August Newsletter 2025

Practice Updates

Upcoming Office Closures:
August 22, 2025 (Staff Development Day)
September 01, 2025 (Holiday)

Please note that you can reach our office on August 22nd by calling 702-877-1887.

New Provider Alert!
We’re excited to announce that three new doctors have joined our Practice!

– Dr. Punjot Bhangoo will see patients at our Central Office.
– Dr. James Ogrodowski will see patients at our Southern Hills Office.
– Dr. Shehzad Parekh will see patients at our Henderson Office.

KSOSN Office Hours are Mon-Thur 8:00a – 5:00p. Fri 8:00a to 12:00p.

Surgical Center Hours are Mon-Sat 7:30a – 4:30p.

Kidney Health Tip of the Month

Eat the Rainbow – add more colorful fruits and veggies to your plate!

They’re packed with antioxidants and support kidney health.

Educational Spotlight

National Wellness Month

August is National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to focusing on self-care, stress management, and healthy habits that can improve our overall well-being. For people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), this month is more than just a reminder; it’s an opportunity to take proactive steps that can protect kidney function and enhance quality of life. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing CKD for years, wellness isn’t just about medical treatments; it’s about daily choices that support your physical, emotional, and mental health.

Wellness for Kidney Health: A Whole-Body Approach
When you live with kidney disease, wellness becomes an essential part of your care, not a luxury. Your kidneys play a central role in balancing your body, so supporting them naturally supports your energy, mood, heart health, and more.

5 Ways to Protect Kidney Function:

Prioritize Restorative Sleep
Quality sleep supports immune function, balances hormones, and improves blood pressure.
Goal: Create a calming evening routine, aim for 7–9 hours of sleep, and limit screen time before bed.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration helps kidneys flush waste, but too much fluid (especially in later-stage CKD) can cause problems.
Goal: Talk to your doctor about your ideal fluid intake and keep a water bottle nearby to sip throughout the day.
Eat for Energy and Kidney Support
A kidney-conscious diet doesn’t have to be restrictive. Focus on whole foods that support both kidney health and overall wellness.
Goal: Fill your plate with colorful, kidney-safe vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit high-sodium and processed foods.
Move Your Body Daily
Exercise improves circulation, helps control blood sugar, and reduces stress, all of which benefit your kidneys.
Goal: Aim for at least 20–30 minutes of light to moderate activity most days. Walking, stretching, or chair yoga all count.
Track Your Health Numbers
Knowledge is power. Understanding your GFR, creatinine, blood pressure, and other labs helps you make informed decisions and slow CKD progression.
Goal: Keep a wellness tracker or app to monitor your labs, medications, and symptoms.

Wellness is Also Mental and Emotional
Kidney disease can feel overwhelming. National Wellness Month is a reminder to tend to your mental and emotional health, too.

Talk to a therapist or join a kidney support group
Journal to process emotions or reduce stress
Practice daily mindfulness or deep breathing

Wellness Tip: Even 5 minutes of stillness can ground you and lower stress hormones that affect kidney and heart health.

Wellness is an Ongoing Practice, Not Perfection
Living well with kidney disease isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being intentional. This month, and every month, remember that you deserve to feel well. Wellness isn’t just about preventing disease; it’s about building a life that feels good to live. Let National Wellness Month be your motivation to take one positive step forward. You’re worth it!

Need a Kidney Wellness Starter Kit?
Get my starter kit!

Kidney Friendly Recipe of the Month

Creamy Pasta Salad

Ingredients

Based on 8 servings per recipe.

8 ounces medium shells pasta
1/2 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 cup Refrigerator Pickles, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 tablespoons carrot, grated

Nutritional Information per serving

Calories 188
Carbohydrates 23 g
Protein 4 g
Sodium 134 mg
Potassium 90 mg
Phosphorus 56 mg/li>

Preparation

Cook pasta per package directions, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, celery seed, onion powder, and mustard.
Add dressing to cooked pasta.
Stir in chopped pickles or cucumbers, carrots, and celery.

Tip: Don’t add salt to the water when cooking pasta. This will keep the sodium low.

Salads, Vegetarian, Low Phosphorus, Low Potassium, High Protein, Low Sodium

Resource: Creamy Pasta Salad | Northwest Kidney Center

Meet Our Care Team

Dr. Rizwan Qazi, M.D.

Specialty: Interventional Nephrologist

A loved one’s suffering can be a very powerful motivator. In the case of Dr. Rizwan Qazi, seeing his own father suffer through kidney disease and dialysis treatment inspired him to pursue a career in nephrology and work to get care to patients early in their kidney disease.

Born in Islamabad, Pakistan, Dr. Qazi earned his medical degree at King Edward Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan. He moved to the United States to continue his medical education at Saint Louis University Medical Center (SLU) in Saint Louis, Missouri. After completing his internal medicine residency and nephrology fellowship, Dr. Qazi accepted a faculty position in the Division of Nephrology at SLU and was actively involved in training and teaching of medical students, residents and renal fellows.

With a background in medical education, a broad knowledge of general, interventional and transplant nephrology, and a strong belief in physician accessibility, Dr. Qazi is a great resource both for his patients and their referring physicians. In his practice, he works to incorporate his patient’s input into their treatment plan and fully engage them with their care.

In addition to being Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Qazi is an Interventional Nephrologist certified by the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology.

Dr. Qazi joined KSOSN and moved to Las Vegas in 2010. The married father of two sons is an avid cricket player and was delighted to find a competitive cricket league in Las Vegas.

Claudia Perez

Medical Assistant II

What’s a random fun fact about you?
When I turned 18, I booked a flight to New York with the intention of staying there to live, but that lasted about 3 weeks. I was homesick, so I came back.

What motivates you to do your best work?
My daughter motivates me to be the best I can be. I want her to know that the world is hers; she just needs to go get it.

What’s something you’re passionate about?
I’m passionate about the work I choose to do. I have had many encounters with patients and people that make me feel like this is what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m passionate about my family, friends, and overall life itself.

Words of Encouragment

Dialysis may be a challenge, but you are a warrior capable of conquering any obstacle that comes your way.

Your journey as a kidney patient reminds us to be grateful for the blessings of life.

No matter how tough the dialysis journey may seem, remember that you are stronger than you think.

Health Reminders

Kidney education classes & Modality Education opportunities are available! Call our office to see if you qualify.

Keep hands clean by following these 5 steps:

Wet
Lather
Scrub
Rinse
Dry

🎉 Celebrating the Heart of Kidney Care – Our Team! 🎉

Employee Appreciation Week | June 30 – July 4, 2025

At KSOSN, we know it takes a dedicated, compassionate team to make a real difference in kidney care, and we had a blast showing our appreciation during Employee Appreciation Week!

From June 30 to July 4, we celebrated with prizes, spirit week, and thoughtful gifts. We gave everyone a day off on Thursday, July 3rd, turning the holiday into a well-deserved 4-day weekend because just like healthy kidneys need rest and balance, so do our hardworking heroes!

👏 To our team: Thank you for being the heart and soul of kidney health. Your passion, professionalism, and teamwork help us provide the best care for our patients, and we’re proud to celebrate you, not just this week, but all year!