Category: General
What are Kidneys?
Your kidneys are a pair of vital organs that perform many functions to keep your blood clean and chemically balanced.
Your kidneys are bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist.
Your kidneys are located near the middle of your back, just below your rib cage, one on each side of your spine.
Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series
The upper gastrointestinal (GI) series uses x-rays to diagnose problems in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). It may also be used to examine the small intestine. The upper GI series can show a blockage, abnormal growth, ulcer, or a problem with the way an organ is working.
During the procedure, you will drink barium, a thick, white, milkshake like liquid. Barium coats the inside lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) and makes them show up more clearly on x-rays.
Why Kidneys Fail
Most kidney diseases attack the nephrons, causing them to lose their filtering capacity. Damage to the nephrons can happen quickly, often as the result of injury or poisoning. But most kidney diseases destroy the nephrons slowly and silently. Only after years or even decades will the damage become apparent. Most kidney diseases attack both kidneys simultaneously.
The two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. People with a family history of any kind of kidney problem are also at risk for kidney disease.
The word renal refers to the kidneys. The terms renal function and kidney function mean the same thing.
People with two healthy kidneys have 100 percent of their kidney function. Small or mild declines in kidney function – as much as 30 to 40 percent – would rarely be noticeable.
Some people are born with only one kidney but can still lead normal, healthy lives.
Every year, thousands of people donate one of their kidneys for transplantation to a family member or friend.
Body Mass Index Chart 1 and Chart 2 For Adults
You can use the Body Mass Index Chart below or use the Body Mass Index Calculator to check your total body fat.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a reliable indicator of total body fat, which is related to the risk of disease and death.
To use the Body Mass Index Chart below, find the appropriate height in the left-hand column labeled Height. Move across to a given weight (in pounds). The number at the top of the column is the BMI at that height and weight. Pounds have been rounded off.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a reliable indicator of total body fat, which is related to the risk of disease and death.
BMI is a measure of body weight relative to height. BMI is a tool that is often used to determine if a person is at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese, and whether a person’s health is at risk due to his or her weight.
Not everyone who has a BMI in the range labeled “healthy weight” is at his or her most healthy weight. Some may have lots of fat and little muscle.
A BMI above the appropriate weight range is less healthy for many people, but may be fine if you have lots of muscle and little fat.
Both prednisone and azathioprine have side effects. Because high doses of prednisone are often needed to control autoimmune hepatitis, managing side effects is very important. Most side effects appear only after a long period of time.
Unfortunately, chronic kidney disease (CKD) often cannot be cured. But people in the early stages of CKD may be able to make their kidneys last longer by taking certain steps. They will also want to minimize the risks for heart attack and stroke because people with CKD are susceptible to these problems.
- People with reduced kidney function should see their doctor regularly. Their doctor may refer them to a nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in kidney disease.
AVOID folklore remedies such as “painting” the tick with nail polish or petroleum jelly, or using heat to make the tick detach from your skin. The goal is to remove the tick as quickly as possible – not waiting for it to detach.
If there is a tick attached to your skin, there is no need to panic. You can buy a tick removal device in the stores… but a plain set of fine-tipped tweezers will remove a tick quite effectively.
Laxatives are medicines that will make you pass a stool. Use laxatives only if a doctor says you should. Most people with mild constipation do not need laxatives.
For those who have made diet and lifestyle changes and are still constipated, a doctor may recommend laxatives or enemas for a limited time. These treatments can help retrain a chronically sluggish bowel. For children, short-term treatment with laxatives, along with retraining to establish regular bowel habits, helps prevent constipation. A doctor should determine when a patient needs a laxative and which form is best. Laxatives can be dangerous to children and should be given only with a doctor’s approval.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Categories For Adults
Use the body mass index calculator below for adults 20 years old and older. Keep in mind that this does not take into account muscle mass and weight distribution.
Underweight = below 18.5
Normal Weight = 18.5 to 24.9
Overweight = 25 to 29.9
Obese = 30 to 39.9
Extremely Obese 40 or greater