March is National Kidney Month, a time to learn more about kidney health.* The kidneys are the chemical factories of the body. They filter waste, keep bones healthy, and perform essential functions that control blood pressure and red blood cell production.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people in the early stages of kidney disease have no symptoms, which is why early detection is vital. By the time symptoms appear, kidney disease is typically advanced. Possible symptoms can include blood in the urine, foamy urine, painful urination, puffy eyes, increased thirst, fatigue, and swelling of the face, hands, abdomen, ankles, and feet.
One out of three US adults are at risk for kidney disease. Diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of kidney failure, heart disease, obesity, and being over age 60 are major risk factors for developing kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you are at risk.
Kidney disease can cause serious health problems, such as heart attack, nerve damage, anemia, and stroke. If left untreated, it may lead to kidney failure or cardiovascular disease. Kidney failure is treated with dialysis or kidney transplant, also known as end-stage renal disease.
The key is to detect kidney disease before trouble starts. The only way to determine if you have kidney disease is through specific blood and urine tests. Regular testing for everyone is important, but it is especially important for those at risk.
Early detection and treatment can slow or prevent the advancement of kidney disease. Maintaining healthy habits, such as exercising regularly, controlling weight, eating nutritious meals, and monitoring blood pressure can also lower your risk for kidney disease.
For more information about kidney health, visit:
n The CDC at cdc.gov/kidneydisease/index.html.
n The National Kidney Foundation at kidney.org.
n The USPS® March Wellness Tool kit at liteblue.usps.gov/humanresources/benefits/health-wellness/welcome.htm.
— Benefits and Wellness,
Human Resources, 3-10-22
