Kidney disease is a very common condition among older adults, affecting close to half of seniors above the age of 75. Common diseases such as hypertension and diabetes cause damage to the kidneys over time, and aging itself causes a decline in kidney function. Kidney disease can go undiagnosed until it is very advanced, because at early stages it does not cause symptoms. It is very important to follow with a primary care doctor who will check your kidney function as needed and refer to a nephrologist if kidney disease is present.
Patients with kidney disease benefit from healthy habits and health monitoring. Fortunately, several technological innovations have been created to aid in this regard. Listed below are some items that may be beneficial for those affected by kidney disease:
Wearable Technology
[https://images.pexels.com/photos/267394/pexels-photo-267394.jpeg]With the rise of portable devices, technology has been applied to everyday accessories. Fitness trackers, smart jewelry, and wearable sensors are among the most popular recent technological innovations. All of these devices allow non-invasive user monitoring. Health-related parameters are now trackable simply by wearing these gadgets. To date, they offer clinically-relevant data such as heart rate, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Blood pressure monitoring and control is an essential part of the management of kidney disease. Smartwatches like the Omron HeartGuide can provide blood-pressure diagnostics within 30 seconds and the readings are available via a partner mobile app. These real-time monitors can be useful for patients who have been advised to track their vital signs.
Mobile Applications
[https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1512941937669-90a1b58e7e9c]Resources for kidney care are now easily accessible through mobile phones. Developers have designed apps solely dedicated to renal concerns. These apps function to support the users’ self-management through diet tracking and medication reminders. Apps like KidneyDiet are specifically made to help plan kidney-friendly diets by measuring the sodium, potassium, and protein levels of a meal. The Journal of Renal Nutrition (JRN) app collates news, articles, and updates within the practice of nephrology. With just a few taps on their phone, a patient can be guided through their kidney disease journey.
Virtual Reality
[https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/virtual-reality-dialysis-care-future-here-wael-hussein/]The application of virtual reality for medicinal purposes has led to new advancements in the field. Medical professionals have been using it to train and hone their skills for years, but lately VR is being introduced to patients as a method of treatment. Virtual reality’s fitness features have been employed to shorten recovery length for those undergoing physical therapy. Studies have shown that physical activity is highly beneficial for the overall health of kidney disease patients. With the help of VR, patients can be transported into various settings and can be instructed to do exercises without leaving the comfort of their new homes. Virtual Reality games such as FitXR and Holoball are recommended by physical trainers to get the body moving.
With the help of these items, living with kidney disease can be easier. To learn more, visit the rest of our blog.
Written exclusively for the use of unckidneycenter.org
