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Established 60 years ago, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) recognizes each March as National Kidney Month. Kidney disease affects nearly 37 million Americans.
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According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this past year 54,358 people died of chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is the tenth leading cause of health-related deaths. In fact, CKD deaths are higher than traffic related deaths cited by the Occupational Health Safety which in 2023 were over 44,000.
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Healthy kidneys filter about a half cup of blood every minute, removing wastes and extra water to make urine. The urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through two thin tubes of muscle called ureters, one on each side of your bladder. Your bladder stores urine. Your kidneys, ureters, and bladder are known as your urinary tract.
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Without this balance, nerves, muscles, and other tissues in your body may not work normally. Your kidneys also make hormones which help: • Control your blood pressure • Make red blood cells • Keep your bones strong and healthy.
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The National Kidney Foundation cites the following symptoms of possible CKD: • You’re more tired, have less energy or are having trouble concentrating. • You’re having trouble sleeping. • You have dry and itchy skin. • You feel the need to urinate more often. • You see blood in your urine. • Your urine is foamy. • You’re experiencing persistent puffiness around your eyes. • Your ankles and feet are swollen. • You have a poor appetite. • Your muscles are cramping.
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Healthline, a web-based site encouraging better health, recommends the following guidelines to take care of your kidneys; especially if you have a family history of CKD: • Eat a lower sodium diet. • Cease smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. • Lose weight if you are overweight or obese and maintain the new lower weight. • Exercise five days per week for at least 30 minutes. • Undergo routine blood and urine tests.
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