Are You At Risk?

Kidneys play a vital role in the maintenance of your overall health.  If your kidneys are not functioning properly, other systems will be stressed, including your heart and urinary systems, this will eventually cause you to feel ill. Your kidneys have several important roles within your body: cleansing the blood, eliminating waste from the body, producing hormones to help you grow, and regulating both blood pressure and the production of red blood cells.

Warning Signs of Kidney Disease

• Frequent Urination
• Blood in Urine (or urine appearing coffee colored)
• Puffiness Around The Eyes
• Swollen Hands and Feet
• Lower Back Pain  (not associated with a pulled muscle)
• Pain or Burning During Urination
• Hypertension

Other symptoms can include frothy urine and lack of energy.

Factors That Create A Higher Incidence of Kidney Disease

• Family History of Kidney Disease
• Ethnic Background
• Diabetes (Blood Glucose - under 100 fasting)
• Hypertension (125/75 considered normal)
• Lupus
• Untreated Streptococcal Throat Infections
• Uncontrolled Weight Gain
• Prolonged Use of Over-The-Counter Anti-Inflammatories (Bufrin, Advil, etc.)

(Always check to see all of the ingredients that make up cough & cold reminders & over-the-counter pain killers, especially if you have kidney disease.)

Blood Glucose -- Diabetes (#1 Leading Cause of Kidney Disease)

Average healthy blood sugar level ranges between 90 - 130 (before meals) or under 180 two hours after a meal.

If your blood glucose level exceeds these numbers, consult your physician for a more thorough screening.

Blood Pressure - Hypertension (#2 Leading Cause of Kidney Disease)

The high end of the normal range for blood pressure is: 125 Systolic/75 Diastolic or below

Your blood pressure is high if it is: 130 Systolic/80 Diastolic or above

You should consult your physician if your numbers exceed the normal range. Your doctor may be able to prescribe  medication, diet and/or exercise which may lower your blood pressure naturally. You may have to take medication to control the condition; if left unattended, HBP could lead to kidney disease.

Height and Weight

For many individuals, health is directly related to lifestyle. If we eliminated or avoided risky behaviors, could we improve our health? Definitely!  Behaviors that can and should be modified include smoking, drinking alcohol in excess, diet, and exercise.  Modifiable behaviors, many of us ignore, are monitoring and handling stress levels, scheduling regular doctor visits, following directions on prescribed and over the counter medications, and having knowledge of family medical history.  Often, illnesses experienced by parents play a role in the health of generations to follow.  Prevention is the best medicine.

Personal Health Screening Form

Please take this information to your next health check up, or visit with your doctor.  These simple tests may show clues to other health concerns.

BE PROACTIVE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!

If you have any questions, call Kidney Foundation of Greater Cincinnati at 513.961.8105.