Taking care of yourself is a priority as you care for others. March is kidney awareness month.Are you aware of the vital role your kidney plays to maintain a healthy body function? We are born with two kidneys. However, some people have been found to only be born with one kidney. A person can live a totally normal life with only one kidney. The kidney regulates fluids,activates Vitamin D for healthy bones, filters waste from the blood, directs production of red blood cells, regulates blood pressure, and keeps blood minerals in balance. Some of the risk factors of kidney disease are: family history, diabetes, high blood pressure and being 60 and over. The problems kidney disease can also cause are: nerve damage, cardiac disease, weak bones, heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, anemia and kidney disease. Kidney disease can cause swelling of the face, hands, abdomen, ankles and feet. The urine can be bloody and foamy. Some other symptoms are: puffy eyes. difficult and painful urination and increased thirst and fatigue.
It is very importance that you monitor and discuss your kidney status with your health care provider. Be sure to ask your health care provider the results of these two lab test. The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio which is an indicator of the amount of a type of protein albumin that you excrete in your urine. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) tells how your kidneys are working to remove wastes from your bloods. It is the best way to check kidney function
Some things you can do to keep your kidney healthy. Drinking plenty of fluids will help your kidney function property. Your urine should be straw-colored. During hot weather and when exercising strenuously, you need to drink more water than usual to make up for the fluid lost by sweating. A balanced diet ensures you get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, and grains such as whole wheat pasta, bread and rice. Do not eat too much salty or fatty foods. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure has
no symptoms, but it can increase your risk of kidney and heart problems. An ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. Do not smoke or drink too much alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol and smoking both raise your blood pressure.Your body mass index (BMI) is a helpful way of checking whether you're a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, cycling or swimming every week. Thirty-three precent (33%) of adults in the U.S. are at risk for kidney disease, but most of them don’t know it. Having Kidney disease also puts you at an increased risk of developing life-threatening complications from COVID-19.Visit www.kidney.org and take the short survey to see if you’re in the 33%.
COME is here for you. Contact us with your questions and concerns at 718-379-3159 or email us at Info@comeoutreach.org . Please join us on Wednesday, March 17 , 2021 at 7pm for our 45minMonthly Informational Session. Topic: Feelings, Thoughts and Reality. Presenter: New York Psychotherapy Counseling (NYPCC). RSVP online at www.comeoutreach.org
