Las Palmas kidney transplant center director urging people to become organ donors
EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso has a desperate need for organ donors, especially when it comes to kidneys. Joe Vidales, the Las Palmas kidney center director sat down with ABC7's Nick Patrick to talk about how you can help.
March is National Kidney Month, a time when communities across the country raise awareness about kidney disease. Las Palmas Del Sol for the nearly 2,000 dialysis patients living in our community. Since 2009, The Kidney Transplant Center at Las Palmas Medical Center has successfully performed transplants, making it possible for patients to receive these services close to home. March is National Kidney Month, a time when communities across the country raise awareness about kidney disease.
Transplant services at Las Palmas Medical Center is the only program specifically designed to meet the unique language and cultural requirements of our community. Care is provided through the expertise of our transplant professionals including a board-certified transplant surgeon with more than 500 successful local transplants, board-certified transplant nephrologist and board-certified laparoscopic donor surgeon. You can find more information about their services by clicking here.
If you have high blood pressure, you’re at risk for chronic kidney disease, a serious condition that can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and death.
The good news is that you can help protect your kidneys by managing high blood pressure with these 6 healthy lifestyle habits.
- Take medications as prescribed.  Your doctor may prescribe blood pressure-lowering medications that are effective in slowing the development of kidney disease.
- Aim for a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can improve blood pressure readings.
- Select healthier food and beverage options.  Focus on fruits and vegetables, lean meat, whole grains, and other heart-healthy foods.
- Try to quit smoking. If you smoke, take steps to quit.
- Get enough sleep. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
- Manage stress and make physical activity part of your routine. Consider healthy stress-reducing activities and get at least 30 minutes or more of physical activity each day.
