Gum Disease And Your Kidneys

Your mouth is talking to your kidneys. Are you listening? New research shows a strong connection between periodontitis (gum disease) and early chronic kidney disease (CKD) through inflammation in the body. In a study of over 6,000 adults: • Severe gum disease increased as kidney function declined • Patients with worse periodontal disease had lower kidney function (eGFR) • They also had higher urine protein levels (uACR), an early marker of kidney damage • Inflammation markers like CRP played a role but did not explain the whole story What does this mean for you? Gum disease is not just about your teeth. It may be quietly impacting your kidneys even in the early stages. Simple steps matter: • Regular dental visits • Treating gum disease early • Taking oral health seriously as part of total health Important reminder A full kidney transplant workup always includes dental clearance. Infection in the mouth can directly impact transplant success. Healthy mouth. Healthy kidneys. Connected care matters. Follow us for more real insights that protect your kidney health. #kidneyhealth #ckdawareness #oralhealth #gumdisease #periodontitis

Dr. Gabriel Valle Chosen For Miami Award "Twelve Good Men"

Dr. Gabriel Valle was named a 2026 Twelve Good Men Honoree by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida. For more than 30 years, RMH Charities has recognized leaders whose outstanding dedication to service, philanthropy and community service has strengthened South Florida. The Ronald McDonald House, located on the campus of University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, houses and feeds pediatric patients and their families during lengthy hospital stays without cost to the family. Dr. Valle believes that medicine is a calling to care for people wholeheartedly. His career reflects compassion, trust, and a lifelong commitment to patients and the South Florida Community. Honoring leaders through the Twelve Good Men Award inspires others to give back and invest in what truly matters. Science saves lives but compassion sustains them. Dr. Valle will be honored at the luncheon ceremony with the other 11 honorees in Coral Gables on May 1, 20206. Congratulations, Dr. Valle. Your Kidney and Hypertension Group Family is so proud of you!

Juliette Valle sings National Anthem at UAE "Healthy Kidneys" 5K in Coconut Grove

Dr. Gabriel Valle and his daughter, Juliette Valle, were so happy to kick off the UAE Healthy Kidney 5K last week. Despite the cold weather in the early morning hours, the turnout was huge! 

It was truly special to be there with Dr. Gabriel Valle, who had the honor of collaborating with His Excellency Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohamed Hilal Alkaabi and participating in such a meaningful event supporting kidney health worldwide!

We were also incredibly moved by the powerful testimony of Mayor Vince Lago of the City of Coral Gables, who shared his journey as a kidney transplant recipient at just five years old!

Another proud moment for our Kidney Group family and our community as Dr. Valle’s daughter, Juliette Ashley Valle, who flew home from FSU Law School to perform the National Anthem. 

As Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board, Dr. Valle is deeply touched by the UAE’s continued support of the National Kidney Foundation and its mission. A huge shout-out as well to Savanna Lanza, President of the National Kidney Foundation of Florida, for her leadership and dedication. 

What an incredible event, and so many reasons to celebrate kidney health, resilience, and global collaboration! 

Regaining Kidney Function After Peritoneal Dialysis

Edwin had been on peritoneal dialysis for over a year and a half and was turned down for transplant. But instead of giving up, he took control. He made powerful lifestyle changes. He fought for his health, with the unwavering support of his wife.

And something incredible happened. His blood sugar improved, his kidney function stabilized, and he no longer needed dialysis. Something we watch for. 

Today, under the care of his nephrologist Dr. Gabriel Valle, Edwin is thriving. At the Kidney Group, we celebrate every comeback, and this one is unforgettable. We are so happy for you, 

edwin

Dr. Bejar and Dr. Valle Certified Hypertension Specialists

Big Congratulations to Dr. Carlos Bejar and Dr. Gabriel Valle!

Both have been Certified Hypertension Specialists since 2015 — and they have just successfully passed their 10-year recertification exam!

This elite recognition is awarded to physicians with the highest level of expertise in treating complex hypertension and related disorders.

Less than 1,500 physicians worldwide have earned this honor.

We are incredibly proud to have two of them leading the way at The Kidney Group!

Their dedication means better outcomes, personalized care, and hope for our patients every single day.

Excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s our standard. 

Juliette Valle, Miss Florida 2023, at Kidney Day at the Florida Capital.

Kidney Day at the Florida Capitol this year was a powerful and meaningful event, bringing together advocates, healthcare professionals, and legislators to raise awareness about kidney disease. One of the keynote speakers was a proud representative of both the National Kidney Foundation of Florida and the Florida Renal Association-Juliette Valle, Miss Florida 2023, and a current law student, is a spokesperson

for the National Kidney Foundation of Florida. She follows a strong family legacy—her father, Dr. Gabriel Valle, serves as Chief of the Medical Advisory Board, and her mother, Barbara Valle, is a transplant nurse and board member of the National Kidney Foundation.

Engaging with lawmakers to spotlight the urgent need for kidney disease awareness was a highlight of the day—especially given that 90% of those affected are unaware they even have the disease. One particularly moving moment was speaking with Representative Webster Barnaby, whose continued public service while on dialysis exemplifies resilience and commitment.

From morning meetings with legislators to the evening reception at the Governor’s Club, the event was filled with energy, purpose, and inspiring collaborations. Special thanks go to Savannah, Amy, Shannon, John, and the entire National Kidney Foundation team for their leadership and support. The momentum continues, and the drive for kidney health advocacy is stronger than ever. 

Juliette Valle, Miss Miami, on Univision

Juliette Valle, Miss Miami 2022, and a passionate advocate for Kidney Disease Prevention, appeared on the popular Univision show “The Voz”

to discuss her final days as Miss Miami, her passion for the Kidney community, and her popular Christmas album “Joyfully, Juliette Valle” with all proceeds from the album going to support kidney related causes. The album is available on all streaming platforms.  Valle, age 21, is a senior at the University of Miami and the daughter of nephrologist Dr. Gabriel Valle and our Clinical Nurse Specialist, Barbara Valle. Juliette is also an ambassador for the National Kidney Foundation of Florida. 

What Can We Learn From The Flu Pandemic of 1918

The Influenza Pandemic of 1918 can teach us many lessons. Worldwide, it took over 2 years to fully resolve. It had a beginning, a 2nd wave, and an end. In the United States, cities that took sustained action, flattened the curve. The ill and their families were quarantined, public events and public transportation were closed. Those with chronic illness fared worse. Those that lived communally, such as soldiers during wartime, despite youth, were hard hit. Poor people and those that were malnourished were at high risk. And when it was over, people quickly forgot. Although we value our independence, a pandemic teaches us that we are all connected. Much more so now, due to widespread travel, then in 1918. We end this pandemic now by being thoughtful and prudent. That’s how we flatten the curve. Wash your hands, wear your cloth face covering, and stay home if you are sick. If you have a chronic illness, particularly obesity and diabetes, you are at highest risk of complications and must be very cautious, while simultaneously seeking to optimize your health through healthful living choices. This is how we take care of ourselves. And each other. #covid19 #responsibility #community #humanity #patience #diabetes #obesity #history #medicineandmedia The Kidney and Hypertension Group

Barbara Valle Headed to Harvard

Congratulations to our Clinical Nurse Manager, Barbara Valle, who was accepted to Harvard Medical School’s Post Graduate Program “Medicine and Media”, 2019-2020. Barbara is the Editor in Chief of our 7 different Social Media sites, which has made us the most followed Neprology practice social media in both English and Spanish for the last 10 years. Barbara also oversees the clinic aspects of our award winning Home Dialysis Program and our Kidney and Kidney/Pancreas Pre-Transplant Program, @vipkidneyhealth. We are so proud of her! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Broward Hospital District Exploring Expanding Kidney and Liver Transplant Services

In what would be a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the North Broward and South Broward Hospital Districts have agreed to explore the possibility of cooperating on organ transplant services. The potential partnership would involve the existing liver transplant program at North Broward’s Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale and the kidney transplant program at South Broward’s Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood.

Gino Santorio and Aurelio M. Fernandez, leaders of Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System respectively, recently signed an exploratory cooperation letter of intent to formally begin the due diligence process. The doctors of @kidneygroup are excited to be a part of this process. We believe it will bring more opportunities for transplant to the many patients in Broward county currently waiting.

Frank, age 84, is the oldest living donor in the United States, after donating his kidney to his neighbor, Jean. Proving you are never too old to be a hero! 💚

Juliette Valle is Miami Herald Silver Knight Nominee from St. Thomas Aquinas for Music

Congratulations to Juliette Valle, age 17 and daughter of Dr. Gabriel Valle, who is the Miami Herald Silver Knight nominee from St. Thomas Aquinas for Music. The Miami Herald's Silver Knight Award honors outstanding high school students in Miami-Dade and Broward for their academic excellence and passion for community service. Winners in the 15 categories will be announced in May 2019. Juliette is a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas and was also a national semi-finalist for the New York Lyric Opera Competition.👏🏼⭐️

Dr. Gabriel Valle On Protein Intake and Your Kidneys

PROTEIN AND CKD There seems to be a period of susceptibility that determines the effect of protein intake on the kidney. In this regard, both the etiology of the pre-existing (or underlying) kidney disorder as well as its chronicity and severity are of paramount importance. When present, some comorbid conditions have a strong modulating effect on the eventual course and outcome of kidney disease. Additionally, specific parameters of disease activity have a stronger predictive value than others. Age and ethnicity also have an important effect on the evolution and trajectory of CKD. In this context, the sound management of the patient with CKD encompasses a wholistic and dynamic approach which must start with a clear understanding of the disease process, defining milestones and management goals, patient engagement and accountability, integrated, longitudinal care, monitoring parameters of activity, risk stratification, multidisciplinary collaboration and adjusting therapeutic interventions and lifestyle changes to specific individual needs (more to follow). Our goal is to optimize quality of life and patient satisfaction while providing value and outcome driven care.

Dr. Gabriel Valle named Top Kidney Doctor in Broward and Palm Beach Counties

Congratulations to Dr. Valle on being named "Top Doctor" in #Kidney Medicine (Nephrology) by his peers for Palm Beach County, his 18th year in a row earning this distinction! Dr. Valle is board certified in Nephrology and Internal Medicine, and he is a certified by the American Society of Hypertension as a Hypertension Specialist. Dr. Valle is 1 of only 2 Certified Hypertension Specialists in Delray Beach (the other being one of his partners, Dr. Bejar) Our group The Kidney & Hypertension Group is one of only 12 practices nationwide to achieve certification as a Hypertension Center, and the ONLY one in Florida.

He is the Nephrology Coordinator for the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Internal Medicine Residency program at Holy Cross Hospital. Special areas of interest include Diabetic Kidney Disease, Glomerulosclerosis, #Polycystic Kidney Disease, Complex Hypertension, Home Dialysis, Telemedicine, and Transplantation. For an appointment to see Dr. Valle in our Delray office call 954-771-3929.#castleconnelly #topdocs — at The Kidney & Hypertension Group.

The Kidney & Hypertension Group is a Leader in Kidney Transplantation

Here is an excellent article that asks and answers the questions we are most commonly asked about Living Kidney Transplant Surgery. (March 9, 2017) – It is no secret that the United States —in particular, New York — needs more people to register as living organ donors. According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 100,000 people in the country are awaiting a kidney transplant. Donating a kidney has never been safer, and most donors find the process very rewarding. In a three-year survey of organ donors at NewYork-Presbyterian, 93 percent of donors said they would donate again.

Dr. Sandip Kapur, chief of the Division of Transplant Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, led the team that performed one of the nation’s first living-donor kidney transplant surgery chains in 2008. These chains have improved the opportunity for patients in need of kidney transplants to find a compatible donor by pairing them with potential donors who were incompatible for another recipient. This Kidney Month, Dr. Kapur is hoping to dispel some of the myths behind becoming a living kidney donor: Myth 1: I’m Too Young/Old to Donate My Kidney If you’re in good health, you can donate a kidney from the time you are 21 years old until you’re into your 70’s. Myth 2: Only a Close Relative Can Donate Just about anyone can donate a kidney to someone in need of a transplant, as long as the donor is medically able to donate. In fact, even if you have a willing but incompatible donor, you could enter a registry to “swap” donors with other incompatible pairs. This is known as a kidney paired donation or “KPD”. Myth 3: I Can Only Donate if I Know Someone Who Needs a Kidney You can also become an altruistic donor. These are donors who do not know the person to whom they are donating their kidney. NewYork-Presbyterian pioneered one of the first Never Ending Altruistic Donor (NEAD) chains, in which one altruistic living kidney donor begins a chain of kidney transplants that otherwise would not be possible. Myth 4: Living Donors Face a Long Recovery With today’s minimally invasive surgical procedures for living kidney donors, the majority of donors are only in the hospital for one to two days, and are recovered enough to return to work within about three weeks after donation. Myth 5: Living Kidney Donation is a New Field The first successful living kidney donation occurred in 1954, more than 60 years ago! Since then, surgical innovations have improved the experience of living kidney donors tremendously. NewYork-Presbyterian

Dr. Ameen Waheed To Chair Section of University of Miami Nephrotic Syndrome Symposium

Dr. Ameen Waheed of The Kidney & Hypertension Group will Chair a section of a University of #Miami Miller School of Medicine Symposium on Nephrotic Syndrome in which physicians will discuss the role of the community in treating rare #kidney diseases. Dr. Waheed has a special emphasis in his practice on #NephroticSyndrome and it's treatment.

The event will be held Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 on Key Biscayne at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Fl 33149 beginning at 8:15am. Dr. Waheed sees patients in our Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, and Plantation offices. For an appointment with Dr. Waheed please call us at 954-771-3929.

VIP Kidney Health In Delray Beach Offers Successful Home Dialysis and Private Room In-Center Luxury Dialysis

VIPKidney Health located on W. Atlantic Avenue near I-95 in beautiful Delray Beach, Florida brings Florida's PREMIER Nephrology Group. The Kidney & Hypertension Group and Home Dialysis together offering the areas largest and most successful Peritoneal Dialysis programs, Home Hemodialysis, In-Center 1:1 Private Room Dialysis in a luxury setting, and Staff Assisted PD Cycling In-Center. We also offer treatment of Acute Kidney Injury requiring dialysis with a high degree of recovery of function.

We are known for our solutions for patients wishing to obtain a kidney transplant, including comprehensive weight loss if needed to qualify for transplant. We work with Florida's top programs and all top programs nationally to achieve our outstanding ratio of patients transplanted. We believe there is a market for people who want the best there is in Kidney Medicine and Dialysis Services. Contact us at 9547713929.

Dr. Gabriel Valle Named Top Nephrologist Palm Beach and Broward County In Florida

Dr. Gabriel Valle of The Kidney & Hypertension Group has been named Top Kidney Doctor in both Palm Beach and Broward Counties. This is his 16th year being chosen for this award by his peers by the prestigious Castle Connely "Top Doctors". Dr. Valle is board certified in Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Geriatric Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and is a Certified Hypertension Specialist. He is the Medical Director of VIP Kidney Health in Delray Beach, Florida. Dr. Valle is also Nephrology Coordinator for The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Intern and Residency programs at Holy Cross Hospital. People come from all over the country to consult with Dr. Valle for their kidney and blood pressure issues. For an appointment in any of our 4 offices, contact us at 9547713929.

Common Presenting Symptoms for Zika Virus

Because you asked. The most common presenting symptoms of #Zika virus: Fever. Rash. Joint pain. Conjunctivitis (red eyes) Muscle pain. Headache. Pain behind the eyes. Vomiting.

25 Years Ago, He Gave Her A Heart And A Kidney

TWENTY-five years ago John Caldwell gave his wife Jeanette much more than just his heart — he also gave her his kidney. Having paved the way as Victoria’s first non-related pair to take part in a transplant, the couple are going stronger than ever and thrilled their devotion has paved the way for many others to be saved since. 25 years ago, John gave Jeanette his heart...and a kidney. The Caldwells have got a bond like no other. When Jeanette’s kidneys began failing in 1990 and her mother and sister were found not to match, John took a glance at the donor card and mentioned he just happened to also have B+ blood. While only one previous non-related kidney transplant had taken place in Australia, tests soon revealed the couple also happened to both carry two rare antigens that made them a perfect match. After nine months of testing, physical and psychological preparation, the doctors couple the chance to undertake the pioneering transplant at St Vincent’s Hospital just in time for exit eighth wedding anniversary. “The kidney hasn’t faulted,” Jeanette told the Herald Sun ahead of today’s 25th transplant anniversary.

“I’ve had quite a bit removed since the transplant because the anti-rejection drugs have caused quite a bit of concern, but I not connected to a machine and I am still walking around, I OK. “It is wonderful to see that we were the benchmark for all these people being helped, because I know what it is like to be really sick. “It is such a great thing to do and people should talk to their families and tell them their wishes.” John’s generosity hasn’t stopped with his wife of 33 years though. Now living near Caroline Springs, he has also donated blood more than 120 times as the couple share their life with adopted daughter Katherine, now 23.