Only 5% of the people knew where their kidneys are and
what they do.
Kidney Health Australia has turned to the website YouTube
to increase awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease in Australia
as part of its World Kidney Day schools' program.
Anne Wilson CEO of Kidney Health Australia said over 5000 schools
throughout Australia have received information about World Kidney
Day on 13 March 2008 to alert students of the importance of
maintaining healthy kidneys.
"Over 40 Australians die of kidney failure each day and
approximately 2 million Australians may be affected by early-stage
kidney disease and don't know it.
Ms Wilson said "
we have two major challenges. International
surveys show that less than 5% of people were aware of where their
kidneys are and what they do. The other challenge is the fact
that people can lose up to 90% of the use of their Kidneys without
feeling a thing."
"Kidney Health Australia is using World Kidney Day 13 March
and YouTube
to promote kidney awareness to schools to alert young people
to the amazing role their kidneys play and by also promoting
water as nature's choice of drink.
"Every day our kidneys filter 200 litres of blood. A remarkable
feat for two small organs the size of our fists which in one
year on average process 73,000 litres of blood.
"At 50 years of age the amount is a remarkable 3.65 million
litres of blood; at 60 it is 4.38 million litres of blood and
at 70 years of age 5.110 million litres of blood.
"The animated YouTube
community service announcement shows adults and children in
various activities and the part played by their kidneys to keep
them alive."
Media Enquiries:
Anne Wilson, CEO Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0400 165 391
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director Kidney Health Australia Mobile:
0416 149 863
Ron Smith Media Communications Kidney Health Australia Mobile:
0417 329 201
Fast Facts on Chronic Kidney Disease in
Australia
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant and growing public
health problem, responsible for substantial burden of illness
and premature mortality. In Australia, it is a fact that:
1 in 3 adults is at increased risk of developing CKD
1 in 7 adults has at least one clinical sign of existing CKD
A person can lose up to 90% of their kidney function before
experiencing any symptoms
Approximately 2 million Australians may be affected by early-stage
kidney disease and don't know it
Over 40 Australians die of kidney failure each day
11.3% of all deaths in Australia are due to, or associated
with, kidney failure
Every day, 6 Australians commence expensive dialysis or transplantation
to stay alive
Most people with CKD will die from cardiovascular causes before
requiring dialysis or transplantation
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experience excessive
death and disability due to CKD
The dialysis-dependent population has risen by an average
of 8% per year over the past decade, and is being fuelled by
the ageing population, and Type 2 diabetes epidemic
It costs approximately $60,000 per annum to keep a person
alive on dialysis
There is consistent evidence that with proper medications
and management, the number of people with kidney failure can
be significantly reduced. However, early stages of kidney
disease often go unrecognised, and the knowledge of what can
be done to help patients is often not applied.
Are Your Kidneys OK?
Check your risk - Try this quick quiz to assess whether
you are at risk of kidney disease.
Tick if you:
0 Are diabetic
0 Have high blood pressure
0 Have a family history of kidney disease
0 Are over 50
0 Are a smoker
0 Are of Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander descent
If you answered YES to one or more of the above then
you are at risk of kidney disease.
What should you do?
Visit your local doctor today and ask for a Kidney Performance
test. This test can include a:
Blood pressure test
Blood test
Urine test
Lifestyle assessment guidelines
Performance- testing your kidneys will help keep your kidneys
in top gear!
www.kidney.org.au
