Fresenius Medical Care Salutes Patients Who Prioritize Fitness and Health
January 19 2012 - 9:00AM
Business Wire
Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), the nation’s
leading network of dialysis facilities, today launched its
Champions in Motion program as an integral part of its new Healthy
Lifestyle initiative. This initiative is aimed at helping people
with kidney failure live a better life on dialysis by encouraging
them to become more physically active, eat healthy diets and enjoy
more flexible lifestyles. FMCNA's Champions in Motion are dialysis
patients who have made a commitment to regular physical activity in
spite of dealing with chronic kidney failure, whether it's a
morning walk or jog, a bike ride, or a night of square dancing.
Marshall Lewis, a dialysis patient in San
Diego, works out six days a week at the gym. He focuses on both
weightlifting and cardio exercises to create a balanced routine.
(Photo: Business Wire)
FMCNA will honor 20 dialysis patients throughout 2012 who have
committed themselves to regular exercise and maintaining a healthy
diet as part of their lifestyle. Healthcare teams at dialysis
clinics across the U.S. nominated patients to be Champions in
Motion, and a board composed of participants from various clinical
disciplines within FMCNA made the final selections.
Marshall Lewis, a dialysis patient in San Diego, is recognized
as a Champion in Motion because he is very proactive about his
health care, and maintains a healthy dialysis-friendly diet and
regimented exercise routine, which includes weightlifting.
"After I started working out at the gym and eating a healthier
diet, I noticed that my dialysis results improved and my energy
level was better," says Lewis. "I enjoy talking to other patients
about the importance of finding an activity that will keep them
motivated and active because it has made a big difference in my
life."
At FMCNA facilities, dialysis patients can discuss how to
increase their physical activity level with their healthcare team,
including a nephrologist, nephrology nurse, social worker and
dietitian. This team can help create a customized program for
patients at all fitness levels. Fitness often starts with simple
changes to a patient's daily routine, and there are a number of
health benefits associated with regular exercise, including:
keeping the heart and other muscles strong; increasing flexibility
in joints; improving circulation, digestion, and sleep; and
controlling blood pressure and body weight.
"Being physically active is important for all people with
chronic kidney disease, especially those with end stage renal
disease, who require either dialysis or a kidney transplant," said
Dugan W. Maddux, MD, FACP, Vice President, Chronic Kidney Disease
Initiatives at FMCNA. "Many patients find that they feel better on
dialysis if they are active. Part of our job is to help patients
find activities that are right for them, no matter what level of
activity they are used to. Everyone can do something.”
Through its Healthy Lifestyle initiative, FMCNA is also
promoting healthy diets and good nutrition, which are important
considerations for all dialysis patients. To support the healthy
nutrition program, FMCNA has partnered with Food Network star Chef
Aaron McCargo, Jr. Throughout 2012, Chef McCargo will be developing
new dialysis-friendly recipes, attending patient events, and
promoting healthy diets that include tasty, satisfying meals for
people with kidney failure.
At FMCNA's A Better Life on Dialysis website, patients can find
fitness tips, videos, and other information about staying active
and maintaining a healthy diet.
About Fresenius Medical Care
Fresenius Medical Care (NYSE: FMS) is the world’s leading
company devoted to patient-oriented renal therapy. Through nearly
2,900 clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific
and Africa, we provide kidney dialysis treatments to approximately
228,000 patients worldwide. We are also the world's leading maker
of dialysis products such as hemodialysis machines, dialyzers and
related disposable products. Chronic kidney failure is a condition
that affects about 2 million individuals worldwide.
For more information about the company’s more than 1,800 U.S.
dialysis facilities, visit www.ultracare-dialysis.com (in English
and Spanish). For more information about Fresenius Medical Care,
visit www.fmc-ag.com or www.fmcna.com.
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