CKM Health: Understanding Connected Conditions
Explore how different parts of your health are connected
CKM health brings together conditions that affect the heart, kidneys and metabolic health. These conditions often share similar risk factors and can influence each other over time. Understanding these connections can help you see the bigger picture of your health.
Common related conditions may include:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Overweight and obesity
How they connect
These conditions don’t happen in isolation. For example, changes in blood sugar can affect blood vessels, which may impact both heart and kidney health. Over time, one condition can increase the chance of developing another.
Why this matters
Recognizing how these conditions are linked can help you and your healthcare professional take a more complete approach to your care, focusing on what supports your whole body, not just one area.
CKM Health Test Match Game (PDF)
Steps for Better Health
Find simple ways to support your health over time
Supporting your CKM health doesn’t have to happen all at once. Small, steady steps can make a meaningful difference over time. The goal is to find changes that feel realistic and work for your life.
Start with small steps
You might consider:
- Adding more movement into your day. Adults should get 2 1/2 hours of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week. Try taking 1 walk a day for 20 minutes to start.
- Aim for an overall healthy eating pattern that includes whole foods, lots of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds, and cooking in non-tropical oils such as olive and canola.
- Aim for more sleep. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Adequate sleep promotes healing, improves brain function and reduces the risk for chronic diseases. Try getting into bed 30 minutes early this week.
Build habits over time
Consistency matters more than perfection. Even small changes, done regularly, can support your CKM health. Think of it this way: Making one positive change today impacts all three systems today!
Work with your care team
Your healthcare professional can help you decide where to start and how to adjust your plan over time. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Focus on what’s possible for you
Everyone’s starting point is different. What matters most is taking steps that feel manageable and sustainable.
