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Bones, muscles and joints make up the musculoskeletal system, along with cartilage, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. This system gives your body its structure and support and lets you move around. The parts of the musculoskeletal system grow and change throughout life. The body usually sends signals when something is off and needs medical attention. The brain and six organs work systematically together and require tender nurturing to remain healthy and functioning as designed. The body keeps score of maltreatment and there are subtle messages to take action and when ignored we can be slammed flat on our backs or faces.
Recently, I was in a nail shop sitting in a pedicure chair having my feet tended to and I observed the woman sitting in the next chair over. Her feet were swollen the size of balloons and the skin on her legs had thickened and hardened and looked like an elephant’s skin. As I observed this lady getting her feet pedicured, I wondered what was going on inside of her body. Did she realize that her body was sick? We are all physical, mental and spiritual beings and self-care in all three areas is mandatory.
While caring for our nails is nurturing, self-care for the body within is overwhelmingly more important. African American women in particular grew up in environments where the message was to keep it moving at all cost. Caring for others has been more important than caring for ourselves. In order to continue to care for others, we must put ourselves at the top of the list. I encourage you to get your health screenings, talk about what’s going on emotionally and engage in prayer and meditation to nurture your soul. Listen to your body and cultivate a self-care practice for yourself.
I write this monthly blog on various health issues that impact African Americans and people of color because our population is more inclined to disregard or overlook the warnings that our bodies are in crisis and need attention. Sometimes the neglect can be handicapping or deadly. Many of the foods that we ingest are poisonous to our bodies and contribute to hypertension, and diabetes, and can be the cause of heart disease, kidney disease and other health disparities.
I currently have two family members who have kidney disease. One is in kidney failure and the other’s kidneys are in stage three disease. Kidneys are a special filter system for our body. Kidneys remove waste products from the blood and produce urine. Kidneys control the level of many substances in the blood. Kidneys help to control your blood pressure.
The American Heart Association states that, “Over time, high blood pressure harms the renal blood vessels. The nephrons in the kidneys are supplied with a dense network of blood vessels, and high volumes of blood flow through them. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden. These damaged arteries are not able to deliver enough blood to the kidney tissue.
- Damaged kidney arteries don't filter blood well. Kidneys have small, finger-like nephrons that filter your blood. Each nephron receives its blood supply through tiny hair-like capillaries, the smallest of all blood vessels. When the arteries become damaged, the nephrons don't receive the essential oxygen and nutrients. Then the kidneys lose their ability to filter blood and regulate the fluid, hormones, acids and salts in the body.
- Damaged kidneys fail to regulate blood pressure. Healthy kidneys respond to a hormone called aldosterone which is produced in the adrenal glands, to help the body regulate blood pressure. Kidney damage and uncontrolled high blood pressure contribute to a negative spiral. As more arteries become blocked and stop functioning, the kidneys eventually fail.
Protect your kidneys by managing your blood pressure. Kidney failure due to high blood pressure is a cumulative process that can take years to develop. But you can limit your risk by managing your blood pressure.
Don’t let high blood pressure damage your kidneys.
Self-Care Ideas for People With Kidney Disease
- Make sure you’re sleeping well
- Do something fun
- Get moving (exercise)
- Join a community (have a great support system)
- Spend time with loved ones
- Remember your medications
- Talk with someone who’s been in your shoes
Your Body Keeps Score!