March 13 is World Kidney Day. According to the World Kidney Day Initiative, about 1 in 10 people suffer kidney damage. Complications from kidney disease lead to millions of premature deaths. Here are some tips to keep your kidneys healthy.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is not just an adult disease – it can happen at any age. In children, CKD is a growing problem, says Dr. Michael Seifert, a pediatric nephrologist at SIU School of Medicine who holds a cross appointment at Washington University in St. Louis.
Most children with CKD are born with the disease, but thousands more are diagnosed each year. More boys than girls develop the condition. While no screening guideline exists for CKD, doctors have several tests that can help diagnosis the disease. Treatment is a lifelong process that might involve changes in children’s diet, exercise and medications. Without management, CKD can progress to kidney failure and the need for a transplant.
Here are some risk factors for developing CKD:
- Obesity
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Smoking or being around smokers
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Anemia
- Cancer
Children with CKD may have additional health problems. These can include:
- Hypertension
- Sleep problems
- Vascular problems
- Decreased growth rate
- Decreased bone density
- Lower quality of life
- Anemia
- Decreased social interactions
Prevention
To keep your kidneys healthy, the National Kidney Disease Education program recommends the following: http://1.usa.gov/1cmclpj
- Lower your blood pressure
- Eat healthy
- Cut back on salt
- Follow your medicine regimen
- Eat heart-healthy foods
- Quit smoking – or don’t start
Resources:
kidney.org/kidneydisease/aboutckd.cfm
nkdep.nih.gov/learn/keep-kidneys-healthy.shtml
siuhealthcare.org/Public/ProviderDetails.aspx?pid=336
Logo copyrighted WKD