Recognize National Kidney Month This March: Raise Awareness & Become A Donor

National Kidney Month: Are you one of the 33% of People at Risk of Kidney Disease?

March is National Kidney Month, and Donor Alliance aims to spread awareness about kidney disease to save and heal more lives in Colorado and Wyoming. Donor Alliance is a nonprofit organization that facilitates organ and tissue donation for transplantation in the Rocky Mountain region.

In Colorado and Wyoming, there are nearly 1,300 people on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant. Kidneys are the most transplanted organ and the average time a patient spends on the National Transplant waiting list is around three to five years.

ONE IN THREE ADULTS ARE AT RISK OF KIDNEY DISEASE

Unfortunately, 33% of adults around the U.S. are at risk of kidney disease, which means one in three adults.  In this quiz, you can take a minute to see if you are part of that 33%.

According to statistics provided by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), kidney disease affects an estimated 37 million people in the U.S. Approximately 90% of people with kidney disease do not know they have it, which contributes to it being one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

Know Your Risk Factors

There are multiple risk factors to consider that may contribute to kidney disease:

1.  Being Diabetic: Type 2 diabetes can damage the small vessels of the kidney, affecting its ability to filter toxins.
2. Family history of kidney disease: If you have a family history of kidney disease, you should monitor your kidney function.
3.  Over 60 years of age: As we age, our bodies naturally lose kidney function. If you fall in this age bracket, make sure to schedule annual kidney function tests with your doctor.
4. Overweight: Changing diet and lifestyle habits can help improve kidney function.

Stay Healthy

 Exercise can help prevent disease, disability, injury and premature death. Having the time to engage in physical activity, whether aerobic or muscle activity, can sometimes be a challenge, but the benefits are enormous. A nice simple walk, renovating your garden, enjoying family hikes, or just dancing to your favorite music in your living room will keep you healthy. Exercise has also been shown to increase a state of happiness that will undoubtedly make you a healthier person!

For those who have been diagnosed with kidney disease, some studies suggest a plant-based diet. Nutrition is an important factor in keeping us healthy! Increasing your vegetable intake will bring immediate benefits. There are also thousands of veggie burger options made from legumes that are very low in fat and high in protein. If you are going to make changes to your diet, it’s important to check with your doctor first to define the right diet for you.

Read Nutrition Labels

Many processed foods are full of chemicals or high levels of sodium and phosphorus that can be harmful to your kidneys, so it’s important to read nutrition labels. If the amount of sodium is high, try not to consume it. When your body has too much sodium, your kidneys can’t remove enough of it, which can cause high blood pressure. It’s important to discuss proper nutrition with your medical team.

National Kidney Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of kidney health. It’s a time to raise awareness about kidney disease, its risk factors, and the importance of prevention and early detection. It’s also a time to recognize members of our community who are still waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant . We can give hope to those waiting by registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Say Yes the next time you obtain or renew your driver license/state ID. You can also register anytime at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.