What You Need To Know For National Kidney Month

Written By Tania Alvarado Che

Each March, the healthcare community observes National Kidney Month, a critical campaign designed to raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of kidney disease. In the United States, kidney diseases currently rank as the ninth leading cause of death, making education and proactive care more important than ever.

Kidney disease is a widespread public health issue. Among U.S. adults aged 20 and older, approximately 15% (30 million people) are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Newer data suggests that impact may be even broader, affecting more than 1 in 7 U.S. adults, roughly 35.5 million Americans.

The risk is significantly higher for those managing the two most common "triggers" of kidney damage:

• Diabetes: About 1 in 3 people with diabetes have kidney disease.

• High Blood Pressure: About 1 in 5 people with hypertension have kidney disease.

CKD does not affect all populations equally. Statistical trends show specific vulnerabilities based on age and ethnicity:

• Age: CKD is most common among those 65 or older (34%), followed by the 45–64 age bracket (12%) and those 18–44 (6%).

• Gender: It is slightly more common in women (14%) than in men (12%).

• Ethnicity: Approximately 20% of non-Hispanic Black adults live with CKD, compared to 14% of Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asian adults, and 12% of non-Hispanic White adults.

Chronic Kidney Disease is frequently overlooked because it is often asymptomatic until it reaches an advanced stage. As a progressive condition, unmanaged CKD increases the risk of life-threatening complications, including:

1. Heart Attack and Stroke

2. Kidney Failure (requiring dialysis or a transplant)

The good news is that lifestyle choices can significantly slow the progression of CKD. Adopting these habits can keep your kidneys functioning longer:

1. Stay Connected with Your Care Team: Meet regularly with your doctor to maintain consistent monitoring.

2. Control the "Big Two": Manage your blood pressure and monitor blood glucose levels religiously if you have diabetes.

3. Medication Awareness: Take prescriptions exactly as directed. Crucially, avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen, which can cause acute kidney injury.

4. Weight Management: Work with your doctor to create a meal plan that supports a healthy weight and reduces the workload on your kidneys.

5. Activity and Stress Reduction: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. High stress can impact blood pressure, so find healthy outlets for relaxation. 

6. Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep per night to allow your body time to recover.

7. Stop Smoking: Tobacco use damages blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the kidneys and worsens existing disease.

Small changes can yield substantial results! By understanding your risk factors and taking proactive steps to manage your health, you can protect your kidneys and ensure they keep working for you for years to come.

If you’re a student interested in making an impact, here is an opportunity: 

Become a volunteer with the National Kidney Donation Organization: https://www.nkdo.org/volunteer/