Free Screenings, Workshops on Chronic Kidney Disease

World Kidney Day, March 12, builds awareness about chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its potential to cause kidney failure (called end-stage renal disease).

Early CKD has no signs or symptoms, yet it can destroy kidney function over time. Possible signs of late-stage CKD are:

• reduced energy;
• trouble with concentrating;
• poor appetite;
• difficulty with sleeping;
• night-time muscle cramps;
• swollen feet and ankles;
• puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning;
• dry, itchy skin;
• the need to urinate more often, especially at night.

Complications can include high blood pressure, anemia, weakened bones, nerve damage and nutrition difficulties. CKD also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Risks and Help for Chronic Kidney Disease

Anyone can develop CKD and a third of American adults are at risk. Obesity, smoking, being over 50, and an African, Hispanic or Asian background increase the risk.

The risk goes up for those with a family history of kidney disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. In fact, the National Kidney Foundation says that diabetes and high blood pressure are the two main causes for CKD. More than a third of people older than 20 who have diabetes also have CKD.

The Raggio Nephrology Institute addresses this issue via its collaboration with North Shore-LIJ’s Diabetes Wellness Program, which promotes early education, detection and intervention of diabetes. The Raggio Nephrology Institute’s certified nephrology nurse/certified diabetes educator provides self-management training, education, support and other interventions to prevent the development of diabetes.

Without ongoing, lifetime dialysis or a kidney transplant, end-stage renal disease can be fatal. Early detection and treatment can keep CKD under control. Simple blood or urine tests can help. To host a free presentation or screening for CKD, email me at the Janet and John Raggio Nephrology Institute. We will work with you to schedule an event at your organization’s convenience.

This post was written by Terry Tan, coordinator of the Janet and John Raggio Nephrology Institute at the North Shore-LIJ Health System.

For more North Shore-LIJ Health Blog posts, go to http://blog.northshorelij.com/

Contents of the health blog are the property of North Shore-LIJ Health System and are provided as a health resource for consumers, health care professionals and members of the media. The medical content on the North Shore-LIJ Health Blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for consultation with your physician regarding diagnosis, treatment or any other form of specific medical advice. These materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. “North Shore-LIJ Health System,” “North Shore-LIJ,” “northshorelij.com,” “VivoHealth,” their related entities and logos are trademarks of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. Copyright © 2011 North Shore-LIJ Health System. All rights reserved.