SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM EDINBURG COMMEMORATING WORLD KIDNEY DAY WITH SPECIAL EVENT AIMED AT REDUCING THE FREQUENCY AND IMPACT OF KIDNEY DISEASE AND ITS COMPLICATIONS
Along with highlighting the dangers of kidney disease, STHS is offering tips to protect your kidneys this National Kidney Month
The kidneys – a remarkable intricate organ – perform a variety of important jobs within the body. The two bean-shaped organs function as the body’s 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 to keep the body in a state of chemical balance by regulating the substances that are both helpful and harmful. Even with artificial assistance, one cannot live without proper renal function.
Chronic kidney disease is a condition that occurs when the kidneys become damaged over time or suddenly and struggle to perform their essential functions. This damage can lead to a build-up of waste and increase the risk for other health problems like heart disease or stroke.
Approximately one in three adults with diabetes and one in five adults with high blood pressure may have chronic kidney disease, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Even if an individual does not have diabetes, hypertension or a family history of chronic kidney disease, it’s important to take steps to take care of these critically important organs.
This National Kidney Month, South Texas Health System offers the following tips to keep your kidneys healthy and strong:
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.
Aside from National Kidney Month, South Texas Health System will be commemorating World Kidney Day, observed annually on March 13, with a special event highlighting the importance of the kidneys and helping reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems through community education.
“Properly functioning kidneys are vital for an individual’s overall well-being,” says Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Edinburg and STHS Children’s. “So, this World Kidney Day, STHS will be joining in the global fight against kidney disease by shining a spotlight on impact poor renal health can have on a person’s life and sharing important strategies aimed at preventing chronic kidney disease and maintaining good kidney health.”
Taking place on Thursday, March 13, at 11:00 a.m., in the lobby area near the gift shop at STHS Edinburg, the event will feature the participation of STHS leaders, a local physician and an individual living with kidney disease. For more information, please visit the STHS Facebook Events page.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
