#>LiVeWell Senior's Health A NEWSLETTER WITH IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION FOR SENIORS March 2016 March is National Kidney Month According to the National Kidney Foundation 26 millions Americans have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), that is approximately 1 in 9 people. Even more concerning is that millions more are at risk for developing CKD because of diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. Your kidneys work very hard to filter your blood by removing waste products and extra fluid, they then flush them from your body as urine. When your kidneys don't work right, waste builds up in your blood and makes you sick. Many people suffering from CKD just don't know it; that's because the symptoms are very subtle. Most people don't see or feel problems till the disease has progressed. Here are some common symptoms and signs of kidney disease, but remember only your doctor can correctly diagnose any kidney problems. Changes in the urine occur such as blood in the urine, urine comes out bubbly, urine is dark or you have an overwhelming urge to urinate during the night. Kidney disease can cause fatigue. The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO). This hormone signals the body to make red blood cells, which are meant to carry oxygen throughout the body. As the kidneys fail they produce less of the hormone and your body sends less red blood cells and oxygen through the body causing fatigue. Questions? Contact Rebecca Nichols 801.866.8993 or email Rebecca.Nichols@imail.org, CHIC Center 801. 387.7800 Kidneys are responsible for removing excess fluid from the body. When the kidneys start to fail the body can't remove the fluid and it stays inside the body. You may experience swelling around the ankles, face, hands, and feet. The kidneys are also responsible for removing waste from the body. When the kidneys have problems or are in failure, the excess waste builds up in the blood stream. This is known as uremia and it can cause a feeling of nausea or make you need vomit. Your body is trying to rid itself of the built up waste. Uremia can also cause a metallic taste in your mouth and bad breath. Anemia is also a side effect of kidney disease. As the kidneys produce less (EPO) and red blood cells decrease the body becomes anemic. Anemia comes with it's own set of symptoms such as chills. If you are sitting in a warm room but feeling cold, you could be experiencing anemia. Remember that diabetes, high blood pressure and a family history of kidney failure are key risk factors of kidney disease. CKD can be detected through blood and urine tests and it can be treated. The earlier you know you have it, the better. (Sources: National Kidney Foundation, Healthwise and rmkidney.com) Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital