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March is National Kidney Month! Are Your Kidneys Healthy?

March is National Kidney Month! Are Your Kidneys Healthy?

Tips for healthy kidneys

Download the National Kidney Month Checklist Here

The kidneys are important organs that affect many other body parts, including the heart. Follow these tips to keep them working efficiently:

Avoid extra salt

Eating a lot of salty foods can disrupt the balance of minerals in the blood. This can make it harder for the kidneys to work properly. Try swapping out processed foods — which usually have a lot of added salt — for whole foods, such as:

  • fresh fruits and vegetables
  • lean cuts of meat
  • nuts

Exercise

High blood pressure is a known risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Regular exercise, even for just 20 minutes a day, can help reduce blood pressure.

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps the kidneys perform one of their most important functions: removing toxins. Learn more about how much water you should really be drinking every day.

Use medications with caution

Regularly taking certain over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause kidney damage over time. Occasionally taking them is fine, but work with your doctor to find alternatives if you have a condition that requires managing pain, such as arthritis.

Know the risk factors

Several things can increase your risk of developing a kidney condition. Make sure you regularly have your kidney function tested if you:

  • have diabetes
  • are obese
  • have high blood pressure
  • have a family history of kidney disease

 

The Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

  • 37 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

How Can  Home Care Help?

·       Caregivers prepare nutritious meals and snacks.

·       Medication reminders

·       Meal Time Reminders

·       Report Changes in well-being

·       Water Intake Reminders

·       Accompany to MD Appointments

 

RESOURCES and Information for this post:

Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale provides in-home care services for seniors in Scottsdale and the surrounding areas in Phoenix. If you or a loved-one want to learn more, call us at 480-284-7360. https://goldenheartscottsdale.com/

 

Medline: https://www.healthline.com/health/human-body-maps/kidney

National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/about-chronic-kidney-disease#facts