Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2012 - (Page 11)

Dean Flynn was treated for kidney stones using an advanced procedure at Central Carolina Hospital. All About Kidneys The kidneys are bean-shaped vital organs, situated near the middle of your back, just below the rib cage, that sift out waste products and extra urine from your blood. These byproducts come from the normal breakdown of active muscle and from the foods you eat. After your body has taken what it needs from food, waste is sent to the blood. If your kidneys did not remove these useless scraps, they would build up in the blood and damage your body. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside your kidneys called nephrons. What Is Kidney Disease? Most kidney diseases attack the nephrons, causing them to lose their filtering capacity. Damage to the nephrons may happen quickly, often as the result of injury or poisoning. But most kidney diseases destroy the nephrons slowly or silently. According to the National Institutes of Health, the two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. Also, if your family has a history of kidney problems, you may be at risk for kidney disease. It’s important to remember that these organs keep your blood clean and chemically balanced. If you would like more information about kidney disease or endstage renal disease, talk to your doctor. Preventing Kidney Stones If you’ve had a kidney stone, you are more likely to have another one. However, there are things you can do to prevent them. First, your doctor can conduct tests to determine what is causing them and then develop a prevention plan. If you are prone to developing kidney stones, your physician may recommend drinking enough water so that you produce at least 2 quarts of urine a day. Those found to have calcium-based stones should avoid calcium-rich antacids, foods with vitamin D or oral calcium substitutes. There is no need to eliminate calcium-rich foods from your diet. S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 | 11

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2012

Central Carolina Health - Spring 2012
From the CEO
Health Beat
Bouncing Back
Welcome to the Network
No Stone Unturned
Heart Smart
Make the Right Call

Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2012