National Kidney Month – Find Out if You’re at Risk

As you might have noticed, almost every month I tell you about a special month/week/day that has been chosen by a health support organization in the hopes they can get people to think about their health issue. Over the last year we’ve talked about National Heart Month, Glaucoma, National Diabetes Month, Bone and Joint Action Week, Healthy Aging Month, National immunization Awareness Month, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and National Family Health and Fitness Day. I do this because these reminders can help us learn how we can avoid getting sick or how we can discover the health problem early and outline how we can treat the problem effectively. I’m a big believer in self reliance and accountability and it is important that we take charge of ourselves by knowing what our personal health risks are and making informed decisions on how to keep ourselves healthy. While there continues to be huge advances in healthcare treatments and cures, the biggest impact on our own wellbeing is how each of us understands and treats our body. I hope you have found, and continue to find, these periodic health blogs helpful.

As the title says, this month is National Kidney Month. The National Kidney Foundation has chosen to focus on the connection of type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. Diabetes is a leading risk factor for developing kidney problems. By controlling the glucose (sugar) level you can help prevent kidney disease. Their campaign is titled, “Are you in the 33%” that is at risk for kidney disease. They have a tool, a one-minute quiz, that enables you to determine if you are in a risk group for developing kidney disease. You can click here to take the quiz.

Kidney disease is especially hard on minorities. African Americans are almost 4 times more likely to get kidney disease than white Americans. Hispanics or Latinos are 1.3 more likely to get kidney disease as non-Hispanics or Latinos. It is especially important for these ethnic groups to take steps to identify and treat diabetes that often leads to developing kidney disease.

It is estimated that 37 million Americans have kidney disease and an astounding 90% don’t know it! You are especially at risk for getting kidney disease if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, or have a family history of diabetes.

There are resources for treating and caring for those with kidney disease, everything from dialysis to transplant. You can access helpful information here.

I’m amazed that 90% of those estimated to have kidney disease don’t know it. As with almost any disease, early detection is especially important. I urge everyone to take the one-minute quiz to determine your risk of developing kidney disease. I took it and the only risk factor I have is a family history of diabetes. I’m going to watch my diet and talk to my doctor at my next physical about diabetes and kidney disease. Hopefully, this month will help us focus on kidney health, and we’ll all live longer and healthier as a result.

Best, Thair