National Kidney Month

Help Your Kidneys Stay Healthy

March is National Kidney Month, as a result, Prestige ER joins the nationwide efforts to raise awareness on the importance of taking care of your kidneys.
Most people are unaware of the kidney’s vital functions, aside from filtering waste from 200 liters of blood each day, the kidneys are also responsible for:

• Releasing Hormones to Regulate Blood Pressure
• Balancing Body Fluids
• Producing an Active form of Vitamin D essential for Strong, Healthy Bones
• They Control the Production of Red Blood Cells
• They Keep Blood Minerals such as Calcium, Sodium, Phosphorus, and Potassium in Balance

As important as these two organs are for our health, most people do not actively try to keep them in optimal health. The truth is over time kidneys can become damaged, the real danger is this usually happens over a long period of time and can cause little or no physical symptoms to warn the patient that their kidneys are in harm’s way.

Kidney Facts

• 1 in 3 adults is at risk of developing kidney disease
• Kidney disease is the 9^th leading cause of death in the country
• More than 30 million Americans have kidney disease right now, but most don’t know it
• There are more than 95,000 people currently waiting for a kidney transplant
• Early detection and treatment can slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease

Kidney Disease Symptoms

It is important to note that some patients do not display any physical symptoms of kidney disease until the illness is in an advanced stage, those who do typically experience the following:

• Stomach Pain
• Decreased Appetite
• Weight Loss
• Bad Breath
• Vomiting and Diarrhea
• Sore Mouth
• Increase in Thirst and Urine Production
• Lack of Energy and Increase Sleep
• Weakness
• Swollen Ankles, Feet, Face, Hands, and Abdomen

Kidney Stones

The most common kidney-related medical emergency treated at Prestige ER are kidney stones which are considered one of the most painful medical conditions.
Kidney stones are solid masses made of crystals, these crystals can be produced by different substances:

• Calcium: These are the most common types of kidney stones, they are typically made of calcium oxalate, to lower your risk of developing this kind of stone you should consume fewer oxalate-rich foods like chocolate, potato chips, spinach, peanuts, and beets. Curiously consuming adequate amounts of calcium through your diet can prevent these stones from forming.
• Uric Acid: More common in male patients than female ones, uric acid kidney stones develop when the urine is too acidic. A diet high in purines can increase the acidic level in urine. Purine is a substance found in animal proteins such as meat, fish, and shellfish.
• Struvite: Common in women who have had a urinary tract infection. These stones are dangerous because they tend to be large and can cause urinary obstruction. Early treatment of an underlying infection will help to prevent the formation of struvite stones in the kidneys.

What Are the Most Common Risk Factors for Kidney Stones?

• Dehydration: The greatest risk factor for kidney stones is producing less than 1 liter of urine a day, proper hydration can ensure enough urine is being produced throughout the day.
• Being a Male: Men have a higher risk of developing kidney stones compared to women.
• Obesity
• Diet: A diet with high levels of protein, glucose (sugar), and salt can increase the likelihood of kidney stones forming.
• Certain Medications: Patients taking diuretics, anti-seizure drugs, or calcium-based antacids have a higher risk of developing kidney stones, if you take any of these medications regularly, speak to your doctor about ways to prevent kidney stones.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: This condition can increase calcium absorption which may create calcium deposits in the kidneys.

How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

Preventing kidney disease should be a priority, to help you do this follow these rules:

• Keep Fit and Active
• Control Your Blood Sugar Levels
• Monitor Your Blood Pressure
• Eat Healthy and Keep Your Weight in Check
• Drink Plenty of Fluids
• Do Not Abuse Alcohol
• Do Not Smoke
• Limit the Amount of Over the Counter Drugs You Take

Prestige ER – In Plano, Texas, Near Frisco and Allen
#1 CHOICE for FAST 24/7 EMERGENCY CARE

At Prestige ER we always advocate for prevention but are here for you in the event of a medical emergency.  We are available 24/7 because an accident or illness complication can happen at any time. Do not risk your health. Visit Prestige ER immediately on 7940 Custer Road Plano, Texas 75025.
Find the ER Specialists at prestigeer.org, We provide the Best 24 HR. Emergency Medical Services in Plano. Don’t Wait in Line for ER Care!
Get back on track to enjoying life, FAST! Experienced, Effective and Caring Emergency Physicians team up with the best On-Site ER care for everything from Minor to Major Injuries and Conditions.

• CT Scan, Digital X-Ray & Ultrasound
• Certified Full-Service Diagnostic Laboratory
• Specialized Pediatrics ER Care Facilities
• Extended Stay Capacity