Health briefs

Night dialysis provides the same treatment daytime patients are used to, a news release notes, but it is administered over a longer period. A major benefit is that patients have their days free to pursue their normal activities.

Dialysis removes waste products from blood and cleans waste products associated with failed or failing kidneys.

“Most patients on daytime dialysis receive treatments three times a week for three to four hours at a time,” the release states. “In nighttime dialysis, patients typically receive treatments three times a week, but for about eight hours at a time.

“When dialysis is provided over a longer period, fluids are removed more slowly, which results in a more gentle treatment for most patients. Studies also suggest that nighttime dialysis patients may be able to better control their blood pressure and mineral levels, resulting in fewer dietary restrictions, which allows them to eat a wider variety of foods.”

Fresenius Medical Care Edmond, which is certified by Medicare, is at 301 Katie Michelle Boulevard. For more information, call 341-9926.

Free informative events begin at 8:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the network's Kidney Care Dialysis location, 13901 McAuley Blvd., Room 200, in Oklahoma City. For more on those meetings, call toll-free, (877) 867-7543.

Exercise for body and mind

Exercising regularly can “reduce stress, boost self-esteem, improve sleep, and ward off anxiety and feelings of depression,” according to Life Fitness, a leading manufacturer of gym-quality exercise equipment.

Physical activity causes the body to release endorphins — chemicals that alleviate feelings of pain and make you feel better. The chemicals are responsible for what is often called “runner's high,” the euphoria and positivity that spur athletes to greater heights and leave them feeling good when their workouts are over.

Life Fitness offers these tips for making the most of your body's stress-relief system:

“Go for moderate exercise that you enjoy. To make sure you reap the most mood-boosting benefits, work out regularly instead of sporadically. If you begin working out with exercises you enjoy, you are less likely to skip your workouts. Try biking, dancing, power walking or jogging on the treadmill to start. More good news: weight training can be as effective as an aerobic exercise in elevating your mood. Aim for two to three days a week of resistance training using machines, cables or dumbbells.”