Kidney Smart Classes: Easy, Convenient Education

Kidney health education has come a long way in recent years. People diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) twenty years ago had fewer resources available to learn about their condition and treatment options.

Today, there are kidney health education programs such as Kidney Smart. These no-cost classes are taught by kidney health experts online, in person or over the phone. Find a class here.

People with CKD and their friends or family can learn about:

• CKD stages
• How the kidneys function
• How to help slow the progression of kidney disease
• Ways to make kidney-friendly food substitutions when cooking

Get your CKD questions answered

If you’ve just been diagnosed with CKD, you may have a lot of questions such as: “What is creatinine?” “What are low-phosphorus foods?” “Are there any dialysis side effects?” Kidney Smart instructors can answer questions like these and any other CKD-related questions you may have, including ones about kidney-friendly eating, managing medicines and more. You’ll receive award-winning materials* to take home with you, including a kidney-friendly cookbook and other information to help you feel your best.   

Kidney Smart participants can also speak with Patient Advocates, who can help answer questions about employment and insurance options for people with CKD who haven’t started dialysis.

Find more resources to help understand insurance here.
Schedule a time to speak with a Patient Advocate here.

Knowledge is power

Discovering you have kidney disease can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to learn everything you can about kidney health and how to take care of yourself. Taking an early step with a class will help you have more control and be able to make more informed decisions about your treatment.

“The Kidney Smart^® program, it was a lot of information. But the way it was presented, I didn't feel as scared,” said Melinda, a Kidney Smart participant. "If you have to do your own research, then it's overwhelming. You go to different websites, and everybody says something different. If you go to a Kidney Smart class … it just makes life easier.”

Kidney Smart educators are here for you

Kidney Smart has been educating people with CKD for more than 10 years, and over 235,000 people have received award-winning kidney health education. Instructors offer in-depth information and are there to support you. Watch this short video to hear from Danielle, a care partner for her husband with stage 5 CKD.

See more videos from Kidney Smart participants and educators on the Kidney Smart YouTube channel.

Sign up today

Kidney Smart classes are available in-person in select communities, as well as online or over the phone. With many locations and times, it’s easy to find a class that fits your schedule. Sign up today and start taking control of your kidney health!

If you’ve already taken a Kidney Smart class but still have questions, you’re welcome to take the class again.