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Media Release |
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One in three Australians at INCREASED risk of kidney disease
Friday, 14 May 2010 00:00
50 Australians a day are Dying with Kidney Related Disease
Are you at risk of Kidney Disease? - is the theme of a new Kidney Health Australia television campaign being launched this Sunday to alert Australians at increased risk of kidney disease to see their GP, request a Kidney Health Check and visit a new website www.checkmykidneys.com.au - goes live Saturday morning.
Two small people dressed as kidneys act as minders to an obese Aussie who over indulges in fast food, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking - four major contributors to kidney disease.
Kidney Health Australia CEO and Managing Director Anne Wilson said the national awareness campaign highlights the need for early detection of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) aimed at the 1.7 million Australians who have some level of kidney disease and do not even know it.
"People can lose up to 90% of kidney function without feeling sick and then quickly end up on dialysis."
"Research shows 27% of people going onto dialysis have not seen a kidney specialist related to their disease until less than three months prior to their kidneys failing.
"Chronic Kidney Disease is common, harmful and treatable. Those at increased risk need to see their GP and ask for a kidney health check which involves having a few simple diagnostic tests.
"One in three Australian adults is at increased risk of developing kidney disease. One in seven shows at least one sign of existing kidney damage and one in 35 actually has chronic kidney disease," Ms Wilson said.
Australians in the following categories are at high risk of kidney disease:
* Diabetes
* High blood pressure
* Family history of kidney disease
* Over 50
* Smoker
* Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
Media Enquiries:
Anne Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0400 165 391
Ron Smith National Media Communications Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329 201