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www.huronregional.org wellone CONNECTION 3 New "Smart" Digital X-Ray Units High blood pressure causes more kidney damage than any other factor, and too much sodium is a major contributor. To maintain a healthy blood pressure and protect your kidneys, limit your daily salt intake to less than 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon). Did You Know? PROACTIVE HRMC medical imaging technologist Eric Wangsness and emergency room physician assistant Tom Miner review a chest X-ray using one of the new mobile units. In an emergent situation, mobile X-ray units provide ultra-fast imaging for quicker diagnosis and treatment. HURON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER recently added two "smart" digital X-ray units to our host of advanced imaging equipment. The Samsung GM85 mobile unit reduces the radiation exposure patients receive during an exam while producing better images for improved diagnoses. Because digital radiography uses direct capture images instead of traditional X-ray film, the images can be viewed immediately, eliminating costly film preparation. Physicians can see images within seconds of the patient getting the X-ray, reducing patient wait times. Immediate image access also reduces the need to retake images, which improves diagnosis speed and accuracy. YOU MAY BE aware that the kidneys filter waste from the blood, but did you know they also contribute to red blood cell production, balance levels of important minerals, help satisfy bones' need for vitamin D and play a role in regulating blood pressure? Given the kidneys' many important functions, protecting them should be a priority. These three steps can help you keep them healthy: • Know your risk factors. If you have a personal or family history of heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes, you're more vulnerable to kidney disease. • Keep a close eye on your numbers. If you have a higher risk for kidney disease, get regular blood pressure and cholesterol tests. Ask your physician if you should have additional tests to measure protein in the urine, creatinine in the blood and glomerular filtration rate – an indicator of kidney function. • Make healthy lifestyle changes. Obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes are key contributors to kidney disease. To prevent or manage them, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, and follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. By protecting your kidneys now, you increase the chances that they'll be able to do their job for years to come. ■ For more information about caring for your kidneys and limiting your salt intake, visit HRMC's new online health library at www.huronregional.org (see page 2 story). Kidney Care Kidney Care Make Getting X-Rays Safer and Faster