Kidneys play a big part in your total health – we're not kidney-ing. The kidneys, along with the liver, are your body's cleaning department. They filter extra water and toxins from your body. They also help control blood pressure, make red blood cells and keep your bones healthy.
When your kidneys aren't working right, harmful waste can build up and cause damage to your body. Just like your routine chores at home, there are simple things you can do to help your body's cleaning crew.
Stay on Top of Your Kidney Health
Most people with kidney disease don't have symptoms until the disease is advanced, when treatment is more difficult. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that of the 37 million Americans who have kidney disease, 90 percent of them don't know they have it. That's why it's important to have an annual wellness exam.
Getting screened for kidney disease can help catch it early. Early detection and treatment of kidney disease helps prevent or delay kidney failure. The most common ways to screen for kidney disease are urine and blood tests.
- Urine test: This test looks for proteins in your urine. High levels of certain kinds of proteins means your kidneys aren't filtering blood the right way.
- Blood test: This test looks at your creatinine levels. When kidneys are damaged, they have trouble cleaning it from your blood. Higher levels of creatinine in your blood can indicate kidney damage.
Are you at Risk?
Anyone can get kidney disease, but some things make it more likely. If you have any of these risk factors for kidney disease, talk to your PCP about getting screened.
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- diabetes
- family history of kidney failure
- age 60 and older
- are African American, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander or American Indian
Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. Having diabetes for a longer time increases your chance for kidney damage. If the damage continues, your kidneys could fail. You're more likely to develop kidney disease if you have diabetes and:
- don't follow your diabetes eating plan and watch your salt intake
- aren't active
- are overweight
- have heart disease
- smoke
Be sure to take prescribed medicines and keep your doctor visits. Preventive Care, like an annual wellness exam, is covered at 100% by your TRS-ActiveCare or TRS-Care Standard plan.
Take Care of your Kidneys
Not everyone who's at risk will get kidney disease. You can lessen your chances by:
- controlling preexisting conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
- getting routine check-ups and screenings
- eating a balanced diet
- decreasing your salt intake
- staying at a healthy weight
- exercising at least 150 minutes per week
- quitting tobacco
- avoiding or limiting alcohol
Resources for TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard
Provider Finder®
Use our Provider Finder® to find a doctor to help you stay up to date on preventive care and screenings. You can search by location, gender or specialty.
Well onTarget®
Work with a personal coach who can help you set and meet your health and wellness goals at no added cost. Wellness coaching from Well onTarget® uses credentialed health experts, including dietitians, nurses, personal trainers, and other specialists.
Fitness Program
Join The Fitness Program to get affordable, no-contract memberships at gyms nationwide. Choose what works best for you based on location, budget or personal preference. There's even a virtual-only option!
Resources for TRS-Care Medicare
Annual Wellness Visits
Your plan covers one physical exam and one wellness visit per calendar year. You can ask your provider to combine the visits into one convenient annual care appointment. You and your provider can work as a team to create a preventive care plan for the year.
Silver Sneakers
As a TRS-Care Medicare Advantage participant you have access to SilverSneakers, a fitness and lifestyle program, at no added cost.What does SilverSneakers include?
- Memberships to thousands of fitness locations — visit as many times as you wish
- Group exercise classes for all abilities — fun activities held outside the gym
- SilverSneakers On-DemandTM — online workout videos that feature tips on fitness and nutrition
- SilverSneakers LIVE — virtual classes and workshops throughout the week
- SilverSneakers GOTM mobile app
Get started today. Visit SilverSneakers.com or call 1-888-423-4632, TTY 711.
24/7 Nurse Support
Helps make your health decisions simple and convenient while providing:
- Quick answers to your health questions anytime, anywhere
- Access to registered nurses with clinical experience
- Information to guide your health care decisions
- Call 1-877-365-7949, TTY 711 any time for health information and support – at no added cost to you.
Virtual Doctor Visit
See a doctor anytime using live video chat from your computer, tablet or smartphone. With Virtual Doctor Visits, you can ask questions, get a diagnosis or even get medication prescribed and have it sent to your pharmacy. All you need is a strong internet connection. Consider setting up an account with a Virtual Doctor Visit provider so you're ready when it's time to make an appointment. Ways to access Virtual Doctor Visits:1. On your computer, visit and click on Choose a Medical Provider 2. On your tablet or smartphone:
- Download the American Well (Amwell) app
- Download the Doctor on Demand app
- Download the Teladoc app or call 1-855-615-8335 to set up an account and request a visit by phone