March 2021 Health Tip

Mt. Zion Monthly Health Tips
*Mind, Body, Spirit* = Wellness
March 2021
 

March is National Kidney Month

Most people with kidney disease don’t know they have it. March is National Kidney Month and we are encouraging everyone to learn more about their kidney health.

More than 37 million Americans have chronic kidney disease – that’s about one in seven adults. The disease is underdiagnosed since a person may lose up to 90 percent of their kidney function before symptoms develop.

The biggest risk factors for kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and family history of kidney failure. Early identification and treatment may help to slow kidney damage and prevent additional health problems.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has provided these healthy lifestyle tips to take charge of kidney health:

  • Meet regularly with your health care team. 
  • Manage blood pressure and monitor blood glucose levels. 
  • Take medicine as prescribed and avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. Your pharmacist and doctor need to know about all the medicines you take.
  • Aim for a healthy weight. 
  • Reduce stress and make physical activity part of your routine. Consider healthy stress-reducing activities and get at least 30 minutes or more of physical activity each day.
  • Make time for sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
  • Quit smoking. If you smoke, take steps to quit.
 
Praying for *MBS* Wellness to you, The Health and Wellness Ministry