National Kidney Month Puts Spotlight on Kidney Disease Awareness

IN A NUTSHELL:

• Important to get tested for kidney disease early
• Many people don’t know they have kidney disease until permanent damage is done
• High blood pressure linked to kidney disease

March is National Kidney Month, when health organizations and physicians raise awareness about kidney disease.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases encourages people to start a conversation with their physician about kidney health.

Time is of the essence, which is why it is important to get diagnosed as soon as possible. By receiving treatment early, you may be able to prevent or delay more serious health problems.

Chronic kidney disease is a serious condition that affects more than 30 million adults in the United States, yet people in the early stages may not have symptoms. Many people don’t find out they have kidney disease until their kidneys are permanently damaged, which is why you should get tested early.

The kidneys are the body’s chemical factories, filtering waste and performing vital functions that control things like red blood cell production and blood pressure.

But over time, the kidneys can become damaged with little or no physical symptoms to warn you that your kidneys are in trouble.

There are several steps you can take today to improve kidney health:

Throughout National Kidney Month, the National Kidney Foundation is offering free kidney health screenings through the KEEP Healthy program.

To locate a KEEP Healthy screening near you, or to learn more about the kidneys and risk factors for kidney disease, visit their website.

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