We are now in the month of March! During this month, efforts are made to raise awareness about kidney health and treatments for kidney illnesses. There are many people who don’t know exactly what the kidneys are and what they do for the body. So, National Kidney Month is a great time to learn more about these important organs!
Raising Awareness During National Kidney Month
First thing’s first: what are the kidneys? Your kidneys are two fist-sized, bean-shaped organs; they’re about 4 or 5 inches long. They are located on each side of the spine, right beneath the rib cage. These organs are responsible for filtering blood and each one usually filers over 100 quarts of blood daily. Your kidneys remove wastes and are in charge of keeping the body’s fluid balance under control. When the blood in your body enters the kidneys, the two organs filter out wastes. These wastes are turned into urine and transported to the bladder.
Conditions of the Kidneys
Here are some common kidney problems that could arise:
Kidney Stones – These are usually caused by the clumping together of minerals in the kidneys. Kidney stones are some of the most common issues that happen in these special organs. When the stones are really big, they can cause pain when they navigate throughout the urinary tracts. Smaller stones may not be felt. Kidney stones usually pass out of your body through the urinary tract on their own. But, on some occasions, they may be too large to pass and you might need medical attention. Signs of the presence of kidney stones include pain during urination, pain in various body parts (back, stomach area, or side), blood in the urine, and nausea or vomiting.
Kidney Infection – An infection in the kidneys is most likely caused by bacteria that spread from other areas of the body and into the kidneys. Kidney infections are more prevalent in women than in men. Symptoms of infection can include pain during urination, nausea and vomiting, pain in the abdomen, and more.
Kidney Disease – Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the progressive loss of kidney function. There are several possible symptoms and signs which indicate that the kidneys aren’t working properly. Some people experience fatigue or feel cold when others are warm. There may be swelling in the hands or feet. Nausea or vomiting could also occur.
Showing Your Kidneys Some Love
You know what they say; prevention is better than cure. Showing your kidneys some love can help prevent the development of kidney conditions. First, be sure to keep an eye on your blood pressure. Believe it or not, high blood pressure can lead to kidney damage. Also, be active! Getting fit and staying active can help lower the risk of developing CKD. Your weight can also have a lot to do with your kidney health. Watch your weight to help keep your kidneys healthy. Another thing you can do is monitor your blood sugar level, especially if you have diabetes. Who knew that raising national kidney awareness could help people pay closer attention to other important factors of health?
Treatment for Kidney Conditions
Now that you know a little more about your kidneys, maybe you have decided to check in with your doctor to find about the overall health of these organs. Or, maybe you have recently found out that you have a problem with your kidneys. If you are in need of prescription medication to take care of your body but you are not able to afford the care you need, don’t worry! Here at The RX Helper, we want to help resolve the problem of those who need financial assistance for prescriptions. We want to provide you with your medication at little to no cost. Get a free consultation on our website to start your journey to having healthy kidneys.
