By Sherry Harbert | Communications Director
The team at Fresenius Kidney Care welcomed MIKE youth to their facility to present a first-hand look at the impact of kidney failure. The youth were enthralled with meeing individuals undergoing dialysis.
Steve, who works as a social worker at the facility and serves on MIKE's Board of Directors, arranges the tours each semester for MIKE youth.
"I like to be with people on their journey, from patients to the youth," said Steve. "If I can lighten the day for them, I feel that I've made a difference."
Steve, along with his colleagues, took part in presenting all the facets of dialysis, as well as the career opportunities for youth. Patric, a nurse with the facility, told the youth how he assesses the patients each visit, and watches for impacts to their health. His co-worker Nick, who is a dietician at the facility, described the drastic diet changes that kidney patients must undergo. The youth were amazed that some of the foods that are most healthy for them have a totally different physiological impact on individuals with kidney loss.
Nick said that dialysis patients cannot take in the normal amounts of fluids or potassium. As he listed the foods that the youth often eat, from bananas to pizza, the youth began to understand the lifestyle changes that happen for individuals on dialysis.
"It's better to never have to be in that position," he told them.
The tour is part of MIKE's programming that reinforces healthy lifestyles at an early age. As Steve told the youth, if you start now and maintain healthy behaviors, you can avoid the impacts of chronic diseases.
For the youth, the tour provided an insight into the lives of individuals who must undergo dialysis for the rest of their lives, of if they are fortunate, able to receive a kidney transplant.
One of the youth said he was so glad to have the change to go to the dialysis facility. "It makes me realize how important my health is now."
These impactful experiences are possible due to the support of generous donors like you. Together, we can build a healthier world.
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