Stop Kidney Disease Before it Strikes
Millions of people across America are at risk for kidney disease and donot realize it. The fact is, kidney disease does not get as much attention as other conditions such as heart disease and often goes untreated or undiagnosed. Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are damaged and unable to filter blood the way they are designed.
Damage to the kidneys can occur in a variety of ways, and anyone can develop kidney disease, either through illness, injury or by taking certain types of medications.People with high blood pressure and diabetes are especially susceptible to developing kidney disease. The good news is, there are steps you can take in preventive care. In Tomball, TX, PCP for Life can help you manage that care.
Simple Steps to Preventive Care in Tomball, TX
Healthy eating- One of the best and simplest preventive care methods for kidney disease is to eat a healthy diet. By cutting back on foods high in salt, artificial sweeteners, caffeine and animal proteins such as dairy products, you can help lower your risk of developing kidney disease.
Lower blood pressure- Hypertension or high blood pressure (HBP) can put added strain on your kidneys. By keeping your blood pressure down with medication and eating a proper diet, you can lower the chances of damaging your kidneys.
Exercise- Exercise is beneficial to the body in a lot of ways, so it should be of no surprise that regular exercise can help prevent kidney disease.
Lab Tests- A urine test, Albumin Creatinine Ratio (ACR) or a blood test Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) are two simple steps in preventive care. In Tomball, TX, you can use the online appointment form or call PCP for Life at (281) 968-4096 to set up the test of your choice. If there is a family history, or you are at risk for kidney disease because of diabetes or HBP, a few minutes a year is all it takes.
Smoking & Atherosclerosis
Smoking can lead to atherosclerosis, or plaque build-up in the arteries. If plaque build-up occurs in the arteries of the kidneys, it can deprive your kidneys of oxygen-rich blood. One of the best ways to prevent kidney disease is to quit smoking. Contact Physicians’ Assistant (PA) Marler, 281-370-7272, at the Lakewood Family Practice to start a smoking cessation program today.
Blood Sugar & Diabetes
According to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, “Approximately 44% of new patients entering dialysis in the United States are diabetics.” High blood sugar levels can do serious damage to your kidneys over time, and many people suffer from type 2 Diabetes but are unaware they have the illness. A good way to help prevent kidney disease is to get checked for type 2 Diabetes. If you are diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 Diabetes, then the best preventive care method for kidney disease is controlling your blood sugar levels through insulin, medications, proper diet and exercise. However, periodic testing is the best measure in preventive care. In Tomball, PCP for Life is easy and convenient.
Why PCP for Life?
At PCP for Life,we believe the steps to better health start with a managed care system that includes the entire family. Our professional and caring staff are your medical partners to better health through better living.
