NKF-MD to Launch National Kidney Month at B'More Healthy Expo, Feb. 28

LUTHERVILLE, Md. – To kick off National Kidney Month, the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland (NKF-MD) will bring back its Kidney Health Risk Assessment (KHRA) to the B’More Healthy Expo, Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Baltimore Convention Center (One West Pratt St.).

This free assessment helps identify adults at risk for chronic kidney disease and increases awareness of kidney disease risk factors in the community. The KHRA uses a simple Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation, blood pressure measurement and a short six-question questionnaire to make participants aware of their risk factors for chronic kidney disease.

Participants will receive brief consultations with physicians and dietitians to learn about kidney disease, as well as general nutrition and wellness guidelines.

Overall, kidney disease affects 26 million people – that’s one in nine Marylanders and one in eight in Baltimore. One in three American adults – 73 million people – are at risk for kidney disease, and the risk increases to one in two over the course of a lifetime.

In Baltimore, kidney disease is a hidden health crisis because African Americans make up more than 60 percent of the city’s population, and they are at increased risk for developing kidney disease.

Most people affected do not realize it until the condition has progressed. In fact, 25 percent of the 1,229 people screened last year by NKF-MD demonstrated significant results.

“The good news is that kidney disease can be detected through simple screening,” said Jessica Quintilian, NKF-MD’s Director of Programs and Advocacy. “We encourage people to get tested because early detection and treatment can slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease. The B’more Healthy Expo provides a great opportunity for us to reach thousands of people in the Baltimore area who are at risk for kidney disease and don’t know it.”

Individuals not at risk will be given educational materials about maintaining good health, while those at risk will be directed to further screenings and advised to talk to medical professionals. Everyone at risk is encouraged to follow up with their physician and to maintain regular primary care visits.

NKF-MD plans to hold more KHRA events and kidney screenings throughout Maryland and Delaware. For more information, call 410-494-8545 or visit www.kidneymd.org.

ABOUT NKF-MD

Serving central and western Maryland, the Delmarva Peninsula and portions of West Virginia, the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland is the area’s only voluntary health agency dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of kidney and urinary tract diseases. For more information, visit www.kidneymd.org.

ABOUT THE B’MORE HEALTHY EXPO
The B’More Healthy Expo offers FREE health screenings, cooking demonstrations, information, exhibits, workouts, dance performances, gymnastics shows and family activities…something for every age, every interest, everyone! For more information, visit http://www.bmorehealthyexpo.com.