March is Kidney Disease Awareness Month, and at Athens Area Urology, your kidney health is always a top priority of ours. Your kidneys are an essential part of your urinary system. This month, we want to raise awareness about kidney disease, so we’ve included some information in this article about the importance of your kidneys and tips about preventing kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 37 million people worldwide, and oftentimes it can be hard to detect on your own before symptoms start to appear. Chronic kidney disease can put you at risk for serious medical problems such as kidney failure. Treating kidney disease can be a complicated process, and damage to your kidneys can be challenging to undo. However, there are steps you can take to prevent kidney disease.

What is the function of your kidneys?

Your kidneys serve many important purposes and have a significant effect on your overall health. It’s vital to keep your kidneys functioning and healthy. You can do this by keeping up with a healthy lifestyle and meeting with your urologist regularly. Some functions of the kidneys include:

• Filtering the blood to get rid of the waste that results from your metabolism.

• Keeping electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, and water content in your body constant.

• Producing multiple hormones and enzymes that are essential to your wellbeing.

Prevention Tips:

• Schedule regular check-ups with your general physician as well as your urologist.

• Monitor your glucose levels and blood pressure, especially if you have diabetes.

• Avoid taking Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.

• Take all your medications exactly as your prescriber instructs you to.

• Try to keep your weight within a healthy and reasonable range.

• Try to reduce stress on your body and mind.

• Start incorporating regular exercise into your routine.

• Aim to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.

• Begin taking steps to quit unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive drinking.

Maintaining your overall health is the best way to prevent developing kidney disease. Drink water regularly and stick to a healthy diet as well as a regular, moderate exercise regime. Talk to your doctor about making any changes to your everyday habits, especially if you plan to take steps to quit smoking. Your physician can supply you with resources and information about the best ways to begin the quitting process.

If you are suffering from kidney disease, Athens Area Urology is here to help you through the treatment process. To prevent kidney disease, schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss prevention methods and monitor your health. You can schedule an appointment to meet with one of our many dedicated professionals anytime, and remember to visit our website for additional resources.