Mega Doctor News
A critical part of overall health and well-being, the kidneys perform a host of important functions in the body. Located just below the rib cage on each side of the spine, the two bean-shaped organs act as a filtration system by removing waste and chemicals, controlling red blood cell production, balancing bodily fluids, producing hormones that control blood pressure and generating a form of vitamin D that promotes healthy bones.
“Known as renal function, the kidneys work hard to keep the body in a state of chemical balance, regulating substances that are both helpful and harmful,” says Adlan Ibrahim, MD, an internal medicine resident with the South Texas Health System GM Consortium. “Many different conditions may affect your kidneys, so it’s essential to take steps to keep your kidneys healthy.”
Healthy kidneys are able to 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 kidneys to become damaged over time, which can lead to a build-up of waste and increase the risk for other health problems like heart disease or stroke.
In the United States, an estimated 35.5 million people have chronic kidney disease, per the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, with about 90% unaware they have the condition.
“Symptoms of chronic kidney disease can look like those of other illnesses, so it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about any conditions that can put you at risk for kidney disease or renal failure,” says Dr. Ibrahim. “Conditions like diabetes or hypertension and a family history of chronic kidney disease are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease, so it is important to take proper steps towards a healthy lifestyle to ensure the health of these critically important organs.”
To raise awareness of the significance of this remarkably intricate organ this National Kidney Month, South Texas Health System is dedicating its latest Let’s Talk Your Health webinar to kidney health.
Aimed at helping Rio Grande Valley residents better understand the significant role the kidneys play in overall well-being, the online seminar – streaming live via STHS’ Facebook page on Tuesday, March 18, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. –
will feature a healthcare professional discussing the risks and effects of chronic kidney disease and the steps one can take to keep the kidneys healthy and strong.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Your Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System |
| What: | FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Your Health – Kidney Health” |
| When: | Tuesday, March 18, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS’ Facebook page |
