ChristianaCare Kidney Transplant Program

07/28/2026

Did you know that July is National Parks and Recreation Month? 🌲☀️

We are incredibly lucky to live in a state with some of the most beautiful, accessible outdoor spaces in the country. Spending time in nature isn’t just great for your mental health—it’s excellent for your kidney health, too! Moderate exercise, like a scenic walk, helps manage blood pressure and blood sugar, which are vital for protecting your kidneys.

Whether you are working to stay healthy while on the waitlist or celebrating your active life post-transplant, here are three fantastic Delaware State Parks with flat, accessible trails perfect for a summer stroll:

🌊 Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes): Enjoy the flat, paved Walking Dunes Trail for beautiful coastal views and a gentle sea breeze.

🦆 Lums Pond State Park (Bear): The Little Jersey Trail offers a shaded, easy loop perfect for a peaceful morning walk.

🏰 Bellevue State Park (Wilmington): The paved 1.1-mile track around the historic estate is completely level and great for tracking your daily steps!

☀️ Summer Safety Reminder: Don't forget your wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and plenty of SPF 30+ before hitting the trails!

https://www.destateparks.com/

07/27/2026

Who says a summer barbecue can't be kidney-friendly? 🍢🔥

If you are navigating kidney disease or dialysis, traditional cookout foods can be a hidden minefield of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. But you don't have to miss out on the backyard fun!

Here are 4 simple swaps from the National Kidney Foundation to keep your plate delicious and your kidneys happy:

🍔 The Protein Swap: Skip the processed hot dogs and sausages (which are loaded with sodium and phosphorus additives). Instead, opt for fresh, high-quality proteins like skinless chicken breast, lean ground beef, or turkey burgers seasoned with fresh herbs.

🧂 The Sauce Swap: Commercial BBQ sauces and marinades are often packed with sodium and potassium-heavy preservatives. Try making a quick homemade rub using garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a splash of apple cider vinegar instead.

🥗 The Side Swap: Traditional potato salad and baked beans are very high in potassium. Swap them out for a crisp coleslaw, a refreshing cucumber salad, or grilled low-potassium veggies like zucchini and yellow squash.

🍉 The Fruit Swap: Skip the high-potassium fruits and enjoy sweet summer classics like seedless watermelon, berries, or grapes.

Remember to always consult with your dietitian about your specific daily limits. What’s your favorite kidney-friendly grill recipe?

07/25/2026

The Delaware Kidney Walk is September 20th! If you haven't joined a team yet, you're invited to join ours! https://www.kidneywalk.org/delaware/christianacaretransplant

07/22/2026

Getting a new patient appointment is as simple as filling out our secure online web form!

https://christianacare.org/us/en/care/specialty-care/kidney-transplant/transplant-process/patient-referrals

07/20/2026

Organ transplants can be life-changing, but they also come with important risks—including a higher chance of infections and skin cancer due to necessary medications. That’s why thorough screening and education from a dedicated care team are so important for every recipient. Let's prioritize awareness and health together!

While organ transplantation can significantly improve the quality of life of critically ill patients, it comes with substantial risks that transplant recipients should be aware of. Following transplantation, the recipient’s...

07/17/2026

It's been a hot one this summer! Are you tracking your water intake?

Do you use an app? Lines on your water bottle? Keep track in your memory? Drop a picture of your water glass or bottle in the comments!

07/14/2026

It's BBQ season! The best strategy when eating at events is to build a kidney-friendly plate.

Remember to aim for a variety of colours from vegetables and fruit when eating, choose low potassium if needed. The fibre from these foods helps to keep you full and provides you with different vitamins needed in the diet.

Opt for low sodium options for proteins and side dishes, be mindful of seasonings and dressing, perhaps try making them at home.

Be mindful of protein portions and choices, aim to include more plant-based options when possible. Be sure to enjoy the time with friends and family!

07/10/2026

Studies have shown that only about one-quarter of transplant recipients know that they are at increased risk for developing skin cancer. In this case, knowledge truly is power. By understanding your risk and the steps you can take to prevent and detect skin cancer, you can make a significant and positive impact on your health.

Organ transplant recipients, including kidney transplant recipients, have more skin cancers than the general population because the immunosuppressive medications that help to protect their transplanted organ also increase their risk for skin cancer.

Here are a few tips for skin safety this summer!

07/08/2026

We are so excited to have one of our patients on this year's Gift of Life Transplant Games Team Philly!

Brandon made his kidney donation in 2023 as a part of a multiperson kidney donation exchange.y.

The 2026 Transplant Games of America are underway in Denver, Colorado. Gift of Life’s Team Philly is once again one of the largest traveling squads, with more than 200 participants. | KYW Newsradio

07/06/2026

Did you know?

There are many myths about living kidney donation including that you have to be related.