ABSTRACT
The incidence of chronic kidney disease is increasing. Established kidney failure is a major burden on the patient, health care providers, and society alike. Fundamental changes in lifestyle predispose Western societies to compromised renal integrity and progressive deterioration of kidney function. It is important to include the evaluation of renal status and its diverse etiologies in the health assessment of patients. Prompt diagnosis, exploration, and alteration of modiable lifestyle, nutritional, and environmental risk factors provide an opportunity to reduce the risk of kidney disease and its incident and pervasive complications.
