Health Tip: Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

1. Take the Kidney Disease Quiz
2. Kidney Stones Slideshow Pictures
3. High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures

(HealthDay News) -- A healthy lifestyle can help protect your kidneys and keep them strong.

The National Kidney Disease Education Program offers these suggestions:

• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol within normal ranges.
• Make sure diabetes is well-controlled.
• Take medications exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Reduce sodium intake to less than 1,500 milligrams per day.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole grains
• Restrict alcohol consumption and don't smoke.
• Lose any excess weight and get plenty of regular exercise.

-- Diana Kohnle

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