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Red Sneaker Brigade to Make a Noise About the Silent Killer
Summary
 





 



15/01/2009

Kidney Health Australia

 

Media Release

15 January 2009

Red Sneaker Brigade to Make a Noise About the Silent Killer

Kidney Health Australia is quietly launching its latest weapon to increase awareness about Chronic Kidney Disease on the feet of some very influential people.


Tim Mathieson, a Kidney Health Australia Ambassador wearing his red sneakers

The Red Sneaker Brigade is set to Make a Noise About The Silent Killer - Chronic Kidney Disease because people can lose up to 90% of kidney function without even knowing it and be forced onto dialysis immediately.

Tim Mathieson, a Kidney Health Australia Ambassador and partner of Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, sparked the concept of The Red Sneaker Brigade by wearing his bright red sneakers into the Kidney Health Australia office, and has kicked off the campaign by wearing his red sneakers out to the 20/20 Cricket Game at the MCG recently.

The red sneakers certainly attract a lot of attention and provide a good conversation starter to get the message across about chronic kidney disease according to Tim who said many people are looking to join the campaign by getting a pair of their own.

Anne Wilson CEO of Kidney Health Australia said red is Kidney Health Australia's colour and the Red Sneaker Brigade will assist us create a greater awareness about Chronic Kidney Disease.

"Up to two million Australians may be affected by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and not even know it. There is no cure for kidney disease with dialysis and transplant the only options once the patient's kidneys fail. However, if kidney disease is detected early it is treatable and its progression can be delayed so patients may never have to revert to dialysis."

Ms Wilson said despite kidney disease being responsible for the deaths of forty people a day in Australia, being the cause of almost one third of visits to Australia's public hospitals, and growing at 6% annually, there is a major lack of public awareness about kidney disease.

"Our aim for 2009 is to 'Make A Noise about Chronic Kidney Disease' to ensure people are aware of the risks to their kidneys, how to protect them and if they are in the high risk categories.

"Chronic Kidney Disease is a disease which not only impacts on older patients. In 2005, 33% of all new patients suffering kidney failure were under the age of 55.

 

"The Red Sneaker Brigade is set to grow with further announcements to be made soon so don't just watch this space, watch these feet."

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 are at increased risk of developing CKD
  •  1 in 7 adults have 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
  •  Deaths from kidney failure have doubled in the past 20 years
  •  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
  • www.kidney.org.au

    Media Enquiries:
    Anne Wilson, CEO Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0400 165 391

    Ron Smith National Media Communications Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329 201

     

     


     

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