People of Asian descent at increased risk of kidney disease

One in ten people in British Columbia is affected by kidney disease, with about 3,200 on life-saving dialysis treatment right now.  World Kidney Day on March 8 is a global campaign aimed at raising much-needed awareness about this serious, potentially life-threatening condition that can affect anyone at any age, including children.

This year World Kidney Day is shining a spotlight on women’s health, given that kidney disease affects an estimated 195 million women worldwide, and is the cause of almost 600,000 female deaths each year.

Early identification of kidney disease is important for everyone. If diagnosed early, much can be done to slow or even stop its progress. The BC Renal Agency has developed a free and easy online assessment go to www.bcrenalagency.ca - you can take to find out your risk level. If the assessment indicates you’re at risk, your family doctor can order a simple blood test to determine how your kidneys are functioning.

"Because the symptoms of early kidney disease are easily ignored, many people can have the disease without knowing it,” says Dr. Adeera Levin, Executive Director of the BC Renal Agency.  She explains that when people are diagnosed early they can make diet and lifestyle changes to help maintain their kidney function.

Todd Hauptman, a kidney patient and transplant recipient, says: “My own experience with kidney disease and having a transplant inspired me to become involved with a BC Renal Agency online event happening on World Kidney Day - Thursday, March 8. Any patient or loved one who has questions for kidney care professionals should join Todd for “Life with Kidney Disease.”

He will be on-site at a local kidney care clinic in Vancouver to speak with members of the patient care team and a patient.

These interviews will be featured on the BC Renal Agency's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BCRenalAgency.