March 8th is World Kidney Day
March 8, 2007
Most Americans know that they need to watch their blood pressure and cholesterol if they want to avoid heart disease, but very few have the same awareness when it comes to kidney disease. It's time for Americans to become just as knowledgeable about preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD).Some 20 million Americans -- or 1 in 9 adults -- suffer from CKD, and another 20 million are susceptible due to risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, family history of kidney disease and racial or ethnic heritage. African-Americans and Native Americans have a significantly higher risk of developing CKD; rates are also elevated among Hispanics, Asians and Pacific Islanders. "Most people with chronic kidney disease feel well," says Allan Collins, MD, president of the National Kidney Foundation. "They have no symptoms. That's why it's important for people at risk to have their kidney function tested."
Visit www.kidney.org to learn more about CKD and the best ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat it.
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