63
OFFICE LOCATIONS
AVOID PRESERVED
MEATS:
Preserved meats
such as lunch meat,
bacon, pepperoni
and red meat are
high in uric acid and
salt, which are hard
on kidney function
and also causes
painful gout.
BLUFFTON/OKATIE: 16 Okatie Center Blvd. S, Suite 100, Okatie, SC 29909 (843) 706-9955
BEAUFORT/LADY’S ISLAND: 16 Kemmerlin Lane, Beaufort, SC 29907 (843) 524-2002
www.TheKidneyDocs.com
GET A PRIMARY CARE
PHYSICIAN: Everyone needs a
primary care physician,” says Dr.
Coleman. “They are the captain
of the ship of your body.” She
recommends patients see them at
minimum once per year, or as often
as the physician recommends. Make
sure the PCP performs a physical
exam, runs a metabolic blood profile
and a urinalysis showing creatinine
levels once per year. Creatinine is
the number doctors use to see how
well the kidneys are working. When
your kidneys aren’t functioning
properly, creatinine can accumulate
in your body. A urinalysis will also
help see if damage is being done to
your kidneys.
CONTROL BAD
CHOLESTEROL: Total
cholesterol should be
less than 200 mg. Good
cholesterol should be
above 50. Limit dining
out, especially fast foods.
It is suggested one eat
more high antioxidant
foods such as colorful
fruits and vegetables,
legumes, nuts and low or
non-fat dairy products.
AVOID
CIGARETTES:
Smoking affects
your entire body,
including your kidneys.
Smoking can
also interfere with
medications used
to treat high blood
pressure.
CONTROL YOUR
BLOOD SUGAR:
Try to keep blood
sugar levels (A1C)
less than 7 percent.
Uncontrolled diabetes
accelerates loss of
kidney function. It is
suggested people try
to consume high-
fiber/low-sugar foods.
EXERCISE: Keep active and
exercise. Movement stimulates
the body and helps all organs
do what they were made to do.
Dr. Coleman recommends 30
minutes of exercise a minimum
of three times per week under
the supervision of a PCP.
Exercise will also help improve
muscle function and sleep,
which will in turn benefit kidney
function. Even moderate
exercise such as walking will
improve one’s overall quality
of health.
WATER, WATER, WATER:
“Drink lots of water,” says
Dr. Coleman. Water flushes
the toxins from the kidneys
and keeps your entire body
hydrated. “You want to keep
flushing toxins out of your
body. The best way to do
that is with lots of water,”
she says. Those living in the
Lowcountry should be extra
careful to drink enough
water, as they can lose hydration
easily through daily
activity.
CONTROL BLOOD
PRESSURE: Uncontrolled
high blood pressure is
the leading cause of
kidney disease. Monitor
your blood pressure. Try
to keep your top number
(systolic) below 130; your
diastolic number (bottom)
below 80. Salt is an enemy.
It raises blood pressure
and puts unneeded
stress on your kidneys.
anticipate an unfavorable diagnosis. • Solitary Sufferers:
Many people don’t get help from their doctors to avoid
revealing personal issues or concerns -- especially related
to mental health or substance use -- because
they’re ashamed and worried about being judged as
weak by others. This fear also keeps them from using
their Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) at work. •
Super Savers: Super Savers always look for a good deal
and hate to pay full price for anything. They pinch every
penny and may view a check-up as not worth the
cost. Some don’t even realize their health benefit plan
covers preventive care services with no out-of-pocket
costs, or how advanced diseases may cost them much
more time and money. • Workaholics: People in this
group value work over any other activity. They may
consider a checkup to be a waste of time, and don’t
realize that poor health can impact the work performance
they prize. • Self-Diagnosers: Self-Diagnosers
feel confident that they are engaging in healthy activities
and the need for a check-up doesn’t really apply
to them. They may not consider that early on, many
conditions have no physical symptoms. Come visit our
Beaufort team at their new location on Lady’s Island!
Visit THEKIDNEYDOCS.COM
WAYS TO AVOID KIDNEY DISEASE
/www.TheKidneyDocs.com
/THEKIDNEYDOCS.COM