Facts about CKD

As you continue your road to fitness, why not start an important conversation along the way.

Are you or your loved ones at risk for “CKD” Chronic Kidney Disease?

1. Do you have?
2. Numbness or swelling in your hands, feet or ankles?
3. Fatigue and lack of energy
4. Swelling or numbness in your feet, ankles, or hands
5. Loss of appetite
6. Changes in urination (frequency, color, foam in urine)
7. Itchy skin
8. Metallic taste in your mouth
9. Insomnia
10. Muscle twitching, especially in your legs
11. Headaches
12. Vomiting and nausea
13. Mental confusing, problems concentrating
14. Change in your skin color
15. Fragile bones
16. Protein in urine
17. Decreased sexual interest and erectile disfunction

If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms, it is important to get tested for kidney disease promptly. Remember, the signs and symptoms listed above may be due to other factors, but only your healthcare provider can give you an accurate diagnosis.

2. One in six (17%) Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD). That number is expected to increase to 25% (one in four) because of the obesity epidemic which
contributes to diabetes and hypertension.

3. Anyone can develop kidney problems, according to the American Kidney Fund, but you are at a higher risk if you

· Have diabetes

· Have high blood pressure / hypertension

· Have a family member with kidney disease

· Are African American, Hispanic, Native American or Asian

4. “Obesity triples the risk of chronic kidney failure” (Science Daily)

5. Every day we read more evidence that salt raises blood pressure, causes you to retain fluid, and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure.

6. African Americans are 12% of the population, but 35% of the people with CKD.

7. Early detection and treatment can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a transplant to sustain life.

8. We could reduce our tax burden by increasing the number of people with a transplant. CKD represents 30% of the Medicare budget.  Medicare covers the vast majority of dialysis cost. The cost of a transplant versus dialysis; Transplant cost breaks even in 2.7 years. Become a donor, support transplants.

9.There are two treatment options for kidney failure, kidney transplant or dialysis. One of the most important steps to have the optimum health experience is to investigate your care options. There are various types of dialysis with various benefits, depending on your lifestyle and overall health:

10. Help me support organ donation and the prevention of chronic kidney disease by spreading the word today. It’s time to start the conversation about CKD.

Education is a powerful tool!