NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH
According to the WebMD website, kidneys have several specific roles: Maintain your body s balance of water and concentration of minerals, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus in your blood. Remove waste by-products from the blood after digestion, muscle activity, and exposure to chemicals or medications. Produce renin, an enzyme that helps regulate blood pressure. Produce erythropoietin, used to stimulate red blood cell production. List taken from the WebMD website: www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-kidney-disease-basic-information. Understanding Kidney Disease Basic Information. 3 rd of February 2011.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About 110,000 patients in the United States started treatment for Kidney Failure in 2007. Leading causes of Kidney Failure are diabetes and hypertension. In 2006 alone, 7 of the 10 new cases of Kidney Failure in the United States had diabetes or hypertension listed as the primary cause. Diagnosis of Kidney Failure was greater among adults older than 65 years old. In 2007, African Americans were four times as likely as Caucasians to develop kidney failure. Hispanics have 1.5 times the rate of kidney failure as compared to Non-Hispanic whites. Information taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov. National Chronic Kidney Disease Fact Sheet 2010. Kidney Failure. 3 rd of February 2011.
Problems with the arteries leading to or inside the kidneys. Kidney Stones and Infection Birth defects of the kidneys. Injury or Trauma Some pain medications and other drugs. Autoimmune disorders (such as lupus) Certain toxic chemicals. Information provided by PubMed Health, National Center for Biotechnology and the United States National Library of Medicine: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth. Chronic Kidney Disease. 16 th of February 2011.
According to PubMed Health, Chronic Kidney Disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms, and the functioning loss of the kidneys could take months or years to occur. Chronic Kidney Disease or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) affects approximately 2 of every 1,000 people in the United States. Information provided by PubMed Health, National Center for Biotechnology and the United States National Library of Medicine: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth. Chronic Kidney Disease. 16 th of February 2011.
A condition where your kidneys are damaged and consequently they are unable to filter blood as well as they normally would. This leads to waste build up in your body, and can cause other problems such as heart disease, anemia and bone disease. It s important to note that more than 35% of adults with diabetes have chronic kidney disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes coupled with high blood pressure increases the risk that chronic kidney disease will eventually cause kidney failure. Once kidney failure is diagnosed, dialysis or a kidney transplant are the only methods of treatment. Taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: www.cdc.gov/features/dsdiabeteskidneys/. Kidney Failure and Diabetes. 3 rd of February 2011.
Symptoms may include: General ill feeling and fatigue Generalized itching and dry skin Headaches Weight Loss without trying to lose weight Appetite Loss Nausea Additional Symptoms Abnormally dark or light skin Bone pain Breath odor Easy Bruising, bleeding or blood in stool Excessive thirst Frequent hiccups Low level of sexual interest and impotence Menstrual Periods stop Sleeping problems such as insomnia Swelling of the Feet and Hands List provided by PubMed Health, National Center for Biotechnology and the United States National Library of Medicine: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth. Chronic Kidney Disease. 16 th of February 2011.
Blood Pressure Measurement High blood pressure has a direct relation to kidney disease. It s important to get your blood pressure measured by a healthcare professional. It is recommended that people that have kidney disease keep their blood pressure below 130/80. Lifestyle changes, medication and therapy may be used to maintain this safe blood pressure. Spot check for protein or albumin in the urine Healthy kidneys remove wastes out of the blood, but leave protein. When your kidneys are damaged, they may fail to separate a blood protein called albumin from the wastes. As kidney function deteriorates, the amount of albumin and other proteins in the urine increases. The doctor may test the protein level, using a dipstick on a small sample of a person s urine. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) This is a calculation of how efficiently the kidneys are filtering wastes from the blood. The old traditional GFR measurement required an injection into the bloodstream of a substance and was later measured in a 24-hour urine collection. The new calculation (egfr), requires only a small blood sample. A person s creatinine level that is slightly above the 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dl range will probably not show any symptoms of kidney problems; however an elevated level shows that the kidneys are not functioning fully. Information provided by National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) website: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/yourkidneys/. What medical tests detect kidney disease? 3 rd of February 2011.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Blood carries proteins to cells throughout the body. After the cells use the protein, the remaining waste product is returned to the blood as urea. Healthy kidneys will take urea out of the blood and put it in the urine. If a person s kidneys are not functioning well, the urea will stay in the blood. If a person s BUN level is more than 20mg/dL, the person s kidneys may not be at full strength. Kidney Imaging Ultrasounds, computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to find blockages or unusual growths. Kidney biopsy The doctor may choose to perform a kidney biopsy to examine a piece of the kidney tissue under the microscope. This is done by inserting a needle through the patient s skin into the back of the kidney. These sample tissues will assist the doctor in identifying problems at the cellular level. Information provided by National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) website: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/yourkidneys/. What medical tests detect kidney disease? 3 rd of February 2011.
What is a Kidney Stone? Piece of Material that forms in the kidney from substances found in the urine. Many times it s as small as a grain of sand, but can also be as large as a pearl. Most often, kidney stones will pass out of the body without help from a medical provider. In some cases though, the kidney stone will not pass, which increases the risk of complications and problems. The kidney stone may block the normal flow of urine and may get stuck in the urinary tract. Your healthcare professional will provide the best course of treatment for Kidney Stones. Information provided by Medline Plus: U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/kidneystones.html. Kidney Stones. 3 rd of February 2011.
Extreme Pain in your back or side that will not go away Blood in your urine Fever and Chills Vomiting Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy A burning feeling when you urinate List provided by Medline Plus: U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/kidneystones.html. Kidney Stones. 3 rd of February 2011.
Calcium Stones Kidney stones are most often calcium stones. They are a form of calcium and oxalate. High oxalate levels are found in some fruits and vegetables, as well as in nuts and chocolate. Dietary factors, high doses of vitamin D, intestinal bypass surgery and several different metabolic disorders can increase the concentration of calcium or oxalate in urine. Struvite Stones These stones form as a result of an infection. They can grow quickly and become relatively large. Information provided by the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidney-stones/. Kidney Stones. Types of Kidney Stones. 3 rd of February 2010.
Uric Acid Stones These form in people that are dehydrated, eat a high-protein diet, and those with gout. There could also be certain genetic factors and disorders of the blood-producing tissues that may put you at risk for these stones. Cystine Stones These represent a very small percentage of diagnosed kidney stones. They are not common and most of the time form in people with a hereditary disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete large amounts of amino acids. Other Stones There are also rare, other types of kidney stones that can occur. Information provided by the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidney-stones/. Kidney Stones. Types of Kidney Stones. 3 rd of February 2010.
Family or personal history of kidney stones Being an adult, and most at risk are adults over age 40. Being a man. Dehydration and not drinking enough water on a daily basis. Certain Diets: High Protein, High Sodium and High Sugar Being Obese Surgery, including Gastric bypass surgery Digestive diseases such as chronic diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease. Other Medical Conditions: Renal Tubular Acidosis, Hyperparathyroidism and some urinary tract infections. Information provided by the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidney-stones/. Kidney Stones. Risk Factors. 3 rd of February 2010.
Blood Tests Urine Tests Imaging Tests Analysis of Passed Stones May reveal excess calcium or uric acid in your blood. This test allows providers to monitor the health of your kidneys. Tests of your urine may show that you re excreting too many stoneforming minerals or too few stoneinhibiting substances. This can be done with a 24-hour urine collection sample. Imaging tests may be able to show kidney stones in your urinary tract. You may be asked to urinate through a strainer. Any stones that are passed can be collected for laboratory testing. This is the best way for a doctor to figure out what is causing your kidney stones and to put a plan in place to prevent future kidney stones. Information provided by the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidney-stones/. Kidney Stones. Tests and Diagnosis. 3 rd of February 2010.
Drinking water consistently every day will help with the prevention of kidney stones. This is especially true for people who live in hot and dry climates, and who exercise frequently. Your doctor may instruct you to eat fewer oxalate-rich foods, such as, rhubarb, beets, okra, spinach, Swiss chard, sweet potatoes, tea, chocolate and soy products. Choosing a diet low in salt and animal protein may help reduce the risk of kidney stones. Non-animal protein sources, such as nuts can have a positive impact on kidney health. Calcium rich foods can also aid in the prevention of kidney stones, but it s important to take note that calcium supplements can increase your risk of kidney stones. These statements are all important to remember, but for specific preventive health questions on kidney health, please speak with your healthcare professional. Information provided by the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidney-stones/. Kidney Stones. Prevention Lifestyle Changes. 3 rd of February 2010.
Do not smoke Eat meals that are low in cholesterol and fat Exercising Regularly Lower your cholesterol Keep your blood sugar under control Information provided by PubMed Health, National Center for Biotechnology and the United States National Library of Medicine: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth. Chronic Kidney Disease. 16 th of February 2011.
Plan A MOREHOUSE COLLEGE HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN A DIAGNOSTIC LAB (Inpatient and Outpatient - For discounted rates on Outpatient laboratory testing, see QUEST LAB CARD PROGRAM. PPO... 100% NON-PPO (Deductible applies)... 60% QUEST LAB CARD (Deductible waived)... 100% WELL CHILD CARE (Ages 18 and under - includes routine physical exam, lab, x-rays, and immunizations) PPO... $25 Copay per visit, then 100% NON-PPO... Not Covered WELLNESS EXPENSE (Ages 19 and over - includes immunizations, mammogram, pap smear, prostate exam, colon exam, colonoscopy with routine diagnosis (general and local anesthesia), routine exam, lab, and x-rays) PPO... $25 Copay per visit, then 100% NON-PPO...Not Covered IT S IMPORTANT THAT EVERY YEAR YOU VISIT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER FOR YOUR FULL YEARLY WELLNESS/PREVENTIVE CHECK-UP. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESENTATION SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE TREATMENT. IT S IMPORTANT TO DISCUSS ANY HEALTH ISSUES YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
Plan B MOREHOUSE COLLEGE HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN B DIAGNOSTIC LAB (Inpatient and Outpatient - For discounted rates on Outpatient laboratory testing, see QUEST LAB CARD PROGRAM. PPO... 100% NON-PPO (Deductible applies)... 70% QUEST LAB CARD (Deductible waived)... 100% WELL CHILD CARE (Ages 18 and under - includes routine physical exam, lab, x-rays, and immunizations) PPO... $20 Copay per visit, then 100% NON-PPO... Not Covered WELLNESS EXPENSE (Ages 19 and over - includes immunizations, mammogram, pap smear, prostate exam, colon exam, colonoscopy with routine diagnosis (general and local anesthesia), routine exam, lab, and x-rays) PPO... $20 Copay per visit, then 100% NON-PPO... Not Covered IT S IMPORTANT THAT EVERY YEAR YOU VISIT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER FOR YOUR FULL YEARLY WELLNESS/PREVENTIVE CHECK-UP. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESENTATION SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE TREATMENT. IT S IMPORTANT TO DISCUSS ANY HEALTH ISSUES YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING WITH YOUR DOCTOR.