The Rise in Kidney Dialysis Services
By WCJ Dr. James, The Joyful Doctor Have you noticed and wondered about the growing number of facilities providing dialysis services? Kidney dialysis is performed when one’s kidneys are no […]
Black News 
By WCJ Dr. James, The Joyful Doctor
Have you noticed and wondered about the growing number of facilities providing dialysis services? Kidney dialysis is performed when one’s kidneys are no longer cleaning the body’s waste products. Dialysis does this. Ultimately, most people who receive dialysis for chronic kidney disease or kidney failure seek a kidney transplant to achieve normal function. Many lives have been saved because of dialysis and then a transplant. This article is not about dialysis and transplantation. I would like us to ask what we can do to avoid requiring such life-saving procedures.
Most chronic kidney diseases are due to poorly controlled blood pressure (hypertension), high blood sugar (diabetes), or both. Some people have suffered an injury that has damaged their kidneys. There are many people who develop diabetes, hypertension, or both at some point in their lives. Obesity can cause some people to develop diabetes and hypertension. As we are seeing more people who become overweight at younger ages, we are seeing more people who develop diabetes and hypertension at younger ages. Unfortunately, most people are not aware they have a problem. They do not feel bad, perhaps for many years. By the time they feel bad, the body is severely damaged, and other conditions result, like having a stroke or a heart attack. Both complications are life-threatening. I was amazed that many of us do not seek screening for these conditions. This is called denial. If we do not think about it or own it, we will not have it. Knowing is the first step. Next, what do we do about it? There are many approaches to managing, treating, or even curing these health challenges. We relax. We exercise. We take medication. We eat certain foods and avoid other foods. Whatever you try, please continue to check to see that your body is getting better. If you continue to have elevated blood pressure or blood sugar, then we need help creating a plan for management. This help comes from those such as physicians, nurses, physician assistants who have studied these conditions and the different ways of treatment. Seek the advice of someone whom you trust. You need to feel comfortable talking about what your body is doing and to feel respected for your opinions. Get the help you need. I want you to be joyful. You can contact me by cellphone, text, or email. I am joyful helping you become and stay joyful.
