National Kidney Month

Imagine a filter that works to keep the good stuff while removing anything else you don’t need to maintain a state of balance and keep you healthy and safe. Cool, right? That’s basically how kidneys work. The kidneys act as the filter system of the body by removing waste and excess fluid through urine. Kidneys keep the balance in your body by making sure your blood has the right amount of water, salts, and minerals. Without this balance, your body may not function properly.

Unfortunately, many of us aren’t aware of the care it takes to keep the kidneys healthy, or the risk factors to watch out for to avoid kidney disease. This March, as we celebrate National Kidney Month, learn how you can learn more, care better, and take action.

First, fast facts on Kidney:

- Kidney disease is one of the leading causes of death in the US. Yearly, kidney disease is known to cause death more than breast or prostate cancer.

- 1 in every 3 adults in America is at risk for kidney disease, and 2 out of 5 adults with severe kidney disease are not aware they have it. It is also more prevalent in those over the age of 60.

- Approximately 90% of people who have kidney disease don’t even know it. In fact, more than 37 million Americans have chronic kidney disease.

- Out of the 120,000 Americans and more that are on the national organ transplant waitlist, more than 98,000 await a life-saving kidney.

Risk Factors for Kidney Disease

Awareness of kidney disease, especially for those at risk, is the first step to preventing, or slowing the progression of kidney disease. Find out if you’re at risk by watching out for the following:

Diabetes - More than 34 million Americans have diabetes, which is one of the most major risk factors for kidney disease. If left unmanaged, diabetes can harm the small vessels of the kidney, affecting their ability to filter toxins.

High Blood Pressure - When high blood pressure constricts the blood vessels in your kidneys, blood flow is reduced and eventually the kidneys stop working well. As a result, the kidneys can’t remove all wastes and extra fluid from the body. The extra fluid can raise your blood pressure even higher - creating a harmful cycle and causing more damage that leads to kidney failure.

Family history - If kidney complications are common in your family history, it’s best to consult a healthcare expert to help you monitor your kidney function.

Older age - As we age, our bodies naturally lose kidney function. People over the age of 60 are at higher risk of developing kidney disease. Seniors should have yearly kidney function tests because awareness prevents and slows the progression of kidney complications.

How Care Can Help

While the statistics and risk factors are alarming, there’s still something you can do for better kidney health. Seek a professional consultation from your trusted doctors, get tested, and learn how you can avoid kidney disease, or treat it with a care plan that’s tailored for your needs. Speaking of care plans that are fit for you or your loved one, Care Indeed has personalized care solutions that can help maintain a healthy lifestyle or support treatment plans if you or someone from your family are dealing with kidney disease.

Having chronic kidney disease can be life-changing not just for those living with the condition, but also to the people who provide care and support for them throughout their journey. Caring for someone with kidney disease can be challenging, but you’re in good hands with Care Indeed. Care Indeed has trustworthy, excellent care providers who understand the impact of this journey, and can provide care plans and routines to help those with the condition live life safely and meaningfully. Contact Care Indeed today to learn more about the services they provide.