National Kidney Month

National Kidney Month (Disease)

March is National Kidney Month! You can show your support by wearing green ribbons during the month of March. March is the month when Americans and the U.S. Congress focus on kidney disease, a condition that impacts nearly 40 million people. An additional 700,000 suffer from kidney failure. You can also wear green in April for organ donation. Green is the color for both Kidney Disease Awareness and organ donation awareness. Personalized Cause also features green fabric ribbons and green silicone awareness wristbands to call attention to kidney disease.

Did you know kidney disease is known as a silent disease? That is because there are usually no symptoms during its early stages. In fact, as many as 90% of Americans who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) don’t know they have the disease until it is very advanced. The good news is the earlier you find out you have kidney disease, the sooner you can take steps to protect your kidneys from further damage. Protecting your kidneys may allow you to continue to work. It may also allow you to spend time with family and friends. And, it will help you stay physically active and do other things you enjoy.

Finding out if your kidneys are struggling before you have symptoms gives you the opportunity to make changes to help keep your kidneys healthier for longer. Even if you have symptoms, you can take steps to slow the disease. Learn more about your kidneys during National Kidney Month.

Take Steps to Help Protect Your Kidneys During National Kidney Month

Know Your Risk

Even if you feel healthy, if you are over 60 or have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, consider talking with your doctor about getting tested for kidney disease. Your doctor can use your test results to work with you to develop a kidney care plan. Having a plan may reduce your risk for serious health problems. These include heart attack and stroke. And, this will give you more healthy moments in the long run.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, African Americans are nearly 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with kidney failure compared to Caucasians. Other high-risk groups include Hispanics, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and seniors 65 and older.

Schedule Your Test

Anyone 18 years old or older with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or a family history of kidney disease should be screened for kidney disease. If you live in an area that is offering free screening, plan to attend. If not, visit your doctor and ask for chronic kidney disease screening.

Your doctor will use two quick tests to check for kidney disease. These include a urine test to check for damage. And, secondly, a blood test to check how well your kidneys are removing waste from your blood. If you kidneys show signs of damage, your doctor may refer you to a kidney specialist. A nephrologist is a kidney specialist. Your doctor may also recommend annual or more frequent testing.

Follow Your Kidney Health During National Kidney Month

Your doctor can work with you to create a treatment plan. This includes monitoring a plan that fits your lifestyle, mobility, health status, and dietary needs. Your plan may include managing your existing risk factors for kidney disease. It also includes collaborating with a registered dietician to create a meal plan. Or, getting help to quit smoking. Because chronic kidney disease is progressive, it is very important to continue to follow your kidney health. Remember to update your care plan as needed.

In many cases, early detection and proper treatment of underlying diseases can prevent kidney failure. This includes diabetes and high blood pressure to slow additional damage to the kidneys. Also helpful are an eating plan with the right amounts of sodium, fluid and protein. Additionally, exercise and avoid dehydration. Treating diabetes and high blood pressure will slow additional damage to kidneys.