The Kidney Health Coach® (KHC) community health education program has expanded to include a new interactive, online course about the broader risk factors for kidney disease — specifically, cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. CKM syndrome is, a recently identified health condition defined by experts studying the connection between heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
The new content, created in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA), emphasizes the whole-body connection of kidney disease risk factors and includes a 60-minute, self-paced, online training course available in English or Spanish. This course will describe the conditions that are part of CKM syndrome (obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular (heart) disease.), the stages of CKM syndrome, and explain ways to prevent and manage CKM syndrome.
Learning objectives
By the end of the course, a Coach will be able to:
- Describe and identify the stages of CKM syndrome
- Identify components of CKM syndrome
- Explain CKM syndrome basics — including how to prevent and manage CKM syndrome — to community members
As part of the new course, AKF will offer continuing education (CE) credit to eligible health professionals. Visit the KHC CKM Syndrome course page to learn more about credits offered.
It is important to note that anyone can become a Kidney Health Coach and take the new online course. It is available to any person interested in advocating for kidney health, whether you are a health professional or not.
Become a Kidney Health Coach and take the new CKM syndrome course today!
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Are you passionate about preventing kidney disease? Do you enjoy educating others about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle? If so, our Kidney Health Coach program is for you!
This program equips health professionals and the general public with the knowledge and tools to educate their patients and community about preventing and managing kidney disease.
Who can become a Kidney Health Coach?
Anyone interested in learning more and educating others about kidney disease can become a Kidney Health Coach. More than 8,000 health professionals, people living with kidney disease, and caregivers serve as Kidney Health Coaches.
Why become a Kidney Health Coach?
As a Kidney Health Coach, you will:
- Raise awareness about kidney disease and its risk factors
- Help people learn how to prevent kidney disease and kidney failure
- Encourage people to get tested and make lifestyle changes to keep their kidneys healthy
- Build trusting relationships with people in your community
- Gain access to tools and resources designed to raise kidney disease awareness and education within your community
- Receive support and guidance from dedicated AKF staff members leading the program.
- Find support and share your experiences by connecting with the community of Kidney Health Coaches doing similar work.
Stay informed about new courses, materials, and collaboratives!
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"I have actively educated others about kidney disease through a series of focused initiatives, including organizing community outreach programs and health seminars dedicated to raising awareness about the risk factors, prevention, and management of kidney disease."
- Dr. Hailey Gascoigne, Kidney Health Coach
Online Course
Kidney Health Coach Course Outline
Kidney Health Coach includes a 2-hour self-paced online training course presented through a series of four modules.
To become a Kidney Health Coach, you must complete all components of the course.
Upon successful completion, you will obtain a certificate of completion. Continuing education (CE) credits are available at no cost for eligible health care professionals.
"I became a Kidney Health Coach while on home dialysis. I started educating the public about kidney disease through my blog and 1:1 talks with members of my community."
Questions on how to get started?
We're here to help. Email us at partnerships@kidneyfund.org for support and we'll do our best to respond within 7 business days.
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Kidney disease is one of the top 10 causes of death in the U.S., yet it often goes undetected until it's too late. That's why AKF's Kidney Health Coach program is vital — equipping trusted voices with the knowledge and tools to reach those most at risk.
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