Kidney Health for All, Op-ed

NOTE: The following is an op-ed from Susan MacNeil, manager, Nova Scotia Renal Program.

The steps you take to keep your kidneys healthy will help keep the rest of your body healthy, too.

As we mark World Kidney Day on March 12, I want to remind Nova Scotians that, in many cases, kidney disease is preventable.

Keep your blood pressure at the target set by your health-care provider. For most people, that target is 140/90. If you have diabetes, control your blood-sugar level.

Cut back on salt and choose foods that are healthy for your heart, such as fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods. Be more physically active, and if you are overweight, try to lose weight.

Limit your alcohol intake, and be aware that cigarette smoking can make kidney damage worse. Avoid long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, are overweight, older than 50 or are aboriginal or African Canadian, you are at risk for kidney disease.

Talk to your health-care provider and have your blood and urine checked for kidney disease. Manage your health conditions, in particular diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

The Nova Scotia Renal Program, a provincial program of the Department of Health and Wellness, is committed to raising awareness of kidney disease. Keep your kidneys healthy, have your blood pressure checked regularly and, if you are at risk, be tested for kidney disease.