Walking is one of the most common forms of exercise for people in the United States. For patients with chronic kidney disease, taking a walk could be a lifesaver.

Some health disorders drive up the number of costly, repeated hospitalizations and may demand more physician oversight. Kidney failure is one of those disorders.

Lowering unhealthy cholesterol with statins can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients, including those with kidney disease. This therapy, however, may not help kidney disease itself.

About 1.5 million people around the world are currently on hemodialysis — an artificial blood filtering treatment for kidney failure. This treatment is known to impact patients' physical function, but they may have more control than they realize.

The kidneys flush out bodily waste through urine, and are an important barrier against an array of diseases. When the kidneys stop working properly, it can trigger a host of other problems, including ones affecting the heart.

For over 20 years, coronary angioplasty has been used to open narrowed arteries and improve blood flow. The procedure, however, can cause complications, including harm to the kidneys.

People with advanced kidney disease sometimes must undergo dialysis, during which waste is filtered from the blood. Certain drugs may delay the need for dialysis.

For patients with end-stage kidney disease, heart problems are common. Overnight dialysis in the home to rid the blood of toxins may help lower heart disease risk in these patients.

Physical illness can be a mental and emotional downer. Patients with kidney failure who are regularly hooked up to dialysis certainly aren't immune to sadness. Fortunately, there may be ways to lift their spirits and their physical health.

Although medical-grade honey has previously shown promising antibiotic properties, it may not live up to the hype for certain infections.