National Kidney Month

I know it's April now, but I just learned that March is Kidney Month. I am shocked and saddened to only hear of this now. Kidney disease runs in my family, my one aunt passed away from it, while my other is currently battling it. She is thankfully not on dialysis, but it could be possible in the future. My mom has been tested and she doesn't carry the gene for the disease, and I know that I will have to be tested soon to see if I am at risk.

Kidney disease inhibits the kidneys ability to function normally. Effects of the disease are often slow and gradual. Other complications can arise from it, such as high blood pressure, anemia (low blood count), weak bones, poor nutritional health and nerve damage

The Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

• 26 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk.
• Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
• Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.
• Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
• Persistent proteinuria (protein in the urine) means CKD is present.
• High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney failure.
• African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Seniors are at increased risk.
• Two simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.

The best thing anyone can do is be aware. Know your family medical history and take preventative steps to live a healthy life. Eat healthy and be active. Your risk for kidney disease is increased when it is in your family, if you are a smoker, or have diabetes. Have regular doctor visits, and the older you get, be sure to have tests done that are recommended for your age range.

 

For more information on the disease and what you can do to help, visit www.kidney.org