March is National Kidney Month

Kidneys are one of the body’s important organs. Some of the ways kidneys help us stay healthy are through signaling the body to produce red blood cells, balancing electrolytes so muscles–including the heart–function properly, keeping bones healthy, filtering out toxins and some drugs. Loss of kidney function will cause death if dialysis or a transplant doesn’t take place.

How can you take care of your kidneys?
Be sure to stay hydrated. Water is the best way to achieve this. If your urine is dark or smells strong, drink more water. 

Take care of your diabetes and high blood pressure by working with your primary care provider, taking your medications as prescribed and keeping your blood sugar and blood pressure in normal ranges. 

Get to know your hard working kidneys: https://www.kidney.org/content/national-kidney-month

Karri Hoopes, UBH Dialysis Manager