Cooperative Living March/April 2019 - 22

HealthyTake
It's March: Take five for
your kidneys' health
M
arch is National Kidney
Month and the National
Kidney Foundation invites all
Americans to take five healthy steps
for their kidneys.
The kidneys are the body's chemical
factories, filtering waste and performing
vital functions that control things like
red-blood-cell production and blood
pressure. But over time, the kidneys
can become damaged with little or no
physical symptoms to warn you that
your kidneys are in trouble.
" Of the 26 million American adults
estimated to have kidney disease, most
don't know they have it. That's why
taking care of your kidneys, especially
if you are at risk for kidney disease, is
vital, " said Joseph Vassalotti, M.D.,
National Kidney Foundation chief
medical officer. " There are a few simple
things people can do to keep their
kidneys healthy and strong. "
Five facts about kidneys:
* One out of three American adults
is at high risk for developing
kidney disease.
* One out of nine American adults
has kidney disease ― and most
don't know it.
* High blood pressure, diabetes
and a family history of kidney
failure are major risk factors
for developing kidney disease.
* Early detection and treatment can
slow or prevent the progression
of kidney disease.
* The risk of kidney disease can be
reduced by quitting smoking,
exercising regularly, maintaining
a healthy weight, and avoiding
excessive use of pain medications.
Here are five ways to
protect your kidneys:
1. Get Tested! Ask your doctor for an
ACR urine test or a GFR blood test
annually if you have diabetes, high
blood pressure, are over age 60, or
have a family history of kidney failure.
Free screenings are available through
the National Kidney Foundation's
KEEP Healthy program by visiting
kidney.org/keephealthy.
2. Reduce NSAIDs. Over-the-counter
pain medicines, such as NSAIDs
(nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),
may alleviate your aches and pains,
but they can harm the kidneys,
especially if you already have kidney
disease. Reduce your regular use of
NSAIDs and never go over the
recommended dosage.
3. Avoid Processed Foods.
Processed foods, including fast food
and many popular snacks, can be
significant sources of sodium, nitrates
and phosphates, and have been linked
to cancer, heart disease and kidney
disease. Instead, include plenty of
fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat
dairy products and whole grains in
your diet.
4. Exercise Regularly. Regular exercise
will keep your bones, muscles, blood
vessels, heart and kidneys healthy.
Getting active for at least 30 minutes
a day can also help you control blood
pressure and lower blood sugar, which
is vital to kidney health.
5. Control Blood Pressure and
Diabetes. High blood pressure and
diabetes are the leading causes of kidney
disease. Managing high blood pressure
and strict control of blood-sugar levels
can slow the progression of kidney
disease. Speak with your doctor if you
are having trouble managing diabetes
or high blood pressure. 
Source: The National Kidney Foundation
is the leading organization in the U.S.
dedicated to the awareness, prevention
and treatment of kidney disease. For
more information, visit kidney.org.
20 | Cooperative Living | March-April 2019
20 | Cooperative Living | October 2018
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Cooperative Living March/April 2019

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