and the people they love—from kidney disease
Live Healthy:
Celebrate National Women’s Health Month
When was the last time you had a checkup?
May is Women’s Health Month, and May 14th is National Women’s Checkup Day! The American Kidney Fund is proud to join the U.S. Office of Women’s Health in encouraging women to get regular checkups.
Celebrate National Women’s Health Month by making your next doctor’s appointment now. And don’t forget to Pair Up! Encourage your mom, aunt, sister or best friend to go for a checkup, too.
Why are checkups so important?
Regular checkups can help you prevent health problems and find diseases early. This is especially true for kidney disease, which usually has no symptoms until it is very far along. In fact, nine out of 10 people with early kidney disease don’t know they have it.
The only way to know how well your kidneys are working is to have them tested. This can be done by routine urine and blood tests. And, if kidney disease is found and treated early, it can often be slowed or stopped.
What tests can check my kidneys?
Ask your doctor if you are at risk for kidney disease and if you should have these tests at your next checkup:
Test |
What It Tells You |
Goal for Most |
| Urine Test (Microalbumin Test) |
This test checks for protein in your urine. Protein in your urine can be an early sign of kidney disease. | Less than 30 |
| eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) |
This number tells how well your kidneys clean your blood. | 60 or more |
| Blood Pressure | This is the pressure in your arteries as your blood flows through them. High blood pressure can damage your kidneys. | Less than 120/80 |
| FBG (Fasting Blood Glucose) |
This test tells if you have diabetes. Diabetes can damage your kidneys. | Less than 100 |
What else should I ask at my checkup?
To make the most of your checkup, start by making a list of your questions. This can help you remember your concerns during your appointment. Include questions like:
- What other tests should I have?
- How often should I have them?
- What can I do to protect my kidneys?
Share your tips on how you get the most out of your checkup:
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