Promote Kidney Health During National Kidney Month

March is National Kidney Month.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects an estimated 37 million Americans, amounting to 1 in 7 U.S. adults.

Since people with early-stage kidney disease usually do not experience symptoms, 9 in 10 adults living with CKD remain unaware they have the disease.

Most common in people over age 65, CKD damage to the kidneys limits their ability to filter blood, which can lead to kidney failure and may necessitate a transplant or dialysis.

The two largest risk factors for CKD are diabetes and hypertension, along with heart disease and obesity.

Among Medicare fee-for-service enrollees in 2020, Black Americans were most heavily affected by CKD (36%), followed by American Indian/Alaska Natives (32%), Hispanic Americans (29%), and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders (26%). Those at high risk for CKD should be sure to get tested for the disease regularly.

National Kidney Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness in your community about early CKD screening and treatment options.

This month’s National Kidney Month observance is a great time to highlight the importance of screening for early detection of CKD to prevent kidney failure, especially for those who have increased risk of the disease.

Join the fight against CKD by sharing this information and resources with your family, employees, friends and patients.