Did you know that the most common chronic condition in the United States is kidney disease? It’s true! In our nation, 15 percent of adults have chronic kidney disease. Sadly, only a small portion of those adults has received a diagnosis.
Since such a high percentage of Americans have this health condition, healthcare experts decided to set aside an entire month for the purpose of raising awareness about kidney health. Now, Kidney Month occurs during March every year!
If you’d like to learn more about this awareness month and how you can help those with kidney disease, keep reading!
What is National Kidney Month?
National Kidney Month is an annual health observance that takes place in March. The goal of this month is to raise awareness about the importance of kidney health and to encourage people to learn about effective kidney disease prevention step
It is a time for people, organizations, and communities to come together to promote kidney health through education, advocacy, and support.
During National Kidney Month, people and organizations hold various events and activities. This is a great opportunity to find out about risk factors and warning signs of kidney disease.
How to Observe National Kidney Month in 2023
There are various things you can do to observe National Kidney Month. Since there are so many events taking place, it is easier to do than you might think.
Get Involved
You can participate in local events and kidney awareness activities, including walks, runs, and other fundraising events that support kidney disease research and education.
Get a Physical Exam
If it’s been a while since you or your children have gone to the doctor, you should consider scheduling a physical exam. This is a great way to assess the health of your kidneys.
It is also a good idea to make healthy lifestyle choices. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and consuming less alcohol.
By making these lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of developing kidney disease.
Spread the Word
You can also help spread the word about the importance of kidney health. Consider speaking with your friends and family about the importance of National Kidney Month.
You can do this by sharing informative articles and social media posts about the risk factors and warning signs of kidney disease. You should also encourage your loved ones to adopt healthy lifestyle choices.
Ways to Improve Your Kidney Health
Here are several of the most effective ways that you can improve your kidney health.
Understand Your Risk Factors
By taking the time to understand your kidney risk factors, it will become easier to detect potential problems.
Keep in mind that some risk factors for kidney disease, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, are also risk factors for other serious health conditions. Therefore, taking steps to manage these risk factors can have a positive impact on your overall health.
The most common signs of kidney disease include fatigue, swollen feet, and ankles, changes in urine output, and blood in the urine. Remember that kidney disease might not cause any symptoms until it has reached advanced stages.
Move Your Body
Engaging in physical activity on a regular basis can help reduce the risk of kidney disease. You will also decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Beyond the physical benefits, exercise has also been shown to improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance cognitive function.
Have a Balanced Diet
Consuming a balanced diet that is low in sodium, processed foods, and saturated and trans fats can help to reduce the risk of kidney disease.
Try to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet.
By doing this, you will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.
Drink Plenty of Water
Our kidneys rely on water to flush out waste and toxins from the body. When we are dehydrated, our kidneys have to work harder to filter waste, which can lead to kidney damage and even kidney stones.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help prevent these issues and promote overall kidney health. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and more if you are active or live in a hot climate.
Learn to Manage Stress
High levels of stress can lead to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which can put a strain on the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney damage.
Also, stress can cause people to engage in unhealthy coping behaviors such as overeating, smoking, and drinking alcohol, which can also negatively impact kidney health.
By managing stress through practices such as meditation, deep breathing, exercise, and therapy, you can help to reduce your risk of kidney disease.
Recognizing National Kidney Month
There are various things you can do to recognize National Kidney Month.
Start by getting involved and spreading the word about the importance of kidney health to your family and friends. Lastly, try to get more exercise, eat a balanced diet, and drink plenty of water.
If you have concerns about kidney health, it is a good idea to consult with caring and skilled healthcare professionals.
Keep in mind that Hillcroft Physicians is here to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us to get started today!
