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Expert Kidney Care Close to Home
March 25, 2026
March is National Kidney Month, a time to raise awareness about kidney health and the millions of Americans living with kidney disease - often without knowing it. Kidney function plays a critical role in overall health. The kidneys filter waste, balance fluids, regulate blood pressure, and perform many other essential tasks every day. When they are not working properly, it can affect the entire body. At Mille Lacs Health System, comprehensive nephrology care is available close to home.
More than 35.5 million U.S. adults - about 1 in 7 - have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and many do not experience symptoms until the disease is advanced. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes. Approximately 1 in 3 people with diabetes and 1 in 5 with high blood pressure will develop kidney-related complications.
Nephrology care includes the diagnosis and management of a wide range of conditions, including acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease at all stages, kidney stones, fluid retention (edema), difficult-to-control high blood pressure, heart failure related to kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, and gout.
Care is coordinated closely with primary care providers to develop personalized treatment plans. These may include medications, lifestyle modifications, dialysis, transplant coordination, or procedures such as kidney stone management. The goal is to help patients protect and improve kidney function while keeping care local.
One important area of focus in kidney care is the treatment of elevated uric acid levels. High uric acid is not only responsible for painful gout - it is also closely linked to worsening chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, fluid retention, high blood pressure, and heart failure. Many patients experience long-standing symptoms that are not fully resolved without addressing this underlying issue.
A more aggressive approach to lowering uric acid - using medications such as allopurinol or febuxostat, along with targeted diet and lifestyle changes - has been associated with improvements across multiple conditions. Patients may experience reduced gout symptoms, improved kidney function, decreased swelling, better blood pressure control, and fewer hospitalizations. Research supports this approach, showing that lowering uric acid can help slow the progression of CKD and reduce complications.
For individuals with gout, recurrent kidney stones, unexplained swelling, or other kidney concerns, uric acid testing is a simple step that can provide valuable insight.
The National Kidney Foundation’s 2026 theme is “Small Kidney Tips That Can Make a Big Difference.” Key evidence-based recommendations include:
- Know your numbers by asking for two simple tests: eGFR (a blood test measuring kidney function) and uACR (a urine test for protein). Early detection is critical.
- Manage diabetes and blood pressure, the leading drivers of kidney disease.
- Stay physically active to support blood pressure, blood sugar, and stress management.
- Support mental health, as chronic stress can negatively impact blood pressure and inflammation.
- Use caution with over-the-counter medications and supplements - especially NSAIDs (common pain relievers) - as they can harm kidney function over time.
- Seek support through resources like the National Kidney Foundation (kidney.org).
- Share information, as 1 in 3 adults is at risk for kidney disease.
Kidney disease is often silent. Individuals with risk factors - such as diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, gout, kidney stones, or persistent swelling - should speak with a healthcare provider about screening.
At Mille Lacs Health System, we provide personalized, compassionate care focused on keeping services close to home. To schedule an appointment, call 320-532-3154 or visit mlhealth.org.
Here’s to healthier kidneys in 2026 and beyond.
Dr. Jeff Skogen is a board-eligible, fellowship-trained nephrologist who grew up in the Mille Lacs area and has been serving patients at Mille Lacs Health System since 2015. He specializes in all aspects of kidney disease and related conditions.