March is Kidney Month
The National Kidney Foundationcelebrates March as National Kidney Month. Take the Kidney quiz to check your kidney knowledge.
Most people have how many kidneys?
- 2
- 3
- 4
How big are your kidneys?
- The size of your head
- The size of your fist
- The size of your eye
Where are your kidneys?
- in your back by the ribs
- in your back behind your lungs
- by your belly button
Which of the following are functions of your kidney?
- to clean your blood
- to support healthy bones and tissues
- to keep your blood pressure normal
Let’s see how you did...
Most people are born with 2 kidneys. The kidneys are the bean shaped organs that are located in your back behind your ribs and are about the size of your fist. The kidneys main functions are to clean the blood by filtering out waste by producing urine, to help control your blood pressure and regulate the body’s salt, potassium and acid content. They also produce Vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth and produce hormones that affect other organs functions.
People with high blood pressure and or diabetes are at greater risk for developing kidney disease. In fact diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure in the United States (IHS, June 2008). You can help protect your kidneys by keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar in check and controlled. Talk to your clinician about your blood pressure and blood sugar goals and about getting a yearly exam to tell how well your kidneys are working and to check for the earliest signs of kidney damage. The Diabetes and Wellness Program is available to help answer any questions and schedule you for an appointment. Call us today at 405.360.0698. We are available at the Little Axe and Shawnee locations.
Source: National Kidney Foundation at kidney.org