Kidney Disease: Seniors at Risk

What it Means to be an Organ DonorOrgan donors save lives and provide a second chance for men, women, and children waiting for transplants. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, more than 100,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list at any given time. Every day, 17 people will die from that list waiting for an organ donation. The unfortunate truth is there is a greater demand for organs than there are people to donate them, and understanding how donations afterlife can help those in need may make a difference in your decision to be an organ donor.  What is an organ donor?An organ donation is when doctors take a healthy organ from one person and put it into someone else. An organ donor allows their organs to be used in an organ transplant. An organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of 75 more individuals. Some most commonly donated organs include kidneys, hearts, pancreas, intestines, skin, corneas, and bone marrow.  While some organ donations occur after the donor passes away, there are several organs and tissues that you can donate while alive. While alive, you can donate a kidney, liver lobe, or part of a lung, pancreas, or intestine. These organs can continue to function, even if you only have a portion of them.  Misconceptions about organ donationsSome people are concerned about becoming organ donors because of misconceptions theyve heard. Here are the facts behind common misconceptions to help you feel more at ease with your decision.  Myth: I cant donate organs because of a medical illnessTruth: Few medical conditions automatically disqualify someone from being a donor. Even if someones had cancer or disease of an organ, they could still have healthy tissues or other organs that would be viable for a donation.  Myth: Im too old to be an organ donorTruth: There is no age limit on organ donations. Doctors assess organs on a case-by-case basis; even older adults have working organs and tissue that may be suitable for a transplant to save someones life.  Myth: My family will have to change end-of-life arrangements if I donate an organTruth: The body is treated with care throughout the donation process and will not interfere with your end-of-life plans. Those who wish to have an open-casket funeral can still do so without anyone noticing anything different about the body.  How do I become an organ donor?If you think organ donation might be something for you, you can sign up to be a donor online through your state registry or by going to https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up. You can also sign up in person at your local motor vehicle department. You can change your mind or update your information at any time.  Working with Visiting AngelsIf youre waiting on a transplant or have recently undergone transplant surgery and need help caring for yourself at home, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our caregivers can assist with light housekeeping, meal preparations, medication reminders, personal grooming, and transportation.   Our Mobile office works with seniors in Mobile and the surrounding area. If youd like to learn more about our services or wish to schedule a complimentary consultation, visit our listing, our website or call 251.345.4100.

One of the most important aspects of maintaining good health as you age is taking care of your kidneys. As you get older, your kidneys may not work as well as they used to, so its important to take steps to keep them healthy. There are several things you can do to protect your kidneys and keep them functioning at their best. Read on to learn more about the important role of kidneys and how to help preserve these vital organs. By the Numbers According to a study posted by the National Kidney Foundation, kidney disease is on the rise in seniors in the US. More than 59 percent of older adults are at risk for developing kidney disease, with many currently unknowingly suffering from the disease. Whats the answer to this rise? Prevention, testing, and treatment. Early diagnosis of kidney disease is key to preventing or slow the progression. Screenings for protein in the urine help doctors ascertain early onset of kidney disease so that a treatment plan can be put in place.  The Power of Your Kidneys Kidneys are some of the most important organs in the human body. They do a lot of work, including filtering blood, balancing fluids, and minerals, and producing urine. Without functioning kidneys, the body would not be able to survive. Here's a closer look at what kidneys do:  Kidneys filter the blood, removing waste products and excess fluid. This helps to keep the body healthy by getting rid of toxins and ensuring that the right balance of minerals is maintained.   Kidneys also produce urine, which is how the body gets rid of extra fluid and waste products. Urine is made up of water, urea (a by-product of protein digestion), electrolytes, and other dissolved substances.    Kidneys are important for maintaining blood pressure and keeping the body's fluid levels in balance.  The Danger of Failing Kidneys When kidneys don't function properly, it can lead to a number of health problems. For example, high blood pressure, fluid retention, and an imbalance of minerals can all occur when the kidneys are not working correctly.  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor and get your kidneys checked. Untreated kidney problems can lead to serious health complications. Chronic Kidney Disease  Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition that results in gradual loss of kidney function. It can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure and anemia. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help prevent further damage to the kidneys and maintain good health. Treatment for chronic kidney disease typically includes medications and lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. For some people with end stage kidney disease, dialysis or a kidney transplant may also be needed. Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease There are many symptoms of chronic kidney disease that people may not be aware of. Some of these symptoms include:         Feeling tired and weak all the time         Having trouble sleeping         Experiencing nausea and vomiting         Having a poor appetite and losing weight without trying         Itching, especially over the entire body         Persistent thirst and drinking lots of fluids.         Difficulty concentrating or feeling confused. Tips for Safeguarding Your Kidney Health as You Age No one wants to think about the possibility of health problems as they age, but its important to be proactive about taking care of your health so you can enjoy a long and healthy life. If you have concerns about your kidney health, here are some tips to help safeguard your kidneys: Staying hydrated. The more fluids you drink, the easier it is for your kidneys to do their job. Make sure to drink plenty of water and other hydrating beverages throughout the day. Eating a healthy diet. A balanced diet is key to maintaining kidney health. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and stay away from processed foods and sugary drinks. Limiting your caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can be hard on the kidneys, so try to limit your daily intake to no more than 300 mg. Exercising regularly. Exercise is good for overall health, and its also good for the kidneys. Try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are both risk factors for kidney disease. If you have either of these conditions, be sure to monitor them closely and talk to your doctor about ways to manage them. Managing diabetes. If not taken care of properly, diabetes can also lead to kidney disease or failure. High sugar levels overwork the delicate structures of the kidney.Maintaining a healthy weight. Losing excess weight unburdens your kidneys from the amount of waste filtering they must do. Being overweight increases your risk for high blood pressure and diabetes which have both been shown to cause kidney disease.   Quiting smoking. Since smoking slows blood flow to vital organs Reducing your intake of salt and sugar. Elderly people have a high prevalence of salt-sensitivity which can alter how the body excretes it and can raise blood pressure as can sugar.  Taking medication as prescribed. If youre taking medication for kidney problems, make sure to take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.  See your doctor regularly. Regular checkups with your doctor are a good way to catch any potential health problems early on. If you have any concerns about your kidney health, be sure to talk to your doctor. Maintaining kidney health is important for everyone, but its especially important for seniors. By following these tips, you can protect your kidneys and stay healthy well into old age. How BrightStar Care Can Help  Enlist the to support your loved ones in the comfort of their own home with our professional home care services(Opens in a new window), and let our nurses help them stay on track with their prescribed kidney-care routine. Contact BrightStar Care(Opens in a new window) today to learn more about our professional care teamsyour family is our family! 

When we think about eating healthy, we often associate foods and diets with being heart healthy, good for brain function, etc. While those are absolutely important to focus on, its equally as important to think about foods that support other vital organs in our body- like our kidneys. Kidneys have the responsibility of filtering our blood, removing waste, balancing minerals in our bodies and maintaining fluid balance. With all systems in the body, it is crucial that we educate ourselves on the importance of a nutrient-dense diet and limiting our chances of health problems as we age- such as kidney disease or even kidney failure. In this article, we will be discussing some commonly consumed foods that should be avoided for optimal kidney health.Processed meats often contain high amounts of sodium and preservatives, which can be harmful for kidney health.Processed MeatsOne of the main ingredients you want to avoid for optimal kidney health is excess sodium, which is abundant in processed meats (think hot dogs, bologna, and deli meats). These are meats that have been salted, cured or canned- mostly to enhance flavor and preserve the product. While meat is a great source of protein, it is best to buy whole, lean cuts of meat that you can season yourself with a controlled amount of salt.Sodas and fruit juices often contain artificial colors and flavorings that can have negative impacts on our health if consumed on a regular basis.Soda & Fruit JuicesNot only are beverages like soda and juice filled with sugar, but they also contain additives that have kidney-damaging ingredients like phosphorus. Phosphorus is commonly added to preserve shelf life and prevent discoloration. Its a domino effect- excess sugar contributes to obesity, which increases risk for high blood pressure and diabetes, which are leading causes of kidney disease.Alcohol should be consumed in moderation and infrequently to ensure optimal kidney health.AlcoholMany studies in recent years have proven that regular alcohol consumption (more than 2 drinks a day) has been found to almost double the risk of kidney disease. Alcohol affects the ability for the kidneys to regulate fluids and electrolytes in the body, which causes dehydration. When our body is unable to process minerals and nutrients properly, we can experience symptoms like fatigue, impaired cognitive function, joint inflammation and pain.While pre-packaged meals are growing in popularity, it is important to read the nutrition information on the packaging to ensure you aren't consuming an excess amount of sodium and preservatives.Instant MealsThere is an incredibly wide variety of pre-made meal options in our supermarkets, and while some of them have cleaner ingredients than others, they all have one thing in common- the use of preservatives (are you noticing a trend here?) In order for pre-packaged and frozen meals to maintain color, shape and flavor, manufacturers have to add preservatives. This can include frozen pizzas, frozen boxed meals, canned soup, etc. Many elderly folks, or even those who are just too busy to cook often find themselves turning to pre-made meals for convenience- but fail to read the ingredients on the label.When buying canned goods, always look for a low sodium or no sugar added option.Canned Fruits/VegetablesCanned, shelf-stable products like canned fruit and vegetables can seem like an equally healthy alternative to fresh fruits and vegetables, but unfortunately that is not always the case. Many canned items contain lots of sodium and added sugar. As we discussed earlier, foods that are higher in sodium and refined sugar can be harsh on your kidneys and prevent their ability to regulate fluid-retention. If you do buy canned goods, we recommend choosing a low-sodium or no added sugar option.Polyunsaturated fats have been recently linked to oxidative damage in the body, but fortunately, there are healthier alternatives.Polyunsaturated FatsThere has been an increasing awareness of the negative effects of Polyunsaturated Fats, otherwise known as PUFAss. All fats have a temperature to which they oxidize, and for fats such as canola oil, vegetable oil and margarine, that temperature is very low. This means that the oils can go rancid, which can lead to free-radical damage in the body. As we know, free radicals can cause damage to all organs in our bodies including our kidneys. Healthier alternatives to PUFAs would be olive oil, coconut oil or ghee.