Women's Health Wednesday: Chronic Kidney Disease

ALBANY, N.Y. (WTEN) - In the United States, 18% of women are diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease each year, compared to 13% of men, according the CDC. The condition involves a gradual loss of kidney function which can cause dangerous toxins to build up in your body.

Signs and symptoms of kidney disease are often nonspecific, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is one of many reasons why most people don't know they have it until the condition is advanced.

There are things women can do to lower their risk of kidney disease which include: following the directions for over-the-counter medications, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and managing medical conditions with your doctor's help.

In this week's Women's Health Wednesday, we take a look at the special bond between a pair of sorority sisters as they prepare for a set of surgeries that will save one of their lives.