Mega Doctor News
The kidneys – an essential part of overall health and wellbeing – function as the body’s filtration system. The small bean-shaped organs remove waste and chemicals, control red blood cell production, balance bodily fluids, produce hormones that control blood pressure and generate a form of vitamin D that promotes healthy bones.
Healthy kidneys can filter about a half cup of blood every minute, per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. However, illnesses like chronic kidney disease and chronic kidney failure can impact this function, leading the organs to become impaired over time. That damage can lead to a build-up of waste and increase the risk for other serious health complications like heart disease and stroke.
Unfortunately, approximately 35.5 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with about 90% unaware they have the condition.
Even if an individual doesn’t have diabetes, hypertension or a family history of chronic kidney disease, it’s important to take steps to protect the critically important organs.
To commemorate World Kidney Day, an annual initiative intended to raise awareness of kidney disease, South Texas Health System Edinburg held a special event to highlight the remarkably intricate organ and its vital role in overall health, while offering strategies to protect one’s renal health.
“Today’s event served as an opportunity to come together as a community to learn about the impact poor kidney function can have on our health,” says Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Edinburg & STHS Children’s. “Initiatives like World Kidney Day not only give STHS the opportunity to inform and educate the community, but they allow us to unite with our community partners and physicians to promote health and wellness across the Rio Grande Valley.”
During the program, Dr. Adlan Ibrahim, an internal medicine resident with the STHS GME Consortium, discussed the overall function of the kidneys, as well as the causes, risk factors and complications associated with chronic kidney disease.
“With the prevalence of obesity, diabetes and hypertension in the Rio Grande Valley, many people are at high risk for kidney issues locally,” says Dr. Ibrahim. “Maintaining renal function comes down to taking control of chronic conditions, maintaining a healthy weight and leading a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating well and getting plenty of exercise.”
With more than 562,000 Americans on dialysis and approximately 93,000 people on the kidney transplant waiting list currently, representatives from the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA) spoke on the importance of organ donation and honored those who’ve given the gift of life with a special quilt display featuring Valley donors.
“World Kidney Day serves as a reminder to prioritize our renal health,” says Sarah Salas, Communications Coordinator, TOSA. “This initiative also allows us to reflect on the kidney donor heroes and living donors in our community who have given the gift of life to someone in need.”
To help the residents in our community better prioritize their renal health, South Texas Health System offered tips to keep your kidneys healthy and strong during the event. They include:
Hydrate: Water helps the kidneys remove waste from blood through urine. Water also helps keep your blood vessels open, allowing blood to travel freely to your kidneys and deliver essential nutrients.
Eat healthy foods: Most kidney problems arise from conditions like obesity, hypertension, heart disease and diabetes, which can all be prevented with a healthy diet. By eating more fruits and vegetables, you can keep these illnesses at bay, thus, maintaining good renal function.
Exercise regularly: Like eating well, regular physical activity can stave off weight gain and associated illnesses that could impact kidney function.
Avoid smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels decreasing the flow of blood in the kidneys. Without adequate blood flow, the kidneys do not function at optimal levels.
Use caution with over-the-counter medications: Common non-prescription pills like ibuprofen and naproxen can cause kidney damage if taken too regularly over a prolonged period. If taken for chronic pain or arthritis, consult with your doctor about monitoring your kidney function or finding alternative ways to control your pain.
Get regular screenings: If you have diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, your physician should screen you for kidney dysfunction as part of routine care for those conditions.
To further address the importance of renal function, South Texas Health System will dedicate its latest Let’s Talk Your Health Webinar to kidney health. Meant to better help Rio Grande Valley residents understand the significant role kidneys play in overall well-being, the online seminar, streaming live via STHS’ Facebook page on Tuesday, March 18, will feature health experts discussing the risks and effects of chronic kidney disease as well as what steps one can take to keep the kidneys healthy and strong.
For more information, visit the STHS Facebook Events page.
