Educational Events: Take Charge
take charge of your kidney health
connecting you to resources and education
Take Charge: Chronic Disease Self Management Program is an eight-week, 2.5 hour-long workshop for participants who are in various stages of Chronic Kidney Disease. The first six weeks focus on overall healthy living, with two additional sessions that cover kidney specific content. There will be an additional, optional pre-session the week before we start that’s an orientation to the online platform. This event is offered free of charge to participants. Participants should plan to attend all eight sessions.
You should attend this workshop if:
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You have kidney disease, kidney failure, or a kidney transplant
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You are a caregiver
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You have any risk factors for chronic kidney disease, including diabetes or hypertension
At the end of the 8 weeks, you will learn how to:
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Manage everyday activities
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Control symptoms and decrease stress
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Improve communication skills
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Avoid complications
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Improve your overall health and increase your energy
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Become an advocate for yourself
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Understand fluid restrictions and dialysis
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Ask a panel of experts more about kidney disease
registration
Ready to take control of your health?
Reserve your spot now, and take action! Only 15 spots are available at each location. Tap the registration button below on your chosen location. Return the completed form to Angelique Marseille at amarseille@nkfi.org.
registration information
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Registration is free: as are all program materials.
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Pre-registration online: is required for all attendees. There are only 15 open spots per session.
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Donations: to the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois are welcome and will help cover additional program expenses.
locations & details
Meet the Facilitators
Meet Kimberley G, a four-time kidney transplant recipient, brain cancer survivor, and advocate. Inspired by her own journey with lupus nephritis and CKD, she now mentors others with kidney disease. She lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with her husband (one of her kidney donors), two kids, and three rescue dogs.
WEEKLY AGENDA
Orientation Week 0
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Get familiar with the platform
Session Week 1
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Fatigue and getting a good night's sleep
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The mind-body connection/distraction
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Introduction to Action Plans
Session Week 2
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Introduction to problem-solving
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Dealing with difficult emotions
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Introduction to physical activity and exercise
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Preventing falls and improving balance
Session Week 3
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Making decisions
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Pain management
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Endurance exercise
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Healthy eating
Session Week 4
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Better breathing
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Reading food labels - Part 1
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Problem solving
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Communication skills
WEEKLY AGENDA
Session Week 5
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Reading food labels - Part 2
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Medication usage
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Relaxation body scan
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Dealing with depression
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Communicating with ourselves
Session Week 6
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Making informed treatment decisions
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Working with your health care team
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Guided imagery relaxation
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Looking back and planning for the future
Session Week 7
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What is chronic kidney disease
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Connection between kidney disease and other chronic conditions
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Tools to manage kidney disease
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Navigating the health care system
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Patient reference and important medical tests
Session Week 8
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Menu planning for stage 3-4 kidney disease
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Panel discussion
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Motivation for a healthy future
PRAISE FOR TAKE CHARGE
“Before embarking on this 8 week journey- I was depressed in learning that my kidney function had declined. However, this was due to exercising to the extreme without proper hydration. When Monica asked if I would like to participate in the Take Charge program, I was elated to know that I would be sharing my story with people like myself...I felt right at home. Their stories not only inspired me, but made me realized that I have CKD, but CKD doesn’t have me. Take Charge has changed my life!”
– Take Charge Participant
kidney health resources
empowering through education
program sponsors
you make the difference
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois is able to support patients and families, conduct free educational seminars, and offer community screening days through the generosity of our passionate supporters, and a remarkable team of dedicated sponsors. For more information on sponsoring this program, contact Wesley Bauer at wbauer@nkfi.org.
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