Are your kidneys healthy or sick?
You may not experience symptoms of Kidney Disease until 80% of your kidney function is lost.
Visit a doctor or a nurse for a yearly check-up. They can look at your blood and urine test results and see exactly how your kidneys are doing.
Take this quiz to find out what you know about kidney disease:
Are you at risk?
People who have any of the below risk factors are more at risk of having chronic kidney disease. Check to see if you are at risk:
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disease (such as Lupus)
- High blood pressure
- Family history of kidney disease
- Known kidney problems
- Heart disease
- Urinary tract problems
- Vascular disease (poor circulation)
- Very frequent use of known toxins (such as pain killers)
More to Know
Kidneys help your body get rid of stuff it doesn’t need like extra fluid, waste or minerals. They also help control blood pressure, balance chemicals in the body and build red blood cells.
When kidneys stop working your body can’t get rid of all that stuff it doesn’t need and this can make you feel very sick. Without treatment, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure which can cause death.
Dialysis or a transplant is needed to stay alive.
How to Care for Your Kidneys
Manage your diabetes.
Maintain a healthy blood pressure.
Take medications as prescribed.
Know if you have a family history of kidney disease.
Aim for a healthy body weight.
Be physically active.
Eat healthy, balanced meals.
Stop smoking.
Limit alcohol.
Want to know more?
Click on the links below to learn more about kidney disease.