DEERFIELD, Ill.-Baxter Healthcare Corporation and the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) have joined forces in an effort to raise public awareness of kidney disease.
Baxter is urging all people with the primary causes of kidney disease, especially diabetes and high blood pressure, to be tested. "The problem is, kidney disease, by and large, is a silent condition that often manifests only after 70% or 80% of organ function has been lost," said Kris Robinson, executive director of the AAKP. "Oftentimes the symptoms of kidney disease are so gradual and relatively painless-frequent urination, fatigue, nausea, and swelling of the legs-that many people don't notice them until the disease has progressed to near kidney failure."
In February, Baxter launched what it calls "a first-of-its-kind interactive web site" at www.kidneydirections.com. The site provides information on maintaining kidney health, the causes and symptoms of kidney disease, and treatment options for kidney failure, "with much of the content coming from leading global nephrologists, nurses, and educators," according to Baxter.
Baxter also offers a Pre-End-Stage Renal Disease Education Program for people who are approaching or who already have end-stage renal disease. Through this program, a health care professional meets regularly with the patient to teach the patient about kidney disease, discuss lifestyle issues, and provide education about treatment options.
For Your Information:
See www.kidneydirections.com or AAKP's website at www.aakp.org.
Please be aware that medical advice, diagnoses and physician references cannot be obtained from this site.