According to the National Kidney Foundation, one in nine American adults has chronic kidney disease, and many aren't aware of it. The Foundation recommends a number of things that all people can do to reduce their risk of kidney problems, from eating right and exercising to monitoring cholesterol levels and getting an annual physical. Getting exercise is easy in any climate thanks to standards for indoor exercise equipment like these:
These standards were developed by ASTM International, a member and audited designator of the American National Standards Institute.
The Foundation also recommends that people stay hydrated to maintain kidney health. A number of American National Standards (ANS) address safe drinking water, including NSF/ANSI 53-2009, Drinking water treatment units - Health effects. This standard, developed by NSF International, guides the reduction of substances that may be present in drinking water, and relevant filter systems. NSF International is an ANSI member and audited designator.
World Kidney Day also highlights the advanced procedures that allow people with kidney disease to live more comfortably. For those with renal failure, one form of kidney disease, standards are there to guide the dialysis procedure that mimics the function of the kidneys. ANSI/AAMI RD5:2003 (R2008), Hemodialysis Systems, is an ANS that covers the dialysis machine used to proportion dialysate, and monitor the dialysate and the accessories normally found on the dialysis machine. This standard was developed by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer.
In honor of World Kidney Day, all Americans are encouraged to learn more about kidney disease and find out if they are at risk. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.