Food for Thought : March is National Kidney Month

      March is National Kidney Month and the National Kidney Foundation  is urging all Americans  to get a kidney checkup. According  to the foundation's website , approximately  26 million people  in this country suffer  from chronic  kidney disease . And unfortunately , many people  do not know  they have kidney  because  often there  are no symptoms  until the disease  has progressed . Kidneys are  small bean-shaped  organs , about the size  of your  fist . They're responsible  for filtering your  blood  and ridding your  body of waste . They also regulate  many vitamins , minerals and electrolytes  such as calcium  and potassium . Although  kidney disease  is on the rise  , we don't hear as much about it  in the media . Some of the  risk factors for kidney disease  include : high blood pressure  , heart disease  , obesity , family history  and over the counter  pain medications . Celebrate  National Kidney Month  with the following  tips  to help keep your kidneys  healthy .

      Stay hydrated  by drinking  plenty of  fluids  . Watch your intake of salt .

      Know the signs  and symptoms  of  kidney disease  and report them to your  doctor . Fatigue  , weakness , difficult or painful urination  , increased thirst , swollen face , hands , abdomen or feet , pink or  dark urine  and increased thirst  are all signs  and symptoms .

      Monitor your  blood pressure  , cholesterol  and  glucose  {blood sugar}.

      If  you have  a family history  or  are at risk  for kidney  disease  , get a check-up by your  doctor .
                                          Chicken ‘n Orange Salad Sandwich

Lunch, Low Phosphorus, Low Potassium, High Protein, Low Sodium                            Makes  6 servings 

1       cup Chopped cooked chicken 
1/4    cup Onion (finely sliced) 
1/2    cup Celery (diced) 
1       cup Mandarin oranges 
1/2    cup Green pepper (chopped) 
1/3    cup Mayonnaise

1. Toss chicken, celery, green pepper, and onion to mix.
2. Add mandarin oranges and mayonnaise.
3. Mix gently.
4. Serve on bread.

A proud grand-poppa         G.