Control your blood pressure. You should have your blood pressure checked frequently and work with your doctor to keep it under control. Take medication if necessary. Losing weight and walking an hour a day reduces blood pressure. A loss of 10 pounds is generally equal to the elimination of one blood pressure medication.

Limit your salt intake. Too much salt leads to a buildup of fluid in the body, which your kidneys must work harder to eliminate. Banish the saltshaker, become a label reader, and watch out for the salt (sodium) that is hidden even in sweet processed foods such as pudding, cake, and ice cream.

Beware of anemia. If you have any level of kidney disease, you may also have anemia, which is a deficiency of red blood cells that can leave you feeling tired, weak, and cold all the time. Anemia harms your heart: 48 percent of people who have heart failure were found to be anemic, and people with anemia are 41 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack. Anemia can creep up suddenly, so if you have any degree of kidney disease, be sure your doctor checks for anemia.