MCG Health System Recognizes National Kidney Month

Augusta, Ga. -- The kidney performs a mammoth job despite its small size. Over the course of an average lifetime, the kidneys filter more than 5 million quarts of fluid, averaging about 200 quarts per day.

Thus, kidney disease affects an organ that is vital to your overall good health. According to the National Kidney Foundation, one in nine Americans, or about 20 million people, suffer from chronic kidney disease, which can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant.

It is believed that some forms of kidney disease have a genetic cause. However, there are other, controllable lifestyle factors you can change to decrease your risk of contracting kidney disease.

"The leading causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure," said Laura Mulloy, D.O., Section Chief of Nephrology, Hypertension and Transplantation Medicine at MCG Health System. "When these two disorders are properly managed, it's quite possible to prevent or slow down kidney disease."

Both diabetes and high blood pressure may be controlled or prevented through regular exercise and proper nutrition. For diabetics, keeping blood sugar levels within a normal range can help prevent kidney disease. For those with high blood pressure, proper management includes giving up smoking; this unhealthy habit often interferes with medications that help control high blood pressure.

Early warning signs that your kidneys may not be working well include: high blood pressure; blood and/or protein in the urine; waste build-up in the blood as indicated through blood tests; more frequent urination, particularly at night; difficult or painful urination; and puffiness around the eyes or swelling of the hands or feet. If you have one or more of these symptoms and are concerned about your risk for contracting kidney disease, consult your physician.

National Kidney Month is held annually in March.

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.