Prioritizing kidney health for consumers
Kidneys are the bodies’ unsung heroes. They take care of essential functions from filtering waste to regulating blood pressure and producing hormones that support red blood cell production. Due to factors like poor diet, inadequate hydration, high blood pressure and diabetes that compromise kidney function over time, over one in seven U.S. adults live with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Per year, this can cost over $37,000 per patient for employer-sponsored health plans.
During National Kidney Month – and every month – prioritizing kidney health is key in maintaining whole health and well-being. Consumers should consider what wellness benefits and resources are available through their health plans to support kidney health.
Collaborating for kidney care
At Point32Health, we are here to guide and empower healthier lives through our health plans and the resources included with them. When it comes to promoting healthy habits and raising awareness about kidney health, health plans and wellness programs can play a vital role. It’s why we collaborated with Monogram Health, the leading value-based specialty provider of in-home nephrology, primary care and benefit management services for individuals with chronic kidney and end-stage renal disease.
Available to eligible commercial members from Point32Health companies Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan as members from its Tufts Health Direct population, Monogram enables in-home care services to improve affordability and quality of life for those affected by kidney disease. And as health care needs are different for each individual, this collaboration will work to increase access to early kidney care and offer ways to prioritize kidney health.
Taking proactive steps
Understanding the importance of kidney function, kidney disease risk factors and ways to maintain kidney health through nutrition, hydration, exercise and stress management can help support consumers in adopting healthier lifestyles conducive to kidney health. And maintaining overall health can help prevent kidney disease before it starts.
Diabetes, which is the leading risk factor of kidney failure, can be more easily managed through healthy eating, staying active and medication to help prevent kidney damage. High blood pressure, which is another risk factor, should also be kept under control, as well as paying attention to those risk factors for diabetes and high blood pressure like heart disease, obesity and smoking. Kidney disease is also genetic and there is a higher risk for those who are Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American or Asian American. Consumers should speak to their primary care provider (PCP) on what risk factors they may have and ways to stay healthy.
By bringing preventive care, education and supportive resources to the forefront, consumers can make the best choices for their kidney health and better manage any kidney-related health conditions.