
Patient Perspectives & the Power of Advocacy in Kidney Care

At ANC, we’re always inspired by the resilience of our patients. This month, we were honored to sit down and interview Peter, a kidney transplant recipient and patient at ANC whose journey highlights the importance of early detection, treatment education, and patient advocacy. In this week’s blog, we’ll follow Peter’s kidney journey from diagnosis to […]
How Managing Kidney Disease Can Improve Your Heart Health

A Two-Way Street Many patients are surprised to learn that chronic kidney disease (CKD) doesn’t just affect the kidneys – in fact, it puts a serious strain on the heart as well. This week, we consulted Dr. Yang to understand why. The risks, though correlated, only begin to pose an elevated threat once someone reaches […]
Dehydration & Its Impact on Kidney Health

Summer’s heat brings a heightened risk of dehydration, but it’s not always as obvious as just feeling thirsty. In a recent conversation with Jen Mears, NP at ANC, we discussed the less apparent signs and dangers of dehydration. Here’s what you need to know! Early Signs of Dehydration “Dehydration often shows up before you […]
Understanding the Basics of the RAS System

As Blood Pressure Awareness Month continues, we thought it important to educate on one of the body’s key players in regulating blood pressure and supporting kidney health. The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is often referred to as the “brain of the kidney” when it comes to balancing blood pressure, sodium, and fluid levels in your body. […]
Your Guide to Different Types of Kidney Disease

Did you know that each year, millions of people battle kidney disease? The National Kidney Foundation estimates that roughly 10% of the global population is affected by CKD in some capacity. In forwarding the dialogue around kidney health education, we collaborated with ANC’s Dr. Alec Otteman to break down different types of kidney disease and […]
Breaking Down In-Center Dialysis vs. At-Home Options

The second installment of our “Demystifying Dialysis” initiative shares the key differences between home hemolysis and peritoneal dialysis. This week Dr. Ali takes us through the pros and cons of each along with key points Nephrologists wish patients were more aware of when selecting their dialysis options. Different Dialysis Types Regardless of modality, dialysis aims […]
Demystifying Dialysis: A Deep Dive on Peritoneal Dialysis

Throughout February the ANC team is helping patients “demystify dialysis”. This week, we sat down with ANC’s NP, Amy Sibley to overview PD dialysis access and how patients are equipped with the tools and resources to succeed! Training and Preparation Difference For Home Peritoneal Dialysis (PD), patients typically begin by getting a referral for […]