DENVER—DaVita Inc. has launched the DaVita Phosphorus Challenge, which is an online resource designed to serve as a core learning tool for chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients.
The DaVita Phosphorus Challenge can be accessed at www.davita.com/phosphoruschallenge, and is a 30-day interactive challenge geared toward kidney disease and dialysis patients, caregivers and related healthcare professionals. The challenge aims to educate users about phosphorus, its effects on those with CKD, the role of phosphorus binders and how to make smart food choices.
DaVita Phosphorus Challenge participants receive a series of e-mails filled with links to games, quizzes and other interactive activities to better enhance patients’ knowledge of phosphorus and its importance in their care. The DaVita Phosphorus Challenge helps turn the topic of phosphorus into a fun learning experience so patients can gauge what foods are low or high in phosphorus, among other topics.
People with kidney disease are urged to eat foods that are low in phosphorus to help keep the blood level of phosphorus and parathyroid hormone in a healthy range, according to DaVita. Unhealthy kidneys are no longer able to remove phosphorus from the blood and get rid of it through the urine. High levels of phosphorus are a greater problem for people with stage 4 and 5 kidney disease, however people in earlier stages of CKD also benefit from a reduced phosphorus intake.
“DaVita continues to create new ways to educate the kidney care community about how they can lead healthier lives,” said Kent Thiry, chairman and CEO of DaVita. “The DaVita Phosphorus Challenge provides kidney disease patients and their care giving teams an easy to use tool that enables all patients to take an active role in their healthcare.”
