It's Valentine's Day…Show Your Kidneys Some Love

As Valentine's Day approaches, it's time to stop taking the people we love for granted—especially those who show their love in quiet, daily acts of support that enable us to focus on our busy lives. The National Kidney Foundation encourages Americans to mark this occasion by considering some of the many ways their kidneys quietly support their health day-to-day (filtering their blood, controlling blood pressure, supporting healthy bones) and how much their health will suffer if they develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). It's often said that "love means paying attention" so getting to know the risk factors is a critical first step toward focusing on kidney health.

Risk Factors for CKD

Primary Risk Factors    Secondary Risk Factors
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Family history of CKD
  • Age 60 or older
  • Obesity
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Urinary tract and/or systemic infections
  • Overuse over-the-counter painkillers
  • Kidney loss, damage, injury or infection

 

If you have one or more of the following risk factors, the National Kidney Foundation suggests you to talk to your doctor about being screened for kidney disease and learn more about kidney health.