Stay well hydrated. Adequate water intake is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of kidney stones and support overall kidney function — aim for pale-yellow urine as a rough guide.

Watch your salt intake. High-sodium diets make the kidneys work harder and are linked to higher blood pressure, which over time can affect kidney health.

Don't ignore recurring urinary symptoms. Frequent UTIs, persistent flank pain, or changes in urination are worth discussing with a doctor rather than waiting them out.

Manage blood pressure and blood sugar. Diabetes and hypertension are the two leading causes of long-term kidney damage worldwide — regular checkups matter even without symptoms.

Go easy on over-the-counter painkillers. Frequent, long-term use of certain pain medications can affect kidney function — use them as directed and check with your doctor for chronic pain.

Get regular checkups after 40. Many kidney and prostate conditions are silent in their early stages — a simple annual screening can catch issues early.