Monday, February 19, 2018
‘Heart Your Kidneys’ on World Kidney Day
If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, you’re at risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Sadly, it’s estimated, 30 million American adults have chronic kidney disease – the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S. For many, dialysis or a transplant is needed just to stay alive.
Family history of kidney disease also puts you at risk, but you may be able to manage its progression with education and lifestyle changes.
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 8 – World Kidney Day.
While no appointment is necessary, urine tests are only available to the first 200. The care team will begin screening participants at 9 a.m., March 8 inside the South Tower entrance, 3601 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Beaumont Hospital, 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, will conclude 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 takes simple tests at a physician’s office to check your kidney health.”
Beaumont nephrologists will be available at the March 8 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 reminding all Americans to “Heart Your Kidneys.” The awareness campaign emphasizes that kidneys are vital organs essential to life. They are the foundation to a healthy heart and heart health is the foundation for healthy kidneys.
The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan and Beaumont Health agree kidney disease can often be managed through lifestyle changes and education. That includes eating right, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising.
Kidney Facts
- The major function of a 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
- 1 in 8 American adults 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 2,555 Michigan residents, are waiting for a kidney transplant