How well do you know your kidneys?
Lifeline of Ohio Communications Director Marilyn Pongonis toasts World Kidney Day with her morning tea in a new cup from our friends at the Columbus office of the National Kidney Foundation.
Communications Director Marilyn Pongonis
March is National Kidney Month and this year the NKF is focusing on aging and kidney disease.
Kidney disease can develop at any time, but those over the age of 60 are more likely than not to develop kidney disease. As people age, so do their kidneys. According to the NKF recent estimates from researchers at Johns Hopkins University show more than 50 percent of seniors over the age of 75 are believed to have kidney disease. Kidney disease has also been found to be more prevalent in those over the age of 60 when compared to the rest of the general population.
The NKF reports that kidney disease kills more people each year than breast and prostate cancers combined! Kidney disease often develops slowly with few symptoms, and many people don’t realize they have it until the disease is advanced. It is estimated that more than 26 million Americans – 1 in 9 adults – have chronic kidney disease — and most don’t know it. Awareness of kidney disease, especially for those at risk, is the first step to preventing, or slowing the progression of kidney disease.
On World Kidney Day, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) urges everyone over the age of 60 to be screened for kidney disease. NKF recommends annual screening with a simple urine albumin test that checks for protein in the urine-the earliest sign of kidney damage-as well as a blood test for kidney function. In addition to seniors, NKF recommends that members of other high-risk groups, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or a family history of kidney failure, also be screened annually.
There are more than 99,500 Americans are currently on the waiting list for a life-saving kidney transplant. Most will wait three or more years for a deceased donor kidney, and many will not survive the wait. You can help them, by registering to become a donor at the time of your death. You can help yourself by making an appointment for a health screening today.
Marilyn had her kidney score checked. Have you?