“Love Your Kidneys”
Most Americans know that heart disease and cancer can be silent killers and understand that monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol are critical to protecting their health. Too few adults—and not enough doctors—realize, however, that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is another common, life-threatening illness that often goes undetected until very advanced when it could be diagnosed early through simple tests.
Recent studies report that 26 million Americans suffer from CKD and millions more are at risk. Worse, today's epidemics of diabetes and obesity could contribute to even higher rates of CKD in the future. Undiagnosed and untreated, CKD can lead to serious health problems including kidney failure (end-stage renal disease). Caught early, it can often be managed, and kidney damage can be slowed or stopped. That's why early testing for people at risk is so important.
Main Risk Factors for CKD:
- Diabetes (self or family)
- High blood pressure (self or family)
- Family history of kidney disease or diabetes or high blood pressure
If you or a loved one belongs to a high-risk group, register to participate in one of our free Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) screenings or ask your primary care physician about these tests—and be especially insistent about the last one. Your doctor may want to perform other tests as well.
Simple, Life-Saving Tests:
- Blood pressure
- Urine test for protein
- Serum creatinine
- Glomular Filtration Rate (GFR)
GFR is the most sensitive and accurate gauge of kidney function. Doctors measure blood creatinine levels and perform a calculation based on age, race, and gender.
If you and your family are not at risk, there are ways to show some love for your humble, hard-working kidneys.
10 Ways to Keep Kidneys Healthy
- Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol
- Monitor blood glucose
- Control weight
- Don't smoke
- Follow a healthful diet
- Don't overuse NSAIDS or other OTC painkillers
- Get an annual physical exam
- Find out if CKD, diabetes, or heart disease runs in your family
- Exercise regularly
- Talk to your doctor about being tested for CKD if you are at risk
Free KEEP Screening
Saturday, October 17, 2009
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Mathews Memorial Baptist Church
2616 Martin Luther King Jr., Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Thursday, March 11, 2010
World Kidney Day
Site: TBD
Call (202) 244-7900 ext. 20 today to schedule your screening. You must meet eligibility requirements and be 18 years or older.
