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March is National Kidney Month!
The American Kidney Fund is commemorating National Kidney Month with a series of events designed to focus the nation’s attention on kidney health.
Kidney Action Day on the Hill
AKF took the fight to prevent kidney disease to Capitol Hill with its March 5 Kidney Action Day on the Hill. With a focus on preventing kidney disease, AKF provided free kidney health screenings, kidney health education and fun fitness activities. The event was presented in cooperation with the Congressional Kidney Caucus.
Eleven AKF patient-advocates came to Washington, D.C., for a series of meetings with their elected representatives. These patient-advocates, members of the AKF Advocacy Network, shared their stories of living with kidney disease or caring for a loved one who has kidney disease, and discussed the impact of health care policy on those living with the disease.
Free Kidney Health Screenings
AKF’s kidney health screening season kicks off during National Kidney Month. In addition to Kidney Action Day on the Hill, AKF will be conducting kidney health screenings at large events in Richmond, Va., and Chicago. Be sure to check AKF’s website regularly for updates to see if there are kidney health screenings in a city near you.
Kidney Today Blog Posts
Kidney Today from the American Kidney Fund is a new blog that brings you voices from the fight against kidney disease—patients, their loved ones, renal professionals and many others. A special National Kidney Month blog series shares inspiring stories from patients living with kidney disease. The blog will also provide useful health information including questions to ask your doctor during your next visit to monitor your kidney health.
The Pair Up Promise
During National Kidney Month, the American Kidney Fund is asking people to make the Pair Up Promise—a simple pledge that can help prevent kidney disease. The Pair Up Promise asks you to “Do the Math”—add healthful choices to your lifestyle, subtract things that are unhealthy, and multiply the impact by spreading the word.
Awareness and Education
Dr. Orlando M. Gutiérrez, Chair of Medical Affairs and a member of the AKF Board of Trustees, conducted a series of radio interviews with stations around the country to raise awareness of kidney disease. With more than 31 million Americans affected by this disease, his message—that most cases of kidney disease could be prevented by controlling its leading causes, diabetes and high blood pressure—is one that can save lives. Interviews are airing throughout the month; links will be posted on the AKF website.
Calendar Kids Cover Art Contest
Thirteen finalists in the American Kidney Fund’s 19th annual Calendar Kids Art Contest will compete for the honor of gracing the cover of AKF’s 2015 calendar. From March 10 to March 28, visitors to www.KidneyFund.org will select the cover artwork through online voting. The child whose artwork receives the most online votes will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., to be honored at AKF’s annual gala, The Hope Affair, this fall. All 13 children who are named finalists will have their artwork published in the 2015 calendar and will receive prizes.
Kidney Mondays
Each Monday, the American Kidney Fund is highlighting a new article relating to the kidneys and kidney health on its website. Check back each week to learn more about our amazing kidneys and tips on how you can protect yourself from kidney disease.
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