Know the Facts: Chronic Kidney Disease

As the sun comes out to welcome the coming of spring, it's time to shed some light on a critical health topic - kidney disease and the importance of a healthy kidney system.

March is National Kidney Month - with National Kidney Day happening on March 10 - a time dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of this organ and the vital functions it performs. This includes removing any waste, drugs, or excess fluid from the body (about two litres a day!), regulating blood pressure, controlling the production of red blood cells, promoting healthy bones and, last but cerrainly not least, regulating the body's salt, potassium and acid content.

National Kidney Day

According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million American adults have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and millions of others are at increased risk due to diabetes and high blood pressure - the leading causes of CKD. And most of them don't even know it - without many noticeable symptoms in its  early stages, the disease has been labeled a “silent killer.”  CKD, if left unnoticed or untreated, can eventually lead to cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, stroke, weak bones, kidney failure, nerve damage, anemia, and even death.

There are four main risk factors for CKD:  diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and a family history of kidney disease or diabetes or high blood pressure. Others also include obesity, low birth weight, kidney stones, chronic urinary tract infections, African, Asian, or Hispanic heritage, or if you're 60 years old or over.

If someone is already at risk, it  is crucial to watch out for any sign of the following symptoms: fatigue, weakness, swollen face, hands, abdomen, ankles, feet, or eyes, increased thirst, increased need to urinate (especially at night), or urine that is pink, foamy, or painful.

As previously stated, a prominent contributor to an unhealthy kidney is high blood pressure, which can be easily helped by a change to a low-sodium diet. The National Kidney Foundation has a great list of tips to shake the salt habit:

Luckily, if you're living in a retirement residence there's no need to worry about whether the food you're eating is too high in sodium. Menus and recipes are carefully crafted to provide residents with a well-balanced yet enjoyable diet. Other steps to prevent CKD can also be facilitated by the staff and facilities at a retirement residence, like regular exercise, routine check-ups, and weight control.

Make kidney health a priority this month, and it will affect you until the rest of the season, year, and forever.




Comfort Life is a division of Our Kids Media™ ©2002-2021   •   Disclaimer: Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the retirement care advertisers and is not warranted or guaranteecd by ComfortLife.ca or its associated websites.  •   See Terms and Conditions.

The Comfort Life eNewsletter

Sign up today to receive tips and advice on retirement living, retirement communities, home care and other services.

First Name:
Email:
Postal Code

Comfort Life

*Bonus: sign up and immediately receive a free digital edition of Comfort Life Retirement Living Guide

100 pages, featuring the top retirement communities and care with expert advice on choosing, financing and making the move.