Medium or High Risk

Your test shows you are at MEDIUM RISK or HIGH RISK of kidney failure in five years. This means your kidneys are having problems and you will need to see a kidney doctor to get health care for your kidneys.

Goal: Get kidney health care

Watch the video below for more information on what happens now. Click here for this video with OJIBWAY narration or CREE narration (coming soon).

What can we do now?

You will have an appointment with a kidney doctor in the next few weeks.

You will meet with a kidney doctor and a kidney health care team and they will take a closer look at your kidney health. They will find out why your kidneys are having problems and see what we can do to keep them from getting sicker. They may talk to you about options for you if your kidneys start to not work. You will be given medication and a health-care plan for your kidneys.

We will send a letter to your doctor or nurse with your results and suggestions for health care treatments they can provide if needed.

Get checked every year.

It is really important for a doctor or nurse to see how your kidneys are doing EVERY YEAR. This way we can know if they are staying the same or if there are any problems starting.

You know your body best.

If you think something is changing or wrong – make sure to see a health-care provider.

Keep your kidneys healthy.

What are all the ways you already keep your kidneys healthy? Is there another goal you want to work on to help your kidney health?

  • Limit/Stop Smoking – (Ask your doctor about medications to help you quit!)

  • Eat Lots of Healthy Foods

  • Limit/Stop Drinking Alcohol

  • Manage my Diabetes/Blood Sugar – (Talk to your nurse or doctor if you need help.)

  • Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure

  • Go for Yearly Check Ups & Ask About Blood Pressure and Kidney Function

  • Take Medications Only as Prescribed – (Ask your pharmacist if medications you take affect your kidney health.)

  • Use the Safe/Recommended Amount of Medication (like Ibuprofen/Advil, Naproxen, etc.) & Ask Your Doctor About It

  • Find Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress or Depression (Talk to a health-care provider or family/friends if you are depressed.)

  • Get Enough Sleep

  • Be Physically Active

Who will help me?

Community support/programs I can use:

  • Community Health Worker

  • Community Health-Care Providers

  • Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative Worker

  • Health Authority Staff (Dietitians, Chronic Disease Education
    Program Nurses, Exercise Programs)

  • Who else may be able to help in your community or health region?

Stay Active

Being active is a great way to help manage your body weight and can also be good for your mental and emotional health. What are some of the ways you already stay active? Are there more activities you want to do?

  • Take Walks

  • Swim

  • Go Hunting or Fishing

  • Lift Weights

  • Play with Kids/Grandkids/Friends

  • Dance

  • Play Sports

  • All types of activity help!

Healthy Eating

Try to balance your meals by following the Plate Method: Your plate should be: ½ vegetables, ¼ breads/grains, ¼ meat.

  • Use Little or No Salt When Cooking

  • Eat Vegetables Every Meal

  • Drink Water Instead of Other Drinks

  • Cook at Home

  • Eat Together (Family Meals)

  • Eat Traditional Foods

  • Read Food Labels to Look for Lower Fat, Sugar and Salt Foods

  • What other ways can you eat healthier?

Snack Ideas:

Keep some healthy snacks around the house!

  • Try fresh, frozen or canned fruit (packed in water) with no added sugar
  • Cucumber slice or celery sticks
  • Yogurt or cottage cheese
  • Pop some plain popcorn
  • Slice of toast with peanut butter

Download a Kidney Health Care Plan booklet:

Medium Risk Booklet

High Risk Booklet

Click here for this video with OJIBWAY narration or CREE narration (coming soon).