HealthLink Littauer’s

WELLNESS WORDS

Submitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BS

Community Health Educator

Guide To Protecting Kidney Health

Chronic kidney disease (CDK) is a major public health concern, according to the National Diabetes, Digestive Disorders and Kidney Disease Office. CDK is more prevalent after age 60 and often goes undetected until it is very advanced. Regular testing is important especially for those at risk for CDK. Follow these steps to learn more about kidney disease, your risk and how to prevent CDK.

STEP 1: KNOW THE FACTS

6 things healthy kidneys do:

• Regulate fluid levels
• Filter wastes from the blood
• Helps to regulate blood pressure
• Activate Vitamin D for healthy bones
• Release hormone that regulates production of red blood cells
• Keep blood minerals in balance

STEP 2: ASSESS YOUR RISK FACTORS

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Age 60 or older
• Obesity
• Prolonged use of pain relievers, including high doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Chronic urinary tract infections

STEP 3: RECOGNIZE SYMPTOMS

Symptoms may occur late and can be misleading. However, you should pay attention to these, especially if you are at risk:

• Fatigue, weakness
• Difficult or painful urination
• Foamy urine
• Pink or very dark urine
• Increased thirst
• Puffy eyes
• Swollen face, hands, abdomen, ankles and/or feet

STEP 4: STAY HEALTHY TO PREVENT KIDNEY DISEASE

6 things people at high risk should do:

• Lower blood pressure
• Keep blood sugar under control
• Reduce salt intake
• Avoid over-the-counter pain medications
• Moderate protein consumption
• Get an annual flu shot

Additional Health Activities To Prevent Kidney Disease For Everyone:

• Exercise regularly
• Control weight
• Stay hydrated
• Eat a balanced diet
• Quit smoking
• Drink alcohol only in moderation
• Share your family medical history with your physicians
• Keep cholesterol limits in a healthy range

If you or your family members should be in late stage CDK and require dialysis, Nathan Littauer Hospital’s new center will keep travel local and provide board certified care. For more information, attend a special program on ‘Kidney Health’ presented by Dr. Soo Gil Lee, Nephrologist of American Renal Associates, on September 27 in Littauer’s Auditorium.

You are invited to join us for a buffet-style luncheon at 11:30 for $6 or attend Dr. Lee’s presentation only at 12 noon at no charge. To attend, call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120.