A lot of emphasis is put on managing heart health and other chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure for seniors today. Sometimes, your kidneys are neglected or overlooked until problems arise. Since kidneys play an important role in keeping you healthy, it is important to ensure your kidneys are working well. Senior living communities like Conservatory At Keller Town Center provide a wide range of senior living activities to help you remain happy and healthy. Read on to find out more about how to best manage your kidney health!
The Function of Kidneys
Everyone is born with two kidneys, and they are located right under the rib cage. They are shaped like a bean and have the size of a fist. The main function of kidneys is to help the body get rid of extra fluid. Cells within the human body tend to produce a lot of acid, and kidneys assist the body to filter out extra water and waste through urine.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Over a period of time, an individual’s kidneys may not function in an optimum way anymore and may no longer be able to filter waste efficiently. This could result in a condition known as Chronic Kidney Disease, which affects about 30 million people worldwide. Some risk factors which increase the probability of a person getting chronic kidney disease include high blood pressure, diabetes, aging, a family history of chronic kidney disease, heart disease and more.
Caring for People who have Chronic Kidney Disease
When an individual is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, it does not mean that a transplant or kidney dialysis is needed. Seniors can do many things to keep their kidneys working at the optimal level and to slow the progression of the disease. These steps can also help to benefit your overall health.
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Having a low sugar and low sodium diet
- Exercise at least 3 days a week for at least 30 minutes
- Stop the usage of tobacco products
- Manage other chronic illnesses or conditions
- Lower the consumption of alcohol, and limit to one drink a day for females or two drinks for males
- Monitor the usage of over-the-counter medications. Pain relievers like naproxen and ibuprofen can cause damage in the kidneys. If chronic pain is a condition that you need to deal with, talk to a medical professional to understand other pain relief options.
In order to prevent chronic kidney disease or other health conditions, it is important to maintain healthy habits everyday to ensure that you stay in the pink of health. Senior living communities like Conservatory At Keller Town Center helps provide exclusive senior living programs and activities to ensure that seniors remain happy and healthy. These activities can help keep seniors active and stimulate their minds. If you have any questions about what we have to offer here, feel free to contact us to schedule a tour with us today.
