One in Nine Michigan Adults Live With Chronic Kidney Disease; 20 Million More Americans at Risk
Posted on: Tuesday, 8 March 2005, 12:00 CST
ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 20 million Americans (one in nine adults) are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and another 20 million more are at risk, according to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM). Not only does CKD affect almost 70,000 Detroit residents, but it is the 7th leading cause of death in Michigan for African Americans. Fortunately, a simple test can detect the disease well before it becomes life threatening. The NKFM urges all adults to take notice this March in celebration of National Kidney Month.
"Chronic kidney disease usually causes no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, but painless, simple testing can be done to detect the disease early," said Dr. Robert Provenzano, Chairman of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. "If caught early enough, chronic kidney disease can be successfully treated and even prevent associated complicating factors, like cardiovascular disease and anemia."
A Simple Test Can Save Lives
Detecting CKD is as simple as taking a blood test. This blood test, along with a calculation of your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) will detect a decreased level of kidney function. Results of this test should be interpreted by your doctor. To slow or prevent the onset of kidney failure, NKFM recommends adults:
* control blood pressure
* control cholesterol and weight
* not smoke
* visit a doctor at least once a year for complete testing
The NKFM estimates that 70 percent of statewide kidney failure cases caused by diabetes and/or high blood pressure may be prevented or delayed with early detection. Those at highest risk for chronic kidney disease include people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of chronic kidney disease; age 60 or over; and individuals who are African American, Hispanic American, Asian American or American Indian.
Chronic kidney disease is defined as the presence of kidney damage or a decreased level of kidney function for three months or more. If left undetected and untreated, chronic kidney disease leads to total kidney failure, which requires life-long dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival. Residents can contact the NKFM at 800-482-1455 to request more information about chronic kidney disease prevention.
NKFM Outreach Program Saves Lives Through Prevention
NKFM is also sharing this prevention message throughout the year with a community outreach program. The program, "Healthy Kids and Kidneys," is a collaboration with Detroit Public Schools and Henry Ford Health Systems School-Based Health Clinics. In February 2004, the NKFM began presenting this innovative prevention program to the students and parents at Hutchins Middle School in Detroit. The "Healthy Kids and Kidneys" program holds weekly sessions, every Tuesday and Wednesday, through April 30.
The program is designed to help 4th through 6th graders, as well as their parents, learn the importance of kidneys and keeping them in good physical shape through exercise and healthy eating. Each weekly session focuses on a different topic relating to learning the importance of kidneys and their functions, as well as strategies to maintain a healthy lifestyle, making healthier eating choices and ways to increase levels of physical activity.
March also marks the launch of a brand new statewide pilot program, "Dodge the Punch," the male counterpart to the highly successful and highly visible campaign, "Healthy Hair Starts with a Healthy Body.""Dodge the Punch" will train and support barbers in African American barbershops to talk to their clients about monitoring and preventing high blood pressure, diabetes, and ultimately chronic kidney disease.
The mission of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is to prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it. To learn more about the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan visit their web site at http://www.nkfm.org/ .
National Kidney Foundation of Michigan
CONTACT: Elizabeth Scales, +1-313-832-2210 x16, or Carly Strachan,+1-313-832-2210 x35, both of lovio|george|inc, for National Kidney Foundationof Michigan
Web site: http://www.nkfm.org/
Source: PRNewswire
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