Are you at increased risk of kidney disease? – Get to know your Kidneys
Our kidneys play an important role in our health and wellbeing by cleaning our blood and filtering waste through urine. Without our kidneys working as they should, we can suffer devastating impact where waste gradually builds up in our bodies and cause health complications that require medical treatment.
Who is at risk?
With 1 in 3 Australians having an increased risk of kidney disease, it’s important to know your risk factors and check your kidney health to avoid against kidney disease.
People who have a higher risk of developing kidney disease include those who have:
- diabetes or high blood pressure (higher risk category)
- heart problems including heart failure or heart attack or have had a stroke
- family history of kidney disease or kidney failure
- smoked or is a current smoker
Other factors can include people who are obese, 60 years or older or of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander original or have a history of acute kidney injury.
Living well with kidney disease
Being aware of identifying risk factors means you can take the first steps towards getting a kidney health check test with your health practitioner and early detection to continue living well with kidney disease.
Whilst kidney function can worsen over the years and end stage kidney disease requires treatments such as dialysis or kidney transplant, you can still live life to the fullest with management from early detection and lifestyle modifications.
You can help reduce your risk by looking after your heart, body and mind health.
- Keep up with your nutrition by eating a healthy diet including veggies, fruit, wholegrain cereals, lean meats and low-fat dairy products.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Reduce your salt and sugar intake
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Be a non-smoker
- Be active with regular physical activity every week including walking, dancing and household tasks like gardening.
Where do I find support?
If you know someone with kidney disease or find yourself in a carer’s role, there is support throughout a patient’s journey with kidney disease for daily activities, managing medication and respite for carers and family, such as our Senior Helpers Chronic Disease Care.