Are You at Risk for Developing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) it means that your kidneys are not working at their full capacity. Usually when kidney disease is chronic, kidneys are slowly losing their ability to work effectively. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing health problem in the United States. Yet, many people do not realize they are at risk of developing this serious condition.
There are no warning signs in the early stages of CKD. You are at risk for this condition if you have diabetes and or high blood pressure. You are also at risk if a closes family member, such as a parent, grandparent or sibling, has either condition. CKD is more common in African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics and Native Americans.
Be proactive in preventing or managing CKD:
CKD is a condition that must be managed closely by you and your physician. You can prevent or slow down the progression of CKD by making simple lifestyle changes and following your physician's treatment plan Recommendations include:
- Get regular check-ups with your physician
- Control your diabetes and or high blood pressure
- If you are a smoker, quit smoking
- Take medications as prescribed
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals
- Exercise regularly