(Portland)—March 9, 2017—The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is encouraging all Americans to “Heart Your Kidneys” (#heartyourkidneys) today, on World Kidney Day and throughout the month of March, National Kidney Month. The new public awareness campaign seeks to lift the kidneys to the status of other, better-understood, vital organs like the heart so that people understand what kidneys do and why they are vital to sustaining life.
“When it comes to vital organs, hearts get all the love. Kidneys get the short end of the stick,” said Kevin Longino, CEO, National Kidney Foundation. “But kidneys are essential to keeping you healthy—when your kidneys stop working, so do you. Trust me, I know,” added Longino, who received a kidney transplant 12 years ago.
More than 26 million Americans have kidney disease, and most don’t even know they have it. When kidneys fail, dialysis or a transplant are needed just to stay alive. One in three American adults is at risk for developing the disease within their lifetimes.
The foundation is encouraging anyone with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease to speak with their doctor this month and ask about getting tested. “It only takes two simple tests at the doctor’s office to check your kidney health. Even if you inherit kidney disease, you may be able to slow it down with lifestyle changes,” said Gary Renville-Regional Vice President, National Kidney Foundation.
Local icons and buildings nationwide are turning orange on March 9th to commemorate World Kidney Day and bring awareness to the disease. Here in Portland on March 5th from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. NKF and the Portland Kidney Group will be hosting the annual Patient and Education Symposium at the OHSU Collaborative Life Sciences Building, Rooms: 3A001 & 3A002 , 2730 SW Moody Ave Portland, OR 97201. We invite all to attend and join the conversation #heartyourkidneys.
Kidney Disease Facts
1 in 3 American adults is at risk for kidney disease. 26 million American adults have kidney disease—and most aren’t aware of it. Risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, and age 60+. People of African American; Hispanic; Native American; Asian; or Pacific Islander descent are at increased
risk for developing the disease. African Americans are 3 ½ times more likely, and Hispanics 1 ½ times more likely, to experience kidney failure.
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest, most comprehensive and longstanding organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease. For more information about the NKF visit www.kidney.org.
