Please enjoy our November issue of Kidney Community.We trust that you value this special hardcopy newsletter. If you would like to receive future editions about the latest medical research developments, advice, links to support Kidney Health Australia’s latest work and stories of courage, you need to

Professor David Harris honoured for kidney researchGOVERNOR-GENERAL AWARDS THE PRISCILLA KINCAID-SMITH MEDALKidney Health Australia’s Patron-in-Chief, Her Excellency, The Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO bestowed Professor David Harris the Priscilla Kincaid-Smith Medal, Kidney Health Australia’s most prestigious award, in a ceremony last month at Westmead Hospital. Ms Anne Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Kidney Health Australia said: “Professor Harris has already made a distinguished contribution to Australian and world nephrology with his exceptional research and education initiatives. He is a most worthy recipient of our highest award.”Professor David Harris made major significant clinical contributions in the prevention and management of chronic kidney disease, as well as in the management of dialysis patients.

THE AWARD’S HISTORY:The Priscilla Kincaid-Smith Medal is given periodically and is the highest scientific accolade of Kidney Health Australia, the national peak body for kidney health. The award was established to honour Professor Priscilla Kincaid-Smith’s achievements and many years of service to Kidney Health Australia, formerly the Australian Kidney Foundation and the kidney world. In the early 1960s Professor Priscilla Kincaid-Smith AC, CBE demonstrated overwhelming evidence of the link between headache powders and kidney damage and campaigned strongly against their use. Her research also resulted in substantial contributions to many areas in kidney disease including the link between the kidneys and high blood pressure.

Photos provided by Michael Vettas Photography

Focus:What are the connections between hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease?BY DR MARIE LUDLOWHypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease are a cluster of closely related conditions which contribute significantly to death and poor health in Australians.

These conditions frequently occur simultaneously and have a sinister relationship. They are each risk factors for each other, they accelerate the progression of one another, and each increases the risk of complications. Hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease share risk factors such as ageing, obesity, diet, and physical activity, so interventions in these areas can reduce the risk of developing all three conditions. Likewise, appropriate management of each disease will reduce the total burden of all three conditions.If you already have high blood pressure or diabetes it is important that your doctor performs a kidney health check every year. This involves three simple tests – blood test, urine test, and blood pressure. Early intervention can slow progression and reduce the risk of complications so don’t delay! Questions? Call our Kidney Health Information Service (KHIS) line toll free at 1800 454 363.

Kidney CommunityIssue 22 – November 2012

register. Visit our website www.kidney.org.au and click on subscribe. We are offering a special chance to win an iPad to all our new subscribers that register before 31st January 2013. Please continue to share this newsletter with others and join our special Kidney family community.

New evidence: Soft drinks are expanding our waistlines Three studies published last month have contributed to the debate on the role of soft drinks in the obesity epidemic.

A randomised trial reported less weight gain in children who consumed sugar-free beverages compared with sugar-sweetened beverages on a daily basis. Another study was able to show significant weight loss in overweight and obese adolescents who drank calorie-free drinks for one year. Finally, a third study showed that people genetically predisposed to obesity were more likely to gain weight from drinking sugary beverages.

In Australia, the consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks has increased by 30 per cent in the past decade. Importantly, the standard serving size for soft drink has also increased from 375mL to 600mL. For an average 14-year-old girl, a 600mL bottle of soft drink will provide more than 12 per cent of her daily energy needs. This means exceeding the recommended energy intake from refined sugar with just one drink. While sugar-free or ‘diet’ soft drinks may be free of calories, there is also evidence that long-term consumption may contribute to weight gain.

Consuming an excess of cola beverages in particular has been shown to potentially increase the risk of kidney disease. So, if you’re thirsty drink water instead.

MEDICAL MATTERS

Get involved!TELECONNECT — KHA’S PEER SUPPORT SERVICE

We are looking to re-launch this valuable service and are calling for more volunteers to provide peer support.

Our TelEConnect service connects people living with kidney disease, their carers and family members with people who have similar experiences, through phone calls and email support via KHA’s 1800 line.If you would like to volunteer with TelEConnect or have used TelEConnect in the past and would like to share your experiences about the service, please contact our Health Projects Officer, Colette Lappin at colette.lappin@kidney.org.au or (08) 9381 9311.

Kidney Health Australia’s Kidney Cancer projectAIMS TO SUPPORT THOSE DIAGNOSED WITH KIDNEY CANCER, THEIR FAMILIES, CARERS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

If you have a connection to kidney cancer— what type of support do you need?

The new project aims to increase the awareness of kidney cancer in the community and to advocate on behalf of those with kidney cancer.

KHA is expanding the Kidney Health Information Service line to include kidney cancer, redeveloping the kidney cancer website (kidneycancer.org.au) to include a live message board, developing resources and forming support groups in consultation with those with kidney cancer.

If you wish to join the Australian kidney cancer community or provide your suggestions and thoughts to support the development of this project, contact Project Manager, Theresa Whalen at theresa.whalen@kidney.org.au or (03) 9674 4306.

WHAT IS KIDNEY CANCER?Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the kidney and is caused by the rapid abnormal overgrowth of cells with the kidney.

In Australia, kidney cancer was the eighth most common cancer diagnosed.

Some risk factors of kidney cancer include: high blood pressure/hypertension, obesity, a high caloric diet, lack of physical exercise, family history of kidney cancer, long-term dialysis and acquired cystic disease or polycystic disease.

We need your help!REVISION OF ‘LIVING WITH KIDNEY FAILURE’

Kidney Health Australia is the author of the highly successful publication for patients with kidney failure entitled ‘Living with Kidney Failure’. In the coming months, we will be developing and publishing a new 8th edition of this book.

We invite you to go to http://svy.mk/VKCqYR and complete a brief online survey. The anonymous and confidential survey contains questions regarding the content and look of the current edition of ‘Living with Kidney Failure’. Your feedback will assist us to further improve this valuable resource.

For more information please contact Dr Marie Ludlow at marie.ludlow@kidney.org.au or (08) 8334 7506.

If you are an individual with kidney failure and use this book yourself, or refer the book to your patients we would appreciate your feedback.

INSPIRING STORIES FROM THE 2012 AUSTRALIAN TRANSPLANT GAMES

Kidney Health Australia’s Matty Hempstalk & kidney kids camper Joshua McDonald bring home the gold

Our National Support Coordinator, Matty Hempstalk (pictured above left) participated with a Queensland team for the 2012 Australian Transplant Games held in Newcastle, NSW this year. The biennial event brings transplant recipients Australia-wide together for a week-long tough competition. The strategy behind Matty’s team was whether or not you had skill at a sport, you should give as many as you could a go. Matty took home nine medals — including a 4 x 400 relay in 35 degree heat! His ‘never give up’ attitude was also recognised and rewarded when he was presented with the 2012 Australian Transplant Games’ Award for Courage and Inspiration.10-year-old Joshua McDonald (pictured above right) of New South Wales, celebrated his first year with a new kidney, by competing in the Australian Transplant Games as well — taking home gold medals in long jump, ball throw, shot put, 50m spring and tenpin bowling. Joshua describes the time before his transplant as difficult. He says he had to get needles everyday and was taking many medications. His father, Darren, donated a kidney to his son via the Australian Paired Kidney Exchange Program.Congrats to Matty and Joshua on your achievements!

CONSUMER CORNER

CKD, dialysis and diabetes-friendly fettuccine and asparagus carbonara Recipe adapted from Chef Aaron McCargo Jr. on the Fresenius Medical Care website. Questions about this recipe? Email colette.lappin@kidney.org.au

Carers need some caring tooKEEPING THE BALANCE RIGHTAn amazing number of individuals freely give their time, support and love to make sure that others are well cared for. It may be helping with the housework, the daily activities of living or in the world of kidney failure helping out with the dialysis at home, or transport to dialysis. If you’re one of those tireless carers, your efforts are always appreciated and valued by those you support, their families and friends. But of course, there are days when life simply gets too busy and it can be a struggle to stay on top of it all — a feeling many dedicated carers can experience, no matter how hard they work.Simple tips to keep carers healthy are very important — if you get sick who does the caring? Tips include: starting the day with a healthy breakfast and a relaxation schedule; allocating time for treating yourself every day and stick to it; and accepting support or help from others. If community services or respite care are available please use them. Finally if you are feeling run down, talk to someone who can provide support. Help guide (www.helpguide.org) is an online resource with an easy to follow ‘bring your life into balance’ guide to reduce stress. Carers Australia also have state-based programs that can provide you with the support you need. Take a look over these resources with your feet up and give yourself a pat on the back!

LIFESTYLE RECIPIE

WHY IS THIS GOOD FOR ME? This recipe is low in sugar, fat and salt and is a great source of antioxidants and fibre. Ideal for people living with diabetes and high blood pressure and people receiving dialysis. METHOD

• Cook fettuccine in a large saucepan with plenty of boiling water.

• Heat a large non-stick pan to medium-high. Add oil and sauté diced brown onions until slightly browned.

• Meanwhile, beat egg and evaporated milk together.

• Lower heat and add egg mixture to pan, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken

• Add stock, cooked spaghetti, asparagus and black pepper and continue to stir for an additional 3-4 minutes or until warmed through.

• Turn off heat and pour onto serving dish.Top with spring onions and parmesan and serve with a fresh green salad.

SERVES 4-6 PEOPLE

INGREDIENTS• 400g dried fettuccine• 400g can light evaporated milk• 1 egg, beaten• 1 brown onion, diced• 2 tsp olive oil• ½ cup low-salt chicken stock• 1 bunch of asparagus, chopped into

2-3cm pieces• 3 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese• 4 spring onions, diced• 1 tbsp cracked black pepper

KIDNEY CALENDAR AND EVENTS

Spread holiday cheer while supporting our work

Simply order online at http://bit.ly/SAC5v1. Your order will support our work and carry our logo. The minimum order is 50 cards. Enquiries? Ring Sharon Wishart, Charity Greeting Cards at (02) 8305-0520.

Kidney Health Australia consumer forum SAT 17TH NOV 9.45AM-3.30PM TAILRACE CENTRE, LAUNCESTON TASKidney Health Australia is holding a consumer forum for persons affected by chronic kidney disease: those on dialysis or who have had a kidney transplant, their families and carers. We are looking forward to Dr Tim Mathew from Kidney Health Australia presenting a medical update. We also have a range of speakers and presenters covering a range of issues including consumer and carers experiences, nutrition and the importance of exercise and relaxation techniques.The forum is an excellent opportunity to gain practical information and understanding about health and lifestyle options when living with chronic kidney disease.To register, please contact sarah.challenor@kidney.org.au or phone (03) 6348 7533.

In 2013, the rally will be celebrating its 25th year of raising money for Kidney Health Australia’s Kidney Kids programs. The event is good fun and brings back participants every year with a new road challenge for a good cause.

The 2013 rally will run from August 16-24 and will start in Tamworth NSW, travel up to Bundaberg QLD and will finish in Armidale Northern NSW. Any car is welcome as long as it is registered, follows the rules and regulations of the rally and raises the minimum amount of $4,500. Check out www.kidneykarrally.com.au or call 1300 300 544 for more information.

17-NovKIDNEY HEALTH FORUM — Launceston, TAS (see below for details)

9-DecKIDNEY KIDS CAPERS WA — Christmas Event. If you haven’t signed up yet or want more information email info@kidney.org.au.

9-DecADELAIDE KIDNEY CLUB — Christmas Event, Hackney Hotel, Hackney Rd, Hackney. Food/drink for members. Call 1800 454 363 or email matty.hempstalk@kidney.org.au to join the group.

Mid-DecKHA to notify all research funding applicants if they were successful — results will be announced publicly on the KHA website in early 2013.

Registrations opened for 2013 Kidney Kar Rally

How to submit to Kidney CommunityHave a suggestion for us? Want to feature an inspirational person in the kidney community? Have an issue that you want to see featured? Our ears are always open as this newsletter is all about YOU— the patients, family members, carers, health professionals in our kidney community. If you would like to feature your local renal unit, a community event, bring our attention to a medical issue that you face, or highlight another person’s achievement or your own — email us at info@kidney.org.au with your 150 word submission and we’ll get back to you.

Kidney Health Australia now provides you the option of ordering Christmas Cards through Charity Greeting Cards who have a wide range of cards to suit your needs.

Event recapPRESENTATION AT SUPPORT GROUP, SAKidney Health Australia was invited to present on chronic kidney disease and the links between kidney health, heart health and diabetes at the Seaton Community Support Group of the Royal Society for the Blind in South Australia at the beginning of October. The audience was most welcoming, each telling their story and recalling how much they enjoy meeting with each other at the Seaton Community Centre North Seaton for peer support.Email info@kidney.org.au if you would like a speaker at your next community event or would like to start your own kidney support group.

WIN AN IPADSimply sign up for the email version of this news-letter – we would love to keep you up to date with our latest news and events Email your full name to subscribe@kidney.org.au