About Your Kidneys

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs in the back of the abdomen. They get rid of waste, make red blood cells, and control the pH level in the body. Every hour, they filter about half a cup of blood, producing urine from harmful and unnecessary waste.

When the kidneys don’t work properly, waste builds up in the blood. This makes the body weaker and can cause problems like anemia, nerve damage, and high blood pressure. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than one in every seven American adults and is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States.

Kidney Disease

A variety of factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain medications, can lead to kidney disease. Despite the severity of kidney disease, it is often preventable and manageable with early detection and treatment.

Unfortunately, many people with kidney disease do not realize they have the disease until it is too late. An estimated 26 million of the 30 million people in the United States with CKD are undiagnosed. Because early detection is critical in the prevention and management of kidney disease, National Kidney Month is an important time to raise awareness about the risks and symptoms of CKD.

Kidney disease prevalence varies by age, gender, and race. CKD affects nearly one in every five Americans aged 20 and up, and the prevalence rises with age. In fact, nearly half of all Americans aged 65 and up have CKD. Furthermore, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans are more likely than other ethnic groups to have kidney disease.

Kidney disease is a serious condition that can lead to a number of health complications, including anemia, bone disease, and cardiovascular disease. It can also lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which necessitates dialysis or a kidney transplant. ESRD affects an estimated 590,000 people in the United States, and the mortality rate for ESRD patients is five times that of the general population.

How to Observe National Kidney Month

1. 1. Join the organ donor registry

The majority of organ donations come from people who have died. Register to be an organ donor so that when you die, your healthy organs and tissue can save the lives of dozens of people.

• • Donate to a kidney non-profit

Non-profit organizations do important work like spreading the word about kidney disease, giving patients resources and help, and putting patients, doctors, and donors in touch with each other.

• • Be good to your kidneys

Are you keeping your kidneys healthy? To lower your risk of kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other diseases, try to eat less sodium and sugar, more whole grains and low-fat dairy, and exercise regularly.

National Kidney Month is an important time to educate people about the dangers and symptoms of kidney disease. It is critical to understand the risk factors for CKD and to get tested if you believe you may be at risk. Kidney disease can be avoided and managed with early detection and treatment.

MCR’s Commitment to your Kidney Health

MCR Health is dedicated to providing comprehensive, high-quality care to our kidney disease patients. We provide comprehensive care, including diagnosis and treatment, as well as prevention, education, and follow-up care. We use the latest technologies, practices that have been shown to work, and research findings to make sure that our patients get the best results possible. Our organization is dedicated to collaborating with patients, families, and other healthcare providers to develop individualized care plans that address each patient’s specific needs and preferences. We also offer education and support to help patients and families understand kidney disease and its treatment. MCR Health is dedicated to improving our patients’ quality of life through compassionate, personalized care. To schedule a kidney or general health screening, please contact us right away.