March 13: World Kidney Day

World Kidney Day is observed on March 13th in 70 countries and 6 continents, according to the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the Internation Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF).  Its a day designated for raising international awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease, and the critical health consequences that often accompany it, such as heart attack and stroke.

Simple tests are now available to screen for Chronic Kidney Disease, but each year, many people go unscreened because they dont understand the risk factors associated with the disease.  According to the World Kidney Day website, the following are the most common risk factors and preventive measures for Chronic Kidney Disease:

"People most at-risk:

  • Patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
  • Individuals who are obese or smoke.
  • Individuals over 50 years of age.
  • Individuals with a family history diabetes mellitus, hypertension and kidney disease.
  • Patients with a presence of other kidney diseases.

    Proven preventive measures:

  • ACEs/ARBs for proteinuria and decreased GFR.
  • Reduction of high blood pressure -the lower the blood pressure, the lower the GFR decline.
  • Control of glucose, blood lipids and anemia.
  • Smoking cessation.
  • Increased physical activity.
  • Control of body weight."
  • If you think you may exhibit the signs or symptoms of kidney disease, you should consult your physician immediately.

    Previously on the DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:

    • A new study indicating that obese patients wait longer for kidney transplants
    • A rise in the incidence of kidney damage following bypass surgery
    • Evidence that kids with Urinary Tract Infections may fare better without antibiotics

    For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030. 

    Read more detail on Legal News Directory – Medical malpractice law

    This entry was posted in Medical malpractice law and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink.

    Leave a Reply