No warning signs

Kidney Health Week 2007 - 27 May to 2 June

Kidney Health Week is a national health awareness campaign that highlights the importance of early detection, better management and prevention of kidney disease to the Australian community.  In 2007, it will be held from 27 May to 2 June.
 
This year’s theme, Kidney Disease No Warning Signs, reflects the fact that there are often no warning signs for kidney disease.  You can lose up to 90% of kidney function before you feel sick – and by then it’s too late. 
 
Up to two million Australians could have some form of kidney disease and not know it.
 
Kidney Health Week aims to:
• Increase awareness among the general population, particularly those one in three Australians at increased risk of kidney disease
• Increase GP based screening of people at risk of kidney disease
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle for all Australians

Hunter Renal Resource Coordinator for Hunter New England Health, Jennifer Niddrie said Kidney Health Week is an ideal opportunity to encourage everyone in the community to get a kidney health check once a year.

People who are at increased risk of kidney disease include those who:
• have diabetes,
• have high blood pressure,
• smoke,
• are over 50 years,
• are obese, or
• are of Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander descent

“A kidney health check includes a blood pressure test and a urine test for protein,” Ms Niddrie said.

“It’s important for everyone, particularly people with increased risk of kidney disease, to have this simple check to identify kidney disease before it’s too late.”

To mark Kidney Health Week, Hunter New England Health Renal Services staff will provide information, giveaways and free blood pressure testing at:

• Caravan Camping 4WD and Boat Show, Maitland Showground, on Friday 25 May, Saturday 26 May and Sunday 27 May

• Darby Street Coffee Festival (no BP testing), Newcastle on Sunday 3 June

• Blue Water Country Music Festival, Port Stephens Foreshore on Saturday 9 June

• Coles, Balo Square, Moree on Tuesday 29 May

• K-Mart Plaza, Armidale on Friday 1 June

• Shopping World Tamworth outside Big W, on Tuesday 29 and Thursday 31 May

• Taree Community Health Centre and Manning Hospital (static display only) from Monday 28 May to Friday 1 June

Hunter New England Health is currently caring for 477 people on dialysis treatment. There are almost 300 people close to starting dialysis and more than 70 on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.

To find out more about kidney disease, go to www.kidney.org.au

Contact: Gemma Smith

Phone: 4921 4501 or 0402 793 426