Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is kidney disease that continues without improving. Find out more about chronic kidney disease.

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Find out your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease with this quick test

Healthdirect, with the George Institute, has developed a free online risk calculator to help prevent heart disease, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

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Risk Checker

Find out if you're at risk of heart disease, kidney disease or type 2 diabetes in just a few minutes using the healthdirect Risk Checker.

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Kidney pain

Find out more about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of kidney pain from our trusted partners.

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Kidneys

The kidneys main function is to filter or 'clean' your blood of waste products and also helps to control blood pressure. Find out more about how they work.

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Kidney failure

When kidneys no longer function properly, dialysis or kidney transplant is necessary for survival. Find out more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of kidney failure.

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Kidney function tests

There are many reasons why your kidneys may not work effectively. Learn how kidney function tests can help your doctor check up on your kidneys.

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Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome isn't a specific disease, but a set of problems from damaged kidneys. Learn more about the condition, including symptoms and treatment.

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Potassium deficiency

Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte, found in foods such as bananas, that helps nerves and muscles function. Both high and low potassium levels can be dangerous.

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Blood in urine (haematuria)

Blood in the urine, also called haematuria, can be detected easily but there are many causes. Learn more from our trusted partners' content.

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Calcium blood test

A calcium test provides information about how much calcium is in your blood.

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Manage your health in your 40s

Once you’re in your 40s, you need to be aware of the health conditions that increasingly affect people at this age. Learn how to reduce your risks and to manage your health at this stage of life.

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Manage your health in your 60s

If you are in your 60s, you should be aware of common conditions, their signs and symptoms, and how to prevent them to stay healthy.

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Manage your health in your 50s

Once you’re in your 50s, you need to be aware of the health conditions that increasingly affect people at this age. Learn how to reduce your risks and to manage your health at this stage of life.

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Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that raise the risk of stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Find out its symptoms and treatments.

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High blood pressure (hypertension)

High blood pressure affects around 1 in 3 Australian adults, so it's important to know your risk of hypertension and how to prevent it.

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When it comes to sports supplements, play it safe

Inspired by the Commonwealth Games? Great! But if you want to boost your fitness with sports supplements, use caution: some can be dangerous or ineffective.

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Why a diabetes test might be overdue for you

Diabetes is being diagnosed too late in many Australians, and by delaying a visit to the doctor they put themselves at risk of life-threatening health problems.

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Metabolism

Metabolism refers to all the chemical processes your body uses to produce energy. Find out more about metabolism, what affects it and whether you can boost your metabolism.

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Dialysis

Dialysis is a way to artificially clean the blood if your kidneys can’t cope. Learn about the different types and how to live and active life when you are on dialysis.

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BMI calculator

Do you know how being overweight can affect your wellbeing? Estimate whether your weight is healthy by using the healthdirect BMI calculator to work out your BMI.

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Salt and sodium

Excess salt can raise your blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Here's how to reduce your salt (sodium) intake.

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How to lower your blood pressure

High blood pressure is common but often has no symptoms. Get tips to keep your blood pressure under control, including through lifestyle changes and medication.

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Manage your health in your 70s and older

If you are 70 or older, you should be aware of common health conditions and their signs, and take steps to prevent them. Learn how to manage your health as you age.

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Peritonitis

Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition and requires urgent medical attention. Find out more about peritonitis.

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Indigenous health

The services described on this page are designed to improve access to healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

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Restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome is a condition that can make it hard for you to sleep. Learn more about its symptoms and how to treat it at home.

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Rural men face greater risk of health problems, including suicide

Men who live in rural and remote Australia are more at risk of many health issues, such as obesity and suicide. Even in the outback, help is available.

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Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a type of anti-inflammatory pain reliever. It is a medicine that treats fever and pain caused by inflammation. It belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.

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15 minutes of walking could reduce your risk of disease

Walking 15 minutes a day could reduce your risk of heart disease, dementia and some cancers, says the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

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