Hardy: Keep up with your kidneys
March is National Kidney Month. Your kidneys, each just the size of a computer mouse, are critical for maintaining good health. The kidneys remove wastes, toxins, and excess fluid by filtering all the blood in your body every 30 minutes. They also regulate blood pressure and keep blood minerals in balance that are essential to life.
Most people do not know anything about their kidneys or how important those organs are to their health. More than one in seven U.S. adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as healthy kidneys. Because of this, excess fluid and waste from the blood remain in the body and that can cause other serious health problems, including heart attack or stroke. The good news is, if caught early, kidney disease can be slowed or even stopped.
Talk to your doctor about being tested if you have any of these risk factors:
- High blood pressure
- Family history of CKD
- Age 60+
Symptoms of chronic kidney disease
- Swelling of the face, hands, abdomen, ankles, or feet
- Blood in the urine or foamy urine
- Puffy eyes
- Difficult or painful urination
- Increased thirst
People with CKD might not feel ill or notice any symptoms. The only way to find out for sure if you have CKD is through specific blood and urine tests.
Prevent chronic kidney disease
- Keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg
- Get active — physical activity helps control blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- If you smoke, quit. Smoking can worsen kidney disease and interfere with medication that lowers blood pressure.
To help prevent CKD and lower the risk of kidney failure, control risk factors for CKD, get tested yearly, make lifestyle changes, take medicine as instructed, and see your health care provider regularly.
Information on other health-related topics is available at your Henderson County Extension office at 270-826-8387 or send an email to email@example.com.
- April 2, 9, 23, 30—Taking Ownership of Your Diabetes: This program is going to be offered in a series of 4 classes. It will be offered from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Henderson County Expo Center. It is being offered through partnership with the Henderson County Diabetes Coalition. It will cover information on the 4 Steps to Control Your Diabetes, Understanding Diabetes, the ABCs of Diabetes, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, Monitoring Blood Glucose and provide opportunities for participants to ask questions. You do not have to have diabetes to sign up for these classes. This is a series so each class topic will be different. Class is free. Call to reserve your spot.
- April 10 & 17—Estate Planning Series at 5:30 p.m. Call to reserve your space. Classes are free. Regardless of net worth, estate planning is important to protect, and help ensure, your personal and financial goals are realized after death. Unfortunately many people fail to properly plan for transfer of their possessions and property at the time of death. A properly executed estate plan can reduce family stress, reduce federal and state tax obligations, and allow the estate to be settled in an expedient fashion saving both time and money. Many individuals perceive estate planning as complicated, costly, and unpleasant; thereby, leaving their family, farming operation, or small business at risk. The estate planning programming addresses this need. Emphasis is placed on the estate planning process, including steps to develop an estate plan, establishing goals for an estate plan, specific estate planning tools (Power of Attorney, Trusts, and Wills), the probate process, and gift and estate tax laws. Light supper provided.
- April 16—Basket Weaving Class from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Henderson County Expo Center Project Room. Cost for the class/material is $20 per person. Taught by Jinger Wilson. Make an Easter basket for your children or grandchildren. Space is very limited. Please call the Extension Office to reserve your spot 270-826-8387.
- April 26—Derby Tea from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Extension Education & Expo Center. Our program will feature a guest speaker and fashion show. The fashion show will feature models wearing accessories with a Derby flair from a local boutique. The event is free and open to the community. Must have a ticket for this event, which can be picked up starting March 27, 2019 at the Henderson County Cooperative Extension Service main office located at 3341 Zion Road, Henderson. You are welcome to come in your derby fashion.
- April 30—Spring Cooking (Air Fryer) Class at 11:15 a.m. or 5:15 p.m. at the Henderson County Expo Center. Come out and learn how to use an air fryer. Will have recipes and sampling of cooked food items. Class is free but you must call to sign up!