Did you know that the kidneys play a major role in your well-being? To help raise awareness about these essential organs and how to keep them healthy, March has been designated National Kidney Month. Learn more about how to care for your kidneys, the risks of chronic kidney disease and more from the Urology Department at Carthage Area Hospital.
Get to Know the Kidneys
The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, balancing water, salt and minerals in the body by removing this waste via urine through the excretory system. They also help produce the hormones that make red blood cells, promote bone health and control blood pressure.
However, several factors can keep the kidneys from doing their job, which allows waste to remain inside the body. There it can cause a number of problems, including increased risk of heart attack and stroke, anemia, bone damage, irregular heartbeat, infections, high blood pressure, swelling in the legs and pulmonary edema.
What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are unable to function properly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 44% of all diagnoses are related to diabetes, while another 29% are due to high blood pressure. However, misuse of over-the-counter pain medications, certain antibiotics, herbal supplements and other factors may also contribute. Over time, chronic kidney disease can lead to end-stage renal disease. Once this occurs, the kidneys can no longer function without dialysis or a transplant.
Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes or cardiovascular disease have a greater risk of developing chronic kidney disease, as do those with a family history of the disease. Certain populations also experience elevated risk, including African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and people over 65. Smoking and obesity also increase your risk.
How Can You Prevent Chronic Kidney Disease?
There are often no symptoms of chronic kidney disease, and many individuals may not realize they have it. Fortunately, you can take steps to keep kidneys healthy and slow the progress of kidney failure. These include:
- Annual screenings with an ACR urine or GFR blood test if you have one or more risk factors
- Treatment for diabetes and/or high blood pressure
- Reduced use of over-the-counter pain medication
- Healthy eating, such as the DASH diet
- At least 30 minutes of exercise each day
Learn More Today
If you’re at risk for chronic kidney disease, contact the Carthage Area Hospital Urology Center. We currently see adult and pediatric urology patients on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 3 Bridge St in Carthage, NY from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call 315-519-5990 today to make an appointment. t