One in nine Americans have kidney disease, and Mississippi has one of the highest incidences of the disease. Dr. Patricia Miller at Ellisville Medical Clinic explains that a kidney is a filter for your body and if the kidneys are not properly filtering, toxins can accumulate in the body and make you sick. With limited symptoms, it is critically important to keep your kidneys healthy. You can help by avoiding caffeine, drinking plenty of water, and keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar under control. If you do not have a primary care physician, Dr. Miller is now accepting new patients at Ellisville Medical Clinic.

South Central Regional Medical Center is hosting a free kidney screening on Wednesday, August 30 at South Central Place in Laurel. To register, please call (601) 399-0501.