Kidney Disease Has Virtually No Symptoms; African Americans Are Three Times More Likely to Suffer From Kidney Failure
MAYWOOD, Ill. – (ENEWSPF)–August 30, 2016. U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today joined Rock of Ages Baptist Church and St. Eulalia Parish in Maywood to present a free kidney disease screening. The free screenings were provided by the National Kidney Foundation, the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease.
“Kidney disease is a silent killer that can easily go undetected, so I am partnering with the National Kidney Foundation to ensure everyone in the Chicagoland area has access to free kidney screenings,” said Senator Kirk. “Early detection is key to preventing the disease from advancing and saving your life.”
Senator Kirk has been a longtime advocate to prevent kidney disease. In 2002, Senator Kirk founded the Congressional Kidney Caucus with Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wa.). Kidney disease has virtually no symptoms and can be deadly, which makes regular screenings and early detection crucial for saving lives. One in nine Americans are already suffering from the disease and are unaware that they have it.
“One in three American adults is at risk for kidney disease, while one in nine already have the disease,” said Anne Black, Chief Executive Officer of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. “That means more than 1.1 million people in Illinois are affected. Our goal is to educate the community about the risks for kidney disease and detect it early so that they can manage the disease and slow its progression.”
African Americans are 3 times more likely to suffer from kidney failure. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in African Americans and approximately 4.9 million African Americans over 20 years of age are living with either diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes.
“I applaud Senator Kirk for providing these urgently needed screenings for the community,” said Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, 1st District. “In communities I represent, too many individuals suffer from kidney disease, as well as high blood pressure and diabetes. In addition to providing this free service, Senator Kirk is also helping to raise needed awareness of these conditions, from which African Americans suffer in disproportionate numbers.”
With onsite resources people with early-stage kidney disease can consult with their physician to manage their disease early enough to potentially avoid kidney failure.
“The Quinn Center of St. Eulalia Parish partners with people in local communities to help promote health, peace and justice,” said Gabriel Lara, Director of the Quinn Community Center of St. Eulalia.
Participants of this free KidneyMobile® health screening were tested for kidney disease and its two leading causes: diabetes and high blood pressure. Each participant also had the opportunity to review their screening results with a nurse practitioner or trained medical professional on-site, who provided necessary recommendations based on screening results, referrals to a health provider, and education and tips on maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Source: http://kirk.senate.gov
