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New Online Greeting Card Promotes Awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease During Hispanic Health Month

Posted on: Thursday, 2 June 2005, 09:00 CDT

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Friends and family face everything together, yet often don't have a chance to show appreciation for one another. When each day involves facing an illness, such as chronic kidney disease, heart-felt support means even more. Hispanic Health Month in June provides an opportunity to show support through a new online greeting card created especially for Hispanic-Americans, who are at increased risk for chronic kidney disease. This card, the fourth of the 'Words of Strength' series, is available in Spanish, without cost to the public, to offer encouragement to those touched by chronic kidney disease, at http://www.americangreetings.com/ and http://www.kidneyresource.com/. Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., is sponsoring the cards.

"Chronic kidney disease can be a devastating illness that affects patients and their loved ones, and it strikes Hispanic-Americans at higher rates than other groups," said Tracy Fortson, Managing Director, Constituent Services of the National Kidney Foundation. "It is important not only to treat the condition, but also to offer encouragement and support to those affected by the disease. This new addition to the 'Words of Strength' electronic greeting card series offers a simple way for Spanish-speaking patients, family and friends to open the family dialogue about chronic kidney disease and to tackle the problem together."

The launch of today's card marks the start of Hispanic Health Month. This month's card for Hispanic Health Month was issued in Spanish and features a recipe for a zesty paella, provided by the National Kidney Foundation, that is suitable for those affected by chronic kidney disease. For patients with this condition, finding healthy, tasty recipes that balance specific nutritional needs, such as having a balanced diet and limiting sodium, potassium and phosphorus intake, is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

To celebrate the launch of the 'Words of Strength' online greeting card series and as a part of their ongoing commitment to chronic kidney disease awareness, Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., marketer of PROCRIT(R) (Epoetin alfa), has pledged cash donations to the National Kidney Foundation, the American Association of Kidney Patients and the American Kidney Fund for each online greeting card sent. The National Kidney Foundation is a major voluntary health organization seeking to improve the health and well being of individuals and families affected by kidney and urinary tract diseases. The American Association of Kidney Patients is a national nonprofit organization that serves kidney patients and their families. The American Kidney Fund is a leading voluntary health organization that serves people with and at risk for kidney disease through direct financial assistance, comprehensive education, clinical education and community service programs.

To show support for your friends and family who are affected by chronic kidney disease, please log on to http://www.americangreetings.com/ and http://www.kidneyresource.com/, and send a personalized online greeting card to someone you care about.

About Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition in which the kidneys are unable to function effectively. According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease and 20 million more are at increased risk, especially members of the African-American and Hispanic-American populations.

An important and often overlooked sign of chronic kidney disease is anemia, or a low red blood cell count. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Anemia can be a potentially debilitating condition that results in gradually worsening tiredness and may diminish ability to carry out routine activities. Symptoms of anemia include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, decreased ability to concentrate and paleness. Many people with the condition may not know they have it or that treatments are available.

About PROCRIT(R)

PROCRIT is for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease patients who are not on dialysis.

PROCRIT is available by prescription only and is injected by a doctor or nurse. PROCRIT is not for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. High blood pressure has been noted in patients treated with PROCRIT and blood pressure should be monitored carefully. Drugs like PROCRIT may increase the risk of blood clots and seizures. Loss of response to PROCRIT could be a sign of a very rare but serious condition. In studies, the most common side effects were high blood pressure, headache, joint pain and nausea.

For full U.S. Prescribing Information, please visit http://www.procrit.com/common/prescribing_information/PROCRIT/PDF/ProcritBookl et.pdf.

About Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

In 1990, Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. was established in Raritan, N.J. Since that time, Ortho Biotech and its worldwide affiliates have earned a global reputation for researching, manufacturing and marketing innovative products that enhance patients' health. Ortho Biotech, located in Bridgewater, N.J., is an established market leader in Epoetin alfa therapy for anemia management across multiple indications and focuses its research and marketing efforts in four clinical areas: oncology, nephrology, immunology and surgery.

Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

CONTACT: Greg Panico of Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., +1-908-541-4062,office or +1-908-240-2011, cell, gpanico1@gpcus.jnj.com; or Kaiva Klimanis ofOgilvy Public Relations Worldwide, +1-212-884-4030, office, or+1-917-478-6811, cell, kaiva.klimanis@ogilvypr.com

Web site: http://www.americangreetings.com/http://www.kidneyresource.com/http://www.procrit.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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