Your kidneys play a big part in your total health. They keep your body clean by removing waste, toxins and excess fluid from your blood stream. They also help control blood pressure, make red blood cells and keep your bones healthy.
When your kidneys are damaged, they can’t filter your blood so the extra fluid and waste stay in your body. This can lead to chronic kidney disease.
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 Primary Care Physician (PCP) about getting screened.
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- diabetes
- family history of kidney failure
- age 60 and older
- are African American, Asian, Latino, Pacific Islander or Native American
Early Detection is Key
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 90 percent of people with kidney disease 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 help prevent or delay kidney disease. 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 mean your kidneys aren't filtering blood the right way.
- Blood test: This test looks at your creatinine levels. Higher levels of creatinine in your blood can indicate kidney damage.
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 see your provider for checkups.
Keep Your Filters in Tip-Top Shape
There are things you can do to help keep your kidneys healthy and working like they should:
- control preexisting conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
- get routine check-ups and screenings
- stay hydrated
- eat a balanced diet
- decrease your salt intake
- stay at a healthy weight
- exercise at least 150 minutes per week
- quit tobacco
- avoid or limit alcohol
Your whole body depends on your kidneys, so make healthy choices and take steps to protect them. Preventive care, like your annual wellness exam, is covered at 100% by your TRS health plan.
Resources for TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard
Provider Finder®
Use 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.
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Work with a wellness coach from Well onTarget® to learn how to manage chronic conditions, eat healthier and reach your goals.
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 Advantage
Find a Provider
For more information about plan coverage or to find a primary care physician call UnitedHealthcare toll-free 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday or register on your member website.
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To explore, visit Letsmovebyuhc.com through your member website.