Community Health Charities- March 2012

Protect and Prevent on World Kidney Day

Millions of people at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be able to prevent the need for dialysis and kidney transplantation with early identification and a dedication to healthy habits.

During National Kidney Month in March, and in honor of World Kidney Day on March 8, 2012, Community Health Charities joins the National Kidney Foundation  in asking all Americans to protect their kidneys and prevent damage by educating themselves about CKD and the many ways they can reduce their risk of kidney failure.

More than 26 million Americans have CKD, and millions more are at risk but most don’t know it. CKD often develops slowly with few symptoms, and many people don’t realize they’re sick until the disease is advanced and requires dialysis or a transplant. Kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States – but it doesn’t have to be.

Because identification of the disease is such an important first step, the National Kidney Foundation is offering a free screening through the Kidney Health Risk Assessment. This screening consists of a blood pressure measurement as well as height and weight. These numbers will establish the participant’s Body Mass Index, which can show an increased risk for kidney disease. Please visit www.kidney.org to see where events are taking place in your area.

In celebration of World Kidney Month, the National Kidney Foundation will also be offering KEEP (Kidney Early Evaluation Program) screenings. These are free screenings which include blood pressure, glucose, urinalysis and a blood draw for people at risk for kidney disease.  For more information about KEEP screenings or any other programs, please visit www.kidney.org or call 1-800-622-9010.

The National Kidney Foundation is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.

Source: National Kidney Foundation