Protect Your Kidneys...
Did know you could be living with the silent killer of kidney disease and not even realise it?
This is because most people cannot feel the damage of kidney disease until it reaches an advanced stage. Kidney disease happens slowly, with little to no symptoms and is why it is often known as a silent killer.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects more than 10% of the UK population and is rapidly becoming more common as the population ages.
People of African Caribbean heritage are five times more likely to develop CKD than other groups. This is due to factors such as hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, lupus, poorly uncontrolled diabetes, dietary habits such as a high sodium diet, and even a lack of health discussion within the community.
CKD can also develop because of autoimmune conditions including Lupus, Sickle Cell Disease and IgA Nephropathy (IgAN).
What actions can you take to protect yourself from the silent killer?
Protect Your Kidneys with ACKEE
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Take ACTION: assess your health. Have a full blood test at least once a year to check how your body is performing. Check your blood pressure regularly and keep an eye on the numbers. Controlling your blood pressure can help reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease.
Take action, make an appointment with your GP today.
CHECK for warning signs: tiredness, cloudy or blood in the urine, sudden hair loss,
high blood pressure – is your body trying to tell you something?
KEEP ACTIVE: Exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol.
EAT WELL: fresh fruit and vegetables, drink water, reduce salt and limit processed foods.
EDUCATE yourself and others: Learn about kidney health, a great place to start is by
staying connected to the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise
www.ackee.org.uk or @wearetheACKEE on all socials.
Your kidneys work hard for you every day, taking simple steps now to protect them could make a life changing difference.