LifeCenter Northwest celebrates National Kidney Month

National Kidney Month occurs throughout March and is dedicated to spreading awareness of the importance of healthy living and protecting yourself from chronic kidney disease-one of the most widespread conditions –as well as many other kidney related diseases.

The two bean shaped organs located on the left and right sides of your spine have several major functions in the body. Kidneys filter roughly 200 liters of blood a day, help regulate blood pressure, and direct red blood cell production. However, the kidneys are also quite prone to disease and may have few signs or symptoms. More than 30 million Americans suffering from kidney disease aren’t aware because there are often no symptoms until the disease has progressed.
In the U.S., more than 590,000 people suffer from kidney disease, and it is the 9th leading cause of death.

Currently, more than 95,000 people are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. While dialysis can help patients with kidney disease in the interim, it is often meant to be a bridge to transplant. Receiving a transplant helps patients with kidney disease live longer and more comfortably. Because we have two kidneys and are able to function with one healthy organ, a person can be a living kidney donor for someone in need. Transplants can also be received from deceased organ donors.

This month we encourage you to get learn more about chronic kidney disease and what you can do to prevent it.

For more information about your kidneys please visit: https://transplantliving.org/kidney/what-are-kidneys/