Innovative Renal Care Hammond Dialysis Clinic

08/20/2026

Your access is your lifeline. The Innovative Renal Care team checks it at least every 30 minutes and makes sure the needles and dressing stay put.

Be sure the site stays in plain view for the whole treatment, because a covered access can hide the early signs of a needle slipping or a small leak.

Blankets are cozy, but they can hide a lot. Keep yours below your access arm. Wear sleeves that leave the site easy to see, and keep your phone and bag away from that area.

Speak up right away if you feel warmth, wetness, pulling, or anything that seems different. Ask your nurse to walk you through what a healthy access looks like at your next treatment.

Click to learn what else you and your care team can do to keep your access safe and healthy:

Your dialysis access, whether it's a fistula, graft, or catheter, is your lifeline. It's the place where your blood leaves and safely returns to your body during treatment. Because blood moves quickly during dialysis, even a small shift in a needle or dressing can become serious if it isn't seen rig...

08/12/2026

About 1 in 5 people on dialysis experience depression. If you've felt sad, anxious, hopeless, or detached for more than two weeks, speak with your care team right away. Mental health conditions are common and treatable. Therapy, medication, or a combination of both may be able to help you feel more like yourself.
Your Innovative Renal Care social worker is a good place to start that conversation. They're there to help you adjust to treatment routines and connect you with community resources so you never have to go through this alone.

Focusing on our mental health is important every day of the year, but October is a time to reinforce our commitment to this essential part of our overall wellbeing.

08/07/2026

A cool, sweet treat on a hot summer day doesn't have to wreck your kidney friendly diet plan.
The Pineapple Fruit Whip from the Innovative Renal Care Cookbook is made with canned pineapple juice, unsweetened applesauce, and a touch of honey. It is fruity, light, and the kind of refreshing dessert you can feel good about enjoying.
Always remember to check with your care team or dietitian before adding new recipes to your routine. Explore this recipe and more are in the IRC Cookbook:
https://innovativerenal.com/patient/health-and-nutrition/nutrition/recipes/

08/03/2026

Cold and flu season is just around the corner. August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and a good time to ask your nephrologist which vaccines are right for you. Vaccines like hepatitis B and the yearly flu shot help protect patients with chronic kidney disease from serious illness. The National Kidney Foundation explains why staying up to date matters when your kidneys are not working at full strength. Bring your questions to your care team and review any changes with them before you decide. Learn more:

Your immune system is your body's defense system. It helps you fight off germs and infections. If you have kidney disease, your immune system may not work as well as it should and you may get sick more easily. Dialysis can make it even more difficult for your immune system to fight infections. Augus...

07/30/2026

It's often been said that we need four hugs a day for survival, eight for maintenance, and twelve for growth. This Share a Hug Day, we hope you share one with the people who mean the most to you. To our patients and the loved ones who care for them, we are grateful to be part of your lives, and thank you for trusting us with your care

07/29/2026

Hot weather can make thirst harder to manage, and for dialysis patients, thirst is directly connected to sodium intake. Remember- sodium can hide in foods that don't even taste salty. Checking ingredient labels on canned and processed foods can help you spot when a food is high in sodium. Your IRC dietitian can help you look at your current plan and adjust for the warm summer months if needed. Learn more about nutrition and hemodialysis from NIDDK:

Explains in an easy-to-read format how food affects hemodialysis patients and describes the role of fluids, potassium, phosphorus, protein, sodium, calories, and vitamins and minerals.

07/28/2026

This Grilled Shrimp Appetizer from the IRC Cookbook is a summer recipe that comes together quickly and works well as a kidney-friendly protein option. Individual nutrition needs vary, so talk with your dietitian about how this recipe fits your care plan. Find this and more kidney-friendly recipes here: https://innovativerenal.com/patient/health-and-nutrition/nutrition/recipes/

07/22/2026

Fun summer travel is always possible with the right planning, and your IRC care team is here to help.
Whether you are heading to see family or taking a trip you have been looking forward to all year, Innovative Renal Care’s experts can help locate a dialysis center near your destination and coordinate your care before you leave. The key is starting early. The sooner you reach out, the smoother the process. Call your care team to start planning, and learn more about traveling on dialysis here:

Traveling on Dialysis: Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey Traveling can be one of life’s greatest joys, but for those undergoing dialysis, it requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you’re exploring a new city, visiting family, or just taking a well-deserved break, managing your heal...

07/21/2026

Eating well on home dialysis plays an important part in how you feel and how well your dialysis treatments work. Small changes make a big difference, especially when you’re balancing protein, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and fluids. Your Innovative Renal Care dietitian will review your monthly blood work and help tailor your diet to your needs.

07/16/2026

When your week seems like an endless dash between dialysis appointments, it's all too easy to put your own needs last. But taking time to care for yourself is one of the most important ways you can stay on track and ready for whatever comes your way.
The International Self-Care Foundation breaks self-care into seven essential focus areas: health literacy, self-awareness, physical activity, healthy eating, risk avoidance, good hygiene, and taking medicines and treatments as directed. Together, with guidance from your care team, they can make it easier to take better care of your health.
Spend a moment on International Self-Care Day today to learn more about the small, but impactful steps that can help you feel your best: https://isfglobal.org/what-is-self-care/