NNH Patient Education

Kidney Education Center | Northern Nephrology

Kidney Education Center

Interactive tools and resources to help you understand your kidney health, ask questions, and take informed steps forward.

Patient Tool

GFR & CKD Stage Calculator

Estimate your kidney function using your lab values. This uses the CKD-EPI formula — the same one used by nephrologists.


-- mL/min/1.73m²
015306090+

Self-Assessment

How Kidney-Healthy Is Your Lifestyle?

Answer 8 quick questions to get a personalized kidney health score and actionable tips.

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Question 1 of 8
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Your Personalized Tips

    Decision Support

    Kidney Symptom Checker

    Select any symptoms you're experiencing to find out if they could be kidney-related and when to seek care.

    Select all that apply:


    Learn

    Kidney Anatomy Explorer

    Click an image or use the buttons below to learn about each kidney structure.

    Kidney anatomy diagram
    Full Kidney Cross-Section
    Glomerulus diagram
    Glomerulus (Filtering Unit)

    👆 Select a Part

    Click one of the labeled buttons, or click directly on an image, to learn about that kidney structure and what it does in your body.

    Education

    CKD Progression & Stages

    Drag the slider to explore each stage of chronic kidney disease — what it means, how it feels, and what treatment looks like.

    Stage 1Stage 2Stage 3Stage 4Stage 5
    Stage 1 — Kidney Damage with Normal Function
    eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min

    Symptoms

    Usually none. Kidneys are still functioning normally despite some damage.

    What to Do

    Monitor blood pressure and blood sugar. Avoid NSAIDs. Annual check-ups.

    Diet

    Reduce sodium. Limit processed foods. Stay hydrated. Eat heart-healthy foods.

    Treatment

    Treat the underlying cause (diabetes, hypertension). Lifestyle modifications.

    Diet & Lifestyle

    Kidney-Friendly Food Guide

    Click any food to see its potassium, phosphorus, and sodium levels — and whether it's safe for kidney patients.

    Continue to Part 2 → for Fluid Tracker, Ask AI, Patient Stories, Dialysis Guide & Medication Lookup

    Kidney Education Center Part 2 | Northern Nephrology
    Daily Tool

    Daily Fluid Intake Tracker

    Track your daily fluid intake. Ideal for patients on fluid restrictions — set your goal and log each cup as you drink.

    oz/day
    0% of daily goal
    0
    oz consumed
    48
    oz remaining
    0
    cups logged

    Click cups to log (each = 8 oz):

    * This tool is for tracking only. Your nephrologist may give you specific fluid limits.

    AI-Powered

    Ask a Kidney Health Question

    Get answers to common kidney health questions from our AI assistant — available 24/7 before your appointment.

    🩺
    Kidney Health Assistant
    Powered by AI • Not a substitute for medical advice
    Hello! I'm here to answer your kidney health questions. Ask me anything — or use the quick questions above. Remember, I'm for education only; please consult your nephrologist for personal medical advice.
    ⚕️ Educational tool only. Not medical advice. Always consult your doctor.
    Community

    Patient Journey Spotlights

    Anonymized stories of real patients navigating CKD, dialysis, and transplant — to help you know you're not alone.

    Decision Support

    Understanding Your Dialysis Options

    Compare hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplant side by side to help inform your conversation with your doctor.

    Factor
    Hemodialysis
    Peritoneal Dialysis
    Transplant
    Where done
    Clinic or home
    Home
    Hospital surgery then home
    Schedule
    3× per week, ~4 hrs each
    Daily (overnight option)
    Once (ongoing meds)
    Diet freedom
    Moderate
    Moderate
    Most freedom
    Travel
    Harder
    Possible
    Easiest
    Survival benefit
    Good
    Good
    Best long-term
    Who it suits
    Those near a center or comfortable with clinic visits
    Those who prefer home-based, flexible treatment
    Candidates without major cardiovascular contraindications

    This table is a general guide. Your doctor will recommend the best option based on your health, lifestyle, and values.

    Safety Tool

    Medication Safety Lookup

    Search common over-the-counter and prescription medications to see if they're safe for kidney patients.

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