Tuesday, February 26, 2019
‘Kidney health for everyone everywhere’ on World Kidney Day
If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, you’re at risk of developing chronic kidney disease. It’s estimated 13 percent or 30 million American adults have chronic kidney disease - the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S. Of those, approximately 600,000 currently undergo dialysis or have a kidney transplant.
Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan have teamed up to offer area residents free kidney disease screening tests on March 14 - World Kidney Day.
While no appointment is necessary, urine tests are only available to the first 200 people. The care team will begin screening participants at 9 a.m., March 14 near the South Tower entrance outside Suite 100, 3601 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Beaumont, Royal Oak. Free parking is available in the South Parking Deck. The event, which will also include educational information on kidney disease and NKFM programs, concludes at 3 p.m.
Paul Kellerman, M.D., chief of Nephrology, Beaumont, Royal Oak, urges anyone with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity or a family history of kidney disease to participate in the upcoming screening. Those who cannot attend should speak with their doctor and ask about getting tested for kidney disease.
Said Dr. Kellerman, “It only takes simple tests at a physician’s office to check your kidney health.”
Beaumont nephrologists will be available at the March 14 screening to answer participants’ questions regarding kidney disease.
On World Kidney Day and throughout March, National Kidney Month, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is emphasizing, “Kidney health for everyone everywhere.”
The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan and Beaumont agree kidney disease can often be prevented through lifestyle changes and education; which includes eating right, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising. For those with kidney disease, management also includes effective medications for blood pressure, diabetes and slowing kidney diseases.
Kidney Facts
- A major function of the kidney is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body
- Each of your kidneys are about the size of your fist
- Your kidneys are located in the back just below your rib cage
- 1 in 3 American adults are at risk for chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney disease
- 1 in 8 American adults have chronic kidney disease
- More than 900,000 Michigan residents 20 and older have chronic kidney disease
- African-Americans are four times more likely than whites, and Hispanics are nearly 1 ½ times more likely than non-Hispanics, to develop end-stage renal disease, or kidney failure
- Nearly 100,000 people in the U.S., including 2,373 Michigan residents, are waiting for a kidney transplant
About the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan
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. The NKFM is widely known for providing more programs and services to more people than any other region or state. The organization was recognized for its success in sound fiscal management by receiving a 4-star rating, 11 years in a row, from Charity Navigator - the nation’s leading charity evaluator.
Beaumont’s Transplant Program
Beaumont Health’s Multi-Organ Transplantation program offers the latest technology and minimally invasive surgical techniques for kidney and liver procedures with a team comprised of highly trained surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians, kidney specialists, liver specialists, social workers, dietitians and financial consultants. The transplant team has pioneered innovations such as minimally invasive liver-directed therapy (liver tumors) and laparoscopic liver donation. In 2018, they performed 30 liver transplants and 100 kidney transplants. Since Beaumont’s kidney transplant program began in 1972, surgical teams have helped more than 2,500 patients.