Early Detection: Kidney Disease

As we age, we are at a higher risk for kidney disease as well as other conditions. This disease is known as the silent disease because there aren't usually warning signs. By the time you notice, it could be too late. The warning signs can also be related to other conditions. It's important to get regular check ups and ask to get your kidneys tested. You may be at a higher risk if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, are a smoker, or have a family history. It is also said that if you have had heart problems in the past you can have a greater risk for developing kidney disease. 

There are 2 tests that can be done to check for kidney disease. One is a urine test. It is called an Albumin Creatinine Ratio to see how much protein is in your urine. There is also a blood test called the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). This will show if your kidneys are working to remove the wastes from your blood. If you have a GFR of less than 60 for a 3 moth period this means you have kidney disease. And having albumin for more than 3 months in your urine means you also have this condition. These two tests should be done regularly. 

Some symptoms you might experience includes high blood pressure, blood in urine, pain in kidney area, fatigue, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, headaches, difficulty sleeping, or nausea. These symptoms can mean many other things as well but it's still very important to go see your doctor immediately so you are able to get the proper testing. 

Source: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Diet & Colon Cancer

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! It's is recommended that anyone over the age of 50 should get tested for colon cancer. There is a fecal occult blood test that can be done that checks for small amounts of blood in the stool. Other testing includes a sigmoidoscopy that should be done every 5 years and a colonoscopy every 10 years. 

Research has shown that there is a strong link between diet and colon cancer. The tasty red meats and processed foods that we eat can increase our risk of developing this cancer. Start paying more attention to the foods you eat on a daily basis. You can do so much to prevent diseases and fixing your diet can help with more than you. Eat those fruits and vegetables. Our society is so fast paced that we just eat what's convenient for us, such as fast food. We usually don't think about having fruits and vegetables. BUT they can do so much for us. And they are super convenient as well. Carry around an apple when you're out and about. Or one of those mini bags of carrots. We choose not to do these things because they aren't appetizing to us. It's up to you though to choose between unhealthy items or living a longer healthy life. 

Managing your risk factors can decrease your risk of getting colon cancer. Make these changes and take control over your diet. Also, don't forget to get the proper screenings. You can catch it before it turns into anything life threatening. 

Source: http://slowaging.org

Say Goodbye to Clogged Arteries

LDL (bad) cholesterol=the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries

Did you know the higher your LDL the greater risk you have of developing heart disease. You are at risk if you......

• Smoke cigarettes
• Have high blood pressure
• Have low HDL cholesterol
• Have a family history of heart disease
• Are an older adult Men= 45 years or older and Women= 55 years or older

If you are at risk there are a few treatment options. The first is called a therapeutic lifestyle change. This includes eating foods that will lower your cholesterol, exercising and weight management. This diet consists of a low-saturated, low-cholesterol eating plan. Physical activity is needed everyday for 30 minutes. There is also the option of drug treatment which includes statins, bile acid sequestrates, nicotinic acid, fabric kids and cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Your doctor would choose the one that is right for you. 

Find out what your cholesterol levels are and check them regularly. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and make a plan that is right for you. 

Source: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov