According to the NKF's website, "Most of us would know if we were missing half our money or half our friends. But millions of Americans don't know that they are missing half of their kidney function.
"There are 3 simple tests [blood pressure, urine and serum creatinine] that can tell the whole story, not just the half of it."
Proponents at the organization say "Make March 8, World Kidney Day, the day you get the whole picture."
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be detected early and prevented. If not caught early enough, CKD can result in kidney failure, which is very unpleasant and usually and eventually requires a kidney transplant for extended life.
Most Americans don't even know much about kidney disease, yet they are aware of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease risks.
The NKF's awareness day is a national effort to help Americans find out just how important it is to each and every one of us, yet most people have little or no knowledge about kidney disease.
Yet the statistics are staggering with 1 out of 9 adults who already suffer with CKD. In fact, there are approximately 20 million Americans who currently have CKD and another 20 million who are now at risk due to other high risk factors.
These risks factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, family history of kidney disease, and racial/ethnic heritage.
In particular, African Americans and Native Americans are at a much higher risk of having CKD develop, with elevated rates following these among the heritages of Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander individuals.
High blood pressure (or hypertension) causes CKD and vice versa.
"Most people with chronic kidney disease feel well [and] they have no symptoms. That's why it's important for people at risk to have their kidney function tested," according to NKF President, Allan Collins, MD.
Testing must be performed and diagnosed accurately. For interpretations of testing results, see the NKF's website for more information at www.kidney.org .
On Thursday, World Kidney Day, most states are offering at least one main location at which free kidney analysis testing is being offered.
