CKD Patients, Tips to Get Through Winter

When winter weather arrives, many people look forward to snowfall, winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, and the coziness of drinking hot chocolate or coffee by a warm fire indoors. You might enjoy these things too, but when you have renal disease, it’s important to take certain precautions to protect your health during the cold-weather months.

Stay warm

Cold-weather alone won’t cause you to catch a cold. But frigid temperatures can shrink the size of blood vessels, force your heart to work harder, and increase your blood pressure. If circulation slows, it can have a negative impact on your kidneys. Fortunately, getting too cold is largely avoidable by dressing in layers and wearing warmer clothes. And if you’re worried about catching a cold, make it a point to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer regularly.

Protect your skin

Just because a typical winter day might be gray and overcast, doesn’t mean the sun’s rays are any less harmful than a hot summer day. In fact, the earth is actually closer to the sun during the winter months, and the sun’s ultraviolet rays are just as harmful. It’s important for everyone to protect their skin from the sun, even in the winter. Those with renal disease or people who recently received a kidney transplant may have a compromised immune system and need extra protection from the sun to prevent skin damage and skin cancer. Cover up and use sunscreen when you’re outdoors, even in the winter.

Be happy

The winter months and holiday line-up can lead to depression for many people with renal disease. Too much stress can be harmful to your mental health, physical health, and your immune system. You can beat the blues by planning ahead, organizing your schedule, and letting your family and friends know what your plans are. Enjoying time with people you like, watching funny movies, reading a good book, laughing, and getting regular exercise can also help you be happy, beat the blues, and be healthier.

Manage allergies

You’re coughing and sneezing. You have itchy, watery eyes. And even though it’s winter, you might not have a cold. It could be allergies. One in five people suffer from allergies, and symptoms can often be worse during the winter months. If you’re feeling under the weather, it’s important to strengthen your immune system to protect your kidneys and your health. If you think you have allergies, talk to your doctor about a simple test to find out what you might be allergic to and come up with a plan to treat them.

Eat healthy

It’s probably the most important rule to follow for people with renal disease. You already know you need to follow specific diet to protect your kidneys and your health. And it doesn’t have to be hard. Our large selection of Renal Meals will keep you happy, healthy, and well-fed through the winter with foods like Turkey Chili with Brown Rice, Cheesy Vegetable Omelet, Hash Browns and Broccoli, Beef Stew, Carrots & Mashed Potatoes, and many other choices.

Winter doesn’t have to be a worry for people with renal disease. Stay warm, protect your skin, be happy, manage allergies, and eat healthy, and you’ll be happy to have a visit from Old Man Winter.