Kidney Awareness Month at Avon Place

_{March 19, 2024}
March is Kidney Awareness Month, and March 14th is National Kidney Day! Avon Place wants to take this opportunity to spread awareness about the benefits of dialysis and tips on how to maintain a healthy kidney.



The kidneys are two vital organs located below the rib cage, on either side of the spine. The kidneys filter your blood, removing waste and extra water to make urine and filter about a half cup of blood a minute. Kidneys remove acid produced by cells and maintain a balance of water, salts, and minerals in the blood. This process maintains the healthy functioning of the nerves, muscles, and other organs in the body.

Kidney Awareness Month sheds light on a critical aspect of health that is often overlooked. Despite their vital functions, kidney diseases often progress silently, with symptoms manifesting at later stages when treatment options become more limited. Kidney Awareness Month also encourages organ donation awareness, as transplantation is often a life-saving option, and serves as a platform to educate the public about the importance of early detection and prevention of kidney disease. By raising awareness about risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and family history, individuals can make informed lifestyle choices to reduce their susceptibility to kidney problems.

How does dialysis relate? Those who have kidney failure or end-stage renal disease may need dialysis. Avon Place offers hemodialysis services on-site, which means residents do not have to leave the facility to receive dialysis. During hemodialysis, a machine removes blood from the body, filters it through a dialyzer acting as the kidney, and returns the filtered blood to the body. Without dialysis, waste products can accumulate in the blood, leading to complications such as electrolyte imbalance or fluid overload. Hemodialysis is usually done three times a week and usually takes 3-5 hours to complete.

How can I help protect my kidneys?

• Diet: cut back on added salt and sugars, consume fresh fruits and veggies, and read your food labels carefully. Choose foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and salt.
• Activity: aim for 30 minutes of activity per day.
• Medications: take medications as directed by your doctor.
• Blood pressure: keep a goal range as directed by your doctor.
• Blood sugar: maintain blood sugar targets as often as possible, especially if you have diabetes.

For more information on Kidney Month, visit the National Kidney Foundation. 

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