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March is Kidney Health Month in Canada. If you have not yet considered the way your mighty kidneys impact on your overall health, now is the time. Kidneys are often misunderstood and their value to overall health underestimated. Kidneys are vital organs with an important role, including removing waste from the body, helping to make red blood cells, and regulating blood pressure.
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Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease, and heart disease can be both a cause and a complication for those living with kidney disease. Kidney disease and its many silent symptoms often go undetected until kidney function is significantly impaired.
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According to a recent public opinion poll conducted on behalf of The Kidney Foundation of Canada, there is a significant gap in Canadians’ knowledge when it comes to kidneys with 55 percent of people indicating they know nothing about kidney disease, and 52 percent showing a lack of awareness regarding the risks. Although one-third of Canadians could correctly identify some of the kidneys’ functions, few people could identify symptoms of kidney disease.
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Kidney disease usually progresses silently, often destroying much of the kidney function before causing any physical symptoms. Therefore, people at risk of developing kidney disease should be evaluated regularly and their kidney function monitored. In addition to ensuring appropriate testing, seniors need to examine their lifestyle for practices which adversely affect their propensity to develop a kidney problem: lack of exercise, smoking, drinking alcohol to excess, and/or being overweight.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) develops as healthy kidney function slows down – often age-related decline. Based on this, the average age for a Canadian to be diagnosed with CKD is 61 years of age. Here are some signs and symptoms seniors can watch for:
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· Puffiness/swelling of the eyes, hands and feet
· Passage of bloody, cloudy, or tea-coloured urine
· Excessive foaming of the urine
· Frequent passing of urine during the night
· Fatigue and weakness
· Poor appetite and weight loss
· Passing less urine or difficulty passing urine
· Muscle cramping
· Persistent generalized itching
There are a number of risk factors for kidney disease, some that you can control, and others that you cannot. People with diabetes, high blood pressure or who have a family history of kidney disease are at increased risk, as well as children born with kidneys that did not develop properly. Be cautious about taking non-prescription medications, particularly painkillers. It is wise to discuss all over-the-counter medications with a doctor or pharmacist before they are taken. Certain other medications, toxins, pesticides and illegal drugs also cause kidney damage.
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Recent estimates suggest that as many as two million Canadians have chronic kidney disease or are at risk — most are unaware of it. If you are over the age of 50 or fall into any of the risk categories ask your doctor for a blood test to know your kidney function level. The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s supports and services aim to help those living with reduced kidney function or kidney failure to know they are not alone. They offer a number of programs and services designed to address some of the key concerns facing patients and their caregivers every day,
Programs like peer support in many formats provides conversation with those who have lived similar life experiences, and the Kidney Community Kitchen website with recipes and cooking tips is a popular virtual stop as people navigate the complexity of dietary changes. For more information check the websites – https://kidney.ca and https://kidneycommunitykitchen.ca
Information in this column is compiled by Shell-Lee Wert, CCSH, 470 Dundas Street East, Unit 63, Belleville, K8N 1G1. Please visit our website at https://ccsh.ca or email me at [email protected], or call 613-969-0130 or 613-396-6591 for information and assistance. Community Care is a proud United Way member agency. Funding in part from Ontario Health East.
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