Dialysis provider Fresenius Medical Care North America has launched today the Champions in Motion program as an integral part of its new Healthy Lifestyle initiative. This initiative is aimed at helping people with kidney failure live a better life on dialysis by encouraging them to become more physically active, eat healthy diets, and enjoy more flexible lifestyles. FMCNA's Champions in Motion are dialysis patients who have made a commitment to regular physical activity in spite of dealing with chronic kidney failure.

FMCNA will honor 20 dialysis patients throughout 2012 who have committed themselves to regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet as part of their lifestyle. Health care teams at dialysis clinics across the United States nominated patients to be Champions in Motion, and a board composed of participants from various clinical disciplines within FMCNA made the final selections.

San Diego dialysis patient Marshall Lewis is recognized as a Champion in Motion because he is very proactive about his health care, and maintains a healthy dialysis-friendly diet and regimented exercise routine, which includes weightlifting.

"After I started working out at the gym and eating a healthier diet, I noticed that my dialysis results improved and my energy level was better," says Lewis. "I enjoy talking to other patients about the importance of finding an activity that will keep them motivated and active because it has made a big difference in my life."

Through its Healthy Lifestyle initiative, FMCNA said it is also promoting healthy diets and good nutrition. To support the healthy nutrition program, FMCNA has partnered with Food Network star Chef Aaron McCargo Jr. Throughout 2012, Chef McCargo will be developing new dialysis-friendly recipes, attending patient events, and promoting healthy diets that include tasty, satisfying meals for people with kidney failure.