Kidney Care is Extremely Important for SW Pittsburgh Seniors!
Here are some helpful things to discuss with your doctor at your annual physical:
WHAT TO SAY
-
Discuss your lifestyle
- Tell your doctor about your diet, alcohol and tobacco consumption, physical activity, and medications or supplements you take.
- Share your full health history
- Speak up about any medical conditions you have and any family history of kidney failure.
WHAT TO ASK FOR
- A simple urine test if you have any of these risk factors for kidney disease:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Age 60 and over
- Family history of kidney failure
- Copies of your most recent blood test results
- Healthy lifestyle recommendations
- Information about medications that can harm your kidneys
WHAT TO KNOW
Here are some of the medical tests your doctor may discuss if you're at risk for kidney disease.- ACR (Albumin-to-creatinine ratio):If kidneys aren't working well, protein ends up in the urine. ACR detects this protein—an early sign of kidney damage.
- eGFR (Estimated Glomular Filtration Rate): This measures how well kidneys filter wastes out of the blood.
- Blood pressure: High blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney disease.
- Blood glucose (sugar): This test checks for diabetes, the leading cause of kidney failure.
- Cholesterol: High cholesterol may indicate risk for heart disease, a major risk factor for kidney disease.
KEEP Healthy - Free Kidney Health Check
The National Kidney Foundation's community-based initiative to educate about the kidneys, risk factors for kidney disease, and steps to take to keep kidneys healthy and reduce risk.Check-up includes: risk survey, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure check, free educational materials, and opportunity to speak with a health care professional. For more information, and for information regarding local services, visit the local National Kidney Foundation website serving Pittsburgh.
For information about SW Pittsburgh senior diabetes symptoms and prevention, please click here.
BrightStar Care of Pittsburgh SW proudly provides Home Health Care and Support for Seniors and Children, including 24 hour Skilled Nursing and In Home Care and Support in senior independent and assisted living communities. Additionally we provide Medical Staffing and In-Home Physical Therapy for pediatric, adult and geriatric patients, and Companion and Personal Care for Elders with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. We also provide Home Child Care, Sitter and Nanny services for Children and Support for New Mothers. At BrightStar Care of Pittsburgh our Registered Nurse Director of Nursing leads experienced, trustworthy, compassionate caregivers who provide a full range of services in the comfort and safety of your home. Our Caregivers are fully screened, insured and bonded, certified and/or licensed. We Support Veterans and accept most Long Term Care Insurance benefits, provide Hospice Care, Live-in Care, CNA, Caregiver, RN, LPN, RN Supervision, Compassionate Care, and Compatibility Guarantees. We are an ALS Society partner and Alzheimer's Association member, and also provide care for developmentally disabled individuals and those of all ages with mental health and behavioral health diagnoses. Other services include Safe Discharge and Transportation from the hospital or rehab facility, both short term and long term Post Op care, Pre Operation and Preparation help and assistance, and Client Monitoring for out of town family members. Proudly serving Bridgeville, Clairton, Elizabeth, South Park, and Pittsburgh in PA.