March is National Kidney Month

Hello and Happy Monday

Did you know that March is National Kidney Month?

High blood pressure and diabetes are the two main causes of kidney disease. Diabetes is the number one contributor. Dialysis or kidney transplants are treatment options for kidney failure.

Screening for kidney disease is the only way to know if your kidneys are working properly. One test, GFR (glomerular filtration rate), is a blood test which tests the filtering function of your kidneys. The second test is an urine test that

checks for albumin (protein) in your urine.

A GFR of 60 or higher is the desired range.

A normal albumin amount is below 30.

Tips for a healthy kidney:

Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Take all medication as prescribed

Limit your salt and alcohol intake.

Eat healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables

Exercise regularly

Watch your weight, lose weight if necessary

Quit smoking, if you are a smoker.

The above information can be found at nkdep.nih.gov

Stay connected with the following resource options:

Visit: www.nkdep.nih.gov

Call: 1-866-4-Kidney (1-866-454-3639)