Kidney Health Week

This year Kidney Health Australia is asking all Australians to join the growing number of people across the country who ‘kidney check’. 

‘I Kidney Check’ is the theme for this year’s Kidney Health Week, which will be held from May 22 to May 28.Kidney Health Australia CEO Anne Wilson said early detection and effective management can halt chronic kidney disease, or slow progression by as much as 50%.

“Chronic kidney disease is known as the silent killer for a reason – an estimated 1.7 million Australian adults have signs of it, yet 90% don’t know they have it as, because there are no distinct warning sings, you can lose up to 90% of kidney function without realising,” said Ms Wilson, 

“The kidneys are vital organs – just like the heart, brain, or lungs – if they shut down, your body shuts down.” “Prevention and early detection is critical, and it is time for all Australians to say ‘I Kidney Check’ and learn about the devastating impact that failing kidneys have on the body,” said Ms Wilson, 

“It is crucial to understand the role of the kidneys, and the links between kidney disease and other chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure – one of the most common causes of kidney disease.”

You are at increased risk of developing kidney disease if you:

• Have diabetes
• Have high blood pressure
• Have established heart problems (heart failure or heart attack) or have had a stroke
• Have a family history of kidney failure
• Are obese with a body mass index (BMI) 30 or higher
• Are a smoker
• Are 60 years or older
• Are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin
• Have a history of acute kidney injury