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Former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders Urges Americans to Know the Risk Factors and Get Screened for Chronic Kidney Disease on World Kidney Day

Posted on: Wednesday, 7 March 2007, 09:00 CST

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- On the second annual World Kidney Day, March 8, former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders, MD, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), Ortho Biotech Products. L.P. and other sponsors are joining forces to educate Americans about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), its risk factors and the importance of early detection.

According to the NKF, about 20 million Americans -- or 1 in 9 U.S. adults -- may have CKD and not even know it. Due to high rates of diabetes and high blood pressure -- the leading causes of kidney disease -- African Americans have an increased risk of developing CKD.

"African Americans constitute about 32 percent of all patients treated for kidney failure in the U.S., but make up only about 13 percent of the overall U.S. population," said Dr. Elders. "Anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease is at risk, and should have his or her kidney function tested."

To make early detection of CKD more convenient, the NKF is offering free screenings for people at risk for developing CKD. These screenings will be held in at least 20 cities across the United States on March 8, World Kidney Day, as part of KEEP -- the Kidney Early Evaluation Program.

Chronic Kidney Disease is a progressive condition in which the kidneys are unable to function effectively. Many people do not realize that they have CKD, or are even at risk for developing it, until they have reached advanced stages of the condition.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or both, or if you are over the age of 65, you are at risk for CKD. Chronic Kidney Disease is more common among African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and people with a family history of kidney disease.

How can people take action? They can become familiar with the risk factors for CKD and determine if they have any of the common signs and symptoms often associated with the condition. One such sign, anemia -- a low concentration of oxygen-carrying red blood cells -- often is an overlooked warning sign of CKD. It is particularly important for those at risk for CKD to be aware of the symptoms of anemia, such as tiredness or weakness, dizziness or shortness of breath.

In addition to the symptoms of anemia, those at risk should pay attention to other possible warning signs of CKD, including foamy urine, puffy eyes, and swollen face, hands, abdomen, ankles or feet.

Dr. Elders encourages people to play a prominent role in their kidney health -- starting by learning their family's health history. "Some ways you may be able to prevent loss of kidney function are to get regular check-ups, stop smoking, eat a healthy and balanced diet and drink alcohol only in moderation," said Dr. Elders.

The second annual World Kidney Day, observed during March, which is National Kidney Month, is part of an international effort to focus attention on the kidneys. Activities during the month are designed to promote early detection for CKD and participation in KEEP screenings.

Results from 37,000 individuals participating in the KEEP screenings showed that half of the participants, most of whom had risk factors, had CKD, but only two percent were aware that they had CKD.

To find out more about the National Kidney Foundation's schedule of free KEEP screenings on March 8 -- World Kidney Day -- and in the future, visit http://www.keeponline.org/. To receive a free "Am I at Risk?" brochure from the NKF, call (800) 622-9010. To learn more about kidney health, visit http://www.kidneyresource.com/.

About Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. is a leading biopharmaceutical company devoted to helping improve the lives of patients with cancer and with anemia due to multiple causes, including chronic kidney disease. Since it was founded in 1990, Ortho Biotech and its worldwide affiliates have earned a global reputation for researching, manufacturing and marketing innovative products that enhance patients' health. Located in Bridgewater, NJ, Ortho Biotech is an established market leader in Epoetin alfa therapy for anemia management. The company also markets treatments for recurrent ovarian cancer, rejection of transplanted organs and other serious illnesses. For more information, visit http://www.orthobiotech.com/.

Contact: Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

Media Line (908) 541-4068

Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

CONTACT: Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. Media Line, +1-908-541-4068

web site: http://www.orthobiotech.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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