Wash Your Hands to Stay Healthy

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community. Learn the five easy steps to wash wash your hands.

Kidney 101

You have two kidneys, each about the size of your fist. Inside each kidney there are about one million tiny structures that filter your blood called nephrons. Most kidney diseases attack the nephrons. Learn more about who is at risk of developing a kidney disease and how they are treated.

Diabetes and Your Kidneys

When diabetes is not well controlled, your blood glucose level goes up. Over time, this can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys and prevent them from filtering your blood properly. It can also affect the nerves in your body, including your bladder, which can lead to bladder infections that can sometimes spread to your kidneys. The best way to slow or prevent diabetes-related kidney disease is to try to reach your blood glucose and blood pressure goals. Healthy lifestyle habits and taking your medicines as prescribed can help you achieve these goals and improve your health overall. Find out more.

Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries

Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 8, for most of the U.S. That means it’s time to spring forward, turn your clocks ahead one hour, and change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Here is a list of things you can do to stay safe and prepare for emergencies.

Spring Clean Safely

The products you use for cleaning, carpentry, auto repair, gardening, and many other household uses can contain ingredients that can harm you, your family, and the environment. To avoid problems, keep products in the containers they come in and use them exactly as the label says. Follow label directions or get medical help if you swallow, inhale or get them on your skin. Learn what’s in the products you purchase, and make informed decisions.