Did you know that today is World Kidney Day? Probably not. I wouldn’t have either, except that one of my best friends, Nancy, had a transplant over 3 years ago and has taught me a lot about the importance of kidneys! Kidney disease effects hundreds of millions of people all over the world and over 26 million here in the U.S.! If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of these conditions…you too could be at risk! It’s important to stay active, keep your blood pressure low and maintain a healthy weight by making smart food choices.
Here are the top things that the National Kidney Foundation says you can do to help prevent Kidney Disease:
LEARN — Get accurate and clear information about all aspects of kidney health and kidney disease at www.kidney.org.
GET TESTED — If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of these conditions you are at risk. See your doctor and ask to be tested to determine if you have kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation offers frequent free kidney health screenings nationwide for those at risk.
VOLUNTEER — NKF needs volunteers, including healthcare professionals, of all ages and interests.
JOIN NKF — NKF (National Kidney Foundation) offers a variety of valuable membership benefits to healthcare professionals, patients, transplant recipients, living donors and donor families.
DONATE — It costs $250 to conduct a free screening for someone at risk.Â
