A recent article in the Journal of American Medical Association, has shown that nearly 26 million American adults are suffering from chronic kidney disease. The number has increased to 13.1 percent between the year 1994 and 2004.
Unfortunately New Jersey, one of the richest states of the US, became the second state in the nation to require that routine blood-work to measure kidney function by testing the glomerular filtration rate or GFR way back in 2005. The GFR is the byproduct of the muscle-forming acid creatine and is the best measure of kidney function. A GFR of 60 or above is considered acceptable. A number below 60 is cause for closer evaluation.
Kidney disease is the silence killer. So it is important for people to be aware of the risk factors associated with the condition. Some of the leading causes of kidney disease are:
*High blood pressure
*Diabetes and obesity.
*Heart disease, family history and increasing age,
*Autoimmune diseases, urinary tract infections and illicit drug use.
*Medications, including over-the- counter pain relievers, may also damage the kidneys.
All of us know that prevention is better than cure. The same is applied to the kidney diseases also. Doctors suggest some tips for our kidney:
*Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and controlling your weight.
* Monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol.
*Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
* Avoiding the overuse of over-the-counter painkillers.
* Getting an annual physical.
To register for the free session or for more information call (609) 409-7525 or (888) 897-8979.
Source: New Jersey Press Association
Filed under Health, Kidney
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A recent article in the Journal of American Medical Association, has shown that nearly 26 million American adults are suffering from chronic kidney disease. The number has increased to 13.1 percent between the year 1994 and 2004. 
