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Healthy choices can protect kidneys

Submitted

Wed, Feb 28th 2018 05:35 pm
Editorial by the Kidney Foundation of WNY
March is Kidney Month, a good time to consider the health of your kidneys.
The kidneys, which are about the same size as a fist, filter waste and excess water from the blood. Damage to the kidneys, known as chronic kidney disease, can cause waste to build up and other health problems to develop.
Approximately 15 percent of U.S. adults have chronic kidney disease, according to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control. The Kidney Foundation of WNY warns kidney disease may have no signs or symptoms in its early stages, so many people may not know they have it. Blood and urine tests can allow medical professionals to diagnose and monitor kidney disease.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of chronic kidney disease. Other risk factors include heart disease, obesity, lupus, family history of kidney disease, and high cholesterol. If you have one or more risk factors, talk with your doctor about your kidney health.
Kidney disease often gets worse over time. Early diagnosis and management can help to slow the progression of kidney disease. If a person's kidneys fail, they will need dialysis or a kidney transplant. More than 1,500 people in Erie County are currently on dialysis, and nearly 300 local patients are on the waiting list for a lifesaving kidney transplant.
You can take steps to protect your kidneys, including:
  • Controlling your blood pressure.
  • Controlling your glucose if you have diabetes.
  • Eating healthy.
  • Staying physically active.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Not smoking.
  • Staying properly hydrated.
More information about kidney health is available from the Kidney Foundation of WNY at kfwny.com or by calling 716-512-7918. The Buffalo-based nonprofit also offers resources for people with kidney disease, including peer support groups.
About the Kidney Foundation of WNY
The Kidney Foundation of WNY is dedicated to increasing community awareness of kidney disease and other related diseases while educating and improving the lives of those we serve.
In the community, KFWNY works to raise awareness of kidney disease, increase knowledge of risk factors, and provides information on prevention and treatment. For people with kidney disease, KFWNY provides patient support and advocacy, offers information on health care options, and assists with emergency financial, nutritional or transportation needs. Our service area includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
Stay connected:
  • Twitter.com/KidneyFoundWNY
  • Facebook.com/KFWNY

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