Kidney Matters - Issue 9 Summer 2020

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4Keeping it together – whilestaying apartAs patients, we’re used to following rules. So we, more than most people, understandthe consequences of ignoring good medical advice. Perhaps this knowledge sets usup to better manage our lives while we weather the Coronavirus storm.What are the things we need to consider to ensure wemaintain good mental health as well as good physicalhealth? And, as our day-to-day life changes is itpossible that we might even discover hidden talents inthe weeks ahead?Mental healthIsolation, even if it is just the time between unit dialysissessions, will affect us all differently. What can we do tohelp keep ourselves mentally well during long periodsspent at home? Dee Durham, one of our Kidney CareUK counsellors, explains.one of the many online or television fitness sessionsthat are being aired now and have been speciallyadapted to be done in front of the TV. If you are notup to leaping around your living room, start gently withsome leg and arm exercises from your chair.And if you’re still permitted to leave the house, try towalk for half an hour every day, even if this is aroundyour own garden. Not only will this ensure you maintaina good level of physical fitness, but exercise and a doseof fresh air will help you sleep more soundly at night.“Having a routine for the day will help to keep usfocused. The activities you chose are going to bespecific to you, but try to include something practical,a hobby or a chore, something physical or somethingrelaxing, perhaps mindfulness meditation or a hot bath.It may also help to set yourself a goal for the day.This can be anything from writing that thank youletter to great aunt Alice to tidying up your wardrobe(remembering to declutter as you go). Also look intowhat local community activities require remotevolunteers, maybe there’s a care home near to youasking for letters or drawings from children whoseschools have been closed.And don’t forget to reward yourself, even if it’s just a halfan hour of ‘you time’, without the kids or watching yourfavourite show on TV. It’s really important to find thatbalance between structured routine and ‘down time’.You could also try something as simple as writing adiary. This is an unprecedented situation and I am sureour descendants will want to know how we coped.Everyone has become so reliant on texts and emails,so ask yourself if there’s someone you know who wouldappreciate hearing your voice and sharing their news.It’s important to speak to someone every day.Finally, remember to get dressed every morning. It willgive you a sense of purpose as you tackle your routinefor the day.“ExerciseIt is also important to ensure you remain physicallywell. The old saying ‘use it or lose it’ has never beentruer. For those brave enough, try a fitness DVD, joinTime to take up a hobbyIf you’ve ever thought of trying a new hobby, butnever had the time - Well, you’ve got plenty of timenow! There are so many ways to distract ourselvesthrough long periods in our homes and gardens. Wealready know that some of our readers are exploringhidden artistic talents and have taken to the watercoloursand coloured pencils and started to createsome great pictures (see right for one you might like todownload and try).For those who like to sew, knit or work with wood,perhaps now is the time to take on a project that alwaysseemed too big for the odd few minutes you havespare during a busy day. You DO have the time now. Forthe gardeners amongst us, we’ve now got the time topotter in our potting shed and start the transformationof our garden.kidneycareuk.org
5And for the budding chefs, now really is the time toperform in the kitchen along with Chef Ripley. Wehave lots of great video demonstrations and deliciousrecipes for you on the Kidney Kitchen website.Let’s start these projects together. Take photos of yourcompleted projects and Kidney Kitchen dishes, and wewill print a selection in a future issue of Kidney Matters!“If you’ve ever thought of tryinga new hobby, but never had thetime - Well, you’ve got plentyof time now!“Message from the editorPlease note - the information in this articlewas correct at time of going to print. Butthings move very fast and by the time youare reading this, advice about self-isolationand social distancing may well havechanged. Keep up to date with the latestadvice on how the Coronavirus will affectus, and how to keep safe, go to:www.kidneycareuk.org/coronavirusLEARN MOREFor some fun recipes go to the Kidney Kitchen at www.kidneykitchen.orgTo download our colouring picture go to: www.kidneycareuk.org/colouringCheck out our brain teasers on page 38Don’t forget to share your pictures with us all on social media especially FacebookIssue 9 | Summer 2020
Page 1 and 2: Summer 2020Issue 09Drag queensand d
Page 3: 3Welcome toKidney MattersCoronaviru
Page 7 and 8: 7So, does a high BMI number really
Page 9 and 10: 9were set at a pace I could realist
Page 11 and 12: LEARN MORE11Survivors: Life Unfilte
Page 13 and 14: 13“If someone like myself, who le
Page 15 and 16: 15step is to check that you are tak
Page 17 and 18: LEARN MORE17the first week of the t
Page 19 and 20: 19Cook along with Chef Ripley onlin
Page 21 and 22: 21Through these three elements - qu
Page 23 and 24: 23the day, began to get to me. One
Page 25 and 26: Members of the Kidney Care UK teamr
Page 27 and 28: LEARN MORE27Kidney Matters helps us
Page 29 and 30: 29It’s never too late...When 83 y
Page 31 and 32: 31Today I feel amazing, and that’
Page 33 and 34: 33We have never met anyone outside
Page 35 and 36: 06 35Become a#KidneyWarriorChalleng
Page 37 and 38: Us enjoying a nice cup of tea37
Page 39 and 40: Sign up foryour freecopyWhether you

Kidney Matters - Issue 9 Summer 2020

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