26 million Americans—1 in 9 adults—have chronic kidney disease, and most don’t know it. In honor of National Kidney Month in March, the National Kidney Foundation urges everyone to learn the risk factors and get their kidneys checked out. Early detection and treatment, may PREVENT the progression to kidney failure. 

The National Kidney Foundation reports that anyone at any age can get kidney disease.  In children and teens it is most often due to congenital birth defects or genetic diseases. As you get older, other acquired diseases are more common such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases.

Kidney disease has no symptoms until much of the kidney function is already lost. That is why it is so important to know the risk factors and preventive measures.

Risk Factors:  Diabetes, obesity, family history of kidney disease, heart disease and high blood pressure.  If you have risk factors for kidney disease, then screening for chronic kidney disease is appropriate.  Check with your medical practitioner or contact the nearest office of the National Kidney Foundation for information on free screenings.

You can log on to  www.kidney.org for more information.